Oral Surgery

3D – CAT Scan of Jaw

Oral surgery is the diagnosis, surgery, and treatment of injuries and defects in the mouth, teeth, face, jaws, and soft tissues of the mouth and jaw region.

Surgical extractions involve the removal of teeth that are hard to reach because they have broken under the gum line or because they have not erupted fully (e.g., impacted wisdom teeth).

Oral surgery is used to place the dental implant sockets into the jawbone. Photographs, dental models, and X-rays are first analyzed to obtain a clear vision of the final restoration. A CAT scan and computer are often used to model implants virtually. Dr. Garelick’s oral surgeon uses 3D analysis to determine the exact size and placement of the dental implant before the surgical visit.

Oral surgery is typically performed in the office of the oral surgeon, and most cases are accomplished within a few hours.

Surgical extractions and implant placement require an incision and may be performed using sedation dentistry.

Types of procedures include:

• Cyst or tumor removal
• Dental Extraction
• Dental implants
• Dry Socket Correction
• Tooth extractions
• Wisdom Teeth Removal

Post Surgical Instructions

1. Put pressure on the wound
   First, to control any bleeding, put constant pressure on the wound by biting the gauze. Also, change the gauze every few minutes for about a couple of hours. A cold compress or ice packs can also help this process.
   
   
2. Stay on a soft diet
   For the first few days after the extraction, you should stay on a soft diet. This decreases the chances that you will disturb the site of surgery. After a few days, it is generally okay to resume your normal diet.
   
   
3. Take pain medicine
   Following the extraction, it is very common to experience discomfort, normally at the site of the anesthetic or the extraction site itself. To alleviate the discomfort, you should follow your dentist’s recommendation on taking over-the-counter pain medication. When necessary, your dentist may decide to prescribe stronger pain medicine to manage higher levels of pain.
   
   
4. Visit your dentist
   Visit your dentist for a checkup one week after the surgery so your dentist can remove any sutures and examine the wound to make sure it is healing properly unless you have complications in which you need to visit your dentist sooner.
   
   
5. Do not disturb the site of the extraction
   Make sure that you do not disturb the extraction site. This means don’t chew, rinse or brush directly on the site for at least 24 to 48 hours.
   
   
6. Do not spit or suck through a straw
   This is important because using a straw often causes suction that can remove the blood clot. Loss of the blood clot causes bleeding, or a painful condition called dry socket.
   
   
7. Do not smoke
   It is important that you do not smoke for at least 24 hours following the extraction, as smoking promotes the likelihood of bleeding and further delays the healing. Smoking could also cause dry socket.

Potential Outcome After Extracting A Tooth

A little bleeding, swelling, and discomfort are normal after a tooth extraction, however, if you have any unusual bleeding beyond 4-6 hours post-operation, you must contact your dentist immediately or seek assistance at your local emergency room if you are unable to reach your dentist.

Sometimes you may experience discomfort when opening your mouth. This is due to muscle spasms or a limited mouth opening, which usually heals on its own in a few days.

Call Ocotillo Dental Care today to make your appointment!