Oral Surgery

Oral Surgery Services

Oral surgery in dentistry includes different treatments to fix mouth and jaw problems. It can be removing damaged teeth, putting in dental implants for missing teeth, or taking out painful wisdom teeth. Other surgeries fix jaw misalignment, treat gum disease, or check for diseases like cancer with biopsies. These surgeries help reduce pain, improve how your mouth works, and make your overall oral health better.

To be more specific, the list of services we provide in our clinic include:

• Dental Implants: If you have missing teeth, dental implants may be recommended to restore function, aesthetics, and jawbone health.
• Frenectomy (also known as: Minor soft tissue surgery) can be performed if you have a tight or thick band of tissue (frenulum) that restricts movement or causes gaps between teeth, a frenectomy can remove or loosen the tissue to enhance oral function and aesthetics.
• Gum contouring or crown lengthening (also known as: Minor soft tissue surgery) may be performed to improve the appearance of your smile by reshaping the gums or exposing more of the tooth structure.
• Wisdom Teeth Removal: Impacted or improperly aligned wisdom teeth can cause pain, infections, and dental complications, requiring surgical removal.
• Tooth Extractions: If you have severely decayed, damaged, or impacted teeth, extraction may be necessary to alleviate pain and prevent further oral health issues.

Our team of skilled general dentists, with specialized training in oral surgery, delivers these services. While we manage most cases, complex situations are referred to oral surgeons or specialists. Ultimately, our goal is to address diverse oral health concerns, restoring function, aesthetics, and well-being.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a fantastic solution if you're missing teeth and want to restore your smile and chewing ability. They're like artificial tooth roots made of titanium that are placed into your jawbone to support replacement teeth or bridges. Dental implants are necessary if you want a long-lasting, natural-looking solution to replace missing teeth. They offer several benefits, including improved chewing ability, enhanced appearance, and increased confidence in your smile. If you're tired of dealing with gaps in your smile or uncomfortable dentures, consider talking to our team about how dental implants can transform your oral health and quality of life.

Gum Contouring / Crown Lengthening (Minor soft tissue surgeries)

Gum contouring, also called crown lengthening, is a dental procedure that can improve your smile. It's helpful if you have too much gum showing when you smile or if you need more of your tooth surface exposed for dental work.

If you're self-conscious about a "gummy" smile or uneven gums, gum contouring can sculpt a more balanced, harmonious look. For those looking to reveal more of their teeth for a fuller smile, crown lengthening is an excellent option. Our experienced cosmetic dental team is dedicated to your comfort, employing precise and minimally invasive techniques to enhance your smile's aesthetic beautifully. Let us help turn your dream smile into a stunning reality.

Frenectomy (Minor soft tissue surgeries)

A frenectomy is a simple procedure that can make a big difference in your oral health and comfort. It involves removing a small piece of tissue called a frenulum, which connects your lips, tongue, or cheeks to your gums or mouth floor. This procedure can be helpful if you have speech difficulties, trouble eating, or if the frenulum causes discomfort or pulls on your gums. If you're experiencing any of these issues, don't hesitate to talk to our team about whether a frenectomy could help you feel better and improve your oral function.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

The decision to remove wisdom teeth typically involves considering current symptoms, potential risks, and the overall impact on dental health. Your dentist will assess your specific situation, possibly using X-rays, to make a recommendation based on your needs.

Usually your dentist will recommend wisdom teeth removal to prevent or address several potential oral health issues. Common reasons include impaction, where there isn't enough room for the teeth to emerge properly, leading to pain, swelling, and infection. Crowding can occur, disrupting the alignment of other teeth and possibly necessitating orthodontic treatment. Partially emerged wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean, increasing the risk of decay and gum disease. In some instances, impacted wisdom teeth might cause cysts or tumors that can damage the jawbone and teeth.

Removal is often advised not only to relieve pain and discomfort but also as a preventive measure to avoid these complications, based on assessments during your dental exam.

Tooth Extraction: A Safe and Effective Solution

At K Smiles Dental Care, we understand that the decision to remove a tooth is never taken lightly. Our dedicated team is committed to ensuring that your tooth extraction procedure is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. We use the latest techniques and equipment to ensure the highest standards of safety and effectiveness.

Why Tooth Extraction May Be Necessary: Tooth extraction is sometimes essential for various reasons, including severe decay, advanced gum disease, tooth overcrowding, or damage from trauma. In cases where a tooth cannot be saved with a filling, crown, or other treatment, removal might be the best option to prevent further complications and maintain oral health.

What to Expect During the Procedure:

1. Consultation and Examination: We first thoroughly examine your mouth and discuss your dental and medical history to ensure tooth extraction is the right course of action.
2. Preparation: If extraction is necessary, we will prepare you fully, explaining the procedure and answering any questions.
3. Anesthesia: To ensure comfort, we administer a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth to be extracted.
4. The Extraction: Our skilled dentists use precise techniques to remove the tooth as gently as possible.
5. Post-Procedure Care: We provide detailed aftercare instructions to help you heal quickly and comfortably. This includes managing discomfort, preventing infection, and caring for the extraction site.

Recovery and Healing: Recovery typically involves just a few days of rest and modified diet. We recommend avoiding strenuous activity and eating soft foods to allow for healing. Pain can generally be managed with over-the-counter medications, and ice packs can help reduce swelling.

Follow-Up Care: We schedule a follow-up call or appointment to monitor your healing and discuss any further treatment needed to restore functionality or aesthetics, such as a dental implant or bridge.

We are here to support you through every step of your tooth extraction process. We aim not only to treat your immediate dental needs but also to provide solutions that benefit your long-term dental health. If you have concerns about a tooth and wonder if extraction is the right option, please contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Aftercare / Home care tips for Tooth Extraction/Wisdom Teeth Removal

After your tooth extraction, it’s important to take good care of the area to ensure a smooth recovery. Here are some personalized tips for you:

• Gauze Use: Right after your procedure, gently bite down on the sterile gauze your dentist provides for about 30-60 minutes to help form a clot. Replace it as it becomes soaked.
• Rest Up: Take it easy and rest for the first 24 hours, avoiding any heavy activities for a couple of days to prevent further bleeding.
• Manage Swelling: Use an ice pack on your face in 10-minute intervals during the first day to help reduce swelling and ease discomfort.
• Avoid Suction Movements: For the first 72 hours, steer clear of straws, spitting, and smoking to avoid dislodging the clot and risking a dry socket.
• Eat Soft Foods: Stick to soft, cool foods like yogurt and soup initially. Gradually add solid foods back as your healing progresses.
• Careful Cleaning: Avoid brushing the extraction area directly for the first few days. After 24 hours, gently rinse with warm salt water several times a day to keep the area clean.
• Follow Medication Directions: Take any medications prescribed by your dentist, such as painkillers or antibiotics, as directed to manage any discomfort and prevent infection.
• Watch for Signs of Infection: Keep an eye out for excessive pain, increasing swelling, fever, or unusual discharge, and contact your dentist if you notice any of these symptoms.

Following these guidelines will help you have a more comfortable recovery period after your tooth extraction.

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