Oral surgery is often referenced as a synonym for pain, but today, surgical techniques have greatly evolved, and patients need not avoid their oral health due to fear of discomfort. Our team of meticulously trained and vetted professionals at Grand River Dental has the experience required to make your oral surgery in the Wisconsin area stress-free and even rewarding.
Oral Surgery in the Onalaska & La Crosse, WI Area
What is Oral Surgery?
Oral surgery refers to any dental procedure that requires cutting into the oral tissues. The procedure may be necessary when you have an impacted tooth, you need a sinus lift, or you require bone grafting. At Grand River Dental, we always use the most advanced, innovative technology on the market to reduce bleeding and discomfort, decrease recovery time, and optimize your final outcome. Learn more about your options for oral surgery in Wisconsin below.
What are the Most Common Oral Surgery Procedures?
Wisdom tooth removal
Wisdom teeth can become impacted, causing a great deal of pain. This is why it is so important to have these molars professionally evaluated before they become a problem down the line. The removal procedure is simple and straightforward. The gum tissue is opened up, any bone that needs to be removed is addressed, and the wisdom teeth are then gently excised. Afterward, stitches are used to close any incisions.
Dental implants
Made with titanium, dental implants replace the roots of the teeth, providing a secure platform to house replacements. Implants are placed into the jawbone, where they fuse with your natural anatomy. Abutment posts are used to attach crowns, bridges, or dentures that improve your bite and prevent further deterioration in the mouth.
Impacted teeth
When a tooth is impacted, it does not poke out above the gums. Impacted wisdom teeth may need to be removed through oral surgery. Overcrowding in the mouth can also cause impacted teeth, a problem that can be addressed through orthodontics.
Sinus lift
After a tooth is lost, the surrounding capsule may collapse, reducing the width and height of the oral bone. This makes it difficult to place an implant. A dental sinus lift can redesign the area of the upper jaw between the molars and premolars by lifting the sinus membrane to allow the bone more room.
Bone grafting
When a tooth is removed from the mouth, it leaves behind bone that is slowly reabsorbed by the body, creating a sunken appearance.
Bone grafting is a procedure that can help combat bone loss by transferring donor bone from another part of the mouth or by using synthetic materials. If dental implants are desired, bone grafting may be mandatory. The best time to undergo bone grafting is at the same time as the removal of the tooth, whenever possible.
To schedule your consultation for oral surgery in La Crosse, contact us today!
Risks of Oral Surgery
Like any surgical procedure, oral surgery carries some risks, though serious complications are rare. Common risks include infection, bleeding, and swelling at the surgical site. There may also be temporary discomfort, bruising, or numbness following the procedure. In some cases, patients may experience damage to surrounding teeth or nerves, though this is uncommon. Reactions to anesthesia, either local or general, can occur, but your oral surgeon will carefully assess your medical history to minimize these risks. To ensure the best possible outcome, it’s important to follow all post-operative instructions and attend follow-up appointments as advised.
Oral Surgery Recovery
Recovery from oral surgery varies depending on the type of procedure, but in general, most patients can expect to experience some swelling, discomfort, and minor bleeding in the first few days. To promote healing and minimize complications, it’s important to follow your oral surgeon’s aftercare instructions carefully.
In the first 24 to 48 hours, you should rest and avoid strenuous activities. You’ll likely be advised to apply ice packs to reduce swelling and take prescribed medications for pain management. Soft foods and liquids are recommended during the initial stages of recovery, and it’s important to avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods that could irritate the surgical site.
For the following weeks, you’ll need to maintain good oral hygiene while avoiding the treated area to prevent infection. Your oral surgeon will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your healing progress, and stitches, if used, may be removed during these visits. Most patients experience a full recovery within a few weeks, but more complex procedures, like dental implants or corrective jaw surgery, may take longer.
By following proper care and attending follow-up appointments, you can help ensure a smooth and successful recovery.
Why Choose Grand River Dental for Your Oral Surgery:
At Grand River Dental, we are committed to making your treatment as comfortable and expedient as possible. Our oral surgeons in Wisconsin, Dr. Leo Malin and Dr. Rachel Malin go to great lengths to get to know each patient as a unique individual and not just another number. From our world-class team and compassionate staff to our state-of-the-art in-house lab and advanced, cutting-edge equipment, we provide a superior client experience from start to finish. Having an on-site lab allows us to customize your procedure far more accurately, providing you with the perfect fit and enhanced quality of life. This is just one way in which we strive to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to producing outstanding results.
Oral Surgery FAQs
Is oral surgery painful?
Oral surgery is generally performed using local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia. This ensures that you will feel little to no pain during the procedure. Afterward, some discomfort is normal, but pain can generally be managed with prescribed medications.
How should I prepare for oral surgery?
Your oral surgeon will provide specific instructions, which may include fasting if sedation or general anesthesia is used. You should also arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure, especially if you’ve had sedation.
What can I eat after oral surgery?
Immediately after surgery, you may need to stick to soft foods and liquids. Avoid hot, spicy, or hard foods until your mouth has healed. Your oral surgeon will provide a list of foods to avoid and suggestions for what you can eat for optimal healing.
How do I care for my mouth after oral surgery?
Post-surgery care will include following instructions for pain management, maintaining good oral hygiene (without disturbing the surgical site), and avoiding smoking or using straws. Your oral surgeon will also provide guidance on swelling, bleeding, and other aftercare.
When can I resume normal activities after oral surgery?
Most patients can return to work or school within a few days, but strenuous physical activity or exercise should be avoided for at least a week or more, depending on the procedure. Your oral surgeon will guide you on when it's safe to resume normal activities.