What does dental surgery mean?
The word "surgery" is not a pleasant one and when you are told that you need it, fear and discomfort are common reactions. Your head will tell you that modern surgery is safe, painless and very effective in treating a wide range of medical conditions. Your heart, however, may still contain unsettling images of blood, scalpels and so on. When it comes to dental surgery, the already existing (but unfounded) fear of dental treatments coupled with the thought of surgery can cause serious discomfort and anxiety. The reality is that there is nothing to fear and a look at what dental surgery means and what it is will help to alleviate these fears.
WHAT IS DENTAL SURGERY?
Dental surgery covers any operation performed on your teeth, gums, jaws and surrounding areas. It includes teeth removal, different types of dental implants, gum and bone grafts, corrective jaw surgery, injury repair, etc.
WHY IS IT DONE?
Among the common reasons for dental surgery are:
- Extensive tooth decay
- Placing various types of dental implants
- Broken teeth
- Gum disease, missing teeth
- Jaw disorders
- Tumors (both malignant and benign)
Also Read: What You Need to Know about Dental Implant Surgery
WHAT HAPPENS BEFORE THE SURGERY?
Your dentist will evaluate your medical condition, your overall health and other factors that will affect the procedure. Once the surgical plan is finalized, it will be shared with you and your questions will be answered.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE SURGERY?
Dental surgery is often done at the dentist's office as an outpatient procedure. You may be offered sedation so that you are comfortable during the procedure. If the problem is a complex or serious one, it may have to be done in a hospital under anesthesia.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
The answer to this depends on the type of condition or injury being treated. The extraction of one damaged tooth could take about 30 minutes. A more complex procedure could take 2 or 3 hours or even more. Also, depending on the nature and extent of the condition being treated, follow-up visits to the dentist to complete the procedure may be required.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE SURGERY?
Once your dentist is satisfied that you are good to go, you can return home. You will be given medication for pain relief, to hasten the recovery and to prevent infection and you will also be briefed on precautions that you must take during the recovery period. Your dentist will tell you when you will be able to return to work or school. You will be informed about the dietary restrictions that must be followed and their duration.
Also Read: Why Don't Emergency Rooms Handle Dental Emergencies?
All the above information is general and the specifics will vary from patient to patient. If you have been advised to undergo dental surgery, talk to your dentist about your fears and concerns and ask all the questions you want. When you know what is involved, why it is being done, what the benefits are, the details of the recovery and so on, you will have a clear picture of what it entails and that knowledge will take away most, if not all, of the fear you may have. Dental implant surgery or any other type of procedure is no cause for concern, especially if it is being done by your family dentist who knows you and whom you trust.
- Mar 29, 2023