Oral surgery, like most other types of surgery, requires an investment of time and money. Insurance may cover part of the cost, but patients often have to pay a portion as well. You will also need time to recover, even if it’s only a couple of days. 

These facts can cause some to shy away from a procedure they need and even want. But putting off the oral surgery you need now can cost you even more down the road, not just monetarily, but in physical comfort and self-confidence.

Why Are You Getting Surgery?

The type of oral surgery you need will mainly dictate cost. The seriousness of your condition and the projected complexity of the case can also affect the total.

But when you’re thinking about oral surgery, the cost probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. It’s the thought of having surgery, even a simple oral surgery, that makes many patients want to find other alternatives. We don’t blame you, but we also know that your oral health is more important than temporary discomfort.

Do You Have Alternative Solutions?

First things first: Do you have any alternatives? Are there non-surgical treatments you could attempt that could resolve your issues?

For example, if you are getting jaw surgery to correct sleep apnea, first try using mouthguards to keep your throat tissues from collapsing at night and see if that relieves symptoms. We are more than willing to work with your dentist or doctor to find nonsurgical treatments to try first.

On the other hand, for many conditions, there is no alternative to oral surgery. For example, if you don’t remove an impacted wisdom tooth, you could eventually develop an abscess. Waiting isn’t an option.

Your Quality of Life Is Key

Most oral surgery procedures are designed to relieve pain and improve your appearance. Jaw surgery to correct facial imbalances or dental implants to replace missing teeth will be uncomfortable at the time, but they will pay off in renewed self-confidence and better-functioning teeth.

If you’re suffering from TMJ symptoms or want extractions in order to start orthodontic work, the time is now to get oral surgery and improve your quality of life.

Get the Care You Need

If you need oral surgery for your health and well-being, the team at Richmond Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery recommends you schedule your procedure as soon as possible, especially when infection and quality of life are at stake.

We are conscientious about the oral health of our patients and we believe everyone deserves quality care, right away. Whether you’re preparing for an extensive jaw surgery or a simple tooth extraction, you can depend on us for information leading up to your procedure and plenty of attentive monitoring on the road to a full recovery. Oral surgery doesn’t have to be intimidating — not when you trust our team.

Tooth extraction isn’t the first option dentists or oral surgeons consider — it’s the last.

Both dentists and surgeons are fully aware that it’s in your best interests to keep your natural teeth. It’s better for appearances and it’s also better for your health. But in the four scenarios we list below, your oral health professional might recommend tooth extraction.

1. It’s Damaged Beyond Repair

Is your tooth severely decayed? Cavities that progress unchecked can often cause irreparable damage. Fillings can be an option, but if a filling is too big, it can cause the tooth to break.

Likewise, tooth damage from an accident can cause issues. A broken tooth leaves your body susceptible to infection, so if a filling can’t fix it, it’s time for a tooth extraction.

2. It Doesn’t Fit in Your Mouth

It’s not often we recommend a tooth extraction for orthodontic purposes, but sometimes you just have too many teeth — your mouth isn’t big enough for all of them. Also, sometimes people are born with extra teeth. If you’re preparing for dentures or braces, you may need to get these teeth removed in order for orthodontic treatment to be effective.

3. You Have Advanced Gum Disease

Gum disease is a serious oral health issue. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, half of American adults suffer from gum disease.

While mild versions of the condition are easily treatable, when left unchecked, gum disease will eventually cause tooth loss. Gum recession leads to teeth loosening in their sockets. While every effort is made to secure the tooth once periodontal disease is identified and treated, irreversible damage usually results in the need for tooth extraction.

4. It’s Impacted

An impacted tooth is one that can’t break through the gums. It’s usually stuck partially above and partially below the gumline. It can cause pain and swelling, and you can develop an abscess. Impacted teeth should be removed as soon as possible in order to limit the damage to the surrounding teeth.

Post-Procedure Care for a Swift Recovery

Tooth extraction can range from a straightforward to a complex procedure — it depends on the cause and the individual patient. An infected impacted tooth will be more difficult to remove than a tooth that grew in normally, but has to be removed for orthodontic treatment.

If you are having a tooth removed:

• Drink plenty of fluids after the extraction site stops bleeding.
• Eat soft foods for one to two days following the procedure.
• Don’t brush the surgical site during the healing process — rinse with salt water.
• Call your oral surgeon or dentist right away if it doesn’t stop bleeding, or starts bleeding during the healing process.

You can depend on Richmond Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery for comprehensive care throughout your tooth extraction procedure. We care about your oral health.