What is oral surgery and why is it performed?

Oral surgery is performed by Neeshat Khan DDS when a patient needs things addressed below the surface of the gum line. Oral surgery entails cutting the tissue in the gum line and then suturing to keep those areas closed until healed. Areas primarily targeted are the pulp cavity, jawbone, and roots of teeth. Oral surgery can target any of those areas either one by one or multiple at once.

Common types of oral surgery found in dentistry

This dentist near you can perform various types of oral surgery, including the following:

• Tooth extractions: Some tooth extractions may require surgery. An example would be an impacted wisdom tooth.
• Endodontic surgery: When treating the inner layers of the tooth, the dentist may need to perform oral surgery to reach it. An example would be a tooth that is abscessed.
• Gum surgery: This is when the dentist reduces or repairs your gum tissue. An example would be if you have gum disease and your tissues are receding.
• Implant surgery: This is when you replace lost or missing teeth with a synthetic dental implant. Surgery is always needed to install the new tooth to the jawbone.
• Tissue reconstructive surgery: This is when plastic surgery meets dentistry. An example would be a cleft palate.

What happens before and after oral surgery?

The preparation for oral surgery should include what you would do AFTER the surgery as well. Before the surgery, the dentist will almost always recommend the following:

• Do not eat anything before the surgery: This can be an hour or up to 24 hours depending on the level of sedation you will receive.
• Take medicines: Some dentists may recommend taking a pain reliever or antibiotics before surgery.
• Prepare for after surgery: Depending on the surgery, make sure your home is ready to be conducive to relaxation and healing.

During the surgery, your dentist may use a local anesthetic to numb the mouth and may implore sedation. Afterward, you may experience symptoms like swelling, bleeding, soreness, and blisters. These symptoms may persist for a few days after the procedure. The following guidelines will help you transition to recovery:

• Have someone drive you home: you will still be under the influence of sedatives if that was used in your surgery.
• Observe and control bleeding if needed: Keeping gauze in the area is needed for pressure and blood clotting. Avoid drinking from straws or disturbing the site of the blood clot once it forms.
• Rest: Make sure to sleep as much as possible and let your body rest to heal.
• Avoid any physical exertion: It can intensify pain and promote bleeding.
• Take all prescribed medicine: The dentist may prescribe various medicines that will manage your pain and prevent infection.

How long will my oral surgery take?

The length of the surgery depends on what you are having done. Your dentist will advise you of the timeline so you are properly prepared.

Do I have to have oral surgery to treat my ailment?

Your dentist in 95129 may recommend oral surgery In West San Jose. They don’t recommend these lightly. Some reasons why you would be recommended oral surgery would be:

• It may be the only way to treat your condition.
• It may be used to treat speech and the ability to eat properly.
• It may be used to improve your teeth’ alignment and spacing.
• Sometimes oral surgery is needed to treat pain.