You’ve been told you need a tooth extraction. Does that mean you need surgery? Not necessarily. Alamo City Smiles offers both simple tooth extractions and oral surgery in San Antonio, TX, for complex extraction cases. Read on to find out what conditions call for our Alamo oral surgery services.
Alamo Oral Surgery vs. Tooth Extractions
Let’s start by breaking down these terms. A simple tooth extraction involves removing a visible tooth. This procedure is usually straightforward, minimally invasive, and has a shorter recovery time.
By contrast, oral surgery at our San Antonio, TX, dental office is an umbrella term for several specialized operations, such as wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, or even bone grafting. Some tooth extractions require oral surgery, and others don’t.
Tooth Extractions Requiring Oral Surgery in San Antonio, TX
How do you know if you’ll need a surgical extraction instead of a simple one? At Alamo City Smiles, we might recommend oral surgery for:
- Impacted Teeth: These are teeth that haven’t fully emerged from the gums.
- Complex Tooth Roots: You may have more or oddly shaped roots.
- Deep Decay: A severely decayed tooth may require a more careful extraction.
- Broken Teeth: We may need to do surgery to remove teeth broken at the gum line.
- Nearby Tissues: Teeth that extend into sinuses or are near nerves require surgery.
- Severe Misalignment: Very crowded or misaligned teeth demand a delicate extraction.
Our Alamo Oral Surgery and Tooth Extraction Processes
For a simple extraction, our dentist will first numb the area using local anesthesia. Then, we use specialized tools to loosen and remove the tooth gently. The entire process is typically over within half an hour.
Our oral surgery in San Antonio, TX, follows a more complex process. Depending on the procedure’s intricacy, you might receive local anesthesia or sedation. From there, the steps depend on the type of extraction. For instance, for wisdom tooth removal, our surgeon makes an incision in the gum to access the tooth, sometimes even removing bone that obstructs access. The tooth may then be sectioned into smaller pieces for easier removal.
Alamo Oral Surgery and Extraction Aftercare
For simple extractions, you should avoid drinking through straws, as this can dislodge the blood clot at the extraction site, leading to a painful condition known as dry socket. Cold compresses and over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage swelling and discomfort.
Alamo oral surgery often involves a longer recovery period and more detailed aftercare. You should follow our advice closely, use ice packs to reduce swelling, stick to soft foods for a few days, and avoid rigorous physical activity. The healing timeline can vary, but most patients recover within a week or two, with follow-up visits scheduled to ensure proper healing.
We’re Here for You, from Consultation to Recovery
Whether you need a simple tooth extraction or oral surgery in San Antonio, TX, the team at Alamo City Smiles is by your side. Our experienced hands will guide you through whichever treatment you need, as well as aftercare and follow-up treatments. Contact us today for specific information about your procedure.