Common Questions After Oral Surgery
If you or a loved one is scheduled to have or has recently had oral surgery, you probably have a lot of questions. Here are some of the most common ones:
1. One of my stitches came out after my surgery, should I be worried?
Losing a stitch isn’t a problem in most cases. Stitches are typically placed during surgery to help control bleeding and assist in clot formation. However, if you’ve had a bone-graft procedure, contact your surgeon, as you may need to be seen immediately.
2. What can I eat after surgery?
After surgery, eat only soft foods that are at room temperature. Avoid foods that are too hot or cold. Don’t eat anything crunchy or chewy to avoid damaging the surgical site.
3. I am having a lot of pain following my procedure, what should I do?
If you’ve been prescribed pain medication, take it as directed. If you haven’t been given a prescription, over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can help, as they have natural anti-inflammatory properties. Drink plenty of water at room temperature and get adequate rest.
4. I had a tooth extracted, how can I tell if I have a dry socket?
Dry socket occurs when the blood clot in the extraction site is lost. Activities like smoking, using a straw, poor oral hygiene, or not resting enough after the extraction can lead to this condition. Dry socket typically develops within a week of extraction. It can be treated with sterile washes and medicated gauze for pain relief.
5. I had a procedure this morning and am still bleeding. Is that normal?
Bleeding is common after extractions or other surgical procedures. If the bleeding seems excessive, bite down on sterile gauze or a damp teabag for 20-30 minutes. Avoid removing the gauze to check for blood, as this can worsen the bleeding. If the bleeding persists or feels abnormal, call your surgeon.
Your oral surgeon can answer these questions and more. Don’t hesitate to call their office for any concerns or to ensure you are healing comfortably after your procedure.
Ready to transform your smile? Schedule your appointment today at our Ottawa dental office.
Oral surgery can address a range of issues that go beyond simple tooth extraction, and the need for surgery isn’t always due to poor dental hygiene. Some causes of oral surgery, such as injuries, birth defects, or cancer, cannot always be predicted or avoided. Thanks to advances in oral surgery, especially in restoration and reconstruction techniques, many issues can be successfully treated. Below are some common reasons oral surgery may be recommended:
Tooth Loss:
To replace missing teeth, dental implants require oral surgery to insert a titanium implant into the jawbone. Implants provide a secure and permanent solution, offering a natural appearance compared to dentures and bridges. Candidates for implant surgery typically need to have adequate bone density, good overall health, and a commitment to proper oral hygiene. After healing, a crown is placed on the implant to complete the restoration.
Impacted Teeth:
One of the most common oral surgeries is the removal of impacted wisdom teeth. This typically happens during the late teen to early adult years when the wisdom teeth cannot erupt properly. Removing them prevents future dental issues.
TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder):
TMJ disorders affect the joint where the skull and lower jaw meet, leading to facial pain, headaches, jaw popping, and other symptoms. While some cases can be managed with splints, physical therapy, and medications, more severe cases may require surgery to correct the problems.
Injuries:
Trauma from car accidents, sports injuries, or other incidents can lead to broken facial bones or jaws. Oral surgery may be required to realign the jaws, wire the bones together, and repair the injury to restore normal function and comfort.
Cleft Repairs:
Birth defects, such as cleft lips or palates, are corrected through oral surgery. This typically involves a series of surgeries over several years to improve both the appearance and function of the affected areas.
Biopsy:
Oral surgery may also be necessary to remove cancerous tumors or lesions in the jaws or facial bones. This is especially critical when the cancer involves joints or muscles, as these areas are essential for normal facial movement and function.
What to Expect with Oral Surgery
If oral surgery is in your future, you might be worried about what’s to come. The way to relieve that worry is to talk to your oral surgeon. Your oral surgeon has the experience and knowledge necessary to guide you through whatever concerns or questions you may have. Here is a guide to some of those questions and answers:
How will I handle pain following surgery?
In many cases, you will have been prescribed narcotic pain relievers. If you are taking narcotics, take them only as recommended and do not mix them with over-the-counter pain relievers or alcohol. Driving while on narcotics is dangerous and can have serious consequences for you personally and for others. If you weren’t prescribed any medication, use anti-inflammatory analgesics such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium.
What will happen to my stitches in the days following surgery?
Some stitches will be designed to dissolve over time and will not need to be removed. Others will not come out on their own and will need to be removed at a subsequent appointment. In many cases, losing a single stitch or two in the days following surgery isn’t serious; however, for bone-graft treatments, it is problematic and you should contact your surgeon immediately.
Can I eat normally after surgery?
Immediately after surgery, when you’re still experiencing any mouth or tongue numbness, don’t eat anything. You could mistake the soft tissues of your mouth for food and do serious damage to your mouth without realizing it. After your numbness subsides, consume soft foods of tepid temperatures for several days to allow for healing. Talk to your surgeon to learn when you can resume normal eating patterns as dictated by your particular surgery.
What other tips do you have?
Stay hydrated and rest as much as possible to facilitate complete and quick healing. Call your surgeon if you have excessive bleeding or pain that doesn’t lessen with time. Be aware of signs of infection (swelling, redness, odorous or sour discharge) at the surgical site and seek professional care when needed.
Do you live in Ottawa or the surrounding area? Our team is ready to help you achieve your smile goals. Schedule your appointment today.
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to emerge, typically between the ages of 17 and 25. Located at the very back of the mouth, these teeth often require special attention to determine if they are properly positioned and healthy. Here’s what you need to know about wisdom teeth and their removal:
When should wisdom teeth be removed?
Wisdom teeth may need to be removed if they cause:
- Pain or discomfort
- Infections or gum inflammation
- Cysts or damage to the jawbone
- Gum disease
- Tooth decay or harm to nearby teeth
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to visit your dentist for an evaluation.
What are impacted wisdom teeth?
Impacted wisdom teeth occur when there isn’t enough space for them to emerge properly. They may grow at odd angles, even horizontally, and can remain trapped within the jawbone. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, and infection. Impacted teeth can lead to severe oral health problems, so dentists often recommend removing wisdom teeth before they fully develop or become impacted.
Are there subtle reasons for wisdom teeth removal?
Even if wisdom teeth aren’t causing immediate issues, they may still pose risks in the future. Dentists frequently advise removing wisdom teeth in teens or young adults to prevent complications as they age. Additionally, wisdom teeth may be removed as part of broader orthodontic, periodontal, or restorative treatment plans.
What happens if I don’t remove them?
In some cases, dentists take a “wait and see” approach, monitoring wisdom teeth over time. If there is enough room for them to emerge properly and they remain healthy, removal might not be necessary. However, ongoing dental checkups are crucial to ensure they don’t cause problems later in life.
For expert advice and care, contact our dental office for a consultation on wisdom teeth removal. Protect your oral health by staying proactive!
Understanding and Treating Gum Disease
Gum disease is a serious problem, and you should treat it as soon as possible by following your dentist’s recommendations. Also known as periodontal disease, it has several treatments depending on the severity of the issue.
Initial Steps to Address Gum Disease
Your first course of action is to completely revamp your oral hygiene habits. Daily flossing and brushing after meals are essential habits to develop. You must have a clean mouth before you go to bed. If you smoke, it’s important to quit, as your oral health depends on it.
If you haven’t been keeping up with regular professional checkups and cleanings, now is the time to start again. Long-term gum health is greatly impacted by the plaque, tartar, food debris, and bacteria left on teeth. Hardened calculus, or calcified plaque, can be removed using a process called scaling, which may require local anesthesia.
Evaluating Progress
Your dentist will monitor your progress to see if your gum tissue is recovering. If you respond well to treatment, gum disease may be managed with these initial steps alone. However, for more severe cases, oral surgery may be necessary.
Advanced Treatment Options
Surgical procedures can regenerate and repair soft gum tissue as well as hard tissues such as bone or teeth. Your oral surgeon will aim to reduce or eliminate gum pockets—open areas beneath the gum line—improving gum-to-tooth attachment. The goal is to restore normal oral functions and aesthetic appearance.
Sedation Options
For patients undergoing oral surgery to treat gum disease, various sedation dentistry options are available, including local anesthesia, IV sedation, or conscious oral sedation. Discuss your options with your oral surgeon to determine the best choice for your specific needs.
Act Now
Don’t delay in treating gum disease. Take the necessary steps to ensure a lifetime of better oral hygiene and gum health.
Are dental issues holding you back? Take control of your oral health by booking an appointment with our experienced team at our Ottawa dental office.
Also called third molars, wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth to erupt. Usually, people get their wisdom teeth in during their late teens and early 20s. Although some individuals have no trouble with their wisdom teeth, many people end up having these teeth removed because they may become impacted and create dental health issues. Learn more about wisdom teeth with this Q and A:
Do I need to have my wisdom teeth removed?
If your wisdom teeth aren’t causing problems, you can leave them alone. Typically, wisdom teeth are crooked or impacted, which can generate problems with the surrounding teeth. Also, wisdom teeth can be harder to keep clean, so the risk of decay on these teeth is higher.
When should I have these teeth taken out?
For optimal results, most dentists recommend wisdom teeth removal for patients when they are between 16 and 22 years old. The formation of the roots isn’t complete, so you have fewer complications.
Are there any risks?
As with any surgery, you can have issues arise, but the biggest concerns are nerve damage and dry sockets. Older patients have a greater chance of nerve damage because the root has more fully developed. Dry sockets occur when the post-surgery blood clots dislodge.
Does my age matter?
Some adults don’t experience any symptoms until they are in their 30s, 40s, or 50s. You can have these teeth extracted at any point, but when you get older, surgery is more difficult and the recovery takes longer. If you have trouble with your wisdom teeth, contact your dentist right away for a complete exam.
Ottawa dental office for wisdom teeth – PermaSmile!
