Surgical Care
Services
Dental Surgical Care
in Camrose, Alberta
Welcome to our dental practice where we offer more than just routine dental care. We’re proud to provide comprehensive dental surgical services, ensuring your oral health is in the best possible hands. Our commitment to comfort, precision, and excellent patient care is paramount in every procedure we perform.
Extractions
While preserving natural teeth is always our first goal, sometimes an extraction is recommended to best protect your overall oral health. Whether it’s a problematic wisdom tooth or a severely damaged tooth, our team strives to provide a comfortable, stress-free extraction process. We use modern techniques and local anesthesia to minimize discomfort and promote rapid healing.
Dental Implants
Missing teeth can impact more than just your smile; they can also affect your ability to chew and speak properly. Dental implants are a long-term, natural-looking solution that functions much like real teeth. They’re anchored into your jawbone for maximum stability, allowing you to confidently eat, speak, and smile. Rediscover the joy of a complete, functional smile with dental implants.
Bone Grafting
Bone loss in the jaw can occur due to various reasons, including periodontal disease and tooth extraction. Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that helps restore the lost bone, making it possible for you to receive dental implants or other restorative treatments. Our team uses advanced techniques and materials to ensure a successful bone grafting procedure, setting the stage for improved oral health and functionality.
Pre-Surgical & Post-Surgical
Do’s and Don’ts
Pre-Surgical Do's and Don'ts
Once you know more about your surgical options, you’ll also receive important pre-surgical instructions. Even if your procedure is a minor one, it will go more smoothly if you pay attention to the following tips.
DO:
- Tell your dentist about other medications you take now, particularly if they contain an anti-coagulant (blood thinner).
- Take an antibiotic if your dentist so instructs you (for instance, if you have infected root canals).
- Tell your dentist if you have any other physical conditions that may interfere with the procedure.
- If your surgery involves general anesthesia, assign a friend or family member to drive you to and from your dental appointment.
DON'T:
- Eat spicy, hot, or hard foods that may irritate your gums.
- If your procedure involves general anesthesia, do not eat or drink anything after midnight prior to the day of surgery (you may have a small sip of water if you must take critical medication, but nothing else).
- Wear makeup, contact lenses, jewelry, or nail polish.
Post-Surgical Do's and Don'ts
Although your post-surgical activities will depend on the procedure, most dentists recommend the following tips to help you recover from an oral surgery.
DO:
- Keep gauze compresses in place as instructed by your dentist.
- Apply an ice pack to swollen areas as needed.
- Bite gently onto a wet tea bag or gauze pad if you experience minor bleeding.
- Take pain medications as recommended by your dentist (usually ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or a painkiller prescribed by the dentist).
- Take antibiotics, if prescribed.
- In the day following surgery, carefully rinse your mouth two or three times with a warm saline solution.
- Eat soft foods, chewing on the opposite side of the mouth from the surgical site.
- Rest as much as you can, particularly following a tooth extraction or implant surgery.
DON'T:
- Use a straw to drink fluids. This suction can interfere with proper healing (it may also cause a condition called ‘dry socket’).
- Drink hot beverages or eat hot foods. Cold foods are easier on the surgical site. Also, avoid hard and/or sticky foods.
- Drink alcohol or smoke tobacco.
- Brush or floss near the surgical/extraction site. Once your mouth has healed for a longer time, resume your normal dental hygiene routine.
- Try to open your jaw widely. First, allow a few days for swelling to diminish.
- Be worried about swelling and bruising. This is normal for tooth extractions, impactions, and implant surgeries. Most of these symptoms disappear within a week following surgery.
- Don’t exercise excessively, if at all, in the first few days after an oral surgery (however, this depends on the seriousness of the procedure).
Frequently Asked Questions About
Dental Surgical Care
Does Dental Insurance Cover Surgical Procedures?
Many oral surgeries are covered by general dental or medical insurance plans in Alberta, however it really does depend on the procedure involved. The best thing to do is get a pre-estimate of the procedure from your dentist or your oral surgeon and then contact your insurance company and see if the procedure, or some of the procedure, costs are covered by your plan. This way you have an idea ahead of time and if need be can work with your dentist to set up a payment plan that will work for you.
How Long Does An Oral Surgery Last?
Oral surgeries are usually scheduled for one day and are completed in a few hours. Depending on the procedure and the anesthesia that the surgeon administers, you may need to stay a few hours longer to recover.
How Long Does Recovery From Oral Surgery Take Generally?
While the complete healing process will take a few weeks, the post oral surgery recovery period is relatively quick. You should plan to rest for at least 2 days after surgery. Our oral surgeon will give you more in-depth instructions, but you should expect to take 2 days to recover and to abstain from physical activity for a minimum of 2-3 days. After 2-3 days of healing, you should plan to be able to routine to your normal routine.
How Long Does The Pain Last After Oral Surgery?
Many patients biggest fear about oral surgery is the pain that can be expected afterwards. How much pain you can expect after surgery can vary depending on how extensive the procedure was that you had done. Our dental professionals will prescribe pain medication if necessary to help you recover comfortably.
What Do I Do If I Still Have Pain 3-4 Weeks After An Extraction?
If you have any pain lingering after a period of three to four weeks following your dental procedure, it’s best to reach out to your oral surgeon. They can take a look at the area of concern and make sure there are no signs of infection present. It’s essential to address any discomfort as soon as possible to ensure proper healing and well-being before the situation worsens
Our Oral Surgeon will give you any medication you require after your surgery. Pain medications should be taken exactly as prescribed for the first couple of days after your surgery then only as needed. Be sure to eat before you start your medications to avoid any stomach trouble!
What Do I Do If My Sutures Come Out?
Generally, resorbable sutures (stitches which dissolve on their own) are used and it is fine if they come out on their own. Any significant bleeding should be reported to your oral surgeon.
How Long Do The Holes In My Jaw Last After An Extraction?
The sockets left behind after your extraction typically close in about six weeks. The bone will fill in over the course of several months. Be sure to gently cleanse the site as food left in the socket can cause bad breath. You may be given a syringe with which to squirt water into the area to be certain no particles are stuck.
In Summary
Dental Surgical Care
In summary, our dental surgical services are designed to address complex dental issues with precision and care. From extractions to implants and bone grafting, we’re committed to providing quality surgical care in a comfortable, patient-focused environment. Trust our team in Camrose, Alberta, to guide you through your dental surgery journey towards improved oral health and a radiant smile.
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