Wichita Oral Surgery from Dr. LK Anderson DDS
When a patient is to undergo oral surgery, it’s only natural for them to feel a bit of anxiety. Any surgery brings up nervousness. The good news is that most surgeries are straightforward and relatively painless.
Of course, it’s essential to have a dental specialist who you can trust. At Dr. Lana K. Anderson DDS, our entire team is fully committed to the health and wellbeing of every patient.
Let’s look at what periodontal oral surgery is and what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure.
What is periodontal surgery?
Periodontics is dentistry that focuses on the supporting structures surrounding the teeth and any types of inflammatory disease that may damage them. These supporting tissues are the periodontium, which comprises the following:
- the gingiva (the gums)
- the alveolar bone
- the cementum
- the periodontal ligament.
The goals of periodontal surgery are to eliminate bacteria infection, prevent tooth loss, and reduce gaps between the gums and the teeth. In severe cases, you may need to regrow damaged bones and tissues and reshape the jaw to reduce the chances of bacterial growth in between the bone crevices.
What happens during the procedure, and how can you prepare for it?
Before coming in for your periodontal oral surgery in Wichita, Dr. Anderson provides you with guidelines. You’ll likely need to stop certain medications up to two weeks prior and avoid smoking or alcohol for at least 24 hours beforehand. Patients may also be prescribed an antibiotic to lower the risk of infection.
The procedure itself will involve some sedation or local anesthesia, so it’s highly recommended you arrange for someone to drive you afterward.
The severity of your condition will determine what type of procedure is necessary and how long it will take. In most cases, periodontal oral surgery is a pain-free technique that Dr. Anderson can perform in one to two hours. When stitches are necessary, you’ll be scheduled for a follow-up appointment to remove them after seven to ten days.
How long is recovery after periodontal surgery?
Following surgery, your dentist will go over what to expect in the coming days and what actions you need to take to ensure the best possible recovery. But, you should not be surprised to see minor bleeding in the hours following the procedure. Keep the gauze in place for one to two hours for natural blood clotting to occur.
You will be sent home with a prescription for pain medication, antibiotics, or anti-inflammatories. Dr. Anderson will also provide you with detailed instructions regarding when and how to resume eating. Usually, it is recommended to consume soft foods, drink plenty of water, and avoid spicy or highly seasoned foods that can be irritating post-surgery.
After oral surgery in Wichita usually comes swelling and numbness from the anesthetics during the procedure. Be careful during this time, as it can last up to 8 hours afterward. It is easy to bite your lip or tongue without realizing it. Swelling can be reduced by applying cold compresses intermittently on the outside of the mouth where the surgery took place.
See LK Anderson for Oral Surgery in Wichita.
It’s essential to treat any surgical procedure seriously – even minor surgeries. At Lana K. Anderson DDS, we have an experienced team trained in the latest techniques and use the most advanced equipment. We are strongly committed to the health and comfort of our patients. Contact us today for all your periodontal needs.
