Oral Surgery

At the intersection of skill, compassion, and advanced technology, our Gloucester City, NJ practice is the ideal choice for patients seeking specialized surgical care. We understand that facing oral surgery can be an emotionally challenging and sometimes overwhelming experience, but our team at Dental Arts Group is committed to providing a comfortable, supportive environment where we can address your concerns, ease your fears, and guide you on a path to restored oral health and renewed confidence. 

No matter your surgical needs, you can count on our team to take care of you with the utmost compassion and expertise. Read below to learn more!

What Is Oral Surgery?

Oral surgery is a specialized field of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis and surgical treatment of various diseases, injuries, and defects in the head, neck, face, jaws, and the tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region. Our skilled oral surgeons have completed additional training beyond dental school, equipping them with the knowledge and experience necessary to provide comprehensive surgical care.

Why Is Oral Surgery Needed?

Oral surgery is needed for a variety of reasons, often to address issues that cannot be treated with non-surgical or less invasive dental procedures. Some common reasons for oral surgery include:

  • Impacted teeth: When teeth, especially wisdom teeth, do not emerge properly and become trapped under the gumline, oral surgery is needed to remove them to prevent infection, damage to neighboring teeth, or other complications.
  • Tooth extractions: Severely decayed, damaged, or infected teeth that cannot be saved by a root canal or other dental treatments may require extraction to prevent the spread of infection and preserve the health of the surrounding tissues.
  • Dental implants: When teeth are lost or extracted, dental implants provide a long-term solution to restore function and aesthetics. Oral surgery is needed to place the implant into the jawbone.
  • Bone grafting: Bone grafting is a surgical procedure used to repair, rebuild, or augment bone in the jaw. This procedure is often performed to prepare the jaw for dental implants, address bone loss due to periodontal disease, or reconstruct areas of the jaw that have been damaged due to trauma.

Dental Sedation During Oral Surgery

At Dental Arts Group, we understand that undergoing oral surgery can be a source of anxiety and stress for many patients. To help alleviate these concerns and ensure a comfortable experience, our practice offers dental sedation as part of our commitment to patient-centered care.

Dental sedation provides numerous benefits, including helping patients feel more relaxed and at ease during the procedure. This can be particularly helpful for those who may have a fear of surgery or difficulty sitting still for extended periods. By utilizing sedation, our skilled team can complete your surgical procedure more efficiently and minimize discomfort, allowing you to have a positive experience in our care.

Preparing For Oral Surgery

Proper preparation for oral surgery is essential for a successful procedure and a smooth recovery. The following are steps and guidelines to help you prepare and know what to expect for your upcoming oral surgery:

  • Consultation: Your first step is to meet with our team for a consultation. During this appointment, we will discuss your medical and dental history, perform a thorough examination, and review any necessary imaging (such as x-rays or CT scans). This information will help determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs.
  • Pre-operative instructions: Our specialists will provide you with specific pre-operative instructions tailored to your procedure. These may include guidelines on what medications to take or avoid, when to stop eating and drinking before surgery, and any necessary adjustments to your daily routine. It’s crucial to follow these instructions closely to minimize complications and ensure a successful surgery.
  • Arrange transportation: Since you will be sedated during your oral surgery, it’s important to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure. You should also have someone available to stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery, as you may be groggy or require assistance.
  • Prepare your recovery space: Set up a comfortable area at home where you can rest and recover after your surgery. Have plenty of pillows and blankets on hand, as well as easy access to a phone, charger, and any other necessary items. It’s also a good idea to have ice packs available to help with swelling.
  • Stock up on soft foods: Your diet will likely be restricted to soft foods for a few days to a week after your oral surgery. Plan ahead and have a variety of nutritious, easy-to-eat options on hand, such as yogurt, applesauce, smoothies, soups, and mashed potatoes.
  • Plan for time off work or school: Depending on the complexity of your procedure and our recommendations, you may need to take some time off work or school to recover. Be sure to arrange this ahead of time and communicate with your employer or teachers as needed.
  • Maintain good oral hygiene: In the days leading up to your surgery, practice excellent oral hygiene to minimize the risk of infection. Brush and floss your teeth regularly and follow any additional recommendations from our team.
  • Ask questions: If you have any concerns or questions about your procedure, recovery, or post-operative care, don’t hesitate to contact our office. We are there to help you feel informed and comfortable with your upcoming surgery.

Oral Surgery Recovery

Oral surgery recovery varies depending on the type and complexity of the procedure. However, there are some general guidelines and tips that can help promote a smooth recovery after oral surgery; please review these recommendations below:

  • Rest: Give yourself ample time to rest and recover after the procedure. Avoid strenuous activities and exercise for the first few days to a week, as they can increase swelling and prolong healing. Elevate your head with pillows when lying down to help minimize swelling.
  • Discomfort management: Our office may prescribe medications or recommend over-the-counter options to help manage discomfort. You can also use an ice pack on the outside of your face near the surgery site for 15–20 minutes at a time to help reduce swelling and soreness.
  • Bleeding control: Some bleeding is normal after oral surgery. If you experience bleeding, place a clean gauze pad over the area and gently bite down to apply pressure. Maintain pressure for about 20–30 minutes, or until the bleeding stops.
  • Diet: Stick to a soft food diet for the first few days to a week after surgery. Gradually reintroduce solid foods as your comfort level and healing progress. Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods, as well as using straws, as these can disrupt the healing process or dislodge blood clots.
  • Oral hygiene: Good oral hygiene is crucial during recovery. Resume gentle brushing and flossing after the first 24 hours, but avoid the surgery site to prevent irritation or dislodging the blood clot. 
  • Swelling: Swelling is common after oral surgery and typically peaks around 48–72 hours post-surgery. Apply ice packs to the affected area for the first 24–48 hours to help reduce swelling. After 48 hours, you can switch to using a warm compress.
  • Follow-up appointments: Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments with our surgical team to monitor your healing progress and address any concerns. If you experience any complications, such as severe discomfort, excessive bleeding, signs of infection, or fever, contact our office immediately.

Our dedicated team at Dental Arts Group is committed to providing a calm, reassuring atmosphere to put your mind at ease throughout your entire experience with us. From our expert surgical care to our compassionate support, we are here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring your comfort and well-being are our top priorities. 

You can trust that our skilled team will go above and beyond to make your oral surgery journey as stress-free and comfortable as possible, empowering you to face the future with a renewed sense of confidence and a healthy smile. Call today!

Our Services

The DAG Comprehensive Exam
Cavity & Disease Prevention
Healthy Gums
Cavity Repair
Implants & Dentures
Invisalign®
Cosmetic Dentistry
Teeth Whitening
Endodontics
Oral Surgery
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