What is oral surgery and what is it used to treat?

Oral surgery encompasses a variety of procedures designed to treat problems with the teeth, mouth and jaw. In some cases, a dentist will perform the oral surgery and in other cases, the patient may be referred to an oral surgeon. The most common reasons for oral surgery include:

• Wisdom Teeth Extraction - Wisdom teeth are commonly at risk for impaction, which can create a great deal of pain and problems with the neighboring teeth and gums. Wisdom teeth can also wreak havoc with a patient's bite by crowding the other teeth in the mouth. In these situations, oral surgery is required to remove the wisdom teeth.
• Jaw Correction - Sometimes, irregularities of the jaw must be surgically corrected to ensure a proper fit of dentures. Oral surgery of the jaw might also be necessary for a patient who is suffering from temporomandibular joint disorders, also referred to as TMJ.
• Dental Implants - When a tooth is lost, dentists can replace that tooth with a prosthetic rod attached directly to the jaw bone. Dental implants are becoming more common today as more patients are realizing the advantages to this procedure that most closely resembles a natural tooth.
• Bone Graft - This procedure treats damage that has been done to the jaw bone due to periodontal disease. The graft uses donated bone or bone from the patient's own body to repair the damaged areas. Bone grafts may be necessary to stabilize teeth and repair the jaw line. The graft can actually restimulate the growth of new bone to the area.

How does a patient prepare for oral surgery?

Oral surgery can be a frightening experience, but proper preparation can go far in making the procedure easier to anticipate. The first step is to consult with the dentist or oral surgeon about the procedure to understand what will be involved. The dentist will give a brief description of how the procedure will be performed and the medications used before, during and afterward. Patients particularly nervous about the impending surgery may want to ask about sedation options available.

The patient will be given a list of pre-operative instructions. It is imperative to follow the instructions very carefully to ensure the procedure will be safe and successful. Arrange for transportation to and from the surgery, since certain medications may make it impossible for the patient to drive himself. Take the necessary time off work as recommended by the doctor.

What is the recovery like?

Recovery from oral surgery will depend on the type of procedure that is performed. Most patients will need at least 24 hours of rest after the surgery to begin the healing process. Pain medication is usually offered to keep the patient comfortable for the first day or two. It is important to follow post-operative instructions carefully to ensure complete healing. Excessive bleeding, swelling or pain should be reported to the doctor right away