Oral Surgery
Oral Surgery is the specialty of Dental Medicine responsible for the diagnosis and surgical treatment of pathologies in the oral cavity and surrounding structures. The most frequent procedures include the exodontia (extraction) of teeth, including wisdom teeth, removal of cysts and the treatment of periapical lesions (apicoectomies).
What is oral surgery?
Oral surgery refers to any surgical procedure in the oral cavity and attached structures, usually performed by a specialist professional trained to perform certain types of oral surgery.
How many types of oral surgery are there?
There are many types of surgery, including surgical procedures such as the removal of teeth or root remnants. Other surgeries, in more specific cases, involve a repositioning of the jaw. In other cases, it may include the removal of various types of lesions (tumours, non-malignant cysts, among others).
Surgeries can be performed by various dental specialists, such as endodontists, periodontologists or prosthodontists.
What are the most common types of surgery?
Here are some of the most common types of oral surgeries:
- Impacted wisdom teeth;
- Gum grafting;
- Dental implants;
- Maxillofacial surgery;
- Apical surgery.
When do I need Oral Surgery?
For dental and maxillofacial procedures where the general practitioner does not have the necessary in-depth knowledge, you may need an approach performed by a specialist in this area. A frequent example of the need for a specialist approach is the extraction of wisdom teeth. Often due to difficulties inherent to the anatomy of these teeth or the proximity of important anatomical structures (dental nerve) it is essential that an evaluation and treatment be carried out by an oral surgeon. If you suffer from gum disease and need a gum graft, you will be referred to a periodontologist who performs this type of surgery.
If you need oral surgery, the general practitioner will talk to you and refer you to the appropriate specialist.
How do I prepare for surgery?
The preparation for oral surgery, as in any other surgical procedure, depends on the type of surgery and requires the strict following of the instructions given by the professional in charge.
Generally, what is common to all types of surgery is to make sure that on the day of the surgery you will not perform any tasks that require physical effort, to be accompanied to the appointment so as not to have to drive immediately after the surgery and to take all the medication prescribed by the oral surgeon.
As each individual is unique and the need for the surgical procedure differs according to the type of problem that exists, the oral surgeon himself will provide you with all the necessary information about the surgery to be performed as well as the pre and post-operative care. Therefore, the important thing is to follow all the instructions given by the accompanying professional.
Discover some of the most important aspects of recovery from oral surgery:
Following the instructions given for your oral surgery recovery is very important to achieve the goals you have set with your professional. Do not smoke or drink alcohol after surgery as this may delay your recovery. If you feel pain due to swelling, apply ice to reduce inflammation. Oral hygiene, ideally, should be performed with a post-surgical brush on the intervened area, without neglecting the correct cleaning of the other teeth.
It is important to be patient during the recovery period. Depending on the type of oral surgery, recovery can take from 48 hours to 1 month. Be sure to follow up with your specialist as per the instructions given by them.
Discover some of the most important aspects of recovery from oral surgery:
Following the instructions given for your oral surgery recovery is very important to achieve the goals you have set with your professional. Do not smoke or drink alcohol after surgery as this may delay your recovery. If you feel pain due to swelling, apply ice to reduce inflammation. Oral hygiene, ideally, should be performed with a post-surgical brush on the intervened area, without neglecting the correct cleaning of the other teeth.
It is important to be patient during the recovery period. Depending on the type of oral surgery, recovery can take from 48 hours to 1 month. Be sure to follow up with your specialist as per the instructions given by them.
What can I eat after Oral Surgery?
Soft foods at room temperature are ideal for after oral surgery. Avoid using a straw or eating hard or crunchy foods.
Oral surgeries are common and can be simple or complex. It is important to be prepared and manage your recovery properly. Prepare everything so that on the day itself and those that follow you do not have to perform tasks that require a lot of movement or physical effort. Make sure you have someone to take you home, and give yourself at least two days to heal. During this time, eat soft foods and perform oral hygiene as recommended by the professional specialist.