What is Oral Surgery?

Oral and maxillofacial surgery might sound scary, but it’s a standard dental procedure. The main goal of surgery is to improve your mouth’s function, health, and appearance. Surgeries can be performed by different dental specialists, including endodontists, periodontists, prosthodontists, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

There are many types of oral surgery. Some of the most common are:

• Wisdom teeth removal
• Gum or bone graft  
• Tooth implants
• Maxillofacial surgery
• Root canal
• Jaw and teeth repair following an injury
• Tumor removal

You can trust Abari Orthodontics & Oral Surgery in San Dimas, CA, if you need surgery. Our expert team provides surgical procedures for the best oral health in a state-of-the-art practice. From wisdom teeth extraction to dental implants, we’re here to help you achieve your best health.

Preparing for Oral Surgery

Before surgery, you will have a comprehensive exam and consultation with your dentist. If you have concerns, the doctor can answer any questions about the diagnosis and treatment procedure.

You will be given pre-operative instructions before surgery. The procedure is usually outpatient, which means you go home the same day. We recommend preparing several things before your surgery to return home comfortably. For example:

• Set up your recovery area for optimum comfort for a few days post-surgery.
• Set up your bed at an incline.
• Refrain from eating or drinking 8-10 hours before surgery.
• Depending on the type of anesthesia you are getting (topical, local, or IV sedation), you may be required to arrange for transportation back home. 
• Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing.
• Take off all jewelry.

The amount of time oral surgery takes depends on the type of surgery. Many common surgeries, like a wisdom tooth removal or dental implant surgery, can take 1-2 hours. After the surgery is over, you’re moved to a recovery room while the general anesthesia wears off.

Recovering at Home After Oral Surgery

Surgeries are quite common and range from simple to complex. It’s essential to be prepared and to manage your recovery correctly. Your mouth may be swollen and sensitive in the days after surgery. Pain medication is prescribed to help keep you comfortable. 

Alternatively, apply an ice pack to your face for 10 minutes, and remove for 10 minutes to provide relief and minimize swelling. Whatever you do, don’t smoke or drink alcohol afterward—as both can slow your healing process.

Do not brush your teeth, but rather, rinse your mouth with salt water every few hours to kill off any bacteria and give yourself a minimum of 2 days to heal. Consume soft, room temperature foods and plenty of liquids during that time. Protein drinks are a great way to get nutrients without chewing, and foods like lukewarm soup or oatmeal work well. Avoid using a straw as sucking motions can cause bleeding and disrupt healing.

Depending on the type of surgery you’ve had, recovery can range from 48 hours to 1 month, so be patient. Make sure you follow up with your surgeon as directed.

See us at Abari Orthodontics & Oral Surgery in San Dimas, California.

If you are in San Dimas or Diamond Bar, CA, and would like to schedule an appointment, call Abari Orthodontics & Oral Surgery at (909) 599-4000 for the San Dimas location or (909) 396-9000 for the Diamond Bar location. We look forward to serving you.