Oral Surgery Specialist

What is oral surgery?

Oral surgery refers to any type of surgery involving your mouth and jaws. Oral surgery includes procedures to remove damaged and decayed teeth, operations to remove tumors and other masses, and surgery that repositions your jaw and/or bite.

What are the different types of oral surgery?

Oral surgery is an umbrella term that features three different categories:

Tooth extraction

Extractions — pulling teeth — are the most common oral surgeries. Your dentist might recommend an extraction to treat disease, prevent decay from getting worse, or to eliminate crowding. If your teeth are visible and above the gumline, your dentist uses forceps to extract them. 

However, impacted teeth — teeth below your gumline — can require a more complex surgical extraction. This involves your dentist making incisions along your gumline or jawbone and using forceps to extract the tooth piece by piece.

Prosthodontics

Prosthodontics is a type of oral surgery designed to prepare your teeth for restorations or oral prosthetics. For example, if you need a crown or dental bridge, your dentist might shave your tooth down and prepare your surrounding teeth for application. Prosthodontics also includes the surgical placement of dental implants.

Oral and maxillofacial surgery

Oral and maxillofacial surgery is the most complex type of oral surgery. Some common oral and maxillofacial procedures include corrective jaw surgery, maxillofacial dental implant surgery, and dentoalveolar surgery.

How do I prepare for oral surgery?

Before doing any type of oral surgery, your Varinos Dental Associates of Newburyport provider does an oral exam, takes X-rays, and reviews your medical history.

During your initial consultation, it’s also important to let your dentist know about any prescription medications or supplements you’re taking. After gathering all of this information, your dentist develops an oral surgery plan that aligns with your individual needs.

What is recovery like following oral surgery?

After completing your oral surgery, your dentist sends you home with a list of recovery instructions. Make sure to take your medications as prescribed and to avoid brushing or flossing your dry sockets. 

Some pain, swelling, and general discomfort are normal. However, if you develop a fever, reach out to your dentist right away, as it could indicate an infection.

Request your oral surgery consultation today. Call the office nearest you or click the online booking tool to begin.