Oral surgery is an essential component of comprehensive dental care, addressing complex dental issues that require surgical intervention. At Chattanooga Dental Arts in Chattanooga, TN, our experienced dentists, Dr. Daniel McGovern and Dr. Jancy Parkerson-McGovern, provide a range of advanced oral surgery services designed to enhance your oral health and improve your quality of life. Schedule your consultation today to experience our trusted care.
What Is Oral Surgery?
Oral surgery encompasses various surgical procedures performed to treat diseases, injuries, and defects in the mouth, teeth, and jaw. This branch of oral medicine is crucial for addressing complex dental problems that cannot be resolved with standard treatments. Our skilled team specializes in providing personalized care to ensure a smooth and successful treatment experience. Whether you need wisdom teeth removed, dental implants placed, or bone grafting, our comprehensive approach ensures you receive the best care tailored to your needs.
Preparing For Oral Surgery
Before your oral surgery, our dental care providers will guide you through the preparation process to ensure you are fully informed and comfortable with the upcoming procedure. Preparation steps typically include:
- Comprehensive consultation: During this initial appointment, we will discuss your treatment options in detail, explaining the procedure, benefits, and potential risks. This consultation allows you to ask questions and address any concerns you may have.
- Pre-surgery instructions: We will provide specific guidelines to follow before your surgery. These may include dietary restrictions, medications to avoid, and other essential preparations to ensure a safe and effective procedure.
- Health assessment: A thorough assessment of your medical history and current health status is conducted to tailor the surgery plan to your unique needs and minimize any risks.
Our Oral Surgery Services
We offer a wide range of oral surgery services to address various dental issues and improve your oral health. Our services include:
- Wisdom teeth extraction: Wisdom teeth, or third molars, often cause problems when they become impacted or do not have enough space to emerge properly. Extracting these teeth can prevent pain, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth. Our dentists use advanced techniques to ensure a comfortable and efficient extraction process.
- Dental implant placement: Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth, providing a stable foundation for prosthetic teeth. This procedure involves placing a titanium post into the jawbone, which acts as an artificial tooth root. Over time, the post fuses with the bone, creating a strong base for a crown, bridge, or denture. Our team is proficient in implant placement, ensuring precise and effective results for a confident smile.
- Bone grafting: Bone grafting is often necessary when there is insufficient bone structure to support dental implants. This procedure involves transplanting bone tissue to the affected area, promoting new bone growth, and creating a solid foundation for implants. Our expertise in bone grafting helps create a stable environment for successful implant placement and long-term oral health.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Wisdom teeth extraction is a common oral surgery procedure aimed at removing one or more of the third molars. These teeth typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25 and can cause various issues if they become impacted or misaligned. Symptoms of problematic wisdom teeth include pain, swelling, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth.
Our dentists ensure a comfortable experience with advanced sedation techniques and a focus on minimizing discomfort. The extraction process involves making an incision in the gum tissue, removing any bone blocking access to the tooth root, and carefully extracting the tooth. After the procedure, we provide detailed post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
Dental Implant Placement
Dental implants are an excellent solution for replacing missing teeth, offering a natural look and feel. The implant procedure involves several steps:
- Consultation and planning: We conduct a thorough examination and take detailed scans to plan the implant placement precisely.
- Implant placement: The titanium post is surgically inserted into the jawbone, where it will fuse with the bone over the next few months.
- Abutment placement: Once the implant has integrated with the bone, an abutment is attached to the post, serving as a connector for the prosthetic tooth.
- Prosthetic attachment: Finally, a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the abutment, restoring function and aesthetics to your smile.
Bone Grafting
Bone grafting is a vital procedure for patients who lack sufficient bone structure to support dental implants. This condition can result from prolonged tooth loss, periodontal disease, or trauma. The bone grafting process involves:
- Preparation: We assess the area needing the graft and determine the best source of bone material, which can be autografts (from the patient), allografts (from a donor), or synthetic materials.
- Grafting procedure: The bone material is surgically placed in the deficient area, stimulating new bone growth.
- Healing: Over several months, the graft integrates with the existing bone, creating a robust foundation for dental implants.
Oral Surgery Recovery
Recovery from oral surgery varies depending on the procedure and individual patient factors. Our team provides detailed post-operative care instructions to promote healing and minimize discomfort. General recovery tips include:
- Rest and hydration: Allow time for rest and ensure adequate fluid intake.
- Pain management: Use prescribed or over-the-counter pain relief as directed.
- Dietary adjustments: Follow a soft food diet and avoid chewing near the surgical site.
- Oral hygiene: Maintain good oral hygiene while being gentle around the surgical area.
We schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress and address any concerns promptly.
Experience Trusted Oral Surgery Care
Choosing Chattanooga Dental Arts for your oral surgery means opting for excellence in surgical care. Our dedication to patient comfort, advanced techniques, and personalized treatment plans make us the premier choice in Chattanooga, TN. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards a healthier, brighter smile. Our expert team is here to provide the highest level of care and support throughout your treatment journey.
