Oral surgery includes surgical dental procedures used to treat conditions affecting the teeth, gums, jawbone, and other structures of the mouth. Depending on your needs, oral surgery may be recommended to remove a damaged tooth, address problematic wisdom teeth, place a dental implant, or prepare your mouth for restorative treatment.
At Creative Dental of Queens, we provide oral surgery services for patients in Rego Park and throughout Queens. Our dental team will carefully evaluate your oral health and explain your treatment options before recommending a surgical procedure.
What Are the Different Types of Oral Surgery?
The type of oral surgery you need depends on your oral health, symptoms, and treatment goals. Procedures may include:
Tooth Extractions
A tooth extraction may be necessary when a tooth is severely decayed, broken, infected, or damaged beyond the point where it can be successfully restored.
Before recommending an extraction, your dentist will evaluate the tooth and determine whether it can be preserved with another treatment. If removal is necessary, the procedure will be planned to safely remove the affected tooth while protecting the surrounding tissues.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth are the third molars located at the back of the mouth. Some wisdom teeth grow normally and do not cause problems, while others may become impacted, grow at an angle, or contribute to pain, infection, or damage to nearby teeth.
If wisdom tooth removal is recommended, your dentist will evaluate the position of the teeth and surrounding structures to determine the appropriate approach.
Dental Implant Placement
Dental implants provide a long-term option for replacing missing teeth. A dental implant is a small titanium post that is surgically positioned within the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth.
During the healing process, the implant integrates with the surrounding bone through a process known as osseointegration. Once the area has healed, the implant can support a dental crown or another restoration designed to replace the missing tooth.
Other Surgical Dental Procedures
Depending on your individual needs, additional surgical procedures may be recommended as part of your treatment plan. Our dental team will explain why a procedure is necessary, what it involves, and what you can expect during recovery.
Is Oral Surgery Painful?
Keeping you comfortable is an important part of oral surgery. Local anesthesia is commonly used to numb the treatment area and minimize discomfort during the procedure.
The type of anesthesia or other comfort options used will depend on the procedure being performed and your individual needs. Your dentist will discuss what to expect before treatment begins.
Some soreness, swelling, or tenderness may occur after oral surgery as the treatment area heals. Following your post-treatment instructions can help support a comfortable recovery.
What Happens After Oral Surgery?
Recovery instructions vary depending on the type of oral surgery performed. Your dentist will provide specific directions based on your procedure.
General aftercare instructions may include:
- Resting following your procedure
- Using a cold compress to help manage swelling
- Eating soft foods during the early stages of recovery
- Keeping your mouth clean as directed
- Brushing carefully around the surgical area
- Avoiding drinking through a straw
- Avoiding smoking and tobacco use
- Taking prescribed or recommended medications as directed
It is important to avoid disturbing the surgical site while it heals. After certain procedures, such as tooth extractions, protecting the blood clot that forms at the treatment site can help reduce the risk of complications such as dry socket.
Contact our office if you have concerns about your recovery or experience symptoms that are severe or worsening.
Do I Need Oral Surgery?
Not every dental problem requires surgery. Your dentist will first examine your teeth, gums, and surrounding structures and may take dental X-rays or other images to better understand the problem.
If oral surgery is recommended, our team will explain your diagnosis, available treatment options, and what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure.
Oral Surgery in Rego Park, NY
If you have a damaged tooth, problematic wisdom teeth, missing teeth, or another condition that may require oral surgery, Creative Dental of Queens can evaluate your needs and discuss your treatment options.
To learn more about oral surgery in Rego Park or schedule an appointment, call Creative Dental of Queens at (718) 459-4700 or visit us at 63-58 Wetherole St, Rego Park, NY 11374.