ORAL SURGERY BONNEY LAKE WA

What is Oral Surgery?

Oral surgery refers to any surgical intervention performed on your teeth, gums, jaws, or other oral structures. It includes various procedures such as extractions, implants, gum grafts, and corrective jaw surgeries. These treatments are usually performed by specialists like oral and maxillofacial surgeons or periodontists, who have advanced training in these areas.

At Dentistry @ Bonney Lake, we understand that the thought of undergoing oral surgery can be daunting. That’s why we are committed to making your experience as stress-free as possible. From the initial consultation to post-operative care, our team will guide you through each step, ensuring you are well-informed and comfortable throughout the process. 

Common Oral Surgery Procedures

At Dentistry @ Bonney Lake, we offer a comprehensive range of oral surgery procedures designed to address various dental and oral health issues. Here are some of the most common procedures we perform:

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, often cause problems as they emerge because they can become impacted, leading to pain, infection, and other dental issues. Our team provides efficient wisdom tooth extractions to prevent complications and maintain your oral health. The procedure involves careful removal of the teeth, followed by detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. 

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth, providing a strong foundation for crowns, bridges, or dentures. Made of medical-grade titanium or zirconia, these small posts are surgically placed into the jawbone, where they fuse with the bone to create a stable base for replacement teeth. Dental implants not only restore the function and appearance of your teeth but also help preserve the jawbone structure.

Bone Grafts

Bone grafting is necessary when there is insufficient bone density in the jaw to support dental implants. This procedure involves placing bone material in the deficient area to promote new bone growth. Bone grafts can also be used during periodontal surgery to stabilize teeth affected by advanced gum disease. Our team ensures that each bone graft procedure is tailored to your specific needs, using the latest techniques to achieve optimal results.

TMJ Disorder Treatment

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can cause significant discomfort and impact your quality of life. Our surgical treatments for TMJ disorders aim to relieve pain, improve jaw function, and enhance overall oral health. We offer various surgical options depending on the severity of the condition, ensuring that each patient receives the most appropriate care.

Corrective Jaw Surgery

Corrective jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, addresses skeletal abnormalities of the jaw bones. This procedure is often recommended to improve chewing function, correct misalignment, or address facial imbalances. It can also help alleviate pain caused by TMJ dysfunction. Our surgeons work closely with you to develop a treatment plan that meets your specific needs and goals.

Facial Trauma Surgery

Facial trauma can result from accidents, sports injuries, or other incidents, leading to fractures, lacerations, and other injuries. Our team is skilled in treating various types of facial trauma, ensuring comprehensive care and optimal recovery. We focus on restoring both function and aesthetics, helping you return to normal activities as quickly as possible.

What to Expect Before, During, and After Oral Surgery

Before Surgery

Your journey at Dentistry @ Bonney Lake begins with a comprehensive consultation. During this initial visit, our team will perform a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and jaw. We may also take X-rays or 3D scans to get a detailed view of your oral structures. This evaluation helps us to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

We will provide you with detailed pre-operative instructions to ensure you are well-prepared for your procedure. These instructions may include dietary guidelines, medications to avoid, and other important preparations. Our goal is to make sure you feel informed and comfortable every step of the way.

During Surgery

Oral surgery procedures vary in complexity and duration, but most are performed in our office as outpatient procedures. Depending on the type of surgery and your personal preferences, we offer several sedation options to ensure your comfort. These can include local anesthesia, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedatives, or intravenous (IV) sedation. Your oral surgeon will discuss the best sedation option for you during your consultation.

During the procedure, our experienced team will work with precision and care to ensure the best possible outcome. We use advanced technology and techniques to minimize discomfort and reduce the risk of complications. The length of the procedure will depend on the specific surgery being performed, but we will keep you informed throughout the process.

After Surgery

Following your oral surgery, it is essential to follow the post-operative care instructions provided by our team. These instructions are designed to promote healing, reduce the risk of infection, and ensure a smooth recovery. Common post-operative guidelines may include:

• Pain Management: You may be prescribed pain medications or advised to take over-the-counter pain relievers to manage any discomfort.
• Dietary Recommendations: Stick to soft foods and avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods that may irritate the surgical site. Ideal foods include yogurt, soup, pasta, mashed potatoes, fish, pudding, eggs, and rice.
• Oral Hygiene: Keep your mouth clean by gently rinsing with a saltwater solution as recommended. Avoid brushing the surgical area until it has healed sufficiently.
• Activity Restrictions: Take it easy for a few days following surgery. Avoid strenuous activities and follow any additional activity restrictions provided by your oral surgeon.
• Follow-Up Appointments: Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and address any concerns you may have.

Most patients recover from oral surgery within a week, but this can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure. Our team is always available to answer any questions or concerns you may have during your recovery.

Risks and Benefits of Oral Surgery

Benefits of Oral Surgery

Oral surgery offers numerous benefits that can significantly improve your oral health and overall quality of life. Here are some key advantages:

• Improved Oral Health: Oral surgery can address issues such as impacted teeth, severe tooth decay, and gum disease, helping to prevent further complications and maintain a healthy mouth.
• Restored Functionality: Procedures like dental implants and corrective jaw surgery can restore proper function to your teeth and jaws, making it easier to chew, speak, and perform other essential activities.
• Enhanced Aesthetics: Many oral surgeries, including implants and corrective jaw surgeries, also improve the appearance of your smile and facial structure, boosting your confidence and self-esteem.
• Pain Relief: Conditions like TMJ disorders and impacted wisdom teeth can cause significant discomfort. Oral surgery can alleviate pain and improve your quality of life.
• Prevention of Future Problems: Proactive treatments, such as wisdom teeth removal and bone grafting, can prevent future dental issues, saving you time, money, and discomfort in the long run.

Risks of Oral Surgery

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with oral surgery. While our team at Dentistry @ Bonney Lake takes every precaution to minimize these risks, it’s important to be aware of them:

• Infection: Post-surgical infections can occur, but following proper aftercare instructions and maintaining good oral hygiene can reduce this risk.
• Dry Socket: This condition can happen after tooth extractions, particularly wisdom teeth removal. It occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site is dislodged or dissolves, exposing the bone and nerves.
• Injury to Adjacent Teeth: There is a small risk of damage to surrounding teeth during surgery, especially during complex procedures like wisdom teeth removal or corrective jaw surgery.
• Numbness: Temporary or, in rare cases, permanent numbness can occur if nerves are affected during surgery. This is more common in procedures involving the lower jaw.
• Tooth Root Fragments: Occasionally, small fragments of tooth roots may be left behind after an extraction. These fragments can sometimes cause complications if not removed.
• Sinus Issues: For upper jaw procedures, there is a risk of affecting the sinuses, which can lead to sinus infections or other issues.

Our experienced team is dedicated to providing the safest and most effective care possible with oral surgery Bonney Lake WA services. We will thoroughly discuss the risks and benefits of your specific procedure during your consultation, ensuring you are fully informed and comfortable with your treatment plan.

Minimizing Risks

To minimize the risks associated with oral surgery, it’s crucial to follow your oral surgeon’s pre- and post-operative instructions carefully. These guidelines are designed to promote healing, reduce the likelihood of complications, and ensure the best possible outcome. Additionally, attending all scheduled follow-up appointments allows us to monitor your progress and address any concerns promptly.