Oral surgery can be a wonderful option for patients dealing with severe issues like gum disease or impacted wisdom teeth. Dentists who specialize in this type of care are experts at performing simple and complicated procedures; they will also ensure that you’re kept comfortable the entire appointment.
When you come into our local dental office, our team is at your service and will work hard to repair the functionality and aesthetic of your teeth, gums, and other structures like your lips, tongue, and jaw. If you’re looking to familiarize yourself with oral surgery in Gibsonton, please contact us today.
Risks Associated with Surgery
Most of the time, dental surgeries are extremely successful, and patients can get back to their daily routines soon after. For example, root canal therapy has a 95% success rate!
However, as is the case with any health-related procedure, whether at the hospital or a dental clinic, there are risks associated with the treatment. Your dentist will talk to you about these and address any concerns you have.
Some common risks of getting oral surgery near you may include those described below:
Pain
It is not unusual for patients to experience some sensitivity, even minimal pain, following your treatment; it should go away in a day or two. If it doesn’t, you may need to return to see your dentist so they can remedy the problem. Oral pain can be a symptom of a number of larger conditions, including an unforeseen injury during the procedure or an infection.
Swelling
Swelling is another frequently seen symptom that can indicate the presence of an infection if it does not go away after several days. Most treatments like root canal therapy or tooth extract result in minimal swelling, but if it has arisen alongside dental pain, fever, and pockets of pus, visit your dentist right away.
Bruising
Tooth extractions, in particular, are known for causing facial bruising; this is normal. Bruises should heal between 1-2 weeks. It may appear along your jaw or under your eyes. Gently pressing ice against the area should help with healing.
Nausea and Vomiting
Symptoms of nausea often occur following the use of oral sedation or anesthesia. This is because sedation is a medication administered directly into your system, and some people can experience different side effects while using it. Nausea and vomiting typically resolve itself after a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the strength of sedation that you’ve been given. If it does not, contact your dentist or a doctor right away.
Limited Jaw Movement
Patients who have undergone jaw surgery or surgery near the site can experience jaw stiffness and soreness, which, in turn, leads to limited movement. Your dentist may prescribe medication like Tylenol to address this, but if it does not disappear, talk to your dentist because you may be dealing with TMJ (temporomandibular joint) complications that are more serious.
Please keep in mind that everyone’s body will respond to oral surgery differently, so don’t base your experience on another’s. Secondly, before the treatment is carried out, your dentist will carefully examine your smile and go through your medical/dental history to see if you’re a good candidate for surgery. If so, you’ll be able to go ahead with the appointment; if not, they’ll work with you to find an alternative means of care.
Reducing Surgery Complications
Contemporary dental surgery is very safe. General dentists and dental specialists like orthodontics and endodontists acquire extensive knowledge and complete a lot of training to carry out each procedure without flaws.
As patients, we can also take measures in order to help reduce the risk of surgical complications and ensure a smooth healing journey. These are noted below:
1. Follow all pre-treatment instructions — This often includes staying away from certain foods, like spicy meals and drinks like alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment.
2. Follow all post-treatment instructions — Don’t eat for several hours after your procedure, as your mouth will still be sore. Stick to consuming soft foods for the next few days so you can begin to heal; this includes yogurt, eggs, and oatmeal.
3. Don’t smoke — Cigarettes damage blood vessels and cause unnecessary blood clots to form. It also negatively impacts your bones’ ability to heal.
4. Bring a friend or family member with you — Having someone to take you home after the procedure will ensure you get there safely, especially if you’ve been under sedation.
5. Communicate — If you’re dealing with other health issues like allergies or a cold, make sure you let your dental team know. These things can interfere with the procedure or be detrimental to your healing period.
If you have concerns or questions about your scheduled procedure, always speak up! You have every right to feel at ease and be informed about anything related to your oral health and well-being.
Visit Us for High-Quality Oral Surgery
The staff here at Orange Blossom Oral Surgery are dedicated to providing trustworthy and lasting care to all who walk through our doors. If you’re looking to set up a consultation with one of our dentists, you can email or call us today.
FAQs
What can I do to reduce my risk of complications after oral surgery?
The most effective thing you can do to prevent surgical complications from happening is to give yourself time to recover. In fact, your body requires this to get back to normal. Eat well and get good sleep. Stay in touch with your dentist as well.
How long does it take to recover from oral surgery?
Patient recovery time varies from case to case; the type of surgery also plays a factor. Most minor symptoms like bleeding or nausea will fade after a few hours or 1-2 days. More invasive surgeries like wisdom tooth extraction may take several weeks to fully heal.
What should I do if I experience pain or swelling after oral surgery?
Take medication as prescribed by your dentist to manage the pain and press a cold cloth against the area where there’s swelling. If this persists, be sure to contact your dentist.
