Oral Surgery

How long does an oral surgery take?

The duration of oral surgery can vary significantly depending on the type of procedure being performed. Here are some common oral surgeries and their typical durations:

1. Wisdom Teeth Removal: This can take about 45 minutes to an hour per session, though it might be shorter if fewer teeth are being removed or longer if the teeth are impacted.
2. Dental Implants: The surgical placement of a single dental implant may take approximately 1-2 hours. Additional time might be required if multiple implants are being placed during the same session.
3. Tooth Extractions: Simple extractions can take as little as 20-40 minutes. More complex cases, such as extracting a broken tooth or an impacted tooth, might require more time.
4. Root Canal Surgery: A typical root canal treatment might take about 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the root and whether there are any complications.
5. Dental Bone Grafting: This procedure usually takes about 45 minutes to over an hour, depending on the extent of the area that needs grafting.

How long does it take to recover from an oral surgery?

What are tips to help with recovery after an oral surgery?

Recovering from oral surgery involves careful management to ensure a smooth and quick healing process. Here are some practical tips to help you recover after an oral surgery:

1. Follow Post-Operative Instructions: Your dentist or oral surgeon will provide detailed instructions tailored to your specific procedure. These may include guidelines on how to clean your mouth, medications to take, and activities to avoid.
2. Manage Pain and Swelling: Use prescribed pain relievers as directed by your healthcare provider. To reduce swelling, apply an ice pack to the cheek area over the surgery site for the first 24-48 hours intermittently (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off).
3. Eat Soft Foods: Stick to a diet of soft foods such as yogurt, smoothies, soups, and mashed potatoes for the first few days. Avoid hot foods and beverages immediately following surgery, as they can exacerbate swelling.
4. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, but avoid using a straw, as the suction can disturb healing tissues or cause dry sockets, especially after tooth extractions.
5. Rest: Keep your head elevated when lying down to help reduce swelling. Avoid strenuous activities for a few days to prevent bleeding from the surgery site and help the healing process.
6. Keep Your Mouth Clean: Depending on the surgery, you may be advised to rinse your mouth with warm salt water after meals to help keep the area clean, which aids in healing and reduces the risk of infection.
7. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking can significantly delay healing and increase the risk of complications, while alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of medication and delay recovery.
8. Observe for Any Complications: Watch for signs of infection, such as increased swelling, persistent pain, fever, or pus from the surgery site. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your oral surgeon or dentist immediately.

What foods should I eat after oral surgery?

After oral surgery, opt for soft, easy-to-chew foods to minimize irritation at the surgical site. Good choices include:

• Smoothies
• Soups and Broths
• Mashed Potatoes
• Scrambled Eggs
• Applesauce and Yogurt
• Cottage Cheese
• Oatmeal or Cream of Wheat
• Puddings and Custards
• Bananas

Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, or sticky foods to prevent irritation and ensure a smoother recovery.