What is oral surgery?
Oral surgery is a procedure to repair serious teeth or gum problems. It’s always best to correct serious damage or decay before it has the chance to affect your other teeth or even your jaw.
Wisdom teeth removal, extractions of badly decayed teeth, and dental implant placement are some of the most common reasons for oral surgery today.
What kind of anesthesia will I have during oral surgery?
The dental care providers at Jerrold F. Heller & Associates D.D.S. offer a variety of anesthesia options for oral surgery patients. Generally, the dentists use anesthesia like Novocaine to numb the treatment area. This is typically combined with some type of sedation to help you relax, such as:
- Oral sedation
- IV sedation
- Gas (nitrous oxide) sedation
Your dental care provider will discuss your options and needs with you to ensure that you have a comfortable experience. Pain-free oral surgery is a top priority for the entire dental care team.
What can I eat after oral surgery?
Your dental care provider at Jerrold F. Heller & Associates D.D.S. will give you specific recommendations at the time of your oral surgery. With most types of oral surgery, including tooth extractions, the general rule is to eat a soft diet of cold foods, like yogurt or applesauce, for at least a few days. Stay away from hot foods during this time, as warmer temperatures can interfere with proper blood clotting and healing.
Your dentist will advise you regarding how soon you can resume regular eating habits. For dental implants, it may be a month or more.
How do I take care of the tooth socket after an extraction?
You receive specific instructions on how to care for your tooth socket following oral surgery, such as:
- Rinse with a saltwater solution starting the day after your surgery
- Apply fresh gauze with light pressure if you’re bleeding
- Brush your teeth gently, avoid the extraction site
- Apply an ice pack to your exterior jaw to reduce swelling
Along with careful care of your tooth socket, be sure to take your medication just as your dentist directs. Usually, you’ll take antibiotics to prevent infection after any oral surgery. You may also have pain medication to take on an as-needed basis.
To schedule oral surgery with a trusted team of experts, call Jerrold F. Heller & Associates D.D.S. or use the online booking agent now.
