Some dental problems can be resolved with relatively mild treatments, like deep cleanings, cavity fillings, or taking oral medications to 
control infections. But other problems may need to be addressed surgically. Know the signs that you may need oral surgery to resolve your dental concern. At PearlFection Dentistry in Frederick and Urbana, MD, our general, cosmetic and restorative dentists Dr. Jared Lawson, Dr. EJ Stringer, Dr. Tammira Badakhshan, and Dr. Nikta Pashai, periodontist Dr. Ashley Seals, prosthodontist Dr. Amos Chi, oral surgeon Dr. Brian Chang, endodontist Dr. Pratik Patel and orthodontist Dr. Stephen Tigani can perform a wide range of procedures to help restore your teeth, gums, and jaw to good health.
What Is Oral Surgery?
Oral surgery is often a secondary measure that’s used when more conservative treatments, aren’t working and can be used to resolve a disease, abnormality, or cosmetic problem. Patients must be put under sedation for oral procedures, ranging from local anesthesia to intravenous sedation.
Signs You May Need Oral Surgery
An oral surgery procedure may be needed in the event of a dental emergency, to resolve general pain involving the jaw bone or joints, or for a cosmetic solution. These are some signs that you may need to see your Frederick and Urbana, MD, dentist for oral surgery:
- Your wisdom teeth are emerging and have become painfully impacted.
- You have a missing tooth that you want replaced with a dental implant.
- You have advanced gum disease and need periodontal surgery to remove diseased tissue or bone grafting.
- There’s an unexplained growth or sore that doesn’t heal that needs to be biopsied.
- You’ve been experiencing jaw pain and clicking from TMJ disorder.
Oral Surgery Aftercare
Like any surgical procedure, after oral surgery, you must closely follow care instructions from your dentist to ensure proper healing. Here are some tips to follow:
- Minor bleeding after oral surgery is normal; keep firm pressure on the area with gauze.
- Use an ice pack to reduce swelling.
- Take the anti-inflammatory pain medication prescribed by your dentist to reduce pain, along with any antibiotics.
Come in for an Exam
Many dental problems can be resolved with non-invasive or preventative procedures, but in some cases, oral surgery is the best course of action. Call (301) 831-8303 for the Urbana office, and (301) 663-5550 for the Frederick location to find out how we can restore and preserve your oral health. Serving the Hagerstown and Germantown, MD, areas, and also conveniently located only 45 minutes away from Washington DC and Baltimore.