How Long Does Oral Surgery Take To Heal?
What is Oral Surgery?
Oral surgery can be used to correct a wide variety of dental and oral problems. Oral surgery in San Clemente, CA, can be performed for cosmetic reasons, to improve the mouth’s function, or to treat certain medical conditions.
What are the Different Oral Surgery Types?
The types of oral surgery range from simple procedures to more complex ones, and they include:
- Tooth extraction
Tooth extraction is usually a last-resort measure when treating a damaged or decayed tooth. The dentist may also perform extraction if you have impacted teeth blocking another tooth from emerging.
The oral surgeon will numb the area around the tooth with an injection of local anesthesia. In some cases, sedation may be used to help you relax.
The oral surgeon will cut your gum tissue and remove the tooth. The surgeon will then close the opening with stitches.
The entire procedure can last between 30 and 60 minutes. You may experience some bleeding and swelling after the extraction, but this is normal. Your dentist will advise on the specific instructions on caring for the extraction site and managing any pain or discomfort.
- Gum surgery
Gum surgery is usually done to remove excess tissue or to repair the damage that has been done to the gums. Gum surgery can also correct an overbite, underbite, or gummy smile.
The length of time it takes for oral surgery to heal will vary depending on the procedure performed and how well you care for the gums. In most cases, however, the healing process will take several weeks.
- Bone grafting
Bone grafting is a common type of oral surgery, and it can significantly impact your oral health. Bone grafting is used to repair damage to the bones or teeth.
Bone grafting aims to replace missing bone or tooth structures with new tissue. This new tissue can be taken from another area of your body, or it can be artificial.
Bone grafting is often necessary after an injury or accident that results in bone loss. In some cases, bone grafting may even be used to improve the appearance of your smile.
The recovery process following oral bone grafting will vary depending on the type of oral surgery done. However, it takes several days to a week in the hospital to recover from the procedure.
- Dental implants
Dental implant oral surgery is a procedure that replaces one or more missing teeth with artificial teeth. The surgery is performed by placing titanium posts into the jawbone to form a foundation for the new teeth.
The surgery can be used to replace a single tooth, several teeth, or all of the teeth. The implant procedure is relatively safe and effective and has a high success rate.
What Can You Not Do After Oral Surgery?
While oral surgery procedure is generally safe, there are a few things you should avoid doing after the surgery to promote a speedy recovery.
After oral surgery, taking care of yourself is important to ensure a speedy and successful recovery.
- Avoid drinking using a straw because it can dislodge the blood clot that forms at the site of your surgery.
- Avoid smoking, as this can irritate the surgical site and delay healing.
- Do not eat hard or crunchy foods, as this can cause pain or damage the surgical site. Finally, avoid drinking alcohol, as this can interfere with healing.
Following these simple guidelines can help ensure a successful recovery from oral surgery.
How Long Does Oral Surgery Take to Heal?
Some procedures, like tooth extractions, are relatively simple and can heal in just a few days. Others, like bone grafts, are more complex and may take several weeks or months to heal completely.
Generally, you can expect most oral surgery procedures to take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to heal fully.
Schedule an Appointment
Visit Seascape Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry for more information about oral surgery in San Clemente, CA, and what to expect.