Oral Surgery Englewood NJ

Severely damaged or decayed teeth

When a tooth is severely cracked, fractured, or decayed beyond repair with a filling or crown, extraction may be necessary to prevent infection and preserve surrounding healthy teeth. [3] 

Overcrowding

In cases of severe dental crowding where there’s insufficient space for all teeth to erupt properly, extraction may be recommended to create space for orthodontic treatment (braces) or improve overall bite alignment.

Preparation for dentures or implants

Sometimes, tooth extraction is necessary before placing dentures or dental implants. This may be needed to remove unhealthy or non-functional teeth or create a better foundation for the prosthetic device.[4]  

Dental Implants

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots surgically placed in the jawbone to support crowns, bridges, or dentures. They offer a permanent and stable solution for replacing missing teeth.

Replacing missing teeth

Implants provide a natural-looking and functional replacement for missing teeth, improving chewing ability, speech, and overall self-confidence. [5] 

Restoring chewing function and aesthetics

Implants restore lost chewing function, allowing individuals to enjoy a wider variety of foods and improve their overall dietary health. Additionally, they create a natural-looking smile, enhancing facial aesthetics and confidence. [6] 

Bone Grafting

Bone grafting is a surgical procedure used to rebuild bone tissue in the jaw. This may be necessary for:

Building up jawbone for implant placement

Over time, jawbone loss can occur due to missing teeth or periodontal disease. Bone grafting helps create a strong foundation for placing dental implants. [5] 

Treatment of jawbone loss due to periodontal disease or injury

Periodontal disease and facial injuries can lead to jawbone deterioration. Bone grafting helps restore the jawbone and improve facial structure and function.

Jaw Surgery

Jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, corrects various jawbone discrepancies and facial deformities. Here are some common reasons:

Correcting jaw misalignment

Misaligned jaws, such as an overbite or underbite, can affect chewing, speech, and facial 

Treating facial deformities

Jaw surgery can correct facial deformities caused by congenital conditions, trauma, or tumors, improving facial symmetry and overall aesthetics. [7] 

Sleep apnea surgery

In some cases, sleep apnea, a condition characterized by obstructed breathing during sleep, can be treated with jaw surgery to enlarge the airway. [7]   

Other Procedures

Oral surgery includes a lot more than just the procedures listed above. Here are a few more examples:

Gum grafting

This procedure involves transplanting healthy gum tissue to repair damaged or receded gums, improving gum health and aesthetics. [7]  

Biopsies for oral pathology

A biopsy involves taking a tissue sample to diagnose oral diseases, such as oral cancer. 

What to Expect During Oral Surgery

Pre-operative Consultation

It is very important to have a thorough consultation with your oral surgeon before your surgery. This consultation allows you to discuss your specific needs and concerns, and the surgeon to explain the details of the procedure. Here’s what you can expect:

Discussing medical history and concerns: Be prepared to share your complete medical history, including any medications you take, allergies, and previous surgeries. This information helps the surgeon determine the best course of treatment and identify any potential risks.  

Types of anesthesia (local, sedation, general): The type of anesthesia used will depend on the difficulty of the procedure and your individual needs. Your surgeon will discuss the options available, such as local anesthesia (numbing the surgical site), sedation with local anesthesia (relaxed state with pain relief), or general anesthesia (completely asleep).  

Post-operative care instructions: The surgeon will provide detailed instructions on caring for your mouth after surgery, including pain management, dietary modifications, and oral hygiene practices. Understanding and following these instructions are crucial for a smooth recovery. 

The Surgical Procedure

On the day of your surgery, the surgical team will ensure your comfort and provide clear instructions. Here’s a general overview of what to expect:

A general overview of the surgical environment: The surgical suite is a sterile environment equipped with advanced technology and instruments necessary for the procedure. 

Importance of following surgeon’s instructions for a smooth procedure: Following your surgeon’s instructions throughout the surgery is vital for a safe and successful outcome. This may include things like remaining still, communicating any discomfort you experience, and adhering to breathing techniques if instructed. 

It’s important to remember that this is a general overview. The specifics of your experience will vary depending on the type of surgery you are undergoing.

Recovery After Oral Surgery

Following oral surgery, proper aftercare is essential for a smooth and comfortable recovery. Here are some key aspects to focus on:

Pain Management

Over-the-counter and prescription medications: Your surgeon will likely prescribe pain medication to manage discomfort after surgery. In addition, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used as directed. 

Importance of following medication regimen: Following the prescribed medication regimen exactly as directed is crucial for effective pain control. This includes taking medications at the right intervals and for the entire duration prescribed by your surgeon, even if the pain seems to be subsiding. 

Diet and Nutrition

Soft food recommendations for initial healing period: In the initial days following surgery, a soft diet is recommended to promote healing and minimize discomfort. This may include foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, applesauce, and soft-scrambled eggs. 

Gradual transition back to a regular diet: As healing progresses, you can gradually transition back to your regular diet. It’s important to avoid hard, crunchy, spicy, or acidic foods that can irritate the surgical site. 

Oral Hygiene

Gentle cleaning instructions to promote healing and prevent infection: Maintaining good oral hygiene after surgery is crucial to prevent infection and promote healing. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions on gentle cleaning techniques, which may involve using a soft-bristled toothbrush and warm salt water rinses

Potential Complications

While uncommon, some post-surgical issues can occur. Here’s a brief overview of some common ones:

Swelling: Swelling is a normal response to surgery and typically peaks within 48 hours. Applying ice packs to the area can help reduce swelling.

Bleeding: Minor bleeding is also expected after surgery. Gentle pressure with gauze can help control minor bleeding. 

When to Contact the Dentist After Surgery

If you experience any of the following after surgery, it’s important to contact your dentist or oral surgeon right away:

• Excessive or prolonged bleeding
• Severe and unrelieved pain
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Fever and chills
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Pus drainage from the surgical site 

Early intervention is key to addressing potential complications and ensuring a smooth recovery.

Myths vs. Facts about Oral Surgery

Myth: Oral surgery is always a risky and painful procedure.

Fact: Modern advancements in anesthesia and surgical techniques minimize risks and discomfort.

Myth: Only problematic wisdom teeth need to be removed.

Fact: Even healthy wisdom teeth can cause future problems if there’s insufficient space for proper eruption. Regular dental checkups help identify potential issues early on.

Myth: Everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed.

Fact: The decision to remove wisdom teeth depends on individual factors like jaw size, tooth alignment, and presence of symptoms.

Myth: Oral surgery is only for adults.

Fact: In some cases, oral surgery may be necessary for children, such as for treating cleft lip and palate or complex tooth extractions.

Myth: Recovery from oral surgery takes months.

Fact: While complete healing can take several weeks, most people experience significant improvement within a week following surgery.

Oral Surgery at Englewood Dental NJ

Dental surgery is a key part of keeping your teeth healthy. It offers a wide range of solutions to address complicated dental issues, improve function and aesthetics, and ultimately, enhance your quality of life. From restoring missing teeth with implants to correcting jaw misalignment or treating gum disease, oral surgery can provide long-term benefits for your smile and overall well-being.

Schedule a consultation to discuss if oral surgery is right for you. Don’t Let Dental Issues Hold You Back

Contact Englewood Dental NJ today to learn more about oral surgery options.