Oral Surgery

Having a highly trained oral surgeon to turn to is vital for the health of your teeth and smile. At Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces, with four locations in San Antonio and an office in Helotes, Texas, the dental team offers oral surgery to repair functional issues with your smile or improve its appearance. Schedule an evaluation by phone or request one online today to learn more about your options. 

What is oral surgery?

Oral surgery at Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces consists of procedures that repair, restore, extract, or improve the look of your teeth. Oral surgery is sometimes needed to maintain a healthy, more functional, pain-free, and gorgeous smile. Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces offers sedation dentistry to ensure oral surgery is a comfortable, relaxing, and painless experience.

What are the different types of oral surgery?

Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces offers numerous oral surgeries, including:

Extractions

The practice provides wisdom teeth removal and extractions of severely damaged or decayed teeth, replacing them or making room for healthier teeth. You might need extraction because of tooth crowding, wisdom tooth impaction, or extreme tooth damage.

Root canals

Root canals are restorative dental procedures in which a dentist opens part of an infected tooth, cleans the inside of the tooth, and fills the empty space with dental materials. 

Dental implant placement

If you’re a candidate for implant-supported dentures, crowns, or bridges, your dentist inserts dental implants (metal posts) into your jawbone during a minor surgical procedure. 

How should I prepare for oral surgery?

Follow your dentist’s instructions to prepare for oral surgery. You might need to stop taking specific medications, avoid food and drink the morning of the procedure, and make plans for someone to drive you home and stay with you afterward.

What can I expect during oral surgery?

Your specialist numbs the treatment area before you undergo oral surgery. They offer a sedative to relax you or make you fall asleep. Your dentist removes, repairs, or restores the affected teeth or inserts dental implants during oral surgery. They close any incisions and may place gauze in spaces left behind after extraction. Afterward, they take you to a recovery area.

What happens after oral surgery?

After oral surgery, follow your post-procedure instructions. Have a friend or family member drive you home, get plenty of sleep, and take any medications as directed. Avoid vigorous brushing, using mouthwash, or drinking through a straw until given the OK. The treatment area is typically tender for a short time. 

Begin with a liquid diet, then a soft food diet, before progressing to solid foods. Attend follow-up visits with your dentist as needed. You might require additional dental treatments after oral surgery.

Schedule an oral surgery evaluation at Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces by phone or request one online today.