Oral Surgery
Oral and maxillofacial surgery, often called oral or dentoalveolar surgery, includes procedures involving the teeth, gums, and jaws. Treatments range from wisdom tooth removal to more complex repairs like cleft palate surgery.
Oral Surgery at Finger Lakes Dental
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons undergo advanced training to treat a wide range of conditions involving the face, mouth, and jaw. They commonly perform procedures like dental implants, tooth extractions, and improving denture fit.
These specialists handle both routine and complex surgeries, and they also provide care for accident victims who require reconstructive dental work. Their expertise includes performing soft tissue biopsies, removing tumors, realigning the jaw, repairing soft tissues, and placing implants.
Our oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Andrew Bracci, is dedicated to transforming the patient experience and delivering cutting-edge treatment options for those in our care.
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How long does an oral surgery take?
Most procedures, such as wisdom tooth removal, take only a few hours or less to finish. Depending on the complexity of your treatment and the type of anesthesia used, you might need to remain for a few additional hours to recover. Even if the procedure is brief, you should plan to rest and avoid activity for the remainder of the day.
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How long does it take to recover from an oral surgery?
Most patients need about 1–2 weeks to fully recover from oral surgery. You should also expect to rest for the first 2–3 days right after the procedure. Post-surgery pain will differ based on the type and extent of the surgery, but you’ll receive medication to help manage any discomfort.
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What foods should I eat after oral surgery?
After oral surgery, you should stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods that won’t irritate the surgical area. Good options include:
- Smoothies and protein shakes
- Yogurt and pudding
- Mashed potatoes or mashed vegetables
- Applesauce
- Scrambled eggs
- Soup (lukewarm, not hot)
- Oatmeal or cream of wheat
- Ice cream or sorbet
Avoid hard, crunchy, sticky, or spicy foods, as well as anything too hot, since these can disrupt healing or cause discomfort. As you begin to feel better, you can slowly reintroduce more solid foods based on your dentist’s or surgeon’s recommendations.
More questions about oral surgery?
If you have additional questions about oral surgery or experience any issues after your procedure, reach out to our office and we’ll make sure your concerns are addressed promptly.