Any surgical procedure that is performed on the tissues of your mouth, teeth, or gums is considered oral surgery. Maxillofacial surgery, on the other hand, consists of surgical procedures performed on your jaw, head, or another part of the face. Some of the most common oral surgery procedures include extracting impacted wisdom teeth, placing dental implants, reconstructive jaw surgery, and even treatment for severe sleep apnea. To find out if you need oral surgery, the best way is to schedule a consultation with a dentist and oral surgeon.
After dental or medical school, oral surgeons must complete a 4-year residency.
If they suspect that you could benefit from oral surgery, or if you need oral surgery in preparation for a related treatment, your dentist will likely refer you to an oral surgeon for a consultation.
Your doctor or oral surgeon will create a treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs, and take the time to educate you about the treatment and the surgical procedure that will be performed. They will keep you informed about what to expect on the day of the procedure, and how to best prepare yourself.
Oral surgeons regularly work all forms of sedation, especially with IV sedation and general anesthesia. Based on the procedure you’re receiving and your unique needs, your doctor will recommend the right sedation option for you.
On the day of your oral surgery, you will need to arrange for someone to drive you to and from your procedure. You will receive specific recommendations based on the procedure being performed, but you should plan to take a day off and to have someone around to be with you for the rest of the day to monitor your health.
Your healing time may vary depending on the extent of the procedure, but you can expect to require at least a few days to heal after surgery. Swelling and discomfort for the next 24-72 hours is normal, as is light bleeding during the first day or two. To reduce swelling, keep your head elevated and use a cold compress. Take any medications that are prescribed or recommended by your doctor, and stick to soft foods and room temperature drinks for the first 48 hours after surgery.
The most common oral surgeries are wisdom tooth extractions.
Most oral surgeries only take 3 days to recover from.
