Dental surgery is a major procedure that carries a certain degree of risk. While the risk of infection is rare, it is still possible. To reduce the risk of infection, your oral surgeon will take all necessary precautions to maintain the highest hygiene standards. As a patient, you can help reduce this risk by making sure you eat well and exercise moderately in the weeks leading up to surgery.
The healthier you are, the less likely an infection is to take hold. Dry alveolitis is another type of risk associated with oral surgery. This condition occurs when an empty tooth socket takes much longer to heal due to a lack of blood flow. This risk is usually related to smoking or poor oral hygiene after surgery. Talk to your oral surgeon about ways to prevent it. If your wisdom teeth are being removed, there is a risk that you may develop sinus problems due to their proximity to the sinus cavity.
Usually, this problem resolves itself after a short period of time. However, if your sinus problems persist, talk to your oral surgeon about possible treatment.Nerve damage is another risk associated with any type of surgery, including oral surgery. Vasoconstrictive drugs such as epinephrine may be used to help the anesthesia work or last longer. While epinephrine does not cause an allergic reaction, it can cause anxiety, headaches, and tremors.
To reduce this risk, make sure you have someone with you who can drive or help you get home after the procedure. Swelling is another common side effect of oral surgery, especially in tooth extractions and procedures that involve cutting soft tissue flaps. Smoking and tobacco use are also major preventable risk factors for complications after oral or maxillofacial surgery. Intravenous sedation is slightly riskier than local anesthesia but is still safe for ambulatory oral surgery. Depending on the type of oral surgery you undergo, you may be at risk of developing dry alveolitis. Local anesthesia, sedation, and general anesthesia can reduce pain and help you perform the necessary dental treatments. Oral surgery is just as serious as other types of surgery and carries the same number of risks.
If you are going to receive deep or intravenous sedation, the dental team will monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure. Dentists and oral surgeons must have certificates of competence in order to perform these procedures. The method used by dentists and oral surgeons may depend on factors such as age, general health, history of allergies, level of anxiety, preference, and the length and complexity of the required dental procedure. Oral anesthesia given by dentists and oral surgeons in offices is safe and helps alleviate patients' anxiety about pain during dental procedures. By Tammy Davenport Tammy Davenport is a dental assistant with clinical and administrative experience.