Oral Surgery

Oral surgery covers a range of procedures used to treat problems inside the mouth and jaw that go beyond routine dental care. This can include removing a damaged tooth or adding bone material to strengthen the jaw. These procedures address issues that a filling or crown alone can't fix.

A tooth extraction may be necessary when a tooth is too damaged, decayed, or infected to save, or when it's crowding other teeth. Removing the tooth clears the way for healing and can prepare the area for future treatment, such as a bridge, denture, or dental implant.

Tooth extraction is performed with the area numbed beforehand, so the procedure itself shouldn't be painful. Some soreness and swelling are common for a few days afterward as the area heals. Over-the-counter pain relief and following aftercare instructions usually keep any discomfort manageable during recovery.

Healing after a tooth extraction typically takes one to two weeks for the gum tissue to close over the site, though the underlying bone continues healing for several months. Following aftercare instructions, like avoiding straws and hard foods at first, helps the area heal properly and reduces the risk of complications.

A bone graft is a procedure that adds material to the jaw to rebuild areas where bone has thinned or been lost. This creates a stronger foundation for future treatment, such as a dental implant. The graft material bonds with the existing bone over several months before further treatment begins.

PRF stands for platelet-rich fibrin, a concentration of a patient's own healing cells drawn from a small blood sample. It's placed at a surgical site to help the surrounding tissue heal after certain procedures, such as extractions or implant-related treatment. This natural addition supports the healing process.

Caring for your mouth after oral surgery usually involves eating soft foods, avoiding straws, and gently rinsing with warm salt water starting the day after treatment. Keeping the surgical area clean while avoiding direct brushing on the site helps it heal properly and reduces the risk of complications.

Foods that are hard, crunchy, or require a lot of chewing should be avoided after oral surgery, since they can irritate the healing site. Very hot or spicy foods can also cause discomfort. Soft foods like soup, yogurt, and mashed potatoes are easier on the mouth during recovery.