Oral Surgery at Bense & Lopatofsky Dental
I'm Dr. Spencer Bense at Bense & Lopatofsky Dental. Today I'm going to answer some of the most common questions I get about oral surgery.
When is a procedure considered oral surgery?
Oral surgery is a procedure in which the dental tissues such as the gums, bone, and teeth are augmented, removed, or adjusted. This involves either taking away tissue, replacing it with a bone graft, or removing teeth. These are the most common forms of oral surgery.
Oral surgery can also occur when there's a traumatic event to the bone, requiring realignment and replacement, such as in an automobile accident. Oral surgeons are specially trained dentists who specialize in reconstructing oral tissues, removing teeth, and managing bones in the head, neck, and teeth area.
What are the most common types of oral surgery?
The most common types of oral surgery typically involve the removal of teeth. The removal of wisdom teeth is probably the number one procedure that most oral surgeons perform.
Additionally, procedures like bone grafting are common, where bone is placed where a tooth was or where there was a bone defect to stabilize the area for a future prosthesis, such as an implant.
Oral surgery also includes reconstruction in cases of trauma, like motor vehicle accidents, where the head, neck, and face regions require reconstruction.
Another common procedure is implant placement, where an implant, essentially a screw, is inserted into the bone with a tooth attached by an abutment, replacing the missing tooth or teeth.
Oral surgery is also performed in cases where jaw bone realignment is necessary for better aesthetics and breathing.
What is maxillofacial surgery?
Maxillofacial surgery involves the face, specifically the region above the neck. It is most commonly performed in cases of trauma to the area, such as a motor vehicle accident. It can also involve removing pathology, such as cancerous lesions or any suspicious growths. An oral surgeon would perform this surgical removal.
What happens during oral surgery?
Oral surgery typically begins with a consultation. An oral surgeon, who may not be the patient's regular provider, will want a consult first to review the patient's medical history, medications, general health, and the specific reasons for the visit.
After this, an appointment will be made to address the patient's needs. Anesthesia is usually involved, whether local anesthesia or numbing the area for the procedure. For more involved procedures, sedation may be used, involving varying levels of consciousness during the procedure.
How should I prepare for oral surgery?
The best way to prepare is to be well-informed. Ask the provider all relevant questions beforehand about the procedure, including expectations, recovery, pain management strategies, and any need for antibiotics. It’s important to have these questions answered before the procedure.
It's also beneficial to remain calm, as the procedure is often quick. If sedation is involved, there will be instructions on how to prepare for it. After sedation, the procedure will be over when you wake up, and you'll receive post-procedure management strategies.
What anesthesia options are available to me during oral surgery procedures?
The most common type of anesthesia used is local anesthesia, where numbing medication is administered locally or in a block setting to ensure no pain is felt during the procedure. Sedation options include nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, which reduces anxiety. Oral sedatives, like lorazepam, are more sedating and help with anxiety.
More profound sedation includes moderate sedation with IV administered medications, providing a more calming effect. The deepest sedation is general anesthesia, where you are completely unconscious, often requiring a machine to assist with breathing. This is typically done in a hospital or a well-equipped facility.
Can I drive myself home after oral surgery?
Whether you can drive yourself home depends on the level of sedation. With local anesthesia, where only the gums and surrounding tissues are numbed, you can drive yourself home. With nitrous oxide, you can also drive yourself home.
However, with oral sedatives or IV sedation, you cannot drive yourself home. You will need someone to drive you to and from the appointment.
Our office policy at Bense & Lopatofsky Dental requires the driver to introduce themselves to the front desk and my assistant to ensure we know who is responsible for picking up and caring for the patient afterward.
How do I minimize pain and discomfort after oral surgery?
It is normal to experience some pain and discomfort after oral surgery, as soft and hard tissues are often manipulated. Pain management strategies include taking NSAIDs, and if necessary, stronger medications like narcotics or steroids may be prescribed. It is vital to speak with your dentist or surgeon performing the procedure, as they will recommend the best pain management strategy based on your health and medical history.
How long does it take to recover after oral surgery?
Some pain and discomfort are expected after oral surgery, and the degree of healing varies from person to person. Generally, younger and healthier individuals heal faster than older or less healthy individuals. Most patients report that the worst pain occurs in the first 12 to 24 hours after tooth removal, a common oral surgery procedure.
By the second or third day, the pain is usually minimal, and most patients manage it with over-the-counter medications like Advil or Tylenol. In some cases, stronger pain management strategies like narcotics or steroids may be necessary, potentially prolonging recovery time. However, most pain occurs within the first 24 hours to three days following the procedure.
What's the best way to schedule an appointment for oral surgery?
The best way to schedule an appointment for oral surgery is to call the office and set up an appointment with me, the general dentist, to assess your needs. If I can address them, such as removing a tooth or performing a bone graft, I would be happy to do so.
If the procedure is more complicated and requires a referral to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, you should still see me first. I will write a referral, take the necessary X-rays, and send them to the oral surgeon, who will then schedule a consultation and procedure with you.
You’re never alone in caring for your dental health. At Bense & Lopatofsky Dental, our team is here to support and meet you where you are in your dental journey. Call (570) 682-5050 or email [email protected] to connect with us today.