Do you have partially impacted wisdom teeth that are causing you pain and other symptoms? Do you have badly broken teeth that cannot be removed by normal extraction? Dr Danka can solve your problem by performing minor oral surgeries that have a positive impact on your overall oral health and quality of life.
What is Oral Surgery?
Minor oral surgeries are procedures performed on your teeth, jaws, gums, or any other oral and surrounding facial structures. These procedures are performed by dental specialists like Dr Danka and include teeth extractions, the removal of retained or buried roots and wisdom teeth, dental implants, and gum grafts.
Why would I need Minor Oral Surgery?
There are a number of reasons a person might need oral surgery. Dr Danka might recommend you have it if you have the following:
- Badly broken teeth
- Impacted teeth
- Extensive tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Loose teeth
- Oral cancer
- Missing teeth
- Bone loss in your jaw
What are the different types of oral surgery?
The most common type of oral surgery is tooth extraction. Others include periodontal (gum) surgery, and dental implants.
Tooth extraction
Dr Danka might recommend tooth extraction if you have severe tooth decay or gum disease. You may also need surgery if you have complications with your wisdom teeth or if you need extractions to prepare you for dentures, orthodontic treatment or implants.
Periodontal surgery
Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that may require your gum tissue to be repositioned and sutured into place. Periodontitis can sometimes cause gum recession which will require a gum graft.
Dental implants
Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically positioned into your jaw to replace the roots of your missing teeth. When your implants are fully healed, they are restored with an abutment and a dental crown
What happens before oral surgery?
Dr Danka will perform a comprehensive evaluation. This will include checking your teeth, gums, jaw, and the surrounding structures. Dental scans and x-rays will be taken so that the doctor can have a clearer view of your teeth, nerves and jawbone. He will then use the information he has gathered to come up with a treatment plan that suits your unique needs.
What happens during oral surgery?
In most cases, minor oral surgery is performed in the doctor’s dental offices as an outpatient procedure using local anaesthesia to prevent pain. Some cases may be performed under general anaesthesia in a hospital.
In the case of a surgical tooth extraction, Dr Danka will numb the tooth and gum tissue. He will then make a small incision in your gum in order to remove the underlying tooth.
During dental implant surgery, the titanium screw will be surgically fused to your jawbone. When you have healed, a second surgery will be done to attach the abutment to the screw.
Periodontal surgery involves making small cuts in your gum which will then be lifted to remove bacteria and tartar build-up. Your gums will then be sutured back. This will allow the tissue to fit firmly around your teeth.
How long does oral surgery take?
The length of your surgery depends on several factors. These include:
- The type of oral surgery you are having – a single tooth extraction could take up to 30 minutes whereas a procedure like periodontal surgery takes up to 2 hours.
- How many teeth are being treated – when having multiple teeth extracted, each additional tooth will take up another 3-15 minutes.
- Whether or not you choose sedation and the type you choose – you will feel the effects of nitrous oxide in 3-5 minutes whereas oral conscious sedation is given about an hour before the procedure.
What happens after minor oral surgery and what are the risks?
Dr Danka will give you detailed aftercare instructions which will need to be followed closely. This will reduce your risk of getting an infection, bleeding or other complications. You can expect a certain amount of discomfort and pain following your procedure so the doctor will recommend a pain killer or prescribe one for you. As with any type of surgery, there are risks. These include:
- Infection
- Sinus problems
- Damage to your adjacent teeth
- Facial swelling
- Persistent bleeding
- Dry socket. This is when the blood clotting process is disturbed.
- Root fragments
You can minimise these risks by following the guidelines the doctor gave you as well as taking the medications he prescribed.
What are the benefits of oral surgery?
Oral surgery addresses the actual underlying problem and prevents significant, long-term damage. Successful outcomes can positively affect the self-image and self-esteem of patients.
When should I consult with Dr Danka?
You should set up an appointment with the doctor should you experience jaw,
tooth, or gum pain. Warning signs and symptoms such as bleeding gums,
toothache, loose or shifting teeth, and facial swelling should be treated
promptly. Dr Danka makes use of modern surgical technologies to provide you
with the most advanced oral health care possible.
Oral surgery is designed to restore the health of your teeth and gums
and improve your quality of life. Dr Danka upholds the highest dental standards
by using only the highest quality materials. He is passionate about maintaining
and promoting good oral health. Should you or someone you know require his
services in Linden, set up an appointment today and let him get to work restoring
your self-confidence and brightening your smile.
Have any questions on minor oral surgery? Our team is here to help. If you do not find your answer below, get in touch with us and we will do our best to provide it.
Minor oral surgery in dentistry involves procedures primarily focused on extractions. These range from routine extractions to more complex cases involving impacted wisdom teeth, broken or retained roots, and the extraction of multiple teeth.
During the procedure, you will not feel pain, though there may be some pressure. After the anaesthesia wears off, you may experience mild pain or discomfort. Typically, the discomfort and pain are usually worse on the first day and gradually improves over the next few days.
There are two primary types of tooth extraction: simple extraction and surgical extraction. Simple dental extraction involves removing teeth that are visible and easily accessible. On the other hand, surgical dental extraction typically requires making an incision to gain access to the tooth that needs to be removed.
Numerous oral surgery procedures are performed annually, with some of the most common including tooth extraction, dental bone grafts, dental implants, periodontal surgery, corrective jaw surgery, sleep apnea surgery, and cleft lip and palate repair.
If a frenum occasionally obstructs normal mouth function, a frenectomy may be recommended. This minor surgical procedure, performed using either a scalpel or laser, typically lasts less than 15 minutes.
To promote healing and prevent disruption of blood clots after oral surgery, avoid activities like using a straw, aggressive mouth rinsing, and spitting for the first 72 hours. Gentle rinsing in the following days is advisable. Additionally, refrain from touching the surgical site with your finger, toothbrush, floss, or any other objects to minimize irritation.
Usually, your oral surgeon will recommend resting for 48-72 hours after the procedure to allow the treatment area to form a clot. Complete healing of the soft tissue typically takes around 3-4 weeks.
After a simple tooth extraction, pain usually diminishes within two or three days. More complex procedures may require a slightly longer healing period, with patients experiencing discomfort for a prolonged duration. Additionally, mild bleeding can be expected during the initial 24 hours after the procedure.
General anaesthesia induces sleep during the procedure. The oral surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue to gain access to the affected tooth or teeth. Subsequently, the oral surgeon will proceed to remove the tooth or teeth as needed.
Dental implants, root canal treatment, wisdom teeth extraction, gum lifts, and maxillofacial surgery are the top 5 most complicated dental procedures.
In situations involving upper front teeth, the roots are typically cone-shaped, which makes them relatively easier to extract due to less resistance.
Mouth gags, also referred to as mouth props, are crucial instruments used to keep the mouth open during dental and surgical procedures. They are particularly useful for patients under sedation and are also employed in treating paediatric and mentally challenged individuals.
Root canals have historically been perceived as one of the most painful and daunting dental procedures. However, misconceptions and exaggerated accounts from others may have contributed to this negative reputation. Technology advancements and better anaesthesia have made getting a root canal no more painful than getting a tooth filled.
Every surgical procedure carries inherent risks, but these risks are carefully weighed against the potential benefits. In oral surgeries, risks may include injury to adjacent teeth, infections, fragmentation of tooth roots, temporary numbness, or the development of a dry socket.
Symptoms of infection can include fever, unusual swelling and pain, persistent bad taste, and the formation of pus. Nearby teeth, fillings, or dental bridges near wisdom teeth can potentially be affected or damaged during the extraction process.