Overview

The art and science of the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, injuries, deformities, defects and esthetic aspects of the oral region often relies on surgical intervention.

Detailed Description

Oral surgery performed on the gums and teeth focuses on preserving, replacing, and restoring compromised teeth and associated support structures surrounding teeth.

Dental implants, the removal of diseased or impacted teeth, the removal of tumors, and repairs of the jaw are among the common types of oral surgery.

Oral surgeries are generally undertaken by specialists in dentistry and procedures are performed in the office under local or general anesthetic. For patients opting for local anesthetics, sedatives while not necessary to relieve physical pain, are sometimes recommended to decrease anxiety levels.

Post-operative care often requires regimes of icing the affected area as well as Ibuprofen or stronger medications to control pain. Soft diets are recommended during the first week while sutures heal. Patients who eat and drink diets high in Vitamin C that contains collagen can aid the healing process.

Conversely, tobacco, alcohol and sugar can retard the gum tissue’s ability to rebuild. Once sutures have been removed or dissolve and the surgical site will tolerate it, brushing with an ultra soft brush generally supplied by the dentist helps keep the area free from plaque.

Last updated: 16-Jun-05