As the leading Avondale center for oral and facial surgery, we help you achieve not just a beautiful smile but also a healthy one. On this page, we aim to provide you with essential information on modern oral & facial surgery services, including when to consider them, what to expect in terms of recovery, and much more.
What are Oral Surgery Services?
Oral surgery services are a wide range of procedures designed to treat various conditions related to the mouth, teeth, and facial structure. These services include wisdom tooth extraction, dental implants, and bone grafting. They all aim to improve your oral health and functionality.
When to Get Oral and Facial Surgery?
You might need oral and facial surgery for several reasons. It’s essential to consult with an oral dentist surgery specialist to understand the best course of action for your specific needs.
- Wisdom Teeth Removal is needed in the late teens or early 20s for pain, infection, or crowding.
- Dental Implants are for adults missing teeth. They offer a natural-looking, permanent solution.
- Cosmetic Facial Surgeries have flexible timing for adults wanting aesthetic enhancements.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from Oral Surgery?
Recovery times vary depending on the type of procedure:
- Wisdom Tooth Extraction: 7-10 days
- Bone Grafting: 2 weeks to 2 months
- Extractions: 7-10 days
Are Dental Implants Oral Surgery?
Yes, dental implants are considered a type of oral and facial surgery. This procedure involves inserting a metal post into the jawbone to replace the root portion of a missing tooth, followed by placing an artificial tooth or crown.
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Common Oral and Facial Surgery Services
At Desert Lake Family Dentistry, we’re dedicated to providing comfortable and effective dental care customized to your needs. Doesn’t matter if you are in need of wisdom tooth extractions, bone grafting, or another service; we ensure every visit is as painless and informative as possible. Here’s a closer look at our specialized services:
Wisdom Tooth Extractions
Most people welcome their wisdom teeth in their late teens or early twenties. While they are a natural part of your dental anatomy, wisdom teeth often cause more trouble than they’re worth, leading to misalignment, nerve damage, and even jawbone issues. In many cases, they become impacted, unable to emerge properly. This can trap food and plaque, inviting bacteria and infection. To prevent these complications, early removal is recommended, ideally before problems arise, ensuring a smoother recovery.
- Process: Evaluation and X-rays determine the extraction method. The area is numbed, or you’re sedated, and then the tooth is removed, sometimes in sections.
- Aftercare: Rest, eat soft foods, manage to swell with ice, and avoid smoking and straws. Rinse with salt water to keep the area clean.
Bone Grafting
Getting a tooth pulled isn’t just cosmetic; it can lead to jawbone deterioration. Our bone grafting solution counteracts this, ensuring the stability of future dental implants. We offer three kinds of grafts: autogenous (using your own bone), allograft (using donated human bone), and xenograft (using animal bone). You can choose from each option based on your specific needs to avoid additional surgeries and make sure a solid foundation for implants.
- Process: After numbing, an incision is made to place graft material, preparing the jaw for future implants. The graft type is chosen based on your needs.
- Aftercare: Follow prescribed antibiotic and pain relief regimens. Eat soft foods and avoid disturbing the graft site. Recovery can take several months.
Tooth Extractions
Sometimes, tooth extractions are necessary because of decay, disease, or injury. This is a painless process because we numb the area well before gently removing the tooth. After an extraction, a small amount of bleeding is normal because your body naturally forms a blood clot. Our aftercare guides you through the whole process.
- Process: The tooth area is numbed for extraction. Simple extractions involve loosening and removal, while surgical extractions may require incisions.
- Aftercare: Bite on gauze to aid clotting, avoid strenuous activities for a day, stick to soft foods, and manage pain with over-the-counter medication. Use cold compresses for swelling.
Does Oral Surgery Require Anesthesia?
Yes, most oral surgeries require some form of anesthesia to ensure the patient’s comfort and pain-free experience. The type of anesthesia depends on the oral and facial surgery procedure, its complexity, and the patient’s needs. Typically, anesthesia is required for more complex surgeries, such as extensive reconstructive work, where the patient needs to be completely unconscious.
What are Soft Foods to Eat after Oral Surgery?
Eating soft foods after oral surgery minimizes the risk of irritating the surgical site. They ensure a smoother and less painful recovery process. Post-surgery, it’s best to stick to soft foods that require minimal chewing, such as:
- Yogurt
- Smoothies
- Soups
- Mashed potatoes
- Scrambled eggs
- Applesauce
- Pudding
How Long Does Facial Swelling Last After Oral Surgery?
Facial swelling is common and usually peaks 48 to 72 hours after oral and facial surgery. It typically starts to diminish within 7 to 10 days. This swelling is a natural healing process. It usually begins to subside within a week to ten days, gradually diminishing as your recovery progresses and your body heals.
How Long Does Facial Numbness Last After Oral Surgery?
Facial numbness post-surgery, a common effect of anesthesia, typically fades within a few hours to a few days. The duration largely depends on the anesthesia type and the surgery’s scope. It’s a temporary sensation loss as the anesthesia wears off, returning to normal as recovery continues.
Can Oral Surgery Be Covered by Medical Insurance?
In Avondale, Arizona, medical insurance can often cover oral and facial surgery procedures, particularly if they are considered medically necessary. Coverage can vary widely based on your insurance plan and the specific procedure being considered. You need to consult with your insurance provider and dental office beforehand to understand your coverage details and any potential out-of-pocket costs.
Oral Surgery Near Me in Avondale, AZ
If you are looking for the best oral facial surgery institute in Avondale, AZ, Desert Lake Dental is the place to go. Our facial and oral surgery specialists offer various services to meet your needs, from wisdom teeth removal to dental implants and more. Schedule your appointment today to take the first step towards better oral health.
FAQs
Can oral surgery cause nerve damage?
There’s a slight risk, especially in surgeries near delicate nerves.
Can oral surgery cause oral thrush?
Yes, especially if antibiotics are used post-surgery.
Can oral surgery affect your period?
Stress from surgery may cause temporary changes.
Can oral surgery cause blood clots?
It’s rare, but procedures can increase the risk slightly.
Can oral surgery affect your sinuses?
Yes, especially surgeries in the upper jaw area.
