Oral Surgery FAQ’s

It is natural to have concerns when faced with the prospect of undergoing oral surgery. To address your concerns, we’ve compiled and answered some of the most common questions about oral surgery. Please read through the following oral surgery FAQs to learn more.

Why go to a surgical specialist for oral surgery?

Oral surgeons are dentists with years of additional training in complex surgical procedures. This specialized training allows them to perform complicated surgical techniques such as facial reconstruction, wisdom teeth removal, and dental implant placement and to handle complications with expertise. Dr. Deragopian has six years of additional training. He also has advanced training in administering various types of anesthesia.

How safe is it to have sedation at the oral surgeon’s office?

It is extremely safe to be sedated at our office. Dr. Deragopian and his staff are fully versed in administering all forms of anesthesia. We assess each patient’s medical history and tailor the sedation approach to each patient’s specific needs.

Sedation options may include local anesthesia, oral sedatives, intravenous (IV) sedation, or general anesthesia. The choice of sedation method is made in consultation with the patient, taking into consideration their procedure and comfort level.

Do they put you to sleep for oral surgery?

It depends on several factors, including the complexity of the surgery, the patient’s health, and their preference. Levels of sedation range from local anesthesia to general anesthesia. Dr. Deragopian discusses your options with you at your initial consultation.

Why go to a surgical specialist for dental implants?

Although some dentists place dental implants, it is not the focus of their practice. General dentists do not have the additional years of surgical training that an oral surgeon has done to hone their skills in precisely placing dental implants. Surgical specialists have a deep understanding of oral and facial anatomy, including the bone structure and soft tissues in the mouth and jaws. This knowledge is crucial for precise implant placement, ensuring the implants integrate successfully with the bone.

Dr. Deragopian is trained to administer various forms of anesthesia, including intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia, which may be required for more invasive procedures or for anxious patients who need to be completely sedated. He works closely with other dental professionals, such as prosthodontists and restorative dentists, to ensure the seamless integration of dental implants with the final restorations (crowns, bridges, etc.).

How long do dental implants last?

The implants placed in the jawbone can last 30 years or more; for many individuals, they last a lifetime and fuse with the surrounding bone. The crowns or prosthetics attached to them to replace the visible portion of the teeth can easily last 20 years or more.

What are the advantages of dental implants?

With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.

• Restores your ability to chew food properly.
• Restores your ability to smile with confidence.
• Dental implants help preserve the contours of your face.
• Dental implants prevent jawbone loss.
• There is no need to remove your dentures or restorations at night or to clean them.
• Dental implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth,
• There is no shifting or slipping, unlike dentures and bridges.
• Dental implants are easy to clean – you brush them like natural teeth.
• Dental implants do not affect the adjacent natural teeth.
• Dental implants prevent premature aging caused by facial sagging.

How painful is getting a dental implant?

During the procedure, the area is numbed, or you are sedated so you do not feel any pain. Once the anesthesia wears off, you will feel some mild to moderate discomfort for 3-5 days. This is easy to control with over-the-counter pain medications and ice packs. Dr. Deragopian can prescribe other pain medication if you need something stronger.

What are the reasons to get dental implants?

Anyone whose teeth have decayed so much that they can’t be saved or who has lost a tooth due to an injury or disease should have them replaced with a dental implant. Dental implants are a great way to improve your appearance and restore full function to your mouth, whether you are missing a single tooth or all your teeth. In the first year following tooth loss, you lose a significant amount of your jawbone mass that you can’t get back. For dental implant tooth replacement, sooner is better than later!