Oral Surgery in Hamilton, NJ

Preparing for Dental Implants

Tooth loss may seem like a minor problem at first, but over time, your mouth and jaw can develop problems. An open area in the jaw can create dental issues that affect your overall oral health, such as drifting teeth or the increased likelihood of infections along the gum line. Therefore, if you are missing one or more adult natural teeth, it is important to consider tooth replacement options. At Hamilton Dental Associates, we use the latest techniques to provide your teeth and jaw with the support they need, including dental implants, bridges, bone grafting, and other dental services. The right procedures for you will depend on your individual situation, so it’s best to consult with dental experts before making up your mind.

Dental implants and bridges are effective ways to fill the gap left by missing teeth, but these treatment options require specific preparation. If you are considering dental implants or other treatments for your impacted teeth, you should discuss the possibility with your oral surgeon before your tooth extraction surgery. Our oral surgeons have the specialty training to ensure your teeth are successfully treated and ready for an implant or bridge.

Pre-Surgery Instructions

Before any oral surgical procedure you should…

• Eat a light and easily digestible meal the night before your appointment
• If you are going to be sedated, DO NOT eat or drink anything on the day of your appointment
• Wear short sleeves and loose-fitting clothing
• Arrange for a relative or friend to stay in the office with you and be ready to drive you home
• You may NOT drive a car on the day of the surgery if you are to be sedated!

Post-Surgery Instructions

After oral surgery, it remains critical to follow all care instructions from your oral surgeon. If you are dealing with bleeding after one or more extractions, fold a piece of clean gauze into a pad thick enough to bite, then place it directly on the extraction site. Apply moderate pressure by closing your teeth firmly over the pad. Maintain this pressure for about 30 minutes. If the pad becomes soaked, replace it with a clean one as necessary. Do not suck on the extraction site or drink through a straw. A slight amount of blood may leak from where your wisdom teeth (or other teeth) used to be until a clot forms. However, if heavy bleeding continues, call your dentist or oral surgeon. (Remember, though, that a lot of saliva and a little blood can look like a lot of bleeding).

The Blood Clot

After tooth extractions, a blood clot forms in the tooth socket. This clot is an important part of the normal healing process, and it’s important to avoid activities that might disturb it.

Here’s how to keep it safe after surgical treatment:

• Do not smoke, or rinse your mouth vigorously, or drink through a straw for 24 hours. These activities create suction in the mouth, which could dislodge the clot and delay healing.
• Do not clean the teeth next to the healing tooth socket for the rest of the day. You should, however, brush and floss your other teeth thoroughly, gently rinse your mouth afterwards.
• Limit strenuous activity for 24 hours after the extraction. This will reduce bleeding and help the blood clot to form. Get plenty of rest.
• If you have sutures, your dentist will instruct you when to return to have them removed.

Medication

Your oral surgeon or dentist may prescribe medication to control pain and prevent infection in your teeth, gums, or jaw after oral surgery procedures. Use these treatments only as directed. If the medication prescribed does not seem to work for you, do not increase the dosage. Call your dentist or doctor’s office immediately if you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or fever after dental surgery.

Swelling and Pain

Tooth extractions, including the removal of one or more wisdom teeth, can irritate the soft tissues surrounding the missing teeth. As a result, you may experience some discomfort or swelling after an oral surgery procedure. Applying cold compresses to your jaw can help reduce swelling and pain. Ice packs or moist cloths can be used periodically. Be sure to follow all instructions provided by your oral surgeon and the rest of your dentistry care team.

Diet

After your oral surgery procedure, drink lots of liquids and eat nutritious, soft foods. Avoid hard or crunchy foods, and do not drink alcoholic beverages or hot liquids. Begin eating solid foods the next day or as soon as you can chew comfortably. For about two days, try to chew food on the side opposite the extraction site. Cold foods such as ice cream may provide pain relief, but remember to continue avoiding hot beverages. If you are troubled by nausea and vomiting after anesthesia, call your dentist for advice.

Rinsing

The day after oral surgery, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water (a teaspoon of salt in an 8 oz. glass of warm water). Rinsing after meals is important to keep food particles away from the extraction site. Let the water drain from your mouth naturally (do not rinse vigorously).