Oral Surgery Joliet

Oral Surgery

At Smile League Dental, we know that the thought of oral surgery can feel intimidating. Whether you’re dealing with a problematic wisdom tooth, gum disease, or the need for dental implants, oral surgery can be the key to restoring your oral health and maintaining a beautiful smile. Whether you are looking for oral surgery near me or tooth extraction near me, our team of experts is here to ensure the process is smooth, comfortable, and successful.

When Is Oral Surgery Needed?

There are many situations where oral surgery is necessary to maintain your oral health, including:

• Wisdom Teeth: Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, and even infection, requiring surgical removal.
• Infections or Abscesses: In some cases, an infection can spread to the root of a tooth or into the surrounding bone, making surgery the best option.
• Damaged or Decayed Teeth: If a tooth is beyond repair with a filling or crown, it may need to be surgically removed.
• Jaw Misalignment: Orthognathic (jaw) surgery can correct functional issues with the jaw that affect chewing, speaking, or even breathing.

The Ultimate Guide to Teeth Extractions: What to Expect Before, During, and After Your Oral Surgery

At Smile League Dental, we know that the idea of oral surgery can cause anxiety, but it doesn’t have to be that way. One of the most common procedures we perform is tooth extraction, and with modern techniques and sedation options, the process is smooth and comfortable. Whether you’re dealing with impacted wisdom teeth, severe decay, or overcrowding, we’re here to walk you through every step.

Why Are Tooth Extractions Necessary?

There are several reasons why a tooth extraction might be recommended:

1. Severe Decay or Infection: When a tooth is damaged beyond repair, removing it can prevent the spread of infection.
2. Impacted Teeth: Often, wisdom teeth or other molars become trapped beneath the gum line, requiring surgical removal.
3. Overcrowding: In some cases, teeth need to be removed to make space for orthodontic treatment.
4. Gum Disease: Advanced periodontal disease can loosen teeth, sometimes making extraction the best option.

Preparing for Oral Surgery

Before your tooth extraction, we will evaluate your oral health and take X-rays to determine the best approach for the procedure. Depending on the complexity, you may be recommended either a simple extraction or a surgical extraction.

We offer sedation options such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral sedatives to ensure you are comfortable and relaxed during the procedure.

What Happens During the Procedure?

The extraction process usually takes less than an hour. Here’s what to expect:

1. Anesthesia: Local anesthesia will numb the area around the tooth to ensure you don’t feel any pain.
2. Extraction:
   • For simple extractions, the tooth is loosened using specialized instruments and gently removed.
   • For surgical extractions, the dentist may need to make an incision in the gum to access the tooth, sometimes removing it in pieces.
3. Post-Procedure Care: After the tooth is removed, the dentist will place gauze over the socket to control bleeding, and you’ll be given post-op care instructions to ensure proper healing. Here is a link to download a copy of our post op instructions after your tooth(teeth) extraction.

Recovery: What to Expect After the Extraction

After the extraction, your body will begin healing immediately. Here are some tips to speed up recovery:

• Pain Management: You may feel some discomfort, but over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medications can help.
• Avoid Straws and Smoking: Both can dislodge the blood clot in the extraction site, leading to a condition called dry socket.
• Soft Diet: Stick to soft foods like yogurt, soup, and smoothies for a few days.
• Good Oral Hygiene: While it’s important to keep your mouth clean, avoid brushing directly on the extraction site for the first day or two.

When to Call Your Dentist

Most patients heal without complications, but if you notice any of the following, contact Smile League Dental immediately:

• Severe or worsening pain
• Excessive swelling
• Bleeding that doesn’t stop
• Signs of infection, such as fever or pus