5 Interesting Oral Surgery Facts and Myths

The mere mention of oral surgery is enough to send shivers through the average person's spine, but the truth is: surgical procedures are pretty standard when it comes to dentistry. Operations are not just used for reconstructive purposes; these procedures are also done for cosmetic reasons.

Oral surgery, also known as maxillofacial surgery, refers to any surgical procedure performed on a person's face, neck, jaw, or soft tissue in the mouth.

Let's take a look at five common myths and facts about these procedures:

1. Myth: All oral surgeries are painful.

Fact: It is hard to measure how painful any given surgical procedure is since different people have varying tolerances to pain. However, many surgical procedures are not classified as painful. In a study conducted on dental patients who had just finished surgical procedures, only about 17 percent of them felt that the procedure ended up being more painful than expected.

Oral surgeons typically administer anesthetics before carrying out surgical treatments, so there is little pain during the procedure. Patients are more likely to feel pain after the process when the anesthetic wears off, but there is a wide variety of post-operation medication designed to alleviate it.

2. Myth: Surgical anesthetics are not safe.

Fact: Many dental patients often find themselves worrying about how safe the anesthetics that are being delivered to them are, but there is no valid reason for this fear. The reality is that the scariest part of most oral surgeries is the needle that is used to administer the anesthetic. The drugs being used have gone through rigorous testing, and the odds of a patient reacting poorly to them are incredibly slim.

Also, oral surgeons receive additional training for the safe delivery and use of anesthetics and sedatives. They are also required to continually re-certify their skills and the equipment used in their facilities.

3. Myth: Recovery after surgery takes time.

Fact: Most surgeries do not put patients out of commission for weeks following the procedure as many people seem to believe. In fact, the average recovery period for most dental surgeries is about three days. Of course, the patient's recovery time can be shortened by doing simple things like getting enough sleep, eating a nutritious diet, avoiding habits like smoking and drinking, taking prescribed medications as recommended, and making sure the mouth is cleaned with a saltwater solution for the first few days.

4. Myth: All oral surgeons are the same.

Fact: It is critical that patients exercise due diligence when looking around for an oral surgeon. Not all specialists are licensed maxillofacial surgeons, so it is crucial that patients look up the surgeon's credentials and certifications before committing to treatment.

5. Myth: A general dentist is just as good as an oral surgeon.

Fact: While most general dentists have the skills necessary to perform necessary surgical procedures like tooth extractions, these treatments are best left for a maxillofacial surgeon who has years of additional training performing surgical procedures and administering anesthetics.

Dealing with a dental issue that requires the expertise of an oral surgeon? Schedule a consultation with one of our oral specialists today!