At Palos Heights Family Dental, we are dedicated to your long-term dental health and wellness. The idea of dental surgery may sound intimidating, but our trusted dentists, Dr. Nina Arora and Dr. Umang Patel, provide high-quality, gentle care to every patient. We work with you to accommodate your individual needs and ensure you feel comfortable throughout the entire procedure.
A wisdom tooth extraction is one of the most common types of oral surgery. When wisdom teeth, or the third set of molars, start to erupt, they can sometimes get stuck, cause crowding, or come in at an angle. Problematic wisdom teeth can be painful and even change the alignment of your bite. We understand tooth extraction doesn't sound fun, but we don't want fear to get in the way of your dental health. Your comfort is our priority, and we strive to make oral surgery procedures as stress-free as possible.
Immediately after the procedure, you may apply ice in ten-minute increments to reduce swelling. There may be some light to intermediate bleeding, but you can stop this by placing gauze over the infected area and gently biting down. Remember to be extremely cautious while your anesthesia is wearing off. Limit your activity for the next 24-48 hours to allow your body to recover. Avoid drinking from a straw or smoking to prevent dry socket from occurring. You may slowly incorporate solid foods back into your diet when you feel comfortable.
If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implants could be a solution for you. Dental implants are titanium posts that fuse with your jawbone in place of missing teeth. The post creates a strong anchor and stable foundation for a natural-looking tooth restoration or a set of snap-on dentures. Dental implants allow you to talk, sing, eat, and enjoy life without having to worry about your false teeth coming loose.
If your jawbone needs extra structural support before you receive your dental implants, we provide jaw surgery that strengthens the weakened area and stimulates new bone growth. If you are unsure if you need a bone graft, don't worry; we examine your jawbone before we proceed with implants to decide if it's needed or not.
While it may seem intimidating, bone grafts are a relatively simple oral surgery procedure. After an anesthetic is administered, a small incision is made in the gum line to give our team access to your bone. We will then add bone-like material to your jawbone which stimulates new growth. Immediately following the procedure, you may take an over-the-counter pain reliever to make the recovery process a bit more comfortable. Once your jawbone is fully healed, we may proceed with any further restorative treatments.
Do not drink from a straw for at least a week following your extraction. The suction can dislodge the blood clot and lead to dry socket.
After 24 hours, you can gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
For swelling, apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek for 10 minutes at a time.
Do not smoke during the healing process.
Eat soft foods following your extraction.
When you visit us for a consultation, we'll be able to provide you with an accurate cost breakdown based on your unique oral surgery needs. At Palos Heights Family Dental, we strive to make oral surgery as affordable as possible. That's why we offer a wide range of financial options to help you get the care you need without breaking the bank. Don't let cost concerns keep you from a healthy smile!
Have any questions about dental surgery in Palos Heights? We'd be happy to discuss your options and decide on a course of action that's right for you!