Oral Surgery

Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a dental specialty that focuses on surgical treatment of the mouth, jaws and related facial structures. Procedures range from routine tooth extractions to complex reconstructive surgeries and implant placement. This specialty combines dental, surgical and medical knowledge to address functional and aesthetic concerns.

Oral surgeons complete advanced training beyond dental school to manage soft tissue and bone conditions, oral pathology and facial trauma. They are skilled in administering dental anesthesia and sedation to ensure patient comfort during procedures. The goal of surgery is to restore health, function and appearance while minimizing risk and recovery time.

Tooth extraction may be necessary when a tooth is severely decayed, fractured beyond repair, impacted, or associated with infection that cannot be resolved with conservative treatment. Extractions are also indicated to remove problematic wisdom teeth or to create space prior to orthodontic treatment. Your dentist or oral surgeon will evaluate X-rays and clinical findings to determine whether preservation or removal is the best option.

When surgery is recommended, the oral surgeon will explain the procedure, anesthesia choices and expected recovery timeline. Techniques vary from simple extractions to surgical removal of impacted teeth that require bone removal or sectioning of the tooth. Proper post-operative care and follow-up reduce complications and support healing.

Preparing for oral surgery begins with a thorough consultation that reviews your medical history, current medications and any allergies. Your surgeon will advise whether you need to temporarily stop certain medications, arrange transportation, and follow fasting instructions if sedation or general anesthesia is planned. Be sure to disclose conditions such as bleeding disorders, diabetes or recent cardiac events so the team can tailor your care safely.

If you are being treated at one of the practice locations in North Haven or Cromwell, staff will provide specific arrival times and preoperative instructions to streamline the visit. Arrange for soft foods and any prescribed medications to be available at home to support a smooth recovery. Clear communication with your surgeon and staff helps set realistic expectations and reduces anxiety before the procedure.

Oral surgeons commonly use local anesthesia, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation and intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia depending on the procedure and the patient's needs. Local anesthesia numbs the surgical site while sedation options reduce anxiety and awareness; general anesthesia is reserved for more extensive cases or when complete unconsciousness is required. The surgeon and anesthesia team evaluate medical history to select the safest option.

All sedation and anesthesia are administered by trained professionals experienced in airway management and monitoring. Before any sedative is given, vital signs are checked and an informed consent discussion covers the risks and benefits. The team will also provide instructions for fasting and post-anesthesia care to ensure a safe recovery.

After oral surgery you can expect some swelling, discomfort and minor bleeding during the first 24 to 72 hours; these symptoms are normal and generally improve each day. Your surgeon will give written and verbal post-operative instructions that typically include wound care, pain management strategies, and recommendations for diet and activity restrictions. Following these directions closely reduces the risk of infection and promotes faster healing.

Use ice packs during the first 24 hours to limit swelling, maintain good oral hygiene as advised, and avoid smoking or strenuous activity while healing. If your symptoms worsen, such as increasing pain, fever or heavy bleeding, contact the oral surgery team promptly for evaluation. Follow-up visits allow the surgeon to monitor healing and address any concerns early.

Dental implant placement involves surgically inserting a titanium or zirconia post into the jawbone to serve as an artificial tooth root, followed by a healing period that allows the bone to integrate with the implant. The process usually begins with a consultation and imaging to assess bone volume and position, then proceeds to implant placement under local or monitored sedation. In many cases a healing period of several months is required before attaching the final crown to ensure stable osseointegration.

When additional procedures such as bone grafting or sinus lifts are needed, the timeline may be extended to allow graft maturation. The oral surgeon will coordinate with restorative dentists to design the final prosthesis and stage treatment for the best functional and aesthetic outcome. Regular follow-up and good oral hygiene are essential to long-term success of implants.

Surgical correction of jaw deformities, often called orthognathic surgery, treats misalignment of the jaws that can affect bite, speech, breathing and facial balance. Procedures may reposition the upper jaw, lower jaw or both to achieve improved occlusion and facial harmony. Treatment planning typically involves collaboration between the oral surgeon and orthodontist to move teeth into optimal positions before and after surgery.

The surgery is performed in a controlled setting using precise surgical guides and fixation hardware to stabilize the jaw segments. Recovery includes a period of restricted diet and activity, followed by progressive rehabilitation with the orthodontic team. Patients usually experience significant functional improvements, and the multidisciplinary approach enhances predictability and long-term stability.

You should seek emergency oral surgery care for severe facial trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, widespread infection with swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, or sudden loss of consciousness related to a dental injury. Other urgent signs include severe, increasing pain unrelieved by medication, a high fever with oral pain, or displaced teeth causing airway compromise. Prompt evaluation by an oral surgeon can prevent complications and preserve long-term function.

Emergency management focuses on securing the airway, controlling bleeding, stabilizing fractures and treating infection with appropriate surgical or medical interventions. After the acute issue is addressed, the surgeon will outline definitive treatment and follow-up care. If you experience any of these symptoms after hours, contact your dentist or the oral surgery service for guidance on next steps.

For obstructive sleep apnea that does not respond to conservative measures, oral and maxillofacial surgeons can offer surgical options that enlarge the airway and improve breathing during sleep. Procedures range from soft tissue surgeries to repositioning the upper and lower jaws (maxillomandibular advancement) to increase airway space. The choice of procedure depends on the anatomical cause of obstruction, severity of apnea and prior treatments attempted.

Comprehensive evaluation often includes sleep studies, airway imaging and collaboration with sleep medicine specialists to determine candidacy for surgery. Surgical treatment aims to reduce apnea events, improve oxygenation and enhance quality of life, and outcomes are monitored with follow-up sleep testing and clinical assessment. Non-surgical alternatives such as oral appliance therapy may be considered for milder cases or when surgery is not appropriate.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are managed with a spectrum of therapies that progress from conservative measures to minimally invasive procedures and, when necessary, open joint surgery. Minimally invasive options include arthrocentesis and arthroscopy, which can remove debris, reduce inflammation and improve joint movement. Open joint procedures address structural problems such as ankylosis, severe degeneration or internal derangement that do not respond to less invasive care.

A careful diagnostic workup with imaging and clinical examination helps determine the appropriate surgical approach and expected outcomes. Postoperative rehabilitation with physical therapy, pain management and occlusal adjustments supports functional recovery. Coordination between the oral surgeon, pain specialists and dental team ensures a comprehensive plan tailored to each patient's needs.