Oral Surgery in Fulshear

Why Would I Need Oral Surgery?

Oral surgery encompasses any surgical procedure of the soft or hard tissues in the mouth and jaw. Surgical procedures treat oral issues such as gum disease, bone loss, tooth loss, or infections. 

While many patients feel apprehensive when they hear the word “surgery”, oral surgery is commonplace in the dental field and can refer to any surgical procedure performed on the mouth, jaw, or other facial muscles when other less invasive treatments have been exhausted or are not possible. 

You may need oral surgery if you have missing teeth that need replacement, chronic TMJ, severely damaged teeth, advanced gum disease, bone loss, impacted teeth, or oral cancer. Contact you Dentist in Fulshear to learn more today.

Did you know…

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It takes 1 to 3 months to heal from a surgical extraction.

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Call (281) 940-4241

What to Expect From the Oral Surgery Process

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Consultation

Our team will take x-rays and other diagnostics at your first visit. Dr. Smith will then assess your oral health by performing an exam. After the exam, we will discuss all findings, issues, and concerns with you.

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Treatment Plan

After diagnosing any oral health problems, will discuss treatment options with you. After speaking to you about your restorative and cosmetic goals as well as our recommendations, we will help formulate a treatment plan that works for you.

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Pain Relief & Sedation Options

To prevent you from feeling any pain during surgical procedures, we will use local anesthetic to numb your mouth. You can also use nitrous or sedation during the appointment if you have anxiety or special needs.

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Surgical Procedure

Once your mouth is numbed, we will make any necessary incisions into the gums and perform the surgical procedure according to your treatment plan.

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Aftercare

After your treatment, we will stop the bleeding with gauze and place sutures if necessary. We will further provide you with aftercare instructions. Additionally, we will take post operative x-rays to make sure the surgical site looks adequate.

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Follow-Up Appointments

Depending on your treatment plan, you may need to return for future follow-up appointments, so we can check on the healing of the surgical site or continue to the next stage of treatment. You may need to return to remove a suture as well.

Oral Surgery Options

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Tooth Extractions

While extractions should ideally be avoided through routine preventative appointments and good oral hygiene, once a tooth is severely damaged or decayed, it may require removal. If a tooth cannot be repaired or restored to health, we will recommend that you remove and replace it. 

The only situation where you will not have to replace an extracted tooth is when we remove impacted wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth are an extra set of teeth and most patients don’t have enough jaw space for them to erupt properly. Impacted teeth need to be removed surgically while other extractions can be performed less invasively.

Bone Grafts

A bone graft is the addition of bone particles to replace missing bone density. In the context of dentistry, bone grafts are used to replace missing bone in the jaw which can improve healing of the site, decrease resorption, restore a patient’s facial appearance, and create enough support for dental implants. Grafts can be taken from elsewhere in the body, a donor, or synthetic tissue. Once the bone graft has become integrated with the existing jawbone, the bone can regenerate.

Alveoloplasty

After extracting a tooth, the socket will heal for several weeks. However, over time, the alveolar ridge can become bumpy or uneven, which makes replacing the missing tooth with a denture or implant more difficult. 

To prevent ill-fitting restorations, a surgical procedure can be done to smooth out this ridge of bone to recreate the natural contour between the gums and jaw that may have been affected by bone resorption. This restores the height and width of the alveolar ridge to ensure that restorations will fit properly and not cause any problems.

Dental Implants

A dental implant is a titanium or ceramic screw-like post that is embedded in the jawbone, forming an artificial tooth root once osseointegration occurs in 3 to 6 months. After this period, we can attach an abutment and dental crown to the implant. The abutment is the piece that connects the implant to the crown.

This process provides stability for your tooth restoration and prevents the implant from moving, so you can eat, speak, and smile without issues. The artificial tooth root restores chewing forces to the jawbone to prevent bone loss, unlike any other tooth replacement. 

When a series of implants are placed, we can attach a full arch restoration such as a denture or bridge to replace several teeth in the mouth while preventing bone loss and/or shifting teeth. Implants last for 25 years to life.

Did you know…

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It takes about 6-12 weeks to fully heal from an alveoloplasty.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What Is Oral Surgery And Why Would I Need It?

Oral surgery, performed at Collective Dentistry by Dr. Mariangela Smith, involves the diagnosis and surgical treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects of the hard and soft tissues of the face, mouth, teeth, and jaws. While many oral health issues can be resolved with non-surgical treatments, there are instances where oral surgery is the most effective solution.

You might require oral surgery for a variety of reasons. For example, impacted wisdom teeth that don't have enough room to emerge or grow normally can lead to pain, infection, and other complications. Oral surgery might also be required for complex tooth extractions, corrective jaw surgery, or to treat oral cancer. It's also often used for dental implants, a popular and durable solution for tooth loss.

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What Can I Expect During My Oral Surgery Procedure?

Your comfort and well-being are our top priorities at Collective Dentistry. Dr. Mariangela Smith and her team use the latest techniques and technologies to ensure your oral surgery is as comfortable and efficient as possible.

Before the procedure, Dr. Smith will discuss your surgical options, what to expect during the procedure, and the recovery process. Depending on the complexity of the procedure, local anesthesia and sedation may be used to ensure your comfort.

During the surgery, Dr. Smith will make every effort to minimize discomfort and expedite healing. Post-surgery, you will be given specific instructions to care for the surgical site and manage any discomfort. Dr. Smith is always available to answer any questions or concerns you may have during your recovery.

Why Should I Choose Collective Dentistry For My Oral Surgery?

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Choosing the right oral surgeon can significantly impact your comfort level and recovery process. Dr. Mariangela Smith is a highly skilled oral surgeon with years of experience in performing a variety of oral surgical procedures.

At Collective Dentistry, we prioritize patient comfort and satisfaction. Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with the latest technology to ensure precise diagnosis and effective treatment.

Dr. Smith's approach is patient-centric, meaning she takes the time to understand your needs, discuss your treatment options, and create a personalized treatment plan that's right for you. She is committed to providing high-quality care in a friendly, comfortable environment.

Additionally, Dr. Smith and her team continually stay updated with the latest advancements in oral surgery to provide the best possible care to their patients. With a strong focus on patient education, they ensure you understand your oral health and your treatment options, so you can make informed decisions about your care.

Remember, oral health is a crucial part of your overall well-being. If you're in Fulshear and suspect you may need oral surgery, don't hesitate to contact Collective Dentistry at (281) 940-4241 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mariangela Smith.

I'm Nervous About My Oral Surgery Procedure. How Can You Help?

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It's completely natural to feel nervous about an oral surgery procedure, and there are several ways we can help alleviate your anxiety. First, we'll ensure you have a thorough understanding of the procedure, including what to expect before, during, and after the surgery, as clear knowledge can often reduce fear of the unknown. We also offer various forms of sedation dentistry, from nitrous to help you relax to deeper options, depending on the complexity of the procedure and your comfort level. Additionally, we provide a comfortable and supportive environment, and our experienced team is here to answer any questions and address concerns you may have. Your comfort and peace of mind are our top priorities, and we'll work closely with you to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.