Oral Surgery Procedures – Anchorage

Dr. Szutz provides surgical procedures to treat and correct maxillofacial problems for patients around Anchorage, AK. We specialize in surgery to correct and treat issues related to facial trauma, the oral cavity, mouth, jaws, head, neck, and cleft lip or palate. Our team is experienced in cosmetic, reconstructive, and corrective oral surgery.

What Does an Oral Surgeon Do?

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon treats conditions related to the maxillofacial structure, including:

Oral Surgeon vs. General Dentist: What’s the Difference?

Oral surgery is a dental specialty that focuses on reconstructive, corrective, restorative, and cosmetic procedures. General dentistry focuses on preventative dental care. Your general dentist is your primary dental care provider for teeth cleanings, exams, and x-rays. Some procedures that general dentists and oral surgeons provide overlap, like teeth extractions. You can get a simple tooth extraction at the dentist, but complex cases are referred to an oral surgeon.

Oral surgeons complete four to six years of additional academic and residency training after graduating from dental school. This specialized training prepares an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to deal with problems that exceed the expertise of a general dentist.

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Alaska Oral Surgery Group Office Phone Number 907-278-5678 Appointments

What Treatments Does an Oral Surgeon Provide?

An oral surgeon is an expert in surgery relating to the teeth, gums, jaw, and facial structure. Oral surgeons perform a wide range of procedures, such as:

  • Impacted wisdom teeth extractions
  • Facial trauma reconstruction
  • Soft tissue biopsies
  • Oral and facial tumor removal
  • Dental implant placement
  • Occlusal (jaw) realignment
  • Dental bone grafting
  • Periodontal (gum) tissue grafting

Why Are Patients Referred to an Oral Surgeon?

Your general dentist might refer you to an oral surgery specialist for several reasons. In general, dentists provide primary and preventative dental care. Oral surgeons focus on complex issues relating to face, teeth, jaw, and neck surgery. A referral to an oral surgeon might mean that your case involves treatment outside the scope of preventive care.

Why Won’t Your General Dentist Extract Your Teeth?

If your teeth are impacted or in a precarious position in your mouth, your general dentist might refer you to an oral surgeon for an extraction. Impacted teeth are more difficult to remove without damaging the surrounding bone structure, which exceeds the skill set of a general dentist.

How Long is Oral Surgery?

The length of your oral surgery depends on the procedure Dr. Szutz performs. However, surgeries are generally outpatient and completed in a few hours. Some oral surgeries require the patient to be administered a sedative. Depending on the level of sedation necessary in your case, you might have to spend time in a recovery room following your procedure to let the anesthesia wear off.

How Long Does it Take to Recover from Oral Surgery?

The time it takes for your body to recover after oral surgery depends on the procedure and your health. Typical recovery from oral surgery usually takes a week or two. We recommend planning for two to three full days of rest following the procedure, during which time you refrain from physically exerting yourself. You should be able to resume your regular routine after three to five days post-operative depending on the surgery preformed.

How Long Will the Pain Last Following Oral Surgery?

Soreness and swelling are typical in the post operative period. Generally, post-operative pain management involves prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief medication. Most patients only need to use the prescription pain medication for the first two to three days. Dr. Szutz will provide detailed pain management instructions relating to your case.

A few days into your recovery, most patients use ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage pain, soreness, and swelling. Do you have questions about your referral to Alaska Oral Surgery Group? Call our office to schedule your consultation.