Modern technology has improved oral surgery, making it less
painful and easier to recover from. The
staff at the Perio and Implant Center are experts and able to help patients to
be as comfortable as possible. We stay
on top of the latest technological improvements so that you receive the best
care possible.
There are several reasons why you may need a surgical
procedure, including:
·
Impacted
teeth. It is common for people to
have their wisdom teeth removed surgically, as they often don’t come in enough
to pull them. When teeth become impacted it can cause swelling and pain,
requiring surgery to have them removed.
·
Dental Implants. This is a surgical procedure that can replace
your existing or lost teeth with a synthetic root system and a new tooth. The results are amazing but before a new
tooth can be implanted, the root system needs to be placed under the gum line
surgically.
·
Problems
with your jaw. Some patients that
are suffering from severe jaw pain may need to have oral surgery. This is only recommended after other
treatment options have been exhausted.
If you need oral surgery here is what you should know prior
to arriving for the procedure.
·
This is
an outpatient procedure. You will be
able to return home the same day and will not be admitted into a hospital, as
you would if you had surgery on any other part of your body. Your dentist will use local or general anesthesia,
and once the effects are worn off, you can typically head home.
·
You will
need a driver. You cannot drive
yourself home after undergoing anesthesia.
Make sure you have a ride scheduled to drop you off and pick you
up. This person should also help to
settle you in at home in a comfortable spot with water, pain medication,
blankets, books, and anything else you need to stay comfortable.
·
Ice it. Your mouth will be sore and my start to
swell. You can ease the swelling by
using an ice pack for fifteen minutes, resting for fifteen minutes, and
repeating. Buy several soft ice packs
prior to your surgery so that while you are using one there is always another
cooling in the freezer.
·
What to
eat. Eating can be painful
immediately following surgery. We
recommend that you stick with soft foods.
Cooler, soft foods, will feel the best at first. This includes jello, ice creme, yogurt, popsicles,
and smoothies. Drinking smoothies is an
excellent way to get the nutrition that you need without causing yourself
additional pain. Load them up with
superfoods like kale, potassium rich bananas, berries, and yogurt. Add protein powder or peanut butter for
protein nutrition. Do not eat crunchy foods like chips or pretzels for six
weeks or more. This can cause you
significant pain.
·
Healing
time. The first 48 hours are going
to be the most painful. After that, you
should start to resume normal activity, though you may not feel well. It can take up to two months before you are
eating everything like normal.
We will make sure that you are as comfortable as possible
during and after an oral surgery. At
your pre surgery appointment, we will answer any questions that you have and
discuss your treatment plan in detail to ensure that you are properly prepared.
