Oral surgery is often performed in a dental office setting, under local anesthesia, with minimal recovery time. Oral Surgery can range from routine procedures such as tooth extractions and implant placement to more complex jaw realignment surgeries and emergency care for facial trauma.
Oral Surgery Procedures
Oral surgery procedures may be performed to relieve pain, treat an infection or trauma, restore function or improve a person's appearance. Procedures and conditions treated include:
- Tooth Extractions. There are a variety of reasons why you may need a tooth or teeth removed. You may have a wisdom tooth that is impacted; a diseased tooth that can't be saved; or overcrowded teeth that need to be removed so more room can be created to facilitate proper alignment during orthodontics.
- Dental Implants. Today's preferred method of tooth replacement is a titanium dental implant, which is placed beneath the gum line and into the jawbone during a minor surgical procedure. The implant is then attached to a realistic-looking dental crown that is visible above the gum line and indistinguishable from a natural tooth.
- Oral Diagnosis & Biopsies. When a suspicious oral lesion is found, a biopsy is often used to detect or rule out oral cancer — a disease that is treatable if caught early. A biopsy involves removing a very small tissue sample for laboratory analysis.
- Corrective Jaw Surgery. Sometimes a person's jaws don't fit together properly. This can affect both jaw function and appearance.
- Snoring & Sleep Apnea. Excess tissue in the back of the throat may need to be removed in certain individuals with sleep apnea.
- TMD. When conservative remedies fail to relieve chronic jaw pain over a long period of time, surgery may be considered.
- Facial Trauma & Reconstructive Surgery. Facial injuries can affect not only a person's ability to carry on basic life functions such as eating, but also his or her appearance. Knocked-out teeth can sometimes be re-implanted, or replaced with dental implants.
- Cleft Lip/Palate. These birth defects are among the most common, estimated to affect around one in 700-800 babies born in North America. With proper surgical treatment, the child has an excellent chance of leading a healthy, normal life.
What to expect
Before your oral surgery is performed, x-rays will often be taken to aid in diagnosis and treatment planning. A step-by-step explanation of the procedure along with your anesthesia options will be discussed, and you should feel free to ask any questions you have. Your recovery experience will depend on what procedure you are having as well as your general state of health. It's always important to let your healthcare providers know what medications you are taking (both prescription and over-the-counter), any chronic health conditions you have, and whether you smoke. This will help ensure your safety and comfort — always the paramount concerns.
CareCredit Financing Options
If you find yourself in need of dental implants and you're not sure how to pay, CareCredit is here for you. We help pay for treatments and procedures your insurance doesn't cover. We offer No Interest* financing or low minimum monthly payment options so you can get what you want, when you want it. You can even use CareCredit for your family and favorite pet.
How to Get Financing for Dental Implants
With three simple steps, including an instant approval process, applying for CareCredit is easy. After you're approved, you're free to use CareCredit for the services you choose, from the dental implants you need today to LASIK, veterinary, or the hearing aids you could need tomorrow.
CareCredit is endorsed by some of the most credible organizations specific to the healthcare professions we support. And CareCredit is a GE Money Company, so you know you can count on us for consistent and reliable services. For over 20 years, we've been helping over five million cardholders access the healthcare treatments they want and need. Now you won't have to worry about saving up for the procedures that you want or need. With CareCredit, the decision is in your hands to get what you want, when you want it. For more information or to apply online, visit carecredit.com.
