Voorhees Oral Surgeons

Some dental procedures require more work and expertise than is available with a primary care dentist. Oral surgery involves a serious medical issue and delays can lead to worsening complications and affect other parts of the body. Oral surgeons can handle:

  • Complex or broken tooth extractions
  • Gum grafts
  • Restructuring of bone and gum tissue
  • Relieving jaw pain
  • Teeth or jaw repair following an injury
  • Dental implants
  • Oral cancer and other issues

What Should I Do Before Surgery?

Make sure the oral surgeon thoroughly explains the procedure before scheduling. It is helpful to explain any and all concerns with the surgeon, along with medical allergies. Some surgeons may prescribe an antibiotic before the procedure, often to patients with prosthetic limbs, compromised immunities, or certain heart conditions. This helps prepare the body and mitigate any consequences of post-surgery infection among those at higher risk.

If planning to recover at home, prepare the bedroom or area used for convalescence. Have pillows arranged to allow for head elevation and comfortable rest. If anesthesia is planned, arrange for transportation to and from the facility if the surgeon recommends not driving after the procedure. It is strongly recommended not to eat or drink eight hours before the procedure if anesthesia will be administered.

What Happens During Surgery?

If the surgeon chooses to administer general anesthesia, patients will often stay asleep during the procedure, waking up after completion. Other procedures only need a local anesthetic, which numbs the targeted area but keeps the patient awake and alert during the procedure. Certain pre-existing medical conditions, such as hypertension or diabetes, may affect how the anesthesia gets administered.

During the procedure, a surgeon will use forceps and other tools to remove broken teeth, bone, and other debris. Other procedures, such as gum grafts, require stitching to repair the damaged gumline. A surgeon will work to minimize bleeding through gauze and other options. If stitches are used, they may either dissolve over time or require an additional procedure for removal.

What is Recommended After the Surgery?

Certain oral surgery procedures will have different follow-up or recovery procedures. Surgeries that require removing a cancerous tumor or major reconstruction will require inpatient stays, perhaps for multiple days, for observation. Other patients may be released same-day following certain surgeries. If able to recover at home, the following are some suggestions and considerations to follow:

  • If prescribed painkillers, follow dosing recommendations and take at prescribed times unless the surgeon suggests otherwise. If any medicine is not used, dispose of promptly following the end of the recovery period. Talk to the surgeon about concerns over prescription medicines before the surgery. Use ice packs to help reduce swelling using the on/off schedule.
  • Take it easy for at least 24 hours after the surgery to rest and let the targeted area recuperate. Elevate the head while sleeping to promote healing and avoid prolonged activity or exercise for the first few days following surgery or as suggested.
  • Try to eat soft foods and avoid chewing around the targeted area. If the surgery affected the jaw, stay away from hard food for a longer period or as advised by the surgeon. Do not use a straw or eat crunchy and chewy foods. If local anesthetic was used, stay away from hot foods while the area is numb to avoid burning the mouth or tongue. Avoid smoking or consuming alcohol as they will slow the recovery process.
  • If advised not to brush teeth, gargle a saltwater solution to kill bacteria and reduce the chance of infection. Do this multiple times daily, especially after meals. When resuming brushing and flossing, do so with care.
  • If unable to eat foods with Vitamin A and C to boost recovery, take supplements to add those nutrients.
  • Follow all the surgeon’s orders and recommendations. If any concerns arise, contact the surgeon’s office immediately to avoid further complications.

Voorhees Oral Surgeons at Lanzi Burke Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Help Patients with Various Surgical Needs

It can be scary to hear you need oral surgery. However, it is very important to follow a referral and get the procedure done as soon as possible. The Voorhees oral surgeons at Lanzi Burke Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons will handle your case with care. Call us today at 856-582-4222 or contact us online today to schedule an appointment. Located in Washington Township, Haddonfield, and Woolwich Township, we serve patients throughout South Jersey.

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