Oral Surgery
What Is Oral Surgery?
The term “oral surgery” can describe any surgical procedure performed by a dental professional on the teeth, gums, or jaw. These procedures vary in intensity and duration, but are undertaken with the intention of preserving the patient’s oral health and function.
At The Paddington Dental Surgery, we strive to make every surgical procedure as painless, quick, and stress-free as possible for our patients. Our dedicated dentists are proficient in various types of oral surgery – from periodontal treatments to extractions and more – and are able to tailor each procedure to the patient’s individual needs. If you believe you are in need of oral surgery, we encourage you to get in touch with us.
What Are the Different Types of Oral Surgery?
While a number of oral surgery options exist, these are a some of the most common:
Dental Implants
An extremely popular tooth replacement procedure, dental implants typically consist of a titanium root topped with a custom-designed dental crown. This type of restoration can seamlessly take the place of a natural tooth in appearance and function. The treatment involves a multi-step process which includes the surgical placement of the root.
Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening is an example of a cosmetic dentistry treatment, as it is performed to enhance the appearance of the smile. During a crown lengthening procedure, the oral surgeon recontours the gum line to expose more of the tooth, making the treatment a frequent choice for patients who want to reduce the appearance of a “gummy smile.”
Periodontal Treatments
Periodontal treatments aim to address gum disease or related issues. As periodontal health is essential not only to oral wellness but to overall health, as well, periodontal surgery can greatly benefit patients with advanced periodontal disease. Our dentists are extensively experienced in many types of periodontal surgery, including osseous (“pocket”) surgery and gum grafting. In general, gum disease surgery is performed as a “last resort” when less invasive measures (i.e. scaling and root planing or laser gum therapy) do not effectively manage the problem.
Tooth Extractions
While we always strive to save teeth, the presence of a compromised or vulnerable tooth can lead to other issues in the mouth. In such cases, tooth extraction may be warranted. Some patients are intimidated by the very phrase “tooth extraction,” but rest assured that the procedure is very routine, and numerous methods exist to mitigate discomfort and anxiety throughout.
How is Oral Surgery Performed?
Just as the types of oral surgery vary widely, the course of your care will depend on the treatment in question, as well as your unique oral health concerns. Depending on the extent of work that needs to be done, as well as your personal preferences, we offer several sedation dentistry techniques to keep you relaxed – or even asleep – during the surgery. These include oral conscious sedation, which comes in the form of a single pill taken about an hour before the surgery; IV sedation to help patients sleep; and homeopathic sedatives administered by our on-site naturopath.
The majority of oral surgeries can be completed as an outpatient procedure in a few hours. Following your oral surgery, we advise you to closely follow your aftercare instructions. In many cases, you will be directed to take over-the-counter pain medications to ease post-operative discomfort. As always, you are encouraged to reach out to our team in the event of any issues that should arise following your surgery.
Is Oral Surgery Painful?
At The Paddington Dental Surgery, we understand that it is natural for patients to associate dental treatments – particularly oral surgery – with pain. As part of our goal of delivering pain-free dentistry, we approach each procedure with compassion, understanding, and patience.
With the goal of easing discomfort, we can employ methods such as no-needle numbing and drill-free techniques (e.g. gentle air abrasion micro-invasive infiltration) during your surgery. Additionally, we can provide warm towels, noise-cancelling headphones, or a movie or music of your choice.
Furthermore, your dentist will check in with you throughout your surgery to make sure you are as comfortable as possible. We encourage you to be upfront with your oral surgeon and the rest of our team about your needs, and we will do our best to provide a pain-free and even relaxing experience.
How Much Does Oral Surgery Cost?
The cost of oral surgery at our practice can vary widely depending on factors such as:
- The type(s) of surgery being performed
- The method of sedation dentistry utilised
- Pre- and post-operative care (i.e. pain medications)
- The incorporation of homeopathic or botanical treatments
We never want financial concerns to stand in the way of the care you deserve. If you have any questions about financing your care, please direct them to our knowledgeable team.
There’s always a reason to smile at The Paddington Dental Surgery! For more information about our oral surgery options, feel free to reach out to us today.