What Are the Benefits & Side Effects of Oral Surgery?

What Are the Benefits & Side Effects of Oral Surgery?

Jun 01, 2022

Oral surgery refers to the surgical procedure of diagnosing and treating oral diseases, injuries, and defects. In most cases, oral surgery focuses on restoring the aesthetic, functional, and health aspect of a patient’s face, teeth, jaw, and mouth. Common oral surgeries include dental implants, maxillofacial surgery, cosmetic surgery, corrective jaw surgery, impacted wisdom tooth extraction, and root canal therapy.

Depending on your condition and needs, oral surgery can be performed by a general dentist or dental specialists like endodontists, periodontists, orthodontists, and prosthodontists. Your dentist will refer you to the right specialist if you need specialized care. Contact our Andover dentist for more information about oral surgery treatments.

Who Needs Oral Surgery?

In general, you might need oral surgery if you have:

  • Severely broken or cracked tooth
  • Impacted wisdom tooth
  • Severe tooth decay
  • Advanced periodontal disease
  • Jawbone deterioration
  • Oral cancer
  • Central sleep apnea
  • Missing teeth
  • Temporomandibular joint disorder
  • Benign oral pathology – noncancerous bumps or lumps.

Benefits of Oral Surgery

When done correctly, oral surgery has numerous benefits, including:

  • It addresses the underlying problem

One of the key benefits of oral surgery is that it addresses the underlying problem and the symptoms. For instance, oral surgery can correct sleep apnea, providing relief from the associated side effects like bruxism and snoring. Similarly, an impacted wisdom tooth extraction involves removing the impacted, relieving the associated headaches and jaw pains.

  • Repair oral flaws and prevents further damage

Oral surgeries like root canal therapy entail removing tooth infections from a decayed tooth. The treatment restores the health of your tooth and prevents further damage, which could otherwise lead to severe complications like tooth loss, jawbone damage, and gum infections. Similarly, oral surgery helps treat mandibular and maxillary jaw problems, which have the potential to get worse if not treated.

  • Improve the appearance of your smile

Your smile is an essential aspect of your life. Oral surgeries like dental implants, root canals, and corrective jaw surgery can help address your aesthetic imperfections and give you a naturally beautiful and unique smile.

  • Restores oral function

One of the key reasons behind oral surgery is to restore oral function. Addressing missing teeth, jaw misalignments, tooth decay, and bite issues with surgery can help improve your oral function. You can go back to eating your favorite foods, speaking freely, and laughing without feeling uncomfortable or embarrassed.

  • Restores your self-confidence and quality of life

Your beauty and smile can be affected by oral imperfections like tooth loss and misalignments. Fortunately, oral surgery can correct these issues, improving self-confidence and overall quality of life.

Side Effects of Oral Surgery

Like most procedures, oral cancer comes with risks and complications. These can include:

  • Infections
  • Dry socket
  • Numbness
  • Sinus infections
  • Fever
  • Bleeding
  • Swelling
  • Pain
  • Injury to the surrounding teeth, gums, or bone

Fortunately, you can minimize these risks by preparing well for the surgery. Preparing will facilitate a smooth procedure and quick recovery. For best results, follow your dentist’s instructions strictly.

Important tips to keep in mind before and after oral surgery include:

Before Surgery

  • Notify your dentist if you have any underlying medical conditions or existing medications.
  • Notify your dentist if you are allergic to any sedation
  • Wear comfortable clothing when going for your surgery. Avoid jewelry.
  • Plan for someone to drive you home after the surgery.
  • Follow your dentist’s instructions regarding eating before the surgery.
  • Avoid smoking and alcoholic beverages 24 hours before the procedure.

After Surgery

  • Rest adequately after the surgery.
  • Eat soft foods like soups, eggs, vegetables, and yogurt. Avoid hard, sticky, or spicy foods until the surgical area heals.
  • Take medication as prescribed by your dentist.
  • Use a cold compress to manage pain and swelling.
  • Elevate your head when sleeping.
  • Brush and floss regularly while avoiding the surgical site. Rinse with warm salt water to prevent infections.
  • Notify your oral surgeon immediately if you experience persistent or severe side effects.
  • Avoid touching the surgical area.
  • Stay hydrated.
  • Schedule follow-up appointments.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Are you interested in oral surgery in Andover, MA? Contact Andover Cosmetic Dental Group to book your appointment.

Our dentists in Andover, MA also welcome patients from the below nearby areas:

  • North Andover
  • Lawrence
  • Methuen
  • Tewksbury
  • North Reading
  • Middleton
  • Wilmington
  • Dracut
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