Oral Surgery

Oral surgery is a specialized discipline in the realm of oral health practice that deals with the diagnosis and surgical treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects of the mouth, teeth, jaws, and face. At our Indianapolis, IN practice, we provide oral surgery to ensure patients receive the care they need to enjoy a healthy smile.

Our surgical procedures and details of the treatments are listed below. If you have any questions, call our office today!

Tooth Extractions

Tooth extractions are necessary when a tooth is too damaged to be repaired or is causing crowding in the mouth. Standard extractions are typically performed due to decay, infection, or trauma, but surgical tooth removal is usually reserved for cases of severe injury (resulting in the critical fracture of a tooth) or tooth impaction (when a tooth is trapped beneath the gum line).

Most often, we perform surgical tooth extractions to remove wisdom teeth. Because these teeth are the last to erupt, they commonly become impacted, which can cause a number of problems. As a result of impaction, these teeth can push on neighboring teeth—causing crowding, pain, and damage. They may also partially erupt, creating small openings in the gum line that are susceptible to infection. By extracting an impacted tooth, we can prevent these problems before they start.

Gum Grafting

Gum grafting is a surgical procedure that involves grafting new gum tissue over areas where the gums have receded; this may occur due to gum disease, orthodontic treatment, or improper brushing. In most cases, this procedure is utilized for the purpose of reducing root sensitivity and providing more support for the tooth structure.

Gum grafting is accomplished by taking tissue from another area of the mouth (usually the palate) and grafting it to the treatment site. Once healed, the grafted tissue will blend with your natural gum tissue and provide better support to the teeth.

Corrective Jaw Surgery

Corrective jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a type of oral procedure that is performed to correct the severe misalignment of the jaws. While many jaw and bite irregularities can be addressed by orthodontic treatment, corrective jaw surgery targets more severe cases that cannot be resolved otherwise—such as birth defects, trauma, or degenerative diseases. In some cases, we may suggest this treatment to patients who have been unsuccessful in correcting TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder) by less invasive means.

Pre-/Post-Operative Instructions

Oral surgery of any kind must be regarded as a serious procedure that requires meticulous preparation. It is important to follow instructions carefully to ensure a smooth recovery process. While we will provide you with more specific directions at our office, we invite you to review our general surgery instructions below to prepare for before and after your oral surgery.

  • Before the Surgery: Before the day of your operation, you will be provided with a guide to follow in preparation for your surgery. These may include:
  • Avoiding drinking or eating for a certain number of hours before the surgery
  • Quitting smoking for a period of time before and after the surgery
  • Taking or avoiding certain medications

On the day of your procedure, please be sure to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. You will also need to bring a friend or family member to drive you home after the procedure.

  • After the Surgery: After your treatment, it is important to rest and avoid strenuous activity. You may also need to take medications for pain, swelling, and/or infection. We will provide you with more specific instructions after your surgery. In general, however, we recommend:
  • Eating soft foods and avoiding hot beverages for the first few days
  • Using an ice pack to reduce swelling
  • Brushing and flossing your teeth gently
  • Avoiding smoking

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office. We are here to help you through every step of the process!

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