Does Oral Surgery Hurt?

If you have an upcoming oral surgery, you are probably feeling some anxiety and nervousness. These feelings are normal, as many of these procedures can be extensive and involved. There can be some discomfort with different surgeries. You can take comfort to know that your general dentist will use different methods to reduce the pain and help you to have a full recovery.

Common types of oral surgery

Even people who take good care of their oral health may end up needing surgery on teeth or gums as well as the jaw and other parts of the mouth. Wisdom teeth extraction might be the most frequent surgery that a patient would have. Wisdom teeth usually start to break through in a person’s late teens or early 20s. However, there is often not enough room for these teeth, so problems can arise if a dentist does not remove them.

Dental implants are also common, especially for people who have lost a permanent tooth or multiple teeth. Patients might need reconstructive jaw surgery after an injury. Other examples of oral operations are jaw-alignment surgeries and the removal of tissue from the throat. These all have various levels of risks and recoveries.

What to expect

Because an oral surgery is an invasive procedure, patients should expect some soreness and irritation afterward. Some oral surgeries can take up to several hours to perform. Most of the time, patients can return home on the same day after a brief in-office recovery. However, more complicated surgeries may require an overnight stay for observation. Recovery timelines can vary from a couple of days to a few months, depending on the severity of the issues and the person’s health and age.

Common post-surgery ailments

After the oral surgery, there will be soreness in the incision areas. This may make it painful to swallow or chew. In most cases, the patient’s diet will have restrictions, such as the inability to eat solid foods. There also could be bleeding and swelling for a few days after the surgery. Patients will typically spend at least a couple of days after the surgery resting and avoiding strenuous activities.

Care for the pain

Fortunately, a general dentist understands that pain will often accompany oral surgery. The dentist will likely prescribe a pain medication that the patient can take during the recovery period. This medication can also reduce any swelling and help with nausea. Over-the-counter medication can also be helpful. Applying an ice pack can also relieve pain. The dentist will follow up with the patient a week or two after the procedure to make sure the patient is making progress and not having severe complications.

No need to fear

While you may worry about going to the general dentist for oral surgery, you can have peace of mind. Your dentist has the knowledge and training to perform this procedure successfully. You will also have access to medication and other methods to get you through the pain. Call your dentist today to schedule your surgery. You should also take the time to ask any questions about the operation and express any concerns you have.

Request an appointment here: https://trophysmilestudio.com or call Trophy Smile Studio at (817) 210-4049 for an appointment in our Trophy Club office.

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