Oral Surgery
Oral surgery can be an intimidating process, but it doesn’t have to be. At Let’s Smile Dental, we strive to make the surgery experience as seamless and stress-free as possible from beginning to end. Our Centreville, VA team specializes in a variety of oral surgery procedures and is committed to providing the best care possible. Read on to learn more about our oral surgery services!
Here's a breakdown of what dental oral surgery involves:
Types of procedures:
- Wisdom teeth removal, especially impacted wisdom teeth
- Dental implant placement
- Jaw surgery to correct misalignment or fractures
- Treatment of facial trauma
- Removal of cysts and tumors in the mouth or jaw
- Reconstruction of the jaw and face after accidents or injuries
- Sleep apnea surgery
- TMJ (Temporomandibular joint) disorders treatment
TOOTH EXTRACTIONS
Dental extraction relates to the process of removing a tooth from its socket. There are several reasons why teeth may need to be extracted. Most often, this is because a tooth is too damaged to be saved by a root canal or other restorative treatments. Other reasons include crowding due to lack of space, infection, periodontal disease, and orthodontic treatments.
At Let’s Smile Dental, our team utilizes the latest technology and techniques to perform dental extractions as safely and comfortably as possible. There are two principal types of removal: surgical and simple tooth extractions.
A simple extraction is a relatively straightforward procedure to remove a tooth that is exposed above the gum line. This is done using an elevator to loosen the affected tooth, and forceps to remove the tooth from the socket.
A surgical extraction is more complex and is utilized if your tooth has not come in yet or is broken at the gum line. The process entails making a small incision in your gum or cutting the tooth in half and removing the surrounding bone where necessary, to remove it.
WISDOM TOOTH EXTRACTIONS
Wisdom teeth are the third molars located in the back of the mouth. They are also the last to erupt, typically appearing sometime in your late teens or early 20s. Many people experience difficulties with the eruption of their wisdom teeth, resulting in the need to remove them. Some common problems caused by their eruption include misalignment, infection, decay, and cyst development due to impaction.
In order to prepare for wisdom teeth extraction, our team will numb your mouth, either with a local or general anesthetic.
Then we will open up the gum tissue and remove any bone which is covering the tooth, possibly cutting them into pieces to make them easier to remove.
You may need stitches to close the incision, and we will cover the area with gauze. Most people recover in just a few days, during which time they relax, eat soft foods, and keep the area clean.
FACIAL TRAUMA
Facial trauma surgery, or maxillofacial surgery, is a type of oral surgical procedure used to treat facial injuries caused by trauma. This can range from repairs of jaw fractures and soft tissue damage to the restoration of facial symmetry. Our team has extensive experience in caring for these injuries, as well as the emotional trauma associated with them.
Facial trauma surgery may involve a variety of procedures, depending on the extent and type of injury. The science and art of treating these conditions requires special training involving a “hands-on” experience and an understanding of how the treatment provided will influence the patient’s long-term function and appearance.
Our doctors meet and exceed these modern standards. They are trained, skilled, and uniquely qualified to manage and treat facial trauma. This includes the following conditions:
- Facial lacerations
- Intraoral lacerations
- Avulsed (knocked out) teeth
- Fractured facial bones (cheek, nose, or eye socket)
- Fractured jaws (upper and lower jaw)
ANESTHESIA
At Let’s Smile Dental, we understand that many patients feel fearful and anxious when faced with oral surgery procedures. To ensure that our patients receive the best care possible, we provide a variety of anesthesia options tailored to the patient’s needs and comfort.
Our doctors may use local anesthetic, local anesthetic paired with nitrous oxide, or I.V. anesthesia. The type of anesthetic used will depend on the type and extent of oral surgery being performed, as well as the patient’s level of apprehension.
To ensure patient safety and comfort, our team members are trained and licensed in the administration of anesthesia and adhere to the highest standards of care. We understand that comfort is an important aspect of each patient’s surgical treatment, which is why we are committed to ensuring absolute tranquility and safety every step of the way.
CONSIDERATIONS:
- Oral surgery procedures often require anesthesia (IV or local) and involve some level of recovery time.
- It's important to choose a qualified oral surgeon with experience in the specific procedure you need.
WHY CHOOSE US
Let’s Smile Dental specializes in providing top-notch surgical services for your overall health and wellness. Whether you need wisdom teeth removal, trauma surgery, or another type of surgical procedure, our team is here to provide the best care possible.
Our team takes pride in providing compassionate care and support so that our patients can have a positive experience. By choosing us, you can rest assured that you are in the best hands.
Oral Surgery FAQ
Click on the questions to view the answers
It all depends on each patient, it can take up to a week or two to fully recover, in some rare cases a month.
The appointment generally takes about 45 minutes to one hour. We start by giving the patient nitrous oxide, then the surgeon will administer the IV medication to sedate the patient.
It all depends on a patient’s pain tolerance. It can generally take about one week.
We ask you to take two days off, the day of surgery and the following day due to the pain and swelling. We also ask for no physical activities for a week.
Between teenage years and early twenties.
We recommend no physical activities for a week.
If you have a medical cognition that requires you to pre-medicate, then yes. Otherwise, no need to pre-medicate.
- You must have a responsible person to accompany you. They will stay in the office reception area during surgery and drive you home after the procedure.
- Intraoral lacerations
- Plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Do not operate cars, power tools, machinery, etc., for twenty-four (24) hours after surgery.
- Nothing to eat or drink for eight hours prior to surgery. However, it is important that you take any regular medications (high blood pressure, antibiotics, etc.) or any premedication prescription that we may have provided, using only a small sip of water.
- Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Tops/shirts should have sleeves that are easily drawn up above the elbow. When possible, colored nail polish should be removed before surgery.
