Oral Surgery Livermore, CA
Oral surgery can address several different dental issues that have persisted over time. This solution may be able to address any jaw, bone, or teeth irregularities. If you have chronic dental problems that have not responded to non-invasive treatment, oral surgery may be right for you.
Oral surgery is available at Livermore Dental Spa in Livermore and the surrounding area. For many patients, oral surgery is the solution they need after other dental treatments have failed. Call us today at (925) 344-3993 to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Oral Surgery
Oral surgeries are procedures performed inside or around the mouth, gums, or jaw to treat dental conditions that are not treatable through non-invasive treatments. Our team takes all precautionary measures into account to ensure each procedure is safe and effective. During the consultation appointment, patients may ask questions or address concerns they have regarding the surgery. We will discuss the procedure in detail so that the patient has a good understanding and feels well-prepared before their surgery appointment.
The American Dental Association describes oral and maxillofacial surgery as "the specialty of dentistry which includes the diagnosis, surgical and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries and defects involving both the functional and esthetic aspects of the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region." The term ‘oral' refers to the mouth, and ‘maxillofacial' refers to the jaw and face. Oral surgeries can also describe any procedure involving the mouth, teeth, gums, and jaw. The location and treatment will determine the type of surgery required.
“Oral surgeries are surgical procedures performed inside or around the mouth, gums, or jaw to treat dental conditions that cannot be treated through non-invasive treatments.”
Reasons for Oral Surgery
Oral surgery may help with several conditions. Some of the most common include:
- Tooth Loss. Losing natural teeth can erode the jawbone over time, making deterioration an inevitability. Dental implants can prevent this from happening by anchoring the false teeth to the jawbone and stabilizing them.
- Impacted Teeth. Teeth are "impacted" when they become trapped between the jawbone and the gum tissue. Usually, this happens because the tooth has not emerged in proper alignment or entirely through the gumline. Generally, dentists will recommend patients have these removed.
- Orthodontics. Oral surgery is sometimes necessary when braces are not enough to correct malocclusion (a misaligned bite). In such cases, a dental professional works with a surgeon to build a personalized treatment plan for the patient's orthognathic surgery (corrective jaw surgery).
It is important to remember that the above list is not exhaustive. Patients should consult with a professional to ensure which treatment option is right for them.
“Oral surgery may help with several conditions.”
Preparing for Oral Surgery
Oral surgery can be a complicated process. Taking a few easy steps can help simplify the process. Patients should maintain open and honest channels of communication with their dental professional at all times. There is no shame in asking questions. Being informed about what is going to happen and why can do a great deal to assuage any fears.
Those who will undergo sedation should not eat or drink anything, including water, after midnight the evening before surgery. Fasting prevents the chances of aspiration, a rare complication of anesthesia in which the lungs fill with the contents of the stomach. However, a small sip of water to take medication during the fast is permissible.
“There is no shame in asking questions. Being informed about what is going to happen and why can do a great deal to assuage any fears.”
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What to Expect from Oral Surgery
Many patients find it benefits them to arrive at least 20 minutes early on the day of the surgery, allowing them to complete any paperwork and relax. Additionally, patients with removable dental devices should come with a container to store them in during surgery.
Patients who will be undergoing sedation should arrive wearing loose, short-sleeved clothing to assist staff in taking vital signs and administering the IV. It may also be necessary for nurses to put blood pressure cuffs on the patient to monitor them during the procedure.
“Many patients find it benefits them to arrive at least 20 minutes early on the day of the surgery, allowing them to complete any paperwork and relax.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How should I prepare for oral surgery?
Q. What will happen on the day of my oral surgery?
Q. How can I speed up my recovery from oral surgery?
People Also Ask
Q. Do I need a tooth extraction?
Q. What is the most durable option for replacing missing teeth?
Q. How do dental implants compare to dentures?
Q. What happens during the initial consultation for dental implants?
Recovering from Oral Surgery
Patients should plan to spend the day resting after oral surgery. The drowsiness of the sedative will likely last all day, making it important for patients to avoid doing anything that requires concentration. Patients should also refrain from straining to avoid dislodging any blood clots and causing bleeding. They should also keep their heads elevated whenever they are lying down.
Above all, it is crucial to follow the dentist's instructions for your individualized treatment plan. If you contract a fever, develop pus, or notice your swelling and bruising getting worse after three days, call our office right away.
“Patients should plan to spend the rest of the day resting after oral surgery.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is there open enrollment for oral surgery?
A. Oral surgery is included in many dental insurance plans. It is important to talk to your provider prior to booking the surgery in order to understand your benefits and what you may owe. Open enrollment for oral surgery differs from state to state, and the deadlines are posted on state government websites.
Q. What is "dry socket?"
A. Dry sockets are blood clots that often appear after extraction surgeries and usually go away on their own. In most cases, dry sockets result from inadequate hygiene practices, smoking, and overexertion during recovery. Symptoms include bad breath, foul odor and taste, and increased pain. Patients who experience dry socket for longer than three days should contact their doctor as soon as possible to schedule a follow-up.
Q. Is oral surgery painful?
A. Any type of oral surgery involves the use of anesthesia to keep patients comfortable and pain-free during the procedure. In most cases, the numbing agent lasts for at least an hour after the surgery and may last the remainder of the day, depending on the type of surgery and anesthetic used. However, after the numbing agent wears off, patients will likely feel pain in or around the surgical site and will be given pain relief medication and antibiotics to help with swelling and inflammation.
Q. What are the most common types of oral surgeries?
A. The single most common oral surgery is wisdom tooth extraction, with an estimated 10 million wisdom teeth extracted from approximately five million people in the United States each year. Other common oral surgeries include dental implants, bone grafting, corrective jaw surgery, and facial trauma surgery.
Q. When can I start eating and resuming my everyday activities?
A. In most cases, patients may resume eating as normal as soon as a week after surgery. Since each type of surgery is different, we may recommend patients eat certain foods and beverages for a shorter or longer period. Medications may also alter eating habits. This will all be discussed during the consultation appointment and reiterated after the surgery.
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Oral Surgery Terminology
Learn More Today
Sometimes, only oral surgery can adequately address your dental issues. We at Livermore Dental Spa may be able to help. Call us today at 925-344-3993 to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
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