Oral Surgery in Ardsley, NY
Did you know…
Oral surgeons complete at least a 4-year residency beyond dental or medical school.
What to expect: The oral surgery process
Initial Conversation
To start things off, your dentist will ask you how you feel about your smile. We encourage you to be candid and honest about any issues or imperfections that make you feel self-conscious, and express to us what you would change about your grin.
Consultation
Your dentist will likely refer you to an oral surgeon if they suspect you may need an oral surgery, or if they know you require oral surgery in preparation for a related treatment.
Treatment Planning & Preparation
Your doctor or oral surgeon will walk you through your treatment, the surgery related to the treatment plan, what to expect the day of the procedure, and how to prepare.
Sedation Options
Oral surgeons work with IV sedation and general anesthesia regularly, and will recommend the right sedation option based on your surgery and your needs.
Day of Surgery
You will need to arrange for someone to drive you to and from your appointment the day of your surgery. Your doctor will make specific recommendations, but you should plan for a day off and to have someone be with you for the rest of the day after your surgery.
Healing & Aftercare
Give yourself a few days to heal after surgery. Swelling and discomfort for the next 24 hours is normal. Keep your head elevated and use ice packs to reduce swelling. Take any medications as directed by your doctor. And stick to a soft food diet for the first 48 hours after surgery.
Common oral surgeries
Extractions
Extractions are typically done for teeth that have been damaged by oral injuries, gum disease, or tooth decay. Extractions are also necessary in preparation for restorative treatments, such as dentures or dental implants.
For example, a full arch of dentures will require all remaining teeth of that arch to be removed so that the denture can seat completely over the gums. Some extractions are simpler than others, but these procedures are usually classified as oral surgeries.
Wisdom Teeth Extractions
Dental bonding is a non-invasive procedure in which your dentist will apply a dental resin (that matches the shade of your smile) to your teeth. They will carefully sculpt the resin before curing it with a special UV light to restore the look, feel, and function of your smile. The whole process usually takes between 30-60 minutes for each tooth.
Shaping & contouring, also known as enameloplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that is often used in tandem with dental bonding. The treatment involves the removal of a thin layer of enamel from uneven, chipped, or sharp teeth to achieve the desired shape.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth Extractions
Veneers are wafer-thin, tooth-colored shells made from durable porcelain that are affixed to the front side of your teeth. This cosmetic treatment can eliminate small gaps between teeth, as well as cover up the appearance of severe staining, misshapen or uneven teeth, and much more.
To place veneers, your dentist will shave down the enamel so the porcelain shells don’t bulge or protrude from your smile. This is an irreversible procedure, so it’s an important consideration to make before committing to the treatment. However, veneers can completely transform your smile and will last for years before needing to be replaced, as long as they are cared for properly.
Oral Surgeries
For some patients, oral surgery may be required to prepare for dental implant treatment, remove impacted teeth, or to correct severe orthodontic issues.
Bone grafts are a common oral surgery that replaces lost jaw bone mass, and promotes regrowth. Patients who are experiencing weakened jawbones due to tooth loss, periodontal disease, or simply the natural aging process may be good candidates for bone grafts. Bone grafts are necessary in many instances to ensure a patient’s jaw bone will be strong enough to retain a dental implant.
Extractions may be required if a patient is receiving a full set of dentures or full-arch dental implants. A full-arch of prosthetic teeth requires an empty arch to be successful. Because we will always try to save your natural teeth, we’ll only recommend this as an option if we can’t restore your smile using another, less invasive procedure.
Did you know…
The most common oral surgery is the removal of wisdom teeth.
Have questions about oral surgery? Find answers here.
What’s an oral surgeon?
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon completes special training and education beyond dental school, although some oral surgeons choose to pursue a medical degree instead of a dental degree. At a minimum, oral surgeons will complete a 4-year residency at a hospital-based surgical program alongside medical residents in many different specialties, including anesthesia.
How long does oral surgery take?
It completely depends on the procedure and the complexity of your case. Simpler procedures, such as tooth extractions, can take minutes; more time may be needed to properly sedate you. Complex procedures, like placing dental implants for a full arch or teeth, can take hours. Your oral surgeon will give you a thorough explanation of the procedure, tell you how to properly prepare, and let you know what to expect on the day.
How much does oral surgery cost?
The cost of oral surgery varies from procedure to procedure. Similar to time commitment, simpler surgeries will be less expensive and complex surgeries will be more expensive. If your dental and/or medical insurance does not cover your oral surgery, consider loans or a payment plan to get the care you need.
Is oral surgery covered by insurance?
Possibly, depending on your insurance provider and coverage. You should talk to your dental and medical insurance providers to see if your recommended oral surgery is covered. It may also be worthwhile to file your claim with both your dental insurance provider and your medical insurance provider, since the surgery may qualify as a medically necessary procedure.
Did you know…
The average recovery time for most oral surgeries is only 3 days.