Oral Surgery
Dentist Hawthorne, CA
Oral surgery involves a range of surgical procedures targeting the teeth, gums, jaw, and related oral structures. These procedures, including extractions, dental implants, and jaw surgeries, are expertly conducted at Schnierow Dental Care by specialized professionals known as oral and maxillofacial surgeons and periodontists.
What Is Oral Surgery?
Oral surgery serves various purposes, primarily addressing issues concerning oral structures. Common reasons include the extraction of severely damaged or decayed teeth, placement of dental implants, correction of jaw alignment, and treatment of gum recession through gum grafts. Conditions such as impacted wisdom teeth, facial trauma, cleft palate, and oral infections may also necessitate oral surgery.
The Benefits of a Board Certified Oral Surgeon
If you need an oral surgeon, you can rest easy with the knowledge that your oral wellness is in the hands of a well-trained professional. Board certification assures you of a dental professional who is able to offer significant surgical training and experience. You will also be able to benefit from the safe administration of the sedation options that are appropriate for the procedures you are undergoing. Our board-certified oral surgeon, Dr. Schnierow, has the experience to administer all sedation levels. Patients will be able to benefit from a dental professional who uses the most advanced technology to achieve results, while ensuring the safety and comfort of each patient.
Sedation During Oral Surgery
Finding the correct level of sedation to make the patient comfortable and relaxed, unable to feel any of the discomfort or potential pain brought about by the procedure is important. It not only makes it safer for the patient and our professional staff, but it also limits the possibilities of accidents if the patient reacts in the middle of the surgery.
In those cases where the patient is uncomfortable with sedation dentistry, we attempt to use the absolute minimum amount to make sure they are comfortable and still be able to perform the dental surgery successfully.
It is our goal to find the best balance between patient comfort and safety with our sedation dentistry techniques. If you are nervous about an upcoming procedure or have questions regarding a procedure you might need, feel free to ask us.
What is Sedation?
Sedation is defined as a lowered state of consciousness in which their environmental awareness is diminished. This is achieved through a variety of ways and helps those patients nervous and anxious to get through dental procedures.
Options in Sedation There are different stages or levels of sedation dentistry. For the overwhelming majority of dental surgeries, minimal sedation is the recommended level of sedation. This is used for minor surgical procedures so pain can be greatly reduced during the process. The patient remains completely conscious.
With moderate levels of sedation, the patient's level of consciousness is diminished although all cardiovascular functions remain. Although altered, the patient is able to feel stimuli and react to questions and verbal commands.
The last level, which is the strongest level of sedation available, is only utilized during the most complex surgeries. During this level, patients are completely unconscious and cannot react to any external stimuli. This is not used very often.
Common Oral Surgery Procedures
Numerous oral surgery procedures are performed regularly, with tooth extractions and corrective jaw surgeries being among the most common.
These procedures include:
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Tooth Extraction: Common for severe decay, trauma, or wisdom teeth removal
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Periodontal Surgery: Treats moderate periodontitis and gum recession through gum grafts
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Dental Bone Graft: Addresses jawbone loss to facilitate future dental implant placement
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Corrective Jaw Surgery: Improves chewing, corrects misalignment, and alleviates TMJ dysfunction
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Sleep Apnea Corrective Surgery: Addresses obstructive sleep apnea, often requiring surgical intervention
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Cleft Lip Repair: Restores eating function and aids speech development in infants with cleft lip or palate |
Preparing for Oral Surgery: Steps to Take
Oral surgery typically involves three steps: initial examination, scheduling of the procedure, and post-surgery care. Procedures may occur in our dental office on an outpatient basis or in a hospital under general anesthesia, depending on complexity. The duration of surgery varies based on factors such as procedure type and sedation method. We will give specific directions on how to prepare for your surgery, including when to stop eating prior to your surgery, type of sedation we will use, and if you will need someone to drive you home after your procedure.
Recovery After Oral Surgery Recovery duration varies but generally takes around one week, with individuals often resuming normal activities within one to three days. Medications are prescribed for comfort, and avoiding hard foods aids in the healing process. More complex procedures may entail longer recovery times.
Wisdom Teeth Removal: What to Expect
To ensure comfort, a local anesthetic will be applied to the extraction area. Alternatively, a general anesthetic can be used to allow you to sleep through the entire process. It is important to abstain from food and drink after midnight before the surgery to avoid any complications with anesthetic administration.
Once the anesthesia takes effect, your oral health professional will open the gum tissue to expose the tooth. Any bone covering the tooth will be removed, and the tissue connecting the wisdom tooth to the bone will be separated. The tooth is then extracted, sometimes in smaller segments to facilitate removal.
After the tooth is removed, stitches will seal the extraction point. Some stitches require professional removal, while others dissolve as the wound heals. Cotton gauze will be placed over the area to prevent food and drink debris from entering and to inhibit bacterial growth.
Dental Implants: A Comprehensive Guide
The comfort and convenience afforded by dental implants are unparalleled, offering a hassle-free solution for individuals seeking to replace missing teeth. Unlike removable dentures, which may cause discomfort or soreness due to friction against the gums, implants become a permanent part of the oral anatomy, eliminating the need for adhesives or adjustments. With dental implants, you can enjoy a sense of normalcy and confidence in your daily activities, free from the inconveniences associated with traditional tooth replacement options.
Perhaps the most significant benefit of dental implants lies in their profound impact on overall quality of life. By restoring oral function, aesthetics, and self-confidence, implants empower individuals to live life to the fullest, unencumbered by the limitations imposed by tooth loss. Whether enjoying favorite foods, engaging in social activities, or simply smiling confidently, dental implants provide a renewed sense of vitality and well-being that transcends the confines of dental treatment.
Oral Surgery in South Bay, CA
Oral surgery plays a crucial role in treating various oral conditions, whether corrective or aesthetic. Choosing a dental clinic equipped with advanced technology ensures competent and compassionate treatment. At Schnierow Dental Care, we pride ourselves on our advanced oral surgery capabilities. Contact us at (424) 383-5005 to schedule an appointment with our skilled surgeons and restore your oral health to perfection.
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