The prospect of having any kind of oral surgery can be daunting for just about anyone. Many people are somewhat anxious about going to the dentist for routine visits, and if you are facing oral surgery, you probably have even more anxiety about it.
At The Dental Care Center, we understand this, which is why we do what we can to ensure that you understand exactly what is involved with the surgery. We believe that patient education is one of the best ways to help waylay dental fear and anxiety. We also offer several sedation options to ensure procedures are done painlessly. There is no need to fear oral surgery in Van Nuys!
There are situations where a patient might need to consult with a dental surgeon. Here are a few of the instances where oral surgery might be necessary:
Most people develop a final set of teeth referred to as third molars or “wisdom teeth.” Usually, these teeth grow in with no problem. In some cases, however, there isn’t enough space in the jawbone for these teeth to completely come in and they become impacted within the gum.
Not only does this cause a lot of pain and swelling for patients, but the gum tissue around the impacted area can become infected. Left untreated, tumors and cysts can actually develop, and these can lead to destruction of parts of the jawbone. This is why most dentists recommend removal of the wisdom teeth.
If you are considering dental implants to replace one or more missing teeth, but your jawbone isn’t strong enough to support the implants, you might need a surgical procedure called “bone grafting.” The procedure takes donor bone, which could be artificial or from another part of your own body, and transplants it to the needed place on the jawbone. After the healing process, the bone should be strong enough to hold a dental implant in place.
Recovering from Oral SurgeryRecovery is a consideration when it comes to any type of surgery, and this includes oral surgery. You will be given specific instructions after you undergo surgery at The Dental Care Center, and it is important that you follow those carefully to ensure your recovery goes as smoothly as possible. If you have any issues, it is critical you contact our office immediately.
After having an extraction, one of the most important things to watch out for is “dry socket.” This occurs when the blood clot that forms after a tooth has been extracted is dislodged, exposing the nerves and bones. In addition to being sore and swollen after an extraction, you might have a low-grade fever. You should start feeling better after a couple of days. If you don’t, be sure to contact our office right away.
After having a bone graft procedure, you will need to avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where you had the procedure for several weeks. Our staff will give you specific instructions on getting through recovery.
Don’t let fear stand in the way of your dental health. If you need your wisdom teeth extracted or any other type of oral surgery, call us today and we can talk to you about the process and how we can make it as comfortable as possible. Call The Dental Care Center in Van Nuys, CA today!
In our dental office, we offer oral surgery for a variety of reasons, which can include:
Your dentist in Van Nuys, CA can also perform laser surgery to help with gum health issues and so much more. Laser surgery is far less invasive than traditional surgeries, and it also promotes faster recovery times.
Wisdom tooth removal is image-guided, and we employ the gentlest of hands. First, we numb the area and then remove the problematic tooth. Some people do not have trouble with their wisdom teeth, and they erupt as expected, but too often, they encroach on other teeth, partially erupt, and leave you vulnerable to infection.
Bone grafting is important if you lose a tooth. By grafting bone into the area, we help keep the jawbone viable for a later tooth replacement, including quality dental implants. Bone grafting can also prevent jawbone deterioration, giving you a sunken and prematurely aged appearance along the lower face. Because they rely on tooth root replacement, dental implants can also stimulate your jawbone to keep it viable.
With an experienced dentist on your side, dental surgery is simpler than ever before. And we employ the latest technologies to provide comfort and optimal healing.
Tooth extractions in Van Nuys can be quick and painless with the right dentists on your side. At The Dental Care Center, our dentist in Van Nuys can help protect your oral health and restore a missing or damaged tooth with aesthetic and lifelike dentistry.
After oral surgery, you must follow your dentist’s instructions on aftercare and the healing process. One of the most common things your dentist in Van Nuys will ask you is to make sure you eat an appropriate diet after a tooth extraction.
Make sure you only chew on the opposite side of your mouth from the extraction site. You’ll likely consume more liquids than solids while healing, but we strongly advise against using a straw. A straw can dislodge a blood clot or damage soft tissues, which can add time to your recovery.
You should only eat soft foods or liquids in the first 24 hours after surgery. Acceptable foods include yogurt, pudding, Jell-O, ice cream, pureed soup, broth, and applesauce. Avoid anything hot, spicy, hard, crunchy, or chewy that can irritate the mouth.
After the first day, you can try mashed potatoes or bananas, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, pancakes, and the like.
Before your treatment begins, your dentist will review with you detailed instructions of the healing process, including acceptable foods and drinks.
If you have any questions about your tooth extraction or recovery, please give us a call today.
Dr. Peter Suh is a general dentist and owner of The Dental Care Center. A graduate of UC San Diego and Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, he has been ...
Dr. Nicolas Ravon has specifically trained and developed advanced expertise for the most challenging cases. In fact, his skills as a cosmetic dentist and periodontist have often been called on ...
Dr. Anthony Guerrero grew up in Orange County, California, and received his Bachelor of Science degree from UCLA. After college, he moved to New York City to attend Columbia University ...
Mark Yafai DDS, MD, is an oral surgeon at The Dental Care Center and has been with the practice for four years. He received his training at UCLA, receiving both ...
Dr. Feldman is a Canadian-born, board-certified orthodontist currently residing in Los Angeles, California. She attended dental school at the prestigious McGill University in Montreal, Quebec. Upon completion, she was accepted ...
With The Dental Care Center for a decade, Inbo Cho, DDS, received his Bachelor of Science degree from Northwestern University. He went on to attend the Columbia University School of ...
Getting your wisdom teeth out might not sound like the most exciting milestone, but it’s one almost everyone goes through at some point. These third molars usually pop up in your late teens or early twenties, and for many people, they bring more trouble than benefit. That’s why wisdom ...
When you hear the words “oral surgery,” it can cause nervousness and anxiety. You probably won’t know what to expect, which is a normal reaction. That’s why the dental team at The Dental Care Center focuses on educating their patients about every procedure.
Whether it’s a routine checkup or a surgical ...
The thought of wisdom tooth extraction is usually intimidating enough that the recovery period afterward becomes an afterthought. However, being cognizant of the extraction process and what to expect in the aftermath can make a world of difference in ensuring a full, speedy, and pain-free recovery.
