Oral Surgery

Expert Care for Your Mouth, Jaw, and Facial Health

At Ballantyne Family Dental, we provide oral surgery services to address a range of concerns affecting the mouth, jaw, and surrounding facial structures. Whether you're dealing with impacted wisdom teeth, need bone grafting before an implant, or require another surgical procedure, our team is here to guide you through every step with a personalized treatment plan.

What Is Oral Surgery?

Oral surgery covers a range of procedures used to treat conditions affecting the teeth, gums, jawbone, and surrounding soft tissue. These procedures often require specialized training beyond general dentistry, and our team is equipped to evaluate your needs and determine the safest, most effective path forward.

Common Reasons for Oral Surgery

You may need oral surgery for a variety of reasons, including:

1. Impacted or problematic wisdom teeth
2. Insufficient jawbone density prior to getting a dental implant
3. Teeth that need to be extracted due to damage, decay, or crowding
4. Jaw irregularities or TMJ-related concerns
5. Soft tissue issues in the gums or mouth

Are You a Candidate for Oral Surgery?

Every oral surgery treatment plan starts with a consultation and exam so we can evaluate your specific situation. During this visit, we'll review your dental and medical history, take any necessary imaging, and walk you through your treatment options. Oral surgery is appropriate for patients of nearly all ages, and we'll tailor your care based on your unique needs.

What to Expect During Your Procedure

Once your treatment plan is confirmed, Dr. Vinita Patel and our team will walk you through detailed pre- and post-care instructions to help your procedure and recovery go smoothly. We offer sedation dentistry options for patients who feel anxious about surgical procedures, helping you stay calm and comfortable throughout treatment.

Recovering From Oral Surgery

Recovery time varies depending on the procedure, but most patients can support healing by:

• Following all post-operative instructions provided by our team
• Sticking to soft foods for the first few days
• Avoiding strenuous activity while healing
• Keeping the surgical site clean as directed
• Attending any recommended follow-up appointments

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be asleep during oral surgery?

Not necessarily. Many oral surgery procedures are performed with local anesthetic alone. For patients who feel anxious or are having more involved work done, we offer sedation options to help you stay comfortable.

How painful is recovery from oral surgery?

Discomfort varies by procedure, but most patients manage recovery well with the pain management plan we provide, along with rest and following aftercare instructions closely.

How do I know if I need my wisdom teeth removed?

Signs like jaw pain, swelling, difficulty opening your mouth, or crowding in the back of the mouth can indicate a problem with your wisdom teeth. An exam and X-rays can confirm whether removal is recommended.

Is bone grafting necessary before getting dental implants?

Not always. Bone grafting is typically recommended when there isn't enough healthy jawbone to support an implant. We'll evaluate your bone structure during your consultation to determine if grafting is needed.

How long does it take to recover from oral surgery?

Recovery time depends on the specific procedure. Simpler procedures may only require a few days of rest, while more involved surgeries can take several weeks for full healing.