If you believe you may benefit from oral surgery, call (740) 363-2080 to schedule an evaluation with our Delaware, OH dental office. At Sexton Dental, we provide comprehensive examinations to determine whether or not you require surgery, which specific procedures will benefit you, and what you can expect from the process.
Dr. Sexton completes thorough examinations and X-rays to assess your oral health. Please note that while we provide expert evaluations and surgical recommendations, Sexton Dental does not perform oral surgery in-house. Instead, once we identify a need, we will refer the you to a qualified specialist. Whether you are looking for a new dentist or are seeking a second opinion, we welcome your call. Our goal is to ensure you feel prepared, educated, and comfortable before moving forward with a specialist.
There are three main reasons that a surgical procedure may be recommended following an evaluation. The first is your health. Tooth decay is incredibly common, and with regular dental care, it is easy to catch and treat before it causes discomfort. Unfortunately, if infections set in or severe decay develops, root canal or extraction may be necessary. In other cases, we may recommend oral surgery to correct problems with your gums, such as a surgical gum graft to treat recession.
The second reason we refer patients for oral surgery is to remove wisdom teeth. While they do not always pose an immediate health risk, they can become impacted, cause discomfort, and damage surrounding structures. Referring you to a specialist for extraction can prevent future infections and stop wisdom teeth from shifting your other teeth.
Lastly, we may recommend oral surgery for cosmetic and restorative reasons, primarily to replace missing teeth with dental implants, a secure and durable solution for tooth loss that replaces the root. During this process, a specialist implants a titanium post into the jawbone. Once the implant has fused with the bone (osseointegration), we work with you to attach the final restoration, a natural-looking crown, bridge, or denture.
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Yes, when an orthodontist straightens teeth, one of the issues they address is overcrowding. There are certain procedures that can create space in the mouth, and one of them is to extract teeth. While not always necessary, some orthodontists will make a recommendation to have one or several teeth removed as part of the treatment process. An orthodontist is also concerned about jaw alignment. Overbites and underbites can often be treated non-invasively. However, in severe cases, oral surgery is necessary to change the position of the jaw. Whether or not you will need oral surgery as part of your orthodontic treatment is something to discuss during your initial consultation.
At Sexton Dental, we do everything we can to help you prepare for your upcoming procedure with a specialist. While your specialist will provide specific instructions, we help you get a head start on preparation. Further, patients should list any medications or supplements they take, along with their dosages and frequency of use, to provide the specialist. That way, they can recommend the appropriate procedure or coordinate with your primary care provider if any medication needs to be halted or adjusted.
Additionally, many oral surgeries require fasting from food and beverages for several hours before surgery, per standard anesthesia protocols. Lastly, we also recommend preparing your home by purchasing ice packs, soft foods, and ibuprofen so you can focus entirely on your recovery after the procedure.
Yes, we can. If you are currently under the care of another dentist but would like a second opinion or a dedicated surgical evaluation, we welcome you to our Delaware dental office. Because not every general dental office provides comprehensive surgical evaluations, we can coordinate the referral process to a specialist for you. You are welcome to return to your original dentist after the procedure, or join our practice as a new patient.
Recovery depends on the type of surgery the specialist is performing. As a general rule, you can expect temporary bleeding and swelling. To manage discomfort, we recommend applying ice packs for 15 minutes at a time for the first 48 hours, and taking pain medication as directed. At Sexton Dental, we may provide you with antibiotics or specific post-operative guidance to prevent infection and support the work done by your surgeon. Additionally, sticking to soft foods such as soups or steamed vegetables (allow them to cool before consuming) will make your recovery easier. We are here to answer any follow-up questions you have to ensure your path to a full recovery is as smooth as possible.
To find out if you need oral surgery or to discuss a surgical procedure in greater detail, call (740) 363-2080 and schedule a consultation. We will be happy to answer any questions you have and set you on the road to surgery and a full recovery. Our offices are conveniently located in Delaware, OH, and we are currently accepting new patients.
Q. How do I prepare for oral surgery?
Q. How long will it take to recover from oral surgery?
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