Oral surgery can be one of the most daunting things that can happen to anyone. Although it can be a scary experience, it is also a very standard procedure that Dr. Stephen Yu and his team have experienced performing oral surgery. At Denver Dental Care, we proudly offer tooth extractions and bone grafting procedures to help alleviate pain and keep your smile healthy. If you live in the Denver, North Carolina, area and are wondering about oral surgery, keep reading! In this article, we will learn about the types of oral surgery we perform, what to expect, and the risks and benefits. 

Tooth Extractions

Tooth extractions are relatively standard when a tooth is too damaged or decayed to repair. They can also be done in preparation for orthodontic treatment. The first step is injecting anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. Once the area is numb, Dr. Stephen Yu uses special tools to loosen and remove the tooth. After the tooth is extracted, a blood clot will form in the socket, an essential part of the healing process. You will receive instructions on how to care for the area and manage any pain or swelling that may occur.

Bone Grafting

Bone grafting is a surgical procedure where we replace missing bone in the jaw. The process typically entails preparing the jawbone for dental implants or repairing bone damage caused by gum disease, injury, or other problems. In a bone grafting procedure, Dr. Yu will make a small incision in the gum and place bone tissue where more bone is needed. The bone tissue can come from various sources, including your body, a donor, or a synthetic material. Over time, the bone tissue will merge with your existing bone, creating a foundation for dental implants or other prosthetics.

Aftercare

After a tooth extraction or bone grafting, following the aftercare instructions provided by your dental professional is essential. You will usually be prescribed pain medication and may need to avoid certain foods or activities for a few days.

 

1. Tooth Extractions Aftercare: Keep the extraction site clean for tooth extractions, and avoid using straws or smoking, as these can dislodge the blood clot and slow the healing process. 
2. Bone Grafting Aftercare: For bone grafting, it’s essential to take good care of the area where we placed the bone tissue to avoid infection and ensure proper healing.

Risks and Complications

While tooth extractions and bone grafting are generally safe procedures, some risks, like any surgery, may occur. These risks may include:

• Infection
• Numbness
• Bleeding
• Damage to adjacent teeth or jawbone (rare cases)

However, with our qualified dentist, Dr. Yu, and by ensuring you follow proper aftercare instructions, you can minimize these risks from occurring. 

 

Benefits of Oral Surgery in Denver, NC

1. Pain Relief: Oral surgery, such as tooth extractions, can relieve persistent pain caused by damaged or impacted teeth. Removing the source of discomfort contributes to improved oral health and overall well-being.
2. Prevention of Further Issues: Tooth extractions can prevent the spread of infection or complications to neighboring teeth. Similarly, bone grafting helps maintain bone structure, preventing deterioration and preparing the area for future dental procedures like implants.
3. Enhanced Oral Health: By addressing issues such as impacted teeth or inadequate bone structure through oral surgery, individuals can achieve and maintain better oral health. This can improve functionality, aesthetics, and overall quality of life.

 

Oral Surgery in Denver, NC

Oral surgery may seem scary, but with the correct information, it doesn’t have to be. Tooth extractions and bone grafting are routine procedures that can help improve your oral health and quality of life. If you are wondering more about oral surgery or were told oral surgery may be necessary for you, schedule a consultation with our excellent dentist and his team today!