Oral surgery might sound scary, but it’s a common dental procedure. Wisdom tooth extractions, dental implants, and prosthodontics like bridges all fall into the category of oral surgery.
The goal of oral surgery is to improve the function, health, and appearance of your mouth. You might need a tooth extraction if your tooth is impacted or severely decayed. If you’re missing one or more teeth, dental implant surgery or other reconstructive surgery can improve oral health.
If you need oral surgery, trust your mouth to Dr. Sigmon and the expert team at Full Circle Dental Care in Del City, Oklahoma. From wisdom tooth extraction to dental implant surgery and more, we’re here to help you achieve your best health through oral surgery.
Talk to the dentists to find out what type of oral surgery they recommend for your mouth. A comprehensive exam and consultation prior to oral surgery is the best time for you to ask any questions you might have about the procedure.
Follow our pre-operative instructions before your surgery. If you’re getting general anesthesia, you shouldn’t eat or drink for at least eight hours ahead of surgery. For procedures involving local anesthesia, you may be able to have a light meal a few hours before surgery.
Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing to your appointment and don’t wear jewelry. When you arrive, the team makes you comfortable in the surgery room and administers the anesthesia. Anesthesia prevents you from feeling pain and helps you remain relaxed or asleep during surgery.
The amount of time your oral surgery takes depends on the type of surgery you get. Many common oral surgeries, like wisdom tooth removal or dental implant surgery, can take 1-2 hours. After surgery is over, you’re moved to a recovery room while the anesthesia wears off.
Oral surgery is usually an outpatient procedure, which means you go home the same day. If your surgery involves general anesthesia, you shouldn’t drive for the next 24-48 hours. Bring a family member or friend with you to your appointment so they can drive you home following the procedure.
Your mouth may be swollen and sore in the days after oral surgery. We can prescribe pain medication to help keep you comfortable. Applying an ice pack to your face for 10 minutes and then removing it for 10 minutes also provides relief and minimizes swelling.
Plan to eat soft foods and drink plenty of liquids after surgery. Protein drinks are a great way to get nutrients without chewing, and foods like lukewarm soup or oatmeal work well, too. Avoid using a straw and smoking after oral surgery. Sucking motions can cause bleeding and disrupt healing.
Follow our recommendations for oral hygiene following surgery. You may need to wait a day before brushing your teeth. Rinsing your mouth gently with water can help dislodge food between brushings. When you brush your teeth, take care around the surgery site.
For top-quality dental care and oral surgery, visit us at Full Circle Dental Care. Call the office or book your first appointment online today.
