Oral Surgery
Tucson, AZ
Oral Surgery
Oral surgery can address several different dental issues that have persisted over time. This solution may be able to address any jaw, bone, or teeth irregularities. If you have chronic dental problems that have not responded to non-invasive treatment, oral surgery may be right for you.
Oral surgery is available at Simply Smiles Dentistry in Tucson and the surrounding area. For many patients, oral surgery is the solution they need after other dental treatments have failed. Call us today at (520) 368-3351 to learn more and schedule an appointment.
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Understanding Oral Surgery
As recognized by the American Dental Association, oral and maxillofacial surgery deals with diagnosing and treating diseases, injuries, and defects involving the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region. “Oral” refers to the mouth, and “maxillofacial” refers to the jaw and face. Since the field may address both aesthetic and functional areas of these regions, there are many different types of oral and maxillofacial surgeries. Oral surgery is a long-established and well-researched area of study that is safe when conducted by a qualified professional.
“Because the field may address both aesthetic and functional areas of these regions, there are many different types of oral and maxillofacial surgeries.”
Reasons for Oral Surgery
Oral surgery may help with several conditions. Some of the most common include:
- Tooth Loss. Losing natural teeth can erode the jawbone over time, making deterioration an inevitability. Dental implants can prevent this from happening by anchoring the false teeth to the jawbone and stabilizing them.
- Impacted Teeth. Teeth are “impacted” when they become trapped between the jawbone and the gum tissue. Usually, this happens because the tooth has not emerged in proper alignment or entirely through the gumline. Generally, dentists will recommend patients have these removed.
- Orthodontics. Oral surgery is sometimes necessary when braces are not enough to correct malocclusion (a misaligned bite). In such cases, a dental professional works with a surgeon to build a personalized treatment plan for the patient’s orthognathic surgery (corrective jaw surgery).
It is important to remember that the above list is not exhaustive. Patients should consult with a professional to ensure which treatment option is right for them.
“Oral surgery may help with several conditions.”
Preparing for Oral Surgery
Oral surgery can be a complicated process. Taking a few easy steps can help simplify the process. Patients should maintain open and honest channels of communication with their dental professional at all times. There is no shame in asking questions. Being informed about what is going to happen and why can do a great deal to assuage any fears.
Those who will undergo sedation should not eat or drink anything, including water, after midnight the evening before surgery. Fasting prevents the chances of aspiration, a rare complication of anesthesia in which the lungs fill with the contents of the stomach. However, a small sip of water to take medication during the fast is permissible.
“There is no shame in asking questions. Being informed about what is going to happen and why can do a great deal to assuage any fears.”
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What to Expect from Oral Surgery
Many patients find it benefits them to arrive at least 20 minutes early on the day of the surgery, allowing them to complete any paperwork and relax. Additionally, patients with removable dental devices should come with a container to store them in during surgery.
Patients who will be undergoing sedation should arrive wearing loose, short-sleeved clothing to assist staff in taking vital signs and administering the IV. It may also be necessary for nurses to put blood pressure cuffs on the patient to monitor them during the procedure.
“Many patients find it benefits them to arrive at least 20 minutes early on the day of the surgery, allowing them to complete any paperwork and relax.”
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Recovering from Oral Surgery
Patients should plan to spend the day resting after oral surgery. The drowsiness of the sedative will likely last all day, making it important for patients to avoid doing anything that requires concentration. Patients should also refrain from straining to avoid dislodging any blood clots and causing bleeding. They should also keep their heads elevated whenever they are lying down.
Above all, it is crucial to follow the dentist’s instructions for your individualized treatment plan. If you contract a fever, develop pus, or notice your swelling and bruising getting worse after three days, call our office right away.
“Patients should plan to spend the rest of the day resting after oral surgery.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions? Look Here
Q. How long will my face swelling last after oral surgery?
A. Facial swelling is likely in the first 24 hours following oral surgery. Typically, this lasts for five to seven days, with varying degrees of intensity. Once the swelling has subsided, you will probably notice some bruising. This should fade considerably by the 10-day mark.
Q. When can I return to my normal diet after oral surgery?
A. Most patients can return to their regular diet about a week after oral surgery. This is a gradual change, and you should avoid any spicy or acidic foods until then. You will need to stick to liquids and soft foods for the first two days following surgery. You can start incorporating low-chew foods on day three.
Q. What causes a "dry socket" after oral surgery?
A. “Dry sockets,” or alveolar osteitis, are blood clots that appear in extraction sites and break down prematurely. These usually result from overexertion, smoking, and poor oral hygiene during the postoperative period. Sometimes, they happen without a clear cause. Symptoms include bad breath, foul odor and taste, and increased pain. If you suspect you have developed a “dry socket,” contact our office immediately.
Q. Is oral surgery painful?
A. Patients are under anesthesia during oral surgery, meaning you will not feel any pain during the procedure. However, you will likely feel some pain and discomfort after surgery once the anesthetic has worn off. Our team can give you recommendations or prescribe appropriate medication to help manage this pain.
Q. Can I drive myself to and from my oral surgery?
A. No. Patients should make plans for someone they trust to drive them to and from the procedure. Anesthetics and sedatives can negatively affect one’s ability to drive, making it dangerous to be on the road.
Quality Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
Dental inlays and onlays
Root Canal and Crown to Save a Cracked tooth
Routine Dental Procedures
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Oral Surgery Terminology
Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening is the procedure in which a professional removes an overgrowth of gum tissue from the teeth to make the teeth appear longer.
Dental Implant Surgery
Dental implant surgery involves inserting metal posts, usually consisting of titanium, into the jaw bone to attach abutments to and give patients the full functionality and visually-pleasing teeth.
Facial Trauma
Facial trauma can occur when someone is hit in the face by a ball or accidental elbow, along with smashing the face into objects such as a wall or steering wheel.
Functional Dentistry
Functional dentistry involves a strong focus on identifying the root cause of oral health issues and not just treating the symptoms.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Removing an impacted wisdom tooth is crucial for the patient’s health and well-being since an impacted wisdom tooth will continue to grow in a crooked direction, causing pain. This surgery involves
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Oral and maxillofacial surgery involves the diagnosis and surgical treatment of conditions that result in functional and esthetic aspects of the hard tissues in the maxillofacial region.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which the individual has difficulty breathing during sleep and experiences a variety of symptoms due to it, including loud snoring.
Orthognathic Surgery
Orthognathic surgery is also known as corrective jaw surgery that can help to correct any issues with the jaw including conditions such as sleep apnea and TMJ.
Reconstructive Surgery
Reconstructive surgery involves multiple procedures to rebuild or correct the structure of the mouth, teeth and jaw.
Regeneration
Regeneration is a procedure in which a professional will fold back the gums to remove bacteria that can cause diseases and inserts bone grafts, membranes or other stimulating tools to promote tissue regeneration.
Rubber Dam
A rubber dam is a dental tool that separates the individual tooth from the rest of the mouth during the surgery to prevent anything from spilling into the mouth.
Soft Tissue Graft
A soft tissue graft involves removing tissue from somewhere else on the patient’s body and attaches it to the gums to replace missing or damaged gum tissue.
Unequal Jaw Growth Surgery
Unequal jaw growth surgery will involve moving all or part of the upper/lower jaw to a more-balanced position that promotes health and better functionality.
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty
An uvulopalatopharyngoplasty is a surgical procedure to remove or remodel tissue in the throat to help treat sleep issues.
Learn More Today
Sometimes, only oral surgery can adequately address your dental issues. We at Simply Smiles Dentistry may be able to help. Call us today at 520-368-3351 to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2023
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2023
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2023
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