Question 1

Is wisdom teeth removal painful?

Accepted Answer

With modern anesthesia, you should not feel pain during the procedure. Most patients choose IV sedation or general anesthesia and have no memory of the surgery. After surgery, you can expect some discomfort for 3-7 days, which is well-managed with prescription pain medication and anti-inflammatory drugs. Most patients are back to normal activities within a week.

Question 2

How long do dental implants last?

Accepted Answer

Dental implants have an excellent long-term success rate of over 95% at 10 years. With proper care including good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, implants can last a lifetime. The crown attached to the implant may need replacement after 10-15 years due to normal wear. Factors affecting longevity include bone quality, oral hygiene, smoking, and overall health.

Question 3

What is the recovery time for jaw surgery?

Accepted Answer

Jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) requires a significant recovery period. Most patients take 2-4 weeks off work or school. Initial healing with a liquid or soft diet takes 4-6 weeks. Numbness may persist for several months. Full bone healing takes 3-6 months, and final results are seen at 9-12 months. You will work with your orthodontist during recovery to fine-tune your bite.

Question 4

What is the difference between an oral surgeon and a general dentist for extractions?

Accepted Answer

General dentists can perform simple tooth extractions, but oral surgeons have 4-6 additional years of surgical training. Oral surgeons handle complex extractions including impacted teeth, teeth with curved roots, and patients with medical conditions. They are also trained to provide IV sedation and general anesthesia, which general dentists typically cannot offer. For wisdom teeth, surgical extractions, or anxious patients, an oral surgeon provides specialized expertise.

Question 5

Do I need to be put to sleep for oral surgery?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Many oral surgery procedures can be performed with local anesthesia (numbing injections) alone. However, oral surgeons offer IV sedation (twilight sleep) and general anesthesia for patient comfort, especially for longer procedures, multiple extractions, or anxious patients. Your surgeon will discuss options based on your procedure complexity, medical history, and personal preference. IV sedation is most common for wisdom teeth removal.

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