What is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon specializes in treating diseases associated with the mouth, face, jaws, and teeth. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon can treat issues as simple as tooth extractions or perform surgeries as complicated as the removal of a tumor or reconstructive surgery.

 Is oral surgery covered under my insurance plan?

Coverage varies depending upon your particular plan and what type of work is needed. In general, it is recommended that you meet with your dentist or orthodontist prior to having the surgery performed so you can determine what is covered and what is not.

What is required to achieve Board Certification?

Certification requires graduating from dental school as well as completing an internship and residency program. Once these have been completed, the applicant must apply and be accepted by the board and must successfully complete the exam. If the applicant passes the exams, which include an oral portion and a written portion, they will be board certified.

It is important to be aware that board certification is not required for individuals to practice oral surgery; however, many insurance plans and hospitals now require that an individual be board certified to qualify as a provider.

Following oral surgery, how long do I need to continue keeping pressure on the gauze?

Following your procedure, your oral surgeon will ensure that the bleeding is adequately under control. It is generally recommended that patients continue leaving the gauze over the surgical site for 30 minutes after arriving home, applying firm pressure during this time. Once this period has passed, the gauze can be gently removed.

If the bleeding continues to flow from the surgical spot, another piece of wet gauze can be placed over the area and the patient can apply firm pressure for another 30 minutes. This will typically stop the flow of blood, though you may notice that your saliva has a pink tinge for the next 24-48 hours.

If bleeding has not stopped after this time, it may be helpful to bite gently on a damp black tea bag, as the tannic acid can assist in clotting and reducing the bleeding. If you have any concerns about bleeding that will not stop, contact your dentist.

 Is it normal to feel nauseous following oral surgery?

Some patients experience mild stomach issues due to pain medication. Drinking a glass of milk prior to your medication can help reduce symptoms.

How long does it take for the extraction sockets to close? 

Although it typically takes several months for the sockets to fill the bone, the extraction sockets will typically close by six weeks.

How long is the recovery process? How soon can I return to work?

Recovery time will depend upon a variety of factors, including the severity of your case, what type of procedure you have had performed, and how closely you comply with post-operative instructions. To ensure a speedy and effective recovery, it is a good idea to set aside three to four days where you are able to avoid intense physical activities. If you take this time to rest, avoid eating hard foods, and practice gentle brushing, flossing, and rinsing techniques, you should be able to return to your normal activities very soon.

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