Oral Surgery

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At 32ology Dental Studio, our expert team of dentists offers a comprehensive range of oral surgery procedures, from various extractions and alveoplasty to allograft bone grafting. Prior to your oral surgery, we ensure thorough examinations where we discuss diagnosis and treatment plans in detail.

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Tooth Extractions

Our Tarzana dentists strive to perform painless surgical procedures and will prioritize your comfort throughout the entire process by utilizing precise anesthetics and pain management techniques. Whether you require simple or surgical extractions, trust us to deliver exceptional care for your oral health needs.

Simple Extractions

A simple tooth extraction involves removing a tooth that is minimally broken and easily visible within the mouth. Initially, the tooth is loosened using forceps before being gently extracted. Following the extraction, it is advisable to refrain from consuming hard foods for several hours and to take any prescribed pain medication and antibiotics as required. This dental procedure is quick and typically performed with local anesthesia only.

Surgical Extractions

When a tooth is fractured at the gum line or remains unexposed, such as an impacted wisdom tooth, a surgical extraction is necessary. Wisdom tooth removal involves accessing the tooth by making an incision and retracting the gums. The tooth is then extracted either in fragments or as whole. Post-surgery, it is important to follow post-op instructions such as changing gauze pads, avoiding solid foods, refraining from smoking, and rinsing the mouth with salt water. This procedure is quick and typically performed with local anesthesia only.

Bone Grafting

What is bone grafting and why is it needed?

Bone grafting is crucial after many dental procedures such as extractions to preserve bone structure. This is important and vital for teeth replacements such as dental implants. Additionally, facial and jaw bones provide support to the skin and facial muscles, which play a significant role in cosmetic appearance.

Allograft bone grafts are natural bone tissue from an individual other than the patient in the same species. The bone is cleaned and sterilized to ensure the safety of the patient. This is a natural alternative to synthetic bone graft products.

What are the benefits of bone grafting?

Simulates natural bone growth and restores bone and tissue integrity
Supports surrounding teeth, leading to a powerful bite function
Restores youthful smile aesthetics and improves self-confidence
Clinically proven to be safe and effective through clinical trials
Allows better attachment and longevity of dental implants providing a life-long tooth replacement
Reduces potential complications and pain
Performed on the same day with another dental procedure, thus no second surgical site required

Post-Operative Instructions for Bone Grafting and Tooth Extraction

Tooth Extraction

It is important to follow the below post-operative instructions after a tooth extraction to expedite the recovery process. It is normal to experience some discomfort, swelling, and bleeding after the surgery. Please eat something light on the day of the surgery to help with nausea.

Within a few hours after the surgery, you may experience numbness in your mouth due to local anesthesia. Be careful when eating to prevent accidental injury, biting your cheeks and tongue.
Use ice or cold packs (provided by your dentist) if you experience swelling.
No smoking for at least 10 days (about a week and a half).
If you experience bleeding accompanied by pink or bloody-red saliva, apply gentle pressure with gauze to stop the oozing. If necessary, change the gauze periodically. Additionally, you can try using a cold, moistened black tea bag to assist in controlling bleeding. If the situation escalates or persists, please contact our office for further help.
We will prescribe antibiotics and pain medication generally for 7-10 days. Please take your prescription as directed and if you experience pain or discomfort. Make sure to start the antibiotics the same day and complete as directed unless you notice adverse side effects or reactions.
If we prescribe narcotics, do not drive or operate any vehicles or equipment.
Do not consume alcohol while taking antibiotics or pain medication.
Be careful not to disturb the surgical site during the initial days post-procedure. It’s important to avoid rinsing and toothbrushing on the day of the surgery. Additionally, keep the tongue away from the surgical area.
The day after surgery, it’s recommended to gently rinse with warm salt water for one to two minutes after each meal and to brush carefully. Typically, sutures dissolve on their own and do not require removal. Good hygiene and keeping the mouth clean promotes the healing process and bacteria growth. Brush and floss your teeth gently without disturbing the surgical site.
On the day of surgery, it’s important to avoid strenuous physical activities and smoking. Once bleeding has stopped, you can consume non-carbonated fluids without using a straw. Opting for cold and soft foods is the most comfortable choice during the initial days post-extraction.
Throughout the healing process, it’s advisable to avoid hard foods such as popcorn, nuts, and seeds, and any food that may become lodged in the surgical site.

Bone Grafting

After bone grafting, diligent care is crucial to prevent complications such as infection and swelling. Mild to moderate pain and discomfort are typical for several days following surgery. You may also notice minor bleeding or traces of blood in your saliva. Additionally, heightened sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures is a common occurrence.

Bite down gently on a gauze pad immediately after the bone grafting procedure. The gauze pad should be replaced every 30 minutes.
Be cautious when eating, drinking, and rinsing. Try to avoid continuous contact with the surgical site as this may irritate and cause bleeding.
Place ice packs on your cheek to the area where bone grafting was performed and press gently. This will minimize swelling and promote a faster healing process.
Keep the tip of your tongue away from the area of the suture and where bone grafting was performed.
Avoid smoking for about 10 days after the bone grafting procedure as smoking will slow down the healing process and cause dry socket.
Avoid using mouthwashes that contain alcohol immediately post bone grafting procedure.
Try to avoid any activities that will increase your heart rate 48 hours after the procedure.
Drink plenty of fluids and avoid using a straw or consumption of alcohol.
Brush and floss your teeth daily and rinse your mouth with warm salt water the day after the procure.
Please contact us if swelling, bleeding, or pain does not go away after a few days of bone grafting.

Alveoplasty

What is alveoplasty and why is it needed?

When a tooth is extracted, it leaves a hole in the bone resulting in uneven surfaces that pose challenges for future restorative procedures such as dentures. To ensure the proper fit and adaptation of prosthetic appliances such as dentures to the gums, it’s important to address irregularities such as undercuts, raised ridges, and sharp contours through a process called alveoloplasty.

This procedure, often necessary or highly recommended, aims to smooth and reshape the jawbone. Alveoloplasty not only facilitates optimal denture placement but also contributes to enhancing the aesthetics of the smile. In certain cases, it may be combined with gum reshaping and the application of veneers or crowns on the anterior teeth to achieve a harmonious and pleasing appearance.

How is alveoplasty performed?

Alveoplasty is typically performed after a tooth extraction and is typically performed under local anesthesia.

To initiate the procedure, an incision is made in the gum tissue to access the underlying bone. A rotary drill is then utilized to carefully remove excess bone and achieve the desired contours. Subsequently, the bone surface is smoothed to ensure optimal fitting of prosthetic appliances.

Following the bone reshaping process, thorough cleaning is conducted to remove any bone fragments and debris. Adjustment to the bone continues until the surface aligns seamlessly and there are no sharp edges or bumps that might cause the denture to rock or be unstable. Lastly, the gum tissue is repositioned, and the incision cut is stitched and closed for proper healing.

Post-Operative Instructions for Alveoplasty

Following the procedure, discomfort in the treated area is common for about a week. During the initial days, pain medication will be prescribed to alleviate any discomfort. In some cases, antibiotics may also be recommended to prevent infection.

It is important to rinse with salt water which can provide relief. Avoid eating solid foods and smoking after the procedure for about 10 days. A post-procedure follow-up appointment with the dentist will be scheduled to assess the healing progress of the treated area after two weeks.

About Us

At 32ology Dental Studio, we understand the apprehension that can arise with extractions and oral surgery. To address this, we have cultivated a warm, oceanic, and calm environment designed to alleviate any anxiety our patients may feel, especially those who are nervous about dental procedures. Our compassionate team and skilled dentists in Tarzana are committed to ensuring that your visit is as comfortable as possible.

Led by Dr. Argina Kudaverdian, the team at 32ology Dental Studio is committed to providing outstanding and painless oral and maxillofacial surgery procedures tailored to individuals of all age groups in the Tarzana area. We accept a wide range of dental insurance plans and invite you to discover the specialized care we provide. We invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation with our dentists experienced in oral and maxillofacial surgery. With a warm office environment, the latest technology, and comprehensive dental care, Dr. Kudaverdian and the 32ology team strive to create a safe and positive experience for all patients.