Oral surgery is sometimes necessary to address complex dental issues that cannot be treated with more conservative methods. At Back Bay Dental, Dr. Nicholas Ciancarelli and his team provide a wide range of oral surgery procedures to restore oral health and improve overall quality of life. Whether you need tooth extractions, dental implants, or corrective jaw surgery, we are dedicated to offering compassionate care in a comfortable and safe environment. We proudly serve patients in Wolfeboro, NH, and Carroll County.
With advanced techniques and a focus on patient comfort, Back Bay Dental offers expert oral surgery that minimizes discomfort and promotes faster healing. If you’re facing an oral health issue that requires surgical intervention, we are here to guide you through every step of the process.
Signs You May Need Oral Surgery
Oral surgery may be recommended if you have a dental condition that cannot be treated with traditional methods. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it might be time to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ciancarelli:
- Severe tooth pain that can’t be resolved with a filling or other restorative procedures
- A broken or fractured tooth that cannot be saved
- Impacted wisdom teeth causing discomfort or infection
- Difficulty chewing or speaking due to misaligned or missing teeth
- Jaw pain or discomfort that may be linked to dental issues
- Persistent infections or abscesses that don’t respond to antibiotics
- Misalignment of the teeth or jaws that affects appearance or function
Oral surgery can address these conditions and help restore oral health, ensuring that teeth, gums, and jaw function optimally.
Why Oral Surgery is Essential for Your Dental Health
Oral surgery is often essential for addressing underlying dental issues that routine procedures cannot correct. Conditions such as impacted teeth, jaw misalignment, or advanced gum disease may require surgical intervention to restore oral function and prevent further complications. Failing to address these problems can lead to long-term pain, difficulty eating or speaking, and even additional tooth loss.
Oral surgery is also crucial for patients needing dental implants. Implants provide a permanent solution for missing teeth and require precise placement into the jawbone for long-term stability. Bone grafting or other preparatory procedures are sometimes necessary to ensure successful implant placement. Dr. Ciancarelli uses advanced techniques to make oral surgery as comfortable and effective as possible, promoting faster healing and better patient outcomes.
The Process of Oral Surgery at Back Bay Dental
The oral surgery process involves several steps, depending on the procedure type. Dr. Ciancarelli will work with you to create a treatment plan that best suits your needs. Below is an overview of the steps you can expect during your oral surgery procedure:
- Consultation and Evaluation: Dr. Ciancarelli will evaluate your oral health and discuss your symptoms during your initial visit. Digital X-rays or other imaging may be used to assess your dental condition and determine the best treatment course.
- Pre-Operative Care and Sedation Options: Depending on the complexity of the surgery, local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia may be used to ensure you’re comfortable during the procedure. Dr. Ciancarelli will explain the options available to you.
- The Surgical Procedure: On the day of the procedure, Dr. Ciancarelli will carefully perform the oral surgery using precision techniques. The procedure may involve extracting a tooth, placing a dental implant, or reshaping the jawbone.
- Post-Operative Care: After the surgery, you’ll receive instructions for proper care, including pain management, swelling reduction, and tips for maintaining oral hygiene during the recovery period.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Depending on the procedure, follow-up visits will be scheduled to ensure proper healing and monitor any signs of infection or complications. Dr. Ciancarelli will make any necessary adjustments and provide support throughout the recovery process.
Preventing Future Oral Health Problems After Surgery
After your oral surgery, it’s important to follow Dr. Ciancarelli’s aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing and avoid complications. Proper oral hygiene is essential to prevent infections, but care must be taken to avoid disturbing the surgical site. Gently brushing your teeth and avoiding the surgical area can help promote healing.
Dietary adjustments may also be necessary, especially following tooth extractions or jaw surgery. You may be advised to eat soft foods and briefly avoid hot or spicy foods to prevent irritation. Smoking is crucial, as it can impede the healing process and increase the risk of complications. Regular dental check-ups after oral surgery will ensure that your mouth remains healthy and that any potential issues are caught early.
What to Expect After Oral Surgery
Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort following oral surgery, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication or prescribed medications. Swelling and bruising are also common and typically subside within a few days. With proper care, the recovery process is often quick, and many patients can return to their normal activities in just a few days to a week, depending on the type of procedure.
The overall outlook after oral surgery is positive, primarily if the procedure is performed early and proper care is taken during recovery. Follow-up visits are critical for monitoring progress and ensuring the success of the surgery. With proper aftercare, most patients experience full healing and improved teeth and jaw function.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How painful is oral surgery?
Oral surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia or sedation, so you shouldn’t feel pain. Afterward, Dr. Ciancarelli recommends pain medication to manage discomfort.
How long does it take to recover from oral surgery?
Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery, but most patients experience significant healing within a few days to a week. More complex surgeries may take a few weeks for full recovery.
Can I eat normally after oral surgery?
After surgery, you may need to stick to soft foods for several days to a week. Dr. Ciancarelli will provide specific guidelines based on the surgery performed.
Does insurance cover oral surgery?
Dental insurance covers many oral surgery procedures, but coverage varies depending on the type of surgery and your policy. It’s best to check with your provider to understand your benefits.
What are the risks associated with oral surgery?
While rare, risks of oral surgery include infection, excessive bleeding, and delayed healing. Dr. Ciancarelli will discuss the risks with you and take steps to minimize complications.
Get Expert Oral Surgery Care at Back Bay Dental
Oral surgery is often necessary to maintain oral health, and at Back Bay Dental, we are committed to providing you with the highest level of care. Dr. Nicholas Ciancarelli and our team offer a range of oral surgery procedures, from tooth extractions to complex jaw surgery, to restore your smile and improve your quality of life. Our goal is to make your experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible while ensuring you receive the best treatment.
If you need oral surgery or have concerns about your dental health, don’t hesitate to contact Back Bay Dental in Wolfeboro, NH, today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ciancarelli. With expert care and personalized treatment, let us help you achieve optimal oral health.
The days and weeks following an oral surgery are an integral part of the recovery process. It is important to follow all of the instructions for care to promote healing and reduce the risk of post-surgical difficulties. Most patients experience a complication-free recovery and can return to work or school within one to two days following surgery.
Did you know…
that discomfort following oral surgery is usually minimal? Though you may be given a prescription-strength pain reliever for the first day or two after surgery, most patients find that over-the-counter ibuprofen is enough to relieve post-operative discomfort after the initial recovery period. Pain typically becomes less and less by the day, completely subsiding within one to two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I care for the surgical site on the day of my oral surgery?
A responsible driver will need to accompany you to your surgical appointment and drive you home after surgery. It is normal for the surgical site to bleed and swell during the first few hours after surgery. You may be instructed to bite down on gauze packs, changing them as needed. Get plenty of rest, do not drive, and be careful not to disturb the surgical area on the day of surgery. Follow your dentist’s instructions for pain relief, and apply an ice pack to the cheek to reduce swelling. If possible, limit your foods to liquids and soft foods that require minimal chewing.
What should I expect on days two and three?
You can begin gently brushing your teeth on the day after surgery so long as you avoid the surgical area. You may gradually begin to incorporate solid foods into your diet, rinsing food from the mouth with an irrigating syringe after eating as instructed by your dentist. Apply hot and cold compresses to the cheeks intermittently to reduce swelling, and continue to take the pain medication only as needed.
Is there anything else I should know about the post-operative period?
After your oral surgery, we ask that you do not smoke for at least 48 hours. Doing so could cause clots to dislodge, resulting in a painful condition known as a ‘dry socket’. You should also avoid using a straw. Please do not hesitate to contact our office with any questions or concerns you may have about your healing process.
