Oral Surgery

Oral surgery is a specialized branch of dentistry that addresses complex issues involving the teeth, jaw, and soft tissues in the mouth. Whether you need an extraction, biopsy, or another procedure, oral surgery ensures that your dental health is restored and any potential issues are addressed early. If you’re considering oral surgery in Fall River, MA, it’s important to understand the types of procedures commonly performed and how they can benefit your oral health. Working with a skilled dentist in Fall River, MA, ensures you receive the best care tailored to your needs.

What Is Oral Surgery?

Oral surgery encompasses many surgical procedures performed in and around the mouth. These procedures may involve extracting teeth, performing biopsies, correcting jaw issues, or addressing trauma and infections. Oral surgeons are trained to manage and treat these complex conditions, often working with general dentists, orthodontists, and other dental specialists to ensure comprehensive care.

In many cases, oral surgery is necessary to resolve issues that cannot be treated with standard dental care alone. From relieving pain and infection to diagnosing potentially serious conditions, oral surgery is crucial in maintaining dental and overall health. So contact us at Dentistry With A Smile, LLC for the best and most painless oral surgeries for a better smile and improved oral health.

Oral Biopsies: Diagnosing Conditions Early

An oral biopsy is a procedure that involves taking a small sample of tissue from the mouth for further examination under a microscope. It aims to diagnose abnormalities such as lesions, suspicious growths, or ulcers that may indicate infections, benign conditions, or even oral cancer. Early detection is key to effective treatment, making biopsies essential to oral surgery in Fall River, MA. 

Types of Oral Biopsies:

• Incisional biopsy: This type of biopsy involves removing a small portion of the abnormal tissue for testing. It’s often performed when the affected area is too large to remove.
• Excisional biopsy: The entire lesion or abnormal tissue is removed during the biopsy. This is typically done for smaller lesions that can be excised completely. 
• Needle biopsy: For some lesions, a fine needle can be used to remove a small sample of cells. This method is less invasive and is commonly used to diagnose cysts or tumors.

What to Expect:

If your dentist in Fall River, MA, recommends an oral biopsy, the procedure will usually be done under local anesthesia to numb the area and ensure you remain comfortable. After the biopsy, the tissue sample will be sent to a lab for testing, and results are typically available within a few days.

Biopsies are essential in diagnosing oral cancer early, dramatically increasing the chances of successful treatment. If the biopsy confirms a serious condition, your dentist will discuss treatment options and collaborate with other specialists.

Tooth Extractions: A Common Oral Surgery Procedure

Tooth extraction is one of the most common procedures under oral surgery in Fall River, MA. It is performed when a tooth is severely damaged, decayed, or infected and cannot be saved with more conservative treatments like a root canal or crown. Other reasons for extraction include impacted wisdom teeth, overcrowding, or preparing the mouth for orthodontic treatment. 

Types of Tooth Extractions:

• Simple extraction: This is performed when a tooth is visible in the mouth and can be removed easily. Local anesthesia is typically used to numb the area, and the tooth is gently loosened and extracted.
• Surgical extraction: A surgical extraction is more complex and is often required for teeth that have not fully erupted or are impacted. The dentist may need to make an incision in the gum and sometimes remove bone tissue to extract the tooth.

Wisdom Tooth Extractions

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are often removed because they can cause overcrowding, infection, or impact. Impacted wisdom teeth don’t have enough space to fully emerge from the gums, leading to pain, swelling, and other dental issues.

The decision to extract wisdom teeth is usually made after a thorough examination and X-rays, both of which help your dentist in Fall River, MA, determine the position and condition of the teeth. Wisdom teeth extraction is often recommended before complications arise in late adolescence or early adulthood. 

What to Expect:

Tooth extractions, whether simple or surgical, are typically performed under local anesthesia, though sedation options may be available for more complex cases or patients with dental anxiety. After the extraction, some swelling, bleeding, and discomfort are normal, but these symptoms generally subside within a few days.

Your dentist will provide aftercare instructions, including guidelines on what to eat, how to manage pain, and how to maintain oral hygiene during recovery. Following these instructions is essential to prevent complications like infection or dry socket, a painful condition when the blood clot in the extraction site becomes dislodged.

Why Choose Oral Surgery?

Choosing oral surgery in Fall River, MA, can provide numerous benefits for patients experiencing dental problems that cannot be resolved through noninvasive treatments. Oral surgery can relieve pain, treat infections, and improve the functionality of your mouth. Whether you need an extraction or biopsy, oral surgery is often the first step toward restoring oral health and preventing further complications. 

Some conditions, such as impacted teeth or suspicious lesions, can worsen over time if left untreated, leading to more serious health problems. By undergoing oral surgery promptly, patients can address these issues early, avoid complications, and enjoy better dental and overall health.

The Importance of Post-surgery Care

Proper post-surgery care is critical to a smooth recovery after undergoing oral surgery in Fall River, MA. Patients should follow the specific guidelines provided by their dentist in Fall River, MA, which may include: 

• Avoiding strenuous activity for 24 to 48 hours 
• Applying ice packs to reduce swelling
• Taking prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications as directed
• Eating soft foods and avoiding hot or crunchy items
• Keeping the surgical site clean by gently rinsing with a saltwater solution

Adhering to these guidelines can minimize the risk of complications and ensure a quicker, more comfortable recovery.

Conclusion

Oral surgery is an integral part of maintaining and restoring dental health. From oral biopsies that help diagnose conditions early to tooth extractions that resolve issues like decay or impaction, oral surgery in Fall River, MA, provides effective solutions to various dental problems. Working with our knowledgeable dentist in Fall River, MA, ensures you receive high-quality care and personalized treatment plans tailored to your needs. If you’re facing dental issues that may require surgery, consult with a local dentist to discuss your options and take the first step toward better oral health.

So schedule an appointment with us at Dentistry With A Smile, LLC, 920 Plymouth Avenue, Fall River, MA 02721. For bookings and consultations, call (508) 672-6471. Please visit our official website to learn more about our various services.