Whenever you have surgery, even oral surgery, there are certain inherent risks that go along with such a procedure. Modern medicine has decreased the likelihood that there will be a complication and the careful care of your oral surgeon diminish it even further. For the vast number of patients, surgeries are carried out without a hiccup and working with an experienced surgeon helps to make that possible. However, surgery still involves an invasion into the normal functions of the mouth, and as such there are some risks involved.
It is a good idea to understand some of the underlying risks as you prepare for your procedure. We will be there each step of the way to make sure you understand not only any risks, but also a detailed perspective on the procedure itself. This understanding allows you to make the best, most informed decision about your own personal oral health. Here are a few of the more common risks with an oral procedure.
- Bleeding: Anytime you have oral surgery, there is going to be some level of bleeding. This is normally controlled easily and typically only lasts for the day of the surgery itself. If, however, you have excessive or prolonged bleeding after a surgery, we want to know so that we can ensure there hasn't been a complication. Similarly, if you have a condition like hemophilia, which cause uncontrolled bleeding, you should let us know before the surgery.
- Infection: Whenever there is an open wound, as in the case of an oral surgery, there is a risk of infection. Fever, swelling, heat, chills, and redness should immediately be reported. If you find yourself experiencing general malaise, this may also be a sign of an infection and should be reported. The good news is that it is very easy to deal with an infection by simply using an antibiotic.
- Surrounding teeth: Oral surgery puts pressure, not only on the tooth itself, but also on the surrounding teeth. If the tooth or teeth next to the site of the surgery are weakened they could break, immediately or in the near future. A weakened filling could also crack or fall out under the pressure of the surgery. These are not serious complications as your dentist can repair the tooth or replace the filling that has been lost. If a bone breaks, this is slightly more complicated and could require additional surgical correction.
- Paresthesia: Pressure on or around the site of the surgery can cause permanent or temporary changes in the sensations of the nerves. Paresthesia can cause a sensation of burning, prickling, numbness, or itching. This is caused by the local area anesthesia and can be a serious condition. If you have any of these feelings, you should call us immediately.
When performing oral surgery, we learn everything we can about our patient's health in order to minimize any risk associated with the procedure. By understanding what issues could arise, we can plan for how to prevent them so that patients can recover quickly without complications. Prior to each procedure, we go over everything in detail so that our patients can make plans for how to remain comfortable during their recovery and ensure the ultimate success of the procedure. To learn more about our methods, call and schedule a consultation.
