Patient Information & FAQs
Oral surgery refers to surgical procedures performed within the mouth or jaw area such as tooth extractions, dental implant placement, corrective jaw surgeries, and treatment for gum disease. An Oral Surgeon’s expertise lies in alleviating dental discomfort, restoring function via complex dental procedures, and enhancing your smile with the help of your general dentist.
Common oral surgeries include tooth extractions, dental implants, corrective jaw surgeries, and bone grafting – all of which Leading Edge specializes in. We also specialize in TRUETEETH full mouth restoration, same-day tooth replacement, and wisdom tooth removal.
It is important to follow all the preoperative instructions from your surgeon, which might include fasting or taking certain medications. It’s also wise to plan transportation ahead of time since, in some cases, you may not be able to drive.
Our anesthesia options include local anesthesia to numb the area, nitrous oxide for a calming effect, and IV sedation for those who prefer to be less aware of the procedure. Each method is tailored to your comfort and health needs for a stress-free experience.
While largely considered safe and effective, oral surgery has some risks, including infection, bleeding, swelling, nerve damage, and reactions to anesthesia. Our skilled oral and maxillofacial surgeons will provide clear postoperative care instructions to reduce your risk.
Recovery times vary with each patient and procedure. Generally, recovery could be as quick as a few days or extend to several weeks. Always follow the guidelines of your oral surgeon. For extractions, most patients return to normal activities within a few days. More extensive surgeries may require several weeks to months for full healing.
During recovery, it’s essential to follow postoperative care instructions to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery. Pain management, avoiding certain activities like smoking or using a straw, and eating only soft foods are all part of the recovery process.
Post-surgery, rest is crucial. Limit activity, eat soft foods, keep the surgical area clean, manage swelling with ice packs, and follow medication regimens for a smooth recovery.
Signs indicating the need for wisdom teeth removal include jaw pain, gum inflammation, cysts, and facial swelling. Impacted wisdom teeth typically require extraction to avoid complications, and our surgeons can assess and address them.
Surgery for impacted teeth involves incising the gum to expose the tooth, bone removal if needed, and tooth extraction to prevent adjacent tooth damage and relieve discomfort.
At Leading Edge, our team performs all tooth extractions on-site, leveraging state-of-the-art technology and minimally invasive techniques.
Eat soft foods and avoid irritants such as hard, spicy, acidic, or sticky foods, alcohol, and smoking. Opt for cool or lukewarm liquids like broth and applesauce. Mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and yogurt are also great choices.
Manage pain with doctor-prescribed medications or over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen. To reduce swelling, use ice packs and keep your head elevated above your heart. For escalating or persistent pain, contact us immediately.
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