717 Newfield St. Middletown, CT 06457
Oral Surgery in Middletown, CT
What This Page Covers:
- Surgical Solutions: Oral surgery may be necessary for impacted teeth, tooth loss, oral cancer, or sleep apnea, ensuring long-term oral health.
- Pre-Surgery Consultations: Consultations help assess health, reduce complications, and provide clear expectations and care instructions for surgery.
- Recognizing Symptoms: Pain, swelling, loose teeth, and gum disease are common signs that may indicate the need for oral surgery.
- Advanced Care: Advanced Family & Cosmetic Dentistry provides comprehensive, patient-focused oral surgery in Middletown, CT.
What is Oral Surgery?
Oral surgery encompasses any surgical procedure performed involving the mouth, jaw, or surrounding areas. At Middletown, CT, our team provides a variety of procedures aimed at improving oral health, function, and aesthetics. From routine extractions to more complex procedures like dental implants and bone grafting, we are committed to helping you achieve a healthy and functional smile.
When Is Oral Surgery Necessary?
For most patients, hearing that they may need oral surgery can be stress-inducing and even frightening. However, when you work with our team, we will ensure you have a full understanding of why you need this surgery, allowing you to enter into the process with the knowledge and confidence that our oral surgeons are acting in the best interest of your oral health.
While there are various reasons a person may be in need of oral surgery, some of the most common include the following:
- Oral Cancer: If a patient shows signs of oral cancer inside their mouth, oral surgery may be necessary. Some signs of oral cancers can include moles that change shape, have irregular borders, or are made up of many colors.
- Noncancerous Lumps: If a patient has any noncancerous lumps or bumps in the mouth, they may need to have oral surgery to remove them.
- Sleep Apnea: When the soft tissue in a patient’s mouth or throat is blocking the airway, this can cause sleep apnea. Oral surgery is one treatment option available to those suffering from sleep apnea. Your dentist can consult with you on whether this is the best treatment plan for your unique sleep apnea case.
- Bone Loss: When there is bone loss in a patient’s jaw, it may be necessary for them to undergo oral surgery.
Regardless of the type of oral surgery you need to achieve peak oral health and well-being, our team is here to help you through every step. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about the oral surgeries available to you.
Why is it Important to Have a Pre-Surgery Consultation?
When considering oral surgery, the pre-surgery consultation you will have with a member of our team is important for a number of reasons. The benefits of having a pre-surgery consultation include:
- Ensuring You Are Fit for Surgery: The consultation will help ensure you are healthy enough to undergo a surgical procedure. The pre-surgery consultation can also help identify any medical problems that should be addressed and treated prior to undergoing oral surgery.
- Reducing the Risk of Complications: When you attend a pre-surgery consultation, this appointment can help reduce the risk of complications by identifying potential challenges you may face and implementing measures to prepare you and your mouth for oral surgery.
- Avoiding Unnecessary Cancellations: The pre-surgery consultation can help avoid unnecessary cancellations or complications that could be costly for you.
- Building Trust: This consultation can help build trust between you and your dental team.
- Getting Clear Information: A pre-surgery consultation can help you get clear information about your oral surgery and what you should expect before, during, and after the procedure is completed.
- Discussing Arrangements: This consultation is an opportunity for you to discuss and make arrangements for things like medications, eating and drinking, and pain management with your dental team prior to the procedure.
- Discussing Post-Surgery Care: A pre-surgery consultation allows you to discuss post-surgery care with your dental team. This may include how soon you can return home, when you can return to work, and whether you will need help at home.
To learn more about how our dental team can help you prepare for oral surgery, contact our office today.
Common Symptoms That Show You May Need Oral Surgery
Surgery is most likely not something that patients necessarily want to have to go through. However, sometimes, it is necessary to ensure your oral health is the best it can possibly be. In order to achieve a bright smile and the oral health you desire, it is important you have the knowledge and understanding of certain symptoms that may indicate that it is time to talk to your dentist about oral surgery.
The symptoms that may indicate that you are in need of oral surgery include the following:
- Pain in the mouth, jaw, or face
- Swelling in the mouth, jaw, or face
- Loose teeth
- Bad breath
- Gum disease
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, especially if you are experiencing multiple for an extended period of time, it is crucial you book a consultation with our dental team to talk about your options and whether oral surgery may be the right choice for your health.
Why Choose Advanced Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for Your Oral Surgery?
At Advanced Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we understand that oral surgery can be a daunting prospect, but you can rest assured that you’re in capable hands with our experienced team. Our priority is to ensure your comfort, answer all your questions, and provide the highest standard of care. Whether you need wisdom teeth removed, dental implants placed, or treatment for more complex conditions, our comprehensive approach to oral health means you’ll be supported through every step of the process.
Don’t wait if you’re experiencing symptoms that may require surgery. Contact our team today at (860) 347-1227 to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help. You can also visit our contact page for more information.
Benefits of Choosing Advanced Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for Oral Surgery
Experienced Care
With years of experience, Dr. Pavlakis and our team ensure the highest quality care in a comfortable and welcoming environment.
Advanced Technology
We use the latest dental technology and techniques to provide precise and effective treatments with minimal discomfort.
Personalized Approach
Every patient is unique, so we develop a customized treatment plan based on your specific needs and oral health goals.
Oral Surgery Services Offered by Dr. Pavlakis
- Tooth Extractions: Whether it’s a severely decayed tooth or a troublesome wisdom tooth, our team performs safe and gentle surgical procedures for extractions right here in Middletown.
- Wisdom Teeth Removal: If your wisdom teeth are causing pain or are at risk of infection, we can safely remove them before complications arise.
- Dental Implants: Missing teeth can be permanently replaced with dental implants, a reliable solution we offer at our office for restoring function and appearance.
- Bone Grafting: For patients with insufficient bone mass for implants, we perform bone grafting to rebuild the jawbone and prepare it for implant placement.
- Gum Surgery: If gum disease has damaged your gums, we provide treatments like gum grafting to restore healthy tissue and protect your teeth.
Jaw Problems Treated at Advanced Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
Unequal Jaw Growth
Some individuals may experience improper growth of their upper and lower jaws, leading to difficulties in speaking, eating, swallowing, and breathing. While braces and orthodontic appliances can correct issues like teeth misalignment, more severe cases may require maxillofacial surgery to reposition the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both, for improved balance, functionality, and overall oral health. In such severe cases, patients may require oral surgery to address the complex issues effectively.
Improving Denture Fit
Oral surgery in Middletown, CT can be performed to address any jaw irregularities before creating dentures, ensuring a better fit for first-time denture wearers. Long-term denture wearers may also benefit from oral surgery to address bone deterioration, which can cause ill-fitting dentures. In severe cases, oral surgeons can perform a bone graft to areas with insufficient bone.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders
Dysfunction of the TMJ, the joint in front of the ear where the skull and lower jaw meet, often leads to headaches and facial pain. Most TMJ disorder patients can find relief through a combination of oral medications, physical therapy, and splints. However, joint surgery may be necessary for advanced cases or when a specific problem within the joint is diagnosed.
Benefits of Choosing Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Opting for an oral and maxillofacial surgeon comes with several benefits:
- Improved Oral Health: These specialists are trained to perform procedures that significantly enhance oral health and function.
- Reduced Risk of Complications: With their extensive expertise and experience, oral and maxillofacial surgeons can minimize the risk of complications during and after surgery.
- Personalized Care: They take the time to understand each patient’s unique needs, developing a personalized treatment plan tailored to those needs.
- Advanced Technology: Oral and maxillofacial surgeons have access to the latest technology and techniques, ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of care.
Common Reasons for Oral Surgery
Oral surgery may be necessary for various reasons, including:
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth: These can cause pain, infection, and damage to surrounding teeth and bone, especially when they do not have enough space to properly erupt from the gum line, necessitating surgical removal.
- Gum Disease: Severe gum disease can damage gum tissue and bone, often requiring surgical intervention to restore oral health.
- Tooth Abscess: A painful infection that occurs when bacteria enter the tooth pulp, sometimes requiring surgery to drain the abscess and remove the infected tooth.
- Jaw Misalignment: Misaligned jaws can cause issues with chewing, speaking, and breathing. Surgery can reposition the jaw to improve function.
- Dental Implant Placement: For those missing teeth, dental implants offer a durable and stable replacement option, requiring surgical placement in the jawbone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Surgery
What is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a dental specialist trained to perform surgeries on the mouth, jaw, face, and surrounding structures. They handle complex procedures like wisdom teeth extractions, dental implant placements, corrective jaw surgery, and treatment of facial trauma or oral diseases. At Advanced Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, our team provides expert care in these areas to help improve both the function and appearance of your smile.
Do I need a referral to see an oral surgeon at Advanced Family & Cosmetic Dentistry?
No referral is needed! You can schedule a consultation directly with us at our Middletown office, and Dr. Pavlakis will determine the best course of treatment based on your needs.
How long does recovery take after oral surgery?
Recovery time varies depending on the procedure, but most patients experience full recovery within a few days to two weeks. We’ll provide personalized aftercare instructions to ensure a quick and comfortable healing process.
What should I expect during my oral surgery appointment?
You’ll receive a thorough explanation of the procedure, and we’ll ensure you’re comfortable and prepared. Depending on the surgery, the process may take one to two hours, followed by recovery instructions.
How can I prepare for oral surgery?
We recommend following specific pre-op instructions such as avoiding food and drink before surgery, stopping smoking, and arranging for a ride home. We’ll provide all necessary guidelines during your consultation.
Is oral surgery safe?
Yes, oral surgery is safe when performed by an experienced dentist like Dr. Pavlakis. We use the latest techniques and technology to ensure your procedure is efficient and effective, minimizing risks and complications. We prioritize your comfort by using local anesthesia or sedation to minimize discomfort during surgery. Some mild soreness or swelling afterward is normal, but we’ll provide instructions for a smooth recovery.
Schedule a Consultation with an Oral Surgeon
If you’re considering oral surgery, it’s essential to schedule a consultation with an oral surgeon. Here are some reasons why:
- Get a Proper Diagnosis: An oral surgeon can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend the best course of treatment.
- Discuss Treatment Options: An oral surgeon can discuss treatment options with you and answer any questions you may have.
- Get a Personalized Treatment Plan: An oral surgeon can create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
- Get Answers to Your Questions: An oral surgeon can answer any questions you may have about the procedure, recovery, and aftercare.
- Get a Second Opinion: If you’re unsure about a diagnosis or treatment plan, an oral surgeon can provide a second opinion.
Don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with an oral surgeon if you’re considering oral surgery.