What Is Oral Surgery?

Oral surgery is any surgical procedure that is performed in or around the mouth or jaw. Usually this is done by a dental specialist or oral surgeon.  The most common types of surgery include:

  • tooth extractions/wisdom teeth
  • gum graft
  • oral and maxillofacial surgery
  • root canal
  • dental implants
  • corrective jaw surgery

Oral surgeons also deal with facial pains that could be caused from TMJ, also known as temporomandibular joint, which is located in front of your ears and joins your jaw. A more serious issue that an oral surgeon would deal with is a cleft lip surgery.

Preparing For Oral Surgery

Preparing for an oral surgery is similar to any other medical procedure. It is very important to follow the instructions your dentist gave you prior to surgery. Typically, you will be asked to refrain from eating or drinking anything 8-10 hours before the surgery. Depending on the type of anesthesia you will be getting you may need to arrange for transportation back home. Depending on the type of oral surgery you may have a topical or local anesthetic.

When it comes to recovery it is important to not smoke or drink alcohol afterward because it can slow the healing process down. If you are in pain from swelling then you can use an ice pack which can reduce your inflammation. Instead of brushing your teeth, you can rinse your mouth with salt water every few hours to help kill off any bacteria. When it comes to eating you should stick with soft foods at room temperature. It is important to avoid consuming any hard or chewy foods and to not drink anything from a straw. It is important to be prepared and to follow directions properly to heal as soon as possible.

Oral Surgery From All About Smiles

All About Smiles proudly serve in two locations, Canton, MI and Roseville, MI for a better convenience. As a committed team we strive to provide the best care from general care and whitening to oral surgery. If you are interested in learning more about our services then contact us to schedule an appointment. Give us a call at (734) 981-1199 for the Canton office or (586) 775-3312 for our Roseville office.