Oral surgery (taking teeth out)

 

This article is about Oral Surgery, for those wondering about what this means and what may be involved in this type of procedure. Or, maybe you have been advised to see an oral surgeon for treatment but would like to see some more information.

 

What is oral surgery?

Oral surgery is where a surgically trained dental clinician otherwise known as an oral surgeon is trained and qualified in treating and/or removing wisdom teeth or impacted teeth, disease and even injuries of the mouth, jaw, and face.

 

Why do I need to see an oral surgeon and not my own dentist?

You would normally be referred to an oral surgeon when a complex case arises, and this cannot be carried out safely or confidently by your own general dentist. However, there is no need to worry – you will not need to be referred to another practice or somewhere you do not know or even put on one of those long waiting lists! Here at The Bristol Dental Practice, we have our very own in-house Oral Surgeon in the form of our Principal dentist Dr Jonathan Cochrane, which means we will be able to offer you an appointment swiftly upon his next availability with minimal hanging around or waiting in pain.

 

What does an Oral Surgeon do?

• Removes infected, diseased and impacted teeth/wisdom teeth
• Dental implants
• Corrective jaw surgery
• Treat facial trauma and other facial injuries

 

Do I need my wisdom teeth removed?

When your wisdom teeth are causing discomfort and/or pushing against your other teeth this can lead to your other teeth crowding. In addition, trapped food in and around your wisdom teeth can cause an infection and sometimes even also an associated swelling. This can also cause tooth decay to form which unfortunately is not always accessible to put a filling in. This will instead require that the tooth be removed. Sometimes this can be more complicated than removing a normal tooth or involve a surgical approach.
If you find that you have been or are currently having any of these problems with a tooth, it would be a good idea to give the practice a call on 0117 910 5929 where one of our friendly reception team members can get you booked in with one of our general dentists to check the area over for you and we can advise you professionally from that point forward.

 

What is a surgical approach?

Sometimes if a tooth has very curved or deep roots this may be tricky to remove whole, or in one piece. Also, sometimes a tooth may be very broken down due to either trauma, decay, or infection. When this is the case it is not a simple matter of trying to remove the tooth or roots through conventional means.
Our Oral Surgeon trained dentist Dr Jonathan Cochrane can remove these troublesome teeth in a swift and efficient manner. Usually, these teeth must be removed from a slightly different route and instead of being delivered through the socket, they can be removed sideways. To do so we must make a small incision in the gum, raise it back and remove some of the overlying bone around the tooth or root. Once performed, the tooth or root can then be carefully removed.
Afterwards, we will usually place a few stitches to help the gums heal over the extraction site. These usually dissolve and fall out by themselves over the next 10 – 14 days.

 

So, how do I make that first step?

Like any surgery, oral surgery can often make some of our patients feel very nervous and this feeling is completely normal! We believe that the best way to help ease this is to provide our patients with an initial consultation so that they can meet the treating clinician, gain their confidence, and garner a good understanding of what is needed in preparation for your surgery.

 

How can I prepare myself for oral surgery?

The best way to prepare for this surgery is in the same way you would any dental visit – relax! We will provide you with all the required post-operative instructions to avoid the risk of an infection developing.

 

Below are just a few ways you can help prepare yourself:

• No smoking for at least 24 hours before
• Make sure you dress comfortably and if you are having IV sedation, wear something loose around your arms so we can access the veins in your arms
• Avoid wearing jewellery
• Avoid wearing make up

 

Useful tips to help your recovery:

• Prepare meals in advance, soft but tasty
• If you smoke do not smoke for at least 24 hours after the surgery
• Make sure you have a arranged a lift home in advance
• If you are undergoing more complex treatment it would be a good idea to have someone stay with you overnight or if not someone who can pop in to check on you

We understand when meeting your oral surgeon this can be a nerve-wracking experience and sometimes you can forget details of the conversation or you may not have asked a question that is now playing on your mind?
Do not be afraid to ask us questions and make sure your oral surgeon is aware of any medical conditions you have and medication/treatment you are currently taking/undergoing to avoid any complications.

 

Weekend opening!

We are open on Saturdays from 9am until 5pm and on Sundays from 10am until 4pm. These are slightly shorter working days than those we provide in the week but are always highly sought after by patients. Many people see the benefit of these appointments and we are proud to be able to offer them. Especially since no other dental practice in Bristol is even open on a Sunday!

 

So, if you are interested in making a weekend appointment with us or to find out more information, please give one of our friendly reception team a call today on 0117 910 5929, or alternatively you can also email us at [email protected].

 

We look forward to hearing from you soon!