Oral Surgery

A misconception about Oral Surgery

There is also a misconception that oral surgery requires a lengthy recovery period, resulting in significant time away from work or other activities. While some oral surgeries may require a few rest days, many patients can resume normal activities soon after.
Not only does the staff have many years of experience, but they also remain on the cutting edge of dental technology. Their expertise and experience allow them to help the most apprehensive patients feel relaxed. The whole Whittier Dental Center team cares for patients of all ages, always providing excellent results.

Oral surgery refers to any procedure performed in or around the mouth and jaw, such as tooth extraction, dental implant placement, and treating oral diseases or injuries. Many clinics have to refer oral surgery cases to outside experts, and Whittier Dental Center has in-house oral surgeons.

Types of Oral Surgery:

  • Tooth extraction: This procedure involves the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. It may be necessary to remove a tooth that is severely decayed or damaged or to make room for orthodontic treatment.
  • Dental implant placement: This procedure involves the surgical placement of a titanium implant into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth. It is a popular and effective option for patients missing one or more teeth.
  • Wisdom tooth extraction: Wisdom teeth are the last molars to emerge in the back of the mouth, and they can cause pain, infection, and other problems if they don’t have enough room to come in properly. Wisdom tooth extraction involves the surgical removal of one or more wisdom teeth.
  • Treatment of oral diseases or injuries: Oral surgery can also treat various diseases and injuries, such as gum disease, oral cancer, and jaw fractures.

Discover the Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry, also known as “sleep dentistry” or “anxiety-free dentistry,” refers to sedative medications to help patients relax and feel more comfortable during dental procedures. It is particularly beneficial for patients with dental anxiety, phobias, or those undergoing extensive or lengthy treatments.

Sedation dentistry involves different levels of sedation, ranging from mild to profound, depending on the patient’s needs and the dental procedure. The four main types of sedation used in dentistry are:

  1. Minimal sedation: This level involves using nitrous oxide (laughing gas) mixed with oxygen, inhaled through a mask placed over the nose. Minimal sedation helps patients feel relaxed but remain awake and able to communicate with the dental team.
  2. Oral sedation: This typically involves taking a sedative pill (such as Halcion) about an hour before the dental appointment. The level of sedation depends on the dosage administered, and patients may feel drowsy but are still conscious and able to respond to verbal cues.
  3. Moderate sedation (conscious sedation): This level of sedation can be achieved with oral sedatives, intravenous (IV) sedation, or a combination of the two. Patients under moderate sedation are awake but may feel groggy and have little memory of the procedure.
  4. Deep sedation and general anesthesia: Deep sedation or general anesthesia involves administering medications through an IV or inhalation, which induces a state of unconsciousness. Patients are completely asleep during the procedure and cannot respond to stimuli.

FAQs About Oral Surgery

Some Common Questions that are patients have had over the 30 years we have been serving the Los Angeles Community
What can I do to Prepare for Oral Surgery?

The dental team will consult with you to explain how to prepare for your oral surgery, what happens during it, and what to expect afterward. Depending on the oral surgery needed, your dentist talks to you about your anesthesia choices. These include: General anesthesia Nitrous oxide sedation Intravenous (IV) sedation Local anesthesia Their recommendations are based on keeping you as comfortable as possible, the kind of surgery you’ll be undergoing, and how long you’ll need to remain sedated.

What Can I Expect After Oral Surgery?

The Whittier Dental Center team gives you specific instructions to follow for your aftercare. You can experience some bleeding from the incision sites for wisdom teeth extractions. You might also feel discomfort and swelling, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. No matter what kind of oral surgery you have, here are some simple ways to ease your pain and prevent infection: Rest Plan to take it easy for the rest of the day. Don’t drive, lift heavy objects, or exercise. Apply ice Use ice packs on the areas of your face or jaws that have swollen or might swell. Apply the ice for 30 minutes, wait 15 minutes, and then apply again. Guard the blood clot. As your blood clots to heal your wound, avoid using a straw, smoking, or drinking alcohol or carbonated beverages. You don’t want the clot to loosen and cause more bleeding. Eat soft foods Avoid eating foods that are spicy, too hot, too cold, or chewy. Instead, eat things like applesauce and yogurt. Also, go to your scheduled follow-up appointments so the team can monitor your healing and ensure your oral surgery is a success. Call Whittier Dental Center today or book your appointment online to schedule a consultation about your oral health needs.

When is Oral Surgery Needed?

The Whittier Dental Center team works to keep your oral health strong throughout your lifetime. In some cases, you might need oral surgery. If you experience problems with pain in your mouth, teeth, gums, jaws, or face, schedule an appointment at the practice as soon as possible. Problems that might require oral surgery include: Wisdom teeth extraction Impacted teeth extraction Bone grafting Dental implants Biopsies Removal of cysts, tumors, and cancer Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder Cleft palate repair Facial pain Facial reconstruction Sleep apnea The Whittier Dental Center team is highly trained and uses the most advanced technologies to determine the root cause of your dental problem.

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