What’s the Difference Between Oral Surgery & Tooth Extractions?

Oral surgery is one of those terms that sounds a lot more intimidating than it often needs to be. If your dentist has mentioned it and your confused when a tooth extraction is considered oral surgery, then you’ve come to the right place.

Simple Extractions vs. Surgical Extractions

Oral surgery is an umbrella category of dentistry that covers a variety of procedures, including, but not limited to, tooth extractions. However, it’s important to note that not all tooth extractions are done surgically. Some extractions, known as simple extractions, are done when a tooth has fully erupted through the gumline and can be easily removed by loosening the tooth with forceps. Simple tooth extractions are not considered oral surgery.

Surgical extractions, on the other hand, are needed when a tooth can’t be removed so easily. This could be because the tooth is impacted (stuck beneath the gumline), broke off at the root, has an unusual root structure, or hasn’t fully erupted. In these cases, your dentist will make a small incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth. Wisdom tooth removal is the most common example of a surgical extraction that most people are familiar with.

Common Types of Oral Surgery

Wondering what the most common types of oral surgeries are? There are a vast range of oral surgeries dentists perform, such as:

• Bone grafts: Procedures to rebuild or augment bone, often in preparation for implants.
• Cleft lip and palate repair: Surgical correction of congenital facial anomalies.
• Dental implant placement: Surgical insertion of a titanium post into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth.
• Wisdom teeth removal: Extraction of third molars, especially when impacted or causing problems.
• Surgical tooth extractions: Removal of teeth that can’t be pulled with a simple extraction.
• Corrective jaw surgery: Realigning the jaw to improve bite function, speech, or facial structure.
• Treatment of oral infections: Draining abscesses or removing infected tissue.

Your genearl dentist handles many of these procedures in-office. For more complex cases, you may be referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who specializes in these areas.

When is Oral Surgery Necessary?

There are various situations in which oral surgery may become necessary. Some common ones include: impacted teeth, severe tooth decay or damage, jawbone issues, or facial trauma. In such cases, your general dentist may refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for specialized care. The good news: most oral surgery procedures are routine and performed right here in our Bellevue office!

Sedation Dentistry for Oral Surgery

While oral surgery may sound intimidating, you have nothing to fear! Dentists who offer oral surgery also offer sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry helps keep patients relaxed and at ease during the procedure. Before any oral surgery procedure, Dr. Cheong will walk you through your sedation options and help you decide which approach is the right fit based on your anxiety level, the procedure involved, and your overall health history.

What Does Recovery Look Like?

Recovery varies depending on the type and complexity of your oral surgery, but there are some general guidelines that apply to most procedures:

• The first 24 hours are the most important. Rest, avoid spitting or using straws, and stick to soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, or mashed potatoes.
• Swelling and mild discomfort are normal. Applying a cold pack to the outside of your face in 20 minute intervals during the first day can help. Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medication will manage discomfort.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol. Both interfere with healing and increase the risk of dry socket after an extraction.
• Follow-up appointments matter! For more involved procedures, Dr. Cheong will schedule a check-in to make sure you’re healing properly.

What Does Oral Surgery Cost?

The cost of oral surgery varies depending on the type of surgery you need, the condition of your smile, and the complexity of the procedure. During your oral surgery consultation, your dentist will go over your treatment plan and walk you through the total cost and your available payment options so that you know what to expect going into your surgery.

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Cheong!

Are you looking for a trusted dentist who offers oral surgery in Bellevue, WA? At Bellevue Dental Oasis, Dr. Hyejin Cheong is equipped to take care of all your oral healthcare needs, including oral surgery! Please contact our office to schedule a consultation.

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Categorised in: Restorative Dentistry