We get that the idea of having oral surgery can feel a little daunting. Whether you need a tooth extraction, bone grafting, or another oral surgical procedure, understanding the process will ease your mind and help you feel more prepared. In this post, the Nest Dental team will guide you through the ins and outs of oral surgery, including what to expect at each step.
What is Oral Surgery?
Oral surgery is a term used for any type of mouth operation. While things like wisdom teeth removal are often what come to mind first, oral surgery can also involve the tongue, gums, or another area of the oral cavity.
When Is Oral Surgery Needed?
Oral surgery is necessary when issues with the teeth, gums, jaw, or facial structures go beyond what can be managed with routine care. Here are some reasons you may need oral surgical treatment:
- Severely decayed, damaged, or broken teeth
- Impacted teeth (stuck beneath the gum tissue or bone)
- Problematic wisdom teeth
- Abscessed teeth
- Bone loss in the jaw
- Loose or missing teeth
- Lost or receding gum tissue
- Suspicious lesions or bumps in the mouth
Types of Oral Surgery We Offer at Nest Dental
At Nest Dental, we offer several different types of oral surgery in Vancouver. Our surgical dentistry services are designed with comfort, safety, and long-term oral health in mind. Common procedures include:
Atraumatic Tooth Extraction
We use minimally invasive techniques to gently remove teeth while protecting surrounding bone and tissues. This may speed up healing and reduce discomfort.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Third molars (aka wisdom teeth) are often impacted or come in crooked. In some cases, removing them can prevent future complications.
Bone Grafting
When a tooth has been missing, the underlying jawbone deteriorates. Bone grafting rebuilds structure to allow for dental implants.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is a long-lasting tooth replacement option. A tiny screw is surgically implanted into the jaw. The screw fuses with the bone and acts as the tooth’s root to support a permanent dental crown.
Soft Tissue Grafting
This procedure is used to repair areas of gum recession and protect exposed tooth roots.
Oral Diagnosis & Biopsies
We safely remove small tissue samples for lab analysis to diagnose potential issues like oral cancer.
The Oral Surgical Process
Before Your Oral Surgery
Personalized Consultation
Whether you visit a dentist surgeon or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, your journey will likely begin with a comprehensive consultation. During your consultation at Nest, an experienced dentist will evaluate your oral health, discuss your concerns, and determine the best course of action. If you do need surgery, we use technology and tools like cone beam CT imaging to meticulously plan every aspect of your oral operation.
Preparing for the Procedure
Preparation is key. We’ll provide you with detailed pre-op instructions tailored to your specific procedure. This may include guidelines on eating, medications, and arranging transportation, especially if sedation is involved. Our goal is to make your dental and surgery experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
During Your Oral Surgery
Get Comfortable
On the day of your oral surgery, you’ll be welcomed into one of our private treatment rooms. We’ll set you up with noise-cancelling headphones and your choice of entertainment. Your dental surgeon will numb the treatment area with a local anesthetic. If you’re feeling anxious or undergoing an extensive procedure, we also offer sedation. We’ll help you decide on the best option for your needs.
Advanced Techniques
While the specifics of your procedure will depend on the type of mouth operation you’re having, at Nest Dental, we specialize in modern oral surgical techniques, including atraumatic tooth extractions. Our aim is to minimize damage to the surrounding tissues and promote faster healing.
During the procedure, you shouldn’t feel much of anything, aside from some pressure, thanks to the local anesthetic. When the surgery is complete, the dentist may or may not close the area with small sutures.
After Your Oral Surgery
Immediate Aftercare
Post-surgery, we’ll monitor your recovery. Before you leave, we’ll provide you with clear aftercare instructions to manage discomfort and swelling and encourage proper healing.
Diet and Recovery
For most procedures, you’ll need to adopt a soft food diet after oral surgery. Foods like mashed potatoes, smoothies, mac and cheese, protein shakes, and soups are gentle on your healing gums. Equally important is knowing the foods to avoid after oral surgery – steering clear of really hard, crunchy, or spicy foods can prevent complications.
For a procedure like wisdom teeth removal, we may have you stick with a soft food diet for a week after oral surgery, while for a biopsy, depending on the location, you can often resume your normal diet as soon as you feel ready.
Ongoing Support
Our commitment to your well-being doesn’t end when you leave our dental studio. We’ll schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and address any concerns.
Why Choose Nest Dental for Oral Surgery in Vancouver?
If you search “tooth removal near me” or “oral surgery Vancouver,” you’ll find plenty of options. So what makes our Fraser Street dental clinic different? We’re glad you asked! Here are a few reasons why patients trust Nest for their dental and surgery needs:
- Expertise: Our general dentists, Dr. Sonia Sahi, Dr. Ming Jin, and Dr. Nafisa Pirbhai, have years of experience in surgical dentistry. They’re up-to-date on the latest techniques and technology and take a precise, personalized approach to every case.
- Comfort: We’re not your average dental office. Our beautiful space was designed to feel like a restful retreat. With private treatment rooms, a spa-like atmosphere, and soothing amenities, we strive to make your experience as comfortable and relaxing as possible.
- Safety: Your safety is our top priority! That’s why we have floor-to-ceiling enclosed operatories, medical-grade HEPA filter air purifiers, and enhanced PPE. We also follow the highest standards of sterilization.
- Comprehensive Care: From consultation through recovery, we provide continuous support tailored to your needs. Having everything from implant dentistry to restorative care under one roof also ensures your journey to better oral health is seamless and convenient.
Undergoing an oral surgical procedure doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Nest Dental, we’re dedicated to providing compassionate, safe oral surgery in Vancouver. Ready to take the next step?
Book your consultation today!
