Did your wisdom teeth grow in? Do you need to replace one or more missing teeth? Brookwood Dental Associates offers oral surgical procedures. Oral surgery in our Lansdale, PA, dental office can resolve dental problems to support your long-term oral health and wellness. Our dental experts are here to guide you through every step of your oral surgical treatment and ensure your comfort.
Common Oral Surgery Procedures in Lansdale, PA
Comfortable dental surgery options at Brookwood Dental Associates include:
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to grow in, and they usually appear when you’re in your late teens or early twenties. Some people never have a problem with their wisdom teeth, but many do. Often, there isn’t enough space in the mouth for these extra teeth. When there’s not enough room, wisdom teeth can grow in at the wrong angle or get stuck under the gums. These are called impacted wisdom teeth, and they can cause pain, swelling, or even infections if they’re not removed.
If your dentist recommends having your wisdom teeth taken out, don’t worry — it’s a common and safe procedure. Before the treatment, your dentist will talk with you about how to make you feel comfortable. This may include options like numbing the area or using sedation to help you relax during the appointment.
During the procedure, your dentist or oral surgeon will carefully remove the tooth. If the tooth is impacted, they may need to make a small cut in your gums to reach it. Once the tooth is out, they’ll clean the area and may place a few stitches to help with healing.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth. They are made to look, feel, and work just like your natural teeth. When you smile, talk, or eat, no one will be able to tell that you have an implant.
The process of getting a dental implant happens in a few steps. First, the dentist places a small metal post, usually made of titanium, into your jawbone. This post acts like the root of a tooth. After the post is placed, your jawbone needs time to heal and grow around it. This healing process, called “osseointegration,” usually takes a few months. It helps make sure the implant is strong and stable.
Once your mouth has healed, the dentist attaches a small piece called an abutment to the post. Then, a custom-made artificial tooth, called a crown, is placed on top. This new tooth is designed to match your other teeth so that it blends in perfectly with your smile.
Tooth Extractions
Sometimes a tooth needs to be removed because it’s too damaged from decay to be fixed. Other times, gum disease can loosen teeth, making it hard to chew or talk. Teeth may also need to be taken out if your mouth is too crowded and there isn’t enough room. Most of the time, tooth extractions are quick and simple. The dentist will gently loosen the tooth and take it out.
After the extraction, our dental team will give you instructions on how to take care of the area so it heals properly. Some extractions can be more complex. Healing may take longer, but this kind of treatment can make a big difference in your health and comfort.
About Your Oral Surgery
If you’re scheduled for oral surgery, being prepared can help everything go smoothly and help you feel more comfortable. One of the most important things to do is tell your dental team about any health problems you have, like diabetes, heart conditions, or allergies. You should also let them know about any medications you’re taking — this includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicine, vitamins, and supplements. This helps your dentist keep you safe during surgery.
If you have questions about your procedure, don’t be afraid to ask! It’s important that you understand what will happen and how to take care of yourself afterward.
Pre and Post-Op Instructions
You’ll also receive instructions about eating and drinking before surgery. Some people need to fast (not eat or drink anything) for several hours or even overnight. We may recommend fasting if you get sedation or general anesthesia. Follow these directions carefully to avoid problems during the procedure.
Since you may be sleepy or groggy after surgery, make sure to have a trusted adult drive you home. You won’t be able to drive yourself safely.
The Surgical Process
When it’s time for surgery, our dentist will usually start by giving you medicine to numb the area. This is called local anesthesia. You may also be given medicine to help you relax or even sleep, depending on the type of surgery and your level of anxiety. Once the area is numb, our dentist will clean it carefully and begin the procedure.
After your surgery, the area is cleaned again and may be closed with stitches to help it heal. Our dental team will give you instructions for how to care for the area at home. We’ll ensure your recovery goes as smoothly as possible.
After Your Surgery: Important Care Instructions
Good care after surgery helps you heal faster and avoid complications. Our dental care team will provide you with specific instructions after your procedure. Here are the key steps to follow:
- Bite on gauze as directed to control bleeding
- Use ice packs to reduce swelling
- Take pain medicine as prescribed
- Eat soft foods for a few days
- Don’t use straws (the suction can cause problems)
- Rest and avoid strenuous exercise
- Keep the area clean as instructed
Please contact our dentist office as soon as possible if you experience excess bleeding, pain, or swelling. We can provide urgent dental care.
Schedule a Consultation
We’re proud to offer comfortable oral surgery in our Lansdale, PA, dental office. If you need treatment, please call Brookwood Dental Associates today at 267-651-7247. You may also request an appointment online.
Please let us know if you have questions about treatment. We’ll be happy to help you.