Oral Surgery Chicago, IL
Oral surgery can address several different dental issues that have persisted over time. This solution may be able to address any jaw, bone, or teeth irregularities. If you have chronic dental problems that have not responded to non-invasive treatment, oral surgery may be right for you.
Oral surgery is available at Hyde Park Smile Studio in Chicago and the surrounding area. For many patients, oral surgery is the solution they need after other dental treatments have failed. Call us today at (773) 232-1973 to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Understanding Oral Surgery
As recognized by the American Dental Association, oral and maxillofacial surgery deals with diagnosing and treating diseases, injuries, and defects involving the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region. "Oral" refers to the mouth, and "maxillofacial" refers to the jaw and face. Since the field may address both aesthetic and functional areas of these regions, there are many different types of oral and maxillofacial surgeries. Oral surgery is a long-established and well-researched area of study that is safe when conducted by a qualified professional.
“Because the field may address both aesthetic and functional areas of these regions, there are many different types of oral and maxillofacial surgeries.”
Reasons for Oral Surgery
Oral surgery may help with several conditions. Some of the most common include:
- Tooth Loss. Losing natural teeth can erode the jawbone over time, making deterioration an inevitability. Dental implants can prevent this from happening by anchoring the false teeth to the jawbone and stabilizing them.
- Impacted Teeth. Teeth are "impacted" when they become trapped between the jawbone and the gum tissue. Usually, this happens because the tooth has not emerged in proper alignment or entirely through the gumline. Generally, dentists will recommend patients have these removed.
- Orthodontics. Oral surgery is sometimes necessary when braces are not enough to correct malocclusion (a misaligned bite). In such cases, a dental professional works with a surgeon to build a personalized treatment plan for the patient's orthognathic surgery (corrective jaw surgery).
It is important to remember that the above list is not exhaustive. Patients should consult with a professional to ensure which treatment option is right for them.
“Oral surgery may help with several conditions.”
Preparing for Oral Surgery
Oral surgery can be a complicated process. Taking a few easy steps can help simplify the process. Patients should maintain open and honest channels of communication with their dental professional at all times. There is no shame in asking questions. Being informed about what is going to happen and why can do a great deal to assuage any fears.
Those who will undergo sedation should not eat or drink anything, including water, after midnight the evening before surgery. Fasting prevents the chances of aspiration, a rare complication of anesthesia in which the lungs fill with the contents of the stomach. However, a small sip of water to take medication during the fast is permissible.
“There is no shame in asking questions. Being informed about what is going to happen and why can do a great deal to assuage any fears.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Oral Surgery in Chicago, IL
What to Expect from Oral Surgery
Many patients find it benefits them to arrive at least 20 minutes early on the day of the surgery, allowing them to complete any paperwork and relax. Additionally, patients with removable dental devices should come with a container to store them in during surgery.
Patients who will be undergoing sedation should arrive wearing loose, short-sleeved clothing to assist staff in taking vital signs and administering the IV. It may also be necessary for nurses to put blood pressure cuffs on the patient to monitor them during the procedure.
“Many patients find it benefits them to arrive at least 20 minutes early on the day of the surgery, allowing them to complete any paperwork and relax.”
Recovering from Oral Surgery
Patients should plan to spend the day resting after oral surgery. The drowsiness of the sedative will likely last all day, making it important for patients to avoid doing anything that requires concentration. Patients should also refrain from straining to avoid dislodging any blood clots and causing bleeding. They should also keep their heads elevated whenever they are lying down.
Above all, it is crucial to follow the dentist's instructions for your individualized treatment plan. If you contract a fever, develop pus, or notice your swelling and bruising getting worse after three days, call our office right away.
“Patients should plan to spend the rest of the day resting after oral surgery.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How should I prepare for oral surgery?
Q. What will happen on the day of my oral surgery?
Q. How can I speed up my recovery from oral surgery?
People Also Ask
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long will my face swelling last after oral surgery?
A. Facial swelling is likely in the first 24 hours following oral surgery. Typically, this lasts for five to seven days, with varying degrees of intensity. Once the swelling has subsided, you will probably notice some bruising. This should fade considerably by the 10-day mark.
Q. When can I return to my normal diet after oral surgery?
A. Most patients can return to their regular diet about a week after oral surgery. This is a gradual change, and you should avoid any spicy or acidic foods until then. You will need to stick to liquids and soft foods for the first two days following surgery. You can start incorporating low-chew foods on day three.
Q. What causes a "dry socket" after oral surgery?
A. "Dry sockets," or alveolar osteitis, are blood clots that appear in extraction sites and break down prematurely. These usually result from overexertion, smoking, and poor oral hygiene during the postoperative period. Sometimes, they happen without a clear cause. Symptoms include bad breath, foul odor and taste, and increased pain. If you suspect you have developed a "dry socket," contact our office immediately.
Q. Is oral surgery painful?
A. Patients are under anesthesia during oral surgery, meaning you will not feel any pain during the procedure. However, you will likely feel some pain and discomfort after surgery once the anesthetic has worn off. Our team can give you recommendations or prescribe appropriate medication to help manage this pain.
Q. Can I drive myself to and from my oral surgery?
A. No. Patients should make plans for someone they trust to drive them to and from the procedure. Anesthetics and sedatives can negatively affect one's ability to drive, making it dangerous to be on the road.
Quality Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
Scan here to view this page, Oral Surgery, on mobile
Oral Surgery Terminology
Learn More Today
Sometimes, only oral surgery can adequately address your dental issues. We at Hyde Park Smile Studio may be able to help. Call us today at 773-232-1973 to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2021
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2021
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2021
About our business and website security
- Hyde Park Smile Studio was established in 2008.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Cook County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Chicago, Schaumburg, Skokie, Oak Lawn and Oak Park
- National Provider Identifier Database (1861500944). View NPI Registry Information
- Healthgrades. View Background Information and Reviews
- Norton Safe Web. View Details
- Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
Scan here to open directions to Hyde Park Smile Studio on mobile
Back to top of Oral Surgery
Related Posts
What Are Some Common Oral Surgery Procedures?
Learning about some of the more commonly used oral surgery procedures allows dental patients to understand more about any procedures that can improve their dental health. Updated dental technologies allow dental surgery to be quick and safe, giving patients peace of mind. Know that a general dentist can typically perform certain types of surgical procedures.With…
Are Oral Cancer Screenings Necessary?
Oral cancer screenings are recommended to patients who are at a higher risk of the disease. While it is not always necessary, most dentists recommend regular oral cancer screenings to ensure any concerning signs are detected as early as possible for the most effective treatment possible. Although many people have heard about oral cancer, all too…
The Importance Of Seeing A Preventive Dentist Regularly
Seeing a preventive dentist is a vital part of your oral healthcare routine each year. However, many people skip this essential step because they do not want to spend time at a dental office. Fortunately, a preventive dentist provides many valuable services that can help your smile last a lifetime and stop future issues before…
Gum Disease Treatment: What To Expect From Start To Finish
Think you may need gum disease treatment? Read on to learn more about this condition. Gum disease treatment is necessary if infection-causing bacteria invade the oral cavity. Without prompt treatment, the bacteria will cause severe gum inflammation, which can lead to problems with the bones and tissues that support the teeth.Gingivitis is the first stage…
Explore additional topics covered on our website:
Call Us Today
Scan here to call Hyde Park Smile Studio on mobile