Why Do I Need Oral Surgery?

Our goal is to preserve your smile, and sometimes, oral surgery is the only alternative. There are many indications for oral surgery. Some of them include:

• Accident Cases
• Dental Implants
• Advanced Tooth Decay
• Dead Nerve in the Tooth
• Abscess of the Tooth or Gum Tissue
• Impaction—Often Third Molars (Wisdom Teeth)
• Insufficient Room for Permanent Teeth to Come Through
• Insufficient Space for Orthodontic Appliances
• Alleviation of Periodontal Pockets and Certain Types of Gum Disease
• Restoration of the Mouth to Full Chewing Function, and the Best Esthetic Appearance with Fixed or Removable Permanent Teeth

Instructions Prior to Your Oral Surgery

• X rays will be taken.
• Clinical records and information will be taken—all of our records are kept in strictest confidence.
• Make sure you understand why oral surgery is indicated.
• The day of your surgery, make sure you have someone to drive you to and from the office.
• If you are having general analgesia or anesthesia, avoid eating or drinking anything for 8 hours prior to your procedure.
• Empty your bladder prior to surgery.

Instructions to Follow After Your Oral Surgery

• Following your surgery, you may be given a gauze pad. This helps control bleeding.
• Avoid rinsing, spitting, sucking through a straw, or smoking for the next several hours.
• You may be given a prescription for pain.
• Elevate your head at approximately a 30° angle.
• Rest at home for the remainder of the day.
• You may wish to begin rinsing your mouth gently with salt water.
• Should you experience any unusual bleeding, pain, or detect a foul taste in your mouth, call our office immediately.
• You may wish to schedule a brief postoperative visit.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office.