Oral SurgeryArroyo Grande, CA

Dental Issues Addressed by Oral Surgery

Oral surgery may address several different dental issues, as the field involves diagnosing and managing the pathology of the mouth and jaws. Some of the most common oral surgical procedures involve but are not limited to:

• Bone Grafting. Going without missing teeth may eventually cause a patient’s jawbone to atrophy or reabsorb, leaving them with inadequate quality and quantity of bone appropriate for dental implants. Bone grafting surgery can help repair these implant sites.
• Impacted Teeth. Teeth are “impacted” when they cannot emerge in proper alignment or through the gumline. This may cause swelling, pain, and infection of the gum tissue around the impacted teeth. Wisdom teeth are often “impacted,” but other types of teeth can be “impacted” as well.
• Malocclusion. A misaligned bite, or malocclusion, can cause patients to have trouble breathing, eating, speaking, and swallowing properly. Braces are often not enough to correct this problem. In such cases, the patient may need oral surgery to realign the jawbones accordingly.
• Tooth Loss. Patients who have lost their natural teeth may benefit from dental implants or permanent dentures. Such tooth replacement options must be surgically attached to the jawbone for stabilization.

The more complex a procedure is, the more pressing it is to be seen by a specialist. At Wilson Oral Surgery, our doctors take each of our patients' individual needs into account to determine which surgery (if any) is right for them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oral surgery can prevent dental problems from further interfering with your life. Our qualified team at Wilson Oral Surgery may be able to help. Call us today at 805-476-2567 to make an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there any way your office can help me manage my anxiety before an oral surgery?

We are proud to offer sedation dentistry to make the surgical experience as painless as possible for all our patients. Our team has advanced training in anesthesia techniques, including intravenous (IV) sedation, general anesthesia, nitrous oxide-oxygen, and local anesthesia.

Is oral surgery painful?

It is normal to feel some soreness following surgery after the anesthetic has worn off. Usually, the worst of the pain will subside once 24 to 48 hours have passed. However, it is not uncommon for some soreness or discomfort to last for three to five days. Of course, every person's pain threshold is different, and some surgeries are more invasive than others. Talk to your doctor to know more about what you can expect.

How can I know if I have a "dry socket" after oral surgery?

Alveolar osteitis, or "dry socket," is a condition in which a blood clot in an extraction site begins to break down prematurely. This can be brought on by smoking, poor oral hygiene, and overexertion in the post-operative period. However, there is not always any discernible cause. It will usually take three to five days for signs of "dry socket" to appear. Common symptoms include bad breath, foul odor and taste, and increased pain. The condition is easily treatable. Contact our office if you suspect you are suffering from a "dry socket."

Will my face be swollen after oral surgery?

Your face will probably swell in the first 24 hours following oral surgery. This may last for five to seven days, with varying degrees of intensity. You may notice some bruising once the swelling has subsided. This is normal and not cause for concern. Most bruising subsides considerably by the 10-day mark.

What can I eat after oral surgery?

Stick to liquids and soft foods for the first two days following surgery. On day three, you can move onto a soft mechanical diet, incorporating foods that require little chewing. Most patients return to their regular diet a week after surgery. Avoid any spicy and acidic foods until then.