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Many people feel anxious at the prospect of oral surgery, but really there is no need to fear. At NextGen OMS, we are used to putting patients at ease and helping them to understand and feel comfortable with the procedures they need to undergo. This post can help you to know what to expect when you meet our oral surgeon in McKinney, TX.

What Is an Oral Surgeon?

An oral surgeon is a highly trained specialist who carries out procedures on the mouth that are too complex to be handled by a general dentist. These surgeons are often able to use a wider range of sedation techniques than general dentists, which means that they can prioritize patient comfort during difficult extractions or other oral procedures.

What Do Oral Surgeons Do?

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Our oral surgeon in McKinney, TX, Dr. Eftekhari, carries out a range of oral and maxillofacial surgeries, of which wisdom teeth removal is among the most common. Dentists may also refer other types of teeth extraction to an oral surgeon if they are too complex to handle in a standard dental office.

Dental Implants

These surgeons perform the surgery necessary to fit dental implants for patients who need to replace missing teeth. Dental implants can make a huge difference to quality of life, allowing patients who have lost teeth to eat and smile again with ease.

Reconstructive Surgery

These surgeons can carry out reconstructive surgery for patients who have been in an accident or who have suffered extensive damage due to gum disease that has spread into the jaw bone. They can even help patients who are suffering or have suffered from cancer.

Oral Infections

These surgeons perform a vital service to patients who are suffering from oral infections, which can be difficult to clear with medications alone. By opening up the gum and removing infected tissue, these surgeons can help to stop infections from spreading, therefore limiting the damage they can do.

Meeting Your Oral Surgeon

Before you undergo surgery at NextGen OMS, you will have a chance to meet your surgeon and the surgical team during a consultation. During this consultation, you will have the opportunity to ask questions about the procedure you are planning to undergo so that you know exactly what to expect.

Your surgeon will discuss with you the expected outcomes of the surgery, including what you should expect during recovery. They can also let you know the potential consequences of choosing not to go ahead with the surgery to help you make an informed decision. Do not hesitate to raise any concerns that you have or ask any questions. We want all of our patients to feel well-informed and happy with the procedures they are about to undergo.

What to Expect on the Day

Oral surgeons use a variety of sedation methods to keep their patients comfortable during a procedure. These can range from nitrous oxide, which is a type of gas that you breathe in to make you feel relaxed, to IV sedation which makes you feel calm and reduces your awareness of the procedure. Sedatives are also available in pill form to calm your nerves and help you relax during the procedure.

The team at NextGen OMS will help you to choose the level of sedation that is right for you. If you are anxious or you are undergoing a complex procedure, you might prefer to be asleep, whereas more minor procedures may require only pain relief. The important thing to remember is that you might need someone to drive you home after the procedure if you are still too woozy to drive, so be sure to arrange this in advance.

What to Expect During Oral Surgery Recovery

The amount of time that it takes to fully recover from oral surgery depends on the type of surgery you need, as well as on individual factors which your surgeon will discuss with you. In general, it is a good idea to plan to rest for a few days following oral surgery.

During this time of recovery, you will probably find it more comfortable to eat a diet of soft foods, such as yogurt, oatmeal, soups, and stews. Be sure to let food cool a little before you put it in your mouth to avoid irritating the surgical site while it is still healing. Sipping water throughout the day can help you to stay hydrated, but it is best to avoid alcohol or carbonated drinks for a while. You should also try to avoid smoking.

Your surgeon will explain how to care for your surgical site while still maintaining a good overall dental hygiene routine. You might need to brush a little more gently than usual or use a salt water rinse to clean your mouth without causing irritation to healing gum tissues.

If you develop any problems during the recovery period, you can always contact NextGen OMS for advice and support. For example, you might have bleeding or discomfort, or more rarely an infection. Do not hesitate to get in touch with any concerns — our team can help you to find a solution.

Get in Touch with an Oral Surgeon

As a highly experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Eftekhari is proud to serve the area of McKinney, TX. You can get in touch with the oral surgery team here at NextGen OMS through our website or on the phone. Whether you are experiencing problems with your wisdom teeth, want to discuss dental implants, or have another issue that requires oral surgery, our team can organize a consultation with our experienced oral surgeon.