Oral surgery refers to any surgical procedure performed on the teeth, gums, jaw, or related structures. These procedures are designed to treat dental issues that cannot be resolved with traditional, non-surgical methods. While many of these treatments are routine and common in dental care, oral surgery is typically necessary when the condition of the teeth or mouth requires more advanced intervention for optimal results.
Our team is trained to perform a variety of oral surgeries, ensuring that you receive safe, effective treatment tailored to your unique needs.
A tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. While many teeth can be extracted relatively easily, some may require a more advanced surgical approach, especially if the tooth is broken, impacted, or below the gumline. A single tooth extraction may be necessary for reasons such as:
A simple extraction is typically performed when the tooth is fully visible above the gumline. This type of extraction can usually be done in a dental office under local anesthesia. The dentist will loosen the tooth with special instruments and remove it without the need for incisions or any bone removal.
In more complex cases, a surgical extraction may be required. This is typically the case if the tooth is broken below the gumline, impacted, or has not fully erupted. A surgical extraction involves making a small incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth. Sometimes, the tooth may need to be sectioned into smaller pieces or some bone may need to be removed for easier removal. Surgical extractions are usually performed under local anesthesia with or without sedation, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the patient’s comfort level.
A condition where the blood clot at the extraction site becomes dislodged, causing pain and slowing healing. We’ll provide instructions to help avoid this.
Although rare, an infection can occur at the extraction site. If you notice increased swelling, pus, or fever, contact us immediately.
After your procedure, you will have gauze placed in your mouth to help control bleeding. Keep the gauze in place with gentle pressure for 30 minutes. After that, you may remove it if bleeding has slowed down. If bleeding continues, replace the gauze and repeat the pressure for another 30 minutes.
You may experience some soreness after the anesthesia wears off. Over-the-counter pain relievers or any prescribed medication will help manage this discomfort. We recommend 600mg Ibuprofen every six hours until pain subsides. If the pain is not alleviated, you may try combining 500mg Tylenol with the Ibuprofen, but in an alternating sequence- ie. Ibuprofen- then Tylenol three hours after that, then your next Ibuprofen three hours after that and so forth.
You can begin eating a soft, cold meal right after your procedure. Continue on a soft food diet for the next 5 days. Foods such as yogurt, applesauce, smoothies, and mashed potatoes are great choices. Avoid hard, crunchy, or hot foods that can irritate the surgical sites. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, but avoid using a straw, as the suction can disrupt the healing process and increase the risk of dry socket.
For the first 5 days after surgery, avoid the following:
• Swishing or spitting forcefully
• Eating or drinking hot foods or beverages
• Drinking through a straw
• Consuming carbonated drinks or alcohol
• Lifting heavy objects (more than 15 pounds)
• Engaging in strenuous physical activities or exercise
Gently brush your teeth, avoiding the extraction site, until the area heals. Gently rinse with warm salt water starting 24 hours after the procedure to help reduce the risk of infection.
Apply ice pack to your jaw for 15 minutes at a time, especially during the first 48 hours. Ice will help minimize bruising and swelling.
Please contact us if you experience any of the following after the extraction:
At Intermountain Dental, we prioritize your long-term oral health, and that includes addressing issues related to wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth can lead to a variety of complications due to their late eruption. Read on to learn more about the potential problems caused by wisdom teeth and why removal may be the best option.
Wisdom teeth often cause challenges because they typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood, a time when the mouth may not have sufficient space for them. Common issues associated with wisdom teeth include:
As wisdom teeth attempt to emerge, they may push against surrounding teeth, leading to overcrowding. This can affect the alignment of your other teeth, making it more difficult to maintain proper oral hygiene and causing discomfort.
When there is not enough space for the wisdom teeth to emerge fully, they may become impacted. This can lead to significant pain, swelling, and even infection. Impacted teeth may also push against adjacent teeth, creating further complications.
Wisdom teeth may come in at awkward angles, leading to bite problems and misalignment. This can affect how your teeth come together when you chew, resulting in discomfort or difficulty with proper biting and chewing.
If a wisdom tooth only partially erupts, it can create pockets around the tooth where bacteria can accumulate. This can increase the risk of gum disease, infections, and discomfort due to inflammation.
In some cases, the development of cysts or tumors in the jawbone can be triggered by wisdom teeth. While rare, these growths can cause serious damage to the surrounding bone and tissue.
If you're experiencing pain or discomfort related to your wisdom teeth—or simply want to prevent future problems—Dr. Duke is here to help. We’ll assess your dental health and advise you on whether removal is the right option for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your treatment options.