Oral Surgery in Atlanta
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Did you know…
Oral surgeons complete at least a 4-year residency beyond dental or medical school.
What to expect: The oral surgery process
Consultation
Your dentist will likely refer you to an oral surgeon if they suspect you may need an oral surgery, or if they know you require oral surgery in preparation for a related treatment.
Treatment Planning & Preparation
Your doctor or oral surgeon will walk you through your treatment, the surgery related to the treatment plan, what to expect the day of the procedure, and how to prepare.
Sedation Options
Oral surgeons work with IV sedation and general anesthesia regularly, and will recommend the right sedation option based on your surgery and your needs.
Day of Surgery
You will need to arrange for someone to drive you to and from your appointment the day of your surgery. Your doctor will make specific recommendations, but you should plan for a day off and to have someone be with you for the rest of the day after your surgery.
Healing & Aftercare
Give yourself a few days to heal after surgery. Swelling and discomfort for the next 24 hours is normal. Keep your head elevated and use ice packs to reduce swelling. Take any medications as directed by your doctor. And stick to a soft food diet for the first 48 hours after surgery.
Common oral surgeries
Extractions
Extractions are performed on teeth that have experienced damage that can’t be remedied by less invasive means. Damage can be caused by oral injuries, gum disease, or tooth decay. Extractions are also required to prepare for certain restorative treatments, like dentures or dental implants.
For instance, a full arch of dentures can only be fitted when there are no remaining teeth. Patients with one or several teeth left will need to have them extracted before moving forward with dentures. Some extractions are less complex than others, but in general, they are classified as oral surgeries.
Bone Grafts
Bone grafts, sometimes called bone tissue transplants, are used to repair weak, fractured or otherwise damaged bones within the body. The most common bone grafting procedures are performed as a preparation for dental implant placement.
When a patient loses a tooth, the jaw bone underneath is no longer stimulated by the natural processes of chewing and speaking, causing the bone to weaken and deteriorate. Dental implants can help stop this process, but the weakened jaw bone needs to be strengthened in order to properly support the post of a dental implant. Utilizing processed bone minerals, bone grafting helps to stimulate the formation of new bone. The initial healing and recovery from the surgery is similar to that of a tooth extraction, but it can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months for the graft to completely bond with your existing bone tissue.
Sinus Lifts
A sinus lift (also known as a sinus graft, sinus augmentation, or sinus procedure) is a surgery that adds bone to your upper jaw in the space between your jaw and maxillary sinuses. This is the area above your molars and premolars.
Losing a tooth can cause the socket to collapse, leading to the surrounding bone to lose height, width, and overall volume. Sinus lifts work by grafting extra bone tissue to the maxillary sinus, reinforcing the structure to allow for the placement of a dental implant and the restoration of your smile.
Alveoloplasty
Dental sealants are common for pediatric patients who may be at a high risk of developing cavities, but they are also great for patients of all ages who wish to protect their teeth from dental decay. During this treatment, dental resin will be applied to the rear teeth which have more grooves and crevices where plaque and bacteria can hide. The resin will be hardened with a UV light, creating a strong barrier that blocks food debris, acid, and bacteria from coming into contact with your enamel. When properly applied dental sealant can last for years to come!
Tori Removal
Tori are deposits of extra bone that can form in either the upper or lower jawbones. Extra bone formed in the hard upper palate is called “torus palatinus,” while tori found in the lower jaw are called “mandibular tori.”
The fact is that most tori are benign (non-cancerous) and generally don’t require treatment of any kind. However, there are circumstances that could require tori removal:
- If tori are causing food to become trapped in the mouth, your doctor will likely recommend a tori removal procedure. Impacted food can be hazardous for your oral health, and can lead to unwanted complications like decay down the line.
- If a patient is in need of a full or partial denture, their tori will likely need to be removed to ensure a comfortable and complete fit of the dental prosthetic.
Wisdom Teeth Extractions
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that generally grow in between the ages of 17-25. Because many people simply don't have space in their mouths to accommodate wisdom teeth, particularly if they have had orthodontic work, they tend to cause issues as they are growing in.
As they begin to erupt, wisdom teeth can crowd your other teeth, causing them to shift and become misaligned. Additionally, wisdom teeth have a tendency to become impacted, leading to painful infections. Because of the discomfort and dental issues wisdom teeth can cause, most people have them extracted when they begin to grow in.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth Extractions
Wisdom teeth become “impacted” if they don’t have enough room to erupt and become stuck below the gum line. It is generally recommended to extract impacted wisdom teeth, as they are more susceptible to tooth decay, and can cause a variety of other oral health issues.
To extract an impacted wisdom tooth, your doctor will make an incision in your gums to access the tooth. In many cases, the tooth will be cut up into smaller pieces, and removed piece by piece. The treatment area will be sutured shut and packed with gauze to help with the healing process. To ensure your procedure is relaxing and pain-free, sedation options will also be available.
Did you know…
The most common oral surgery is the removal of wisdom teeth.
Have questions about oral surgery? Find answers here.
What’s an oral surgeon?
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon completes special training and education beyond dental school, although some oral surgeons choose to pursue a medical degree instead of a dental degree. At a minimum, oral surgeons will complete a 4-year residency at a hospital-based surgical program alongside medical residents in many different specialties, including anesthesia.
How long does oral surgery take?
It completely depends on the procedure and the complexity of your case. Simpler procedures, such as tooth extractions, can take minutes; more time may be needed to properly sedate you. Complex procedures, like placing dental implants for a full arch or teeth, can take hours. Your oral surgeon will give you a thorough explanation of the procedure, tell you how to properly prepare, and let you know what to expect on the day.
How much does oral surgery cost?
The cost of oral surgery varies from procedure to procedure. Similar to time commitment, simpler surgeries will be less expensive and complex surgeries will be more expensive. If your dental insurance does not cover your oral surgery, consider loans or a payment plan to get the care you need.
Is oral surgery covered by insurance?
Possibly, depending on your insurance provider and coverage. You should talk to your dental and medical insurance providers to see if your recommended oral surgery is covered. It may also be worthwhile to file your claim with both your dental insurance provider and your medical insurance provider, since the surgery may qualify as a medically necessary procedure.
Did you know…
The average recovery time for most oral surgeries is only 3 days.