Nautical Dental & Braces offers two crucial components of your oral health: Comprehensive dentistry and orthodontics. Many dental offices provide only basic services such as routine dental cleanings or braces. Dr. Eric Cornelius and his team stand out from the crowd, offering everything from cosmetic dentistry to oral surgery in Uptown, San Antonio, Texas.
Oral surgery can range from tooth extractions to more complex procedures. With Dr. Eric Cornelius, you can have peace of mind knowing that if any surgical needs arise, he can handle it all in-house. This saves you time and ensures consistent care from a doctor who already knows your dental history. So, whether you’re getting braces or need oral surgery, Nautical Dental & Braces has you covered.
Dr. Eric Cornelius and his team of experienced professionals are committed to providing the highest standard of oral health care. If you have any questions about our procedures or services, don’t hesitate to contact us in Uptown. We look forward to helping you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.
What is Oral Surgery?
Oral surgery is a critical element of modern dentistry. It helps to treat various injuries, diseases, and other conditions that affect the teeth, gums, and mouth in general. But what is oral surgery, and how can it improve your oral health? This is a good question because it’s essential to understand oral surgery and its benefits. The following are some different types of oral surgery available and some tips to help you prepare for your appointment.
Types of Oral Surgery
Oral surgery is a broad field that covers various procedures. Here are some common types of oral surgery:
- Tooth extraction: This procedure involves removing a decayed, damaged, or infected tooth. It’s a standard procedure to improve oral health, prevent further tooth damage, and reduce pain.
- Wisdom teeth removal: Wisdom teeth are the third molars that usually appear in the late teens or early twenties. They are often removed to prevent crowding, decay, and other oral health problems.
- Dental implants: These artificial teeth are used to replace missing teeth. The procedure involves surgically placing a titanium post into the jawbone to anchor the implant.
- Root canal therapy: This procedure is used to treat severe decay or infection within the tooth. It involves removing the pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth) and filling it with a unique material.
- Dental fillings: Dental fillings are a simple and standard procedure that most people have experienced at some point in their lives. However, many don’t realize that getting a dental filling is considered oral surgery. That’s because it involves removing a tooth’s decayed or damaged parts and replacing them with a synthetic material. While this may not seem like a big deal, it’s important to take oral surgery seriously and choose a qualified dentist such as Dr. Cornelius, who can provide safe and effective treatment.
- Bone grafting: Bone grafting is a remarkable innovation, and at Nautical Dental & Braces, we offer it to our patients who need it. If you’ve lost a tooth, it’s essential to understand that missing teeth can lead to bone loss. The jaw bone requires stimulation from the teeth, and when a tooth is gone, the bone underneath it starts to deteriorate. When that happens, the jaw loses its firm foundation, making supporting a denture or dental implant difficult.
However, bone grafting can restore the soundness of the jaw bone. So, whether you’re looking to get dental implants or improve the overall condition of your jaw, bone grafting at Nautical Dental & Braces is an excellent option. Nautical Dental & Braces is equipped with highly trained and experienced specialists committed to providing superior care for your dental health.
- Dental implants: If you’re considering dental implants, it’s essential to understand that this is not your average tooth replacement option. Dental implants are a safe and proven solution that can improve your quality of life in numerous ways. Dental implants are, in fact, a type of oral surgery. This may sound intimidating, but it’s a routine procedure millions of individuals have undergone with great success. During the surgery, a small metal post is surgically implanted into your jawbone, creating a sturdy foundation for a replacement tooth or teeth. This approach offers many benefits over traditional dentures or bridges, including longevity, improved oral health, and a natural-looking smile.
Preparing for Oral Surgery
If you’re scheduled for oral surgery, here are some tips to ensure that everything goes smoothly:
- Follow your dentist’s instructions: Dr. Cornelius will give you specific instructions about what to eat, drink, and avoid before the surgery. You will be scheduled for a Pre-Op appointment where everything will be gone over in detail.
- Have someone to drive you to your appointment and back home: Since most surgeries require either local or general anesthesia, it’s essential to have someone to drive you home.
- Wear comfortable clothing: Wear loose and comfortable clothing that provides easy access to your arms for monitoring vitals during the surgery.
What to Expect During Oral Surgery
The length and complexity of the surgery vary depending on the type of procedure. During your oral surgery appointment, we will use anesthesia to numb the affected area. Depending on your procedure, you may choose between local anesthesia, which involves numbing only the specific area that needs treatment, or general anesthesia, which will put you to sleep throughout the entire procedure.
Post-Op Care
After your surgery, you’ll need to take steps to ensure proper healing. These may include:
- Taking prescribed medications: Your dentist may prescribe painkillers or antibiotics to help manage pain and prevent infection.
- Resting: Take it easy for at least 24- 48 hours after surgery.
- Using ice packs: Apply ice packs to the affected area to minimize swelling and pain.
Oral Surgery in San Antonio, TX
Oral surgery can be daunting, but it’s essential to maintaining good oral health. At Nautical Dental & Braces, we provide high-quality oral surgery services that cater to your specific needs. Our team is experienced, friendly, and committed to making your experience as comfortable as possible.
Whether you need a tooth extraction, dental implant, or any other oral surgery procedure, we’re here to help. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how oral surgery can benefit you.
