South Shore Oral Surgery Associates

A dry socket (alveolar osteitis) is a painful dental condition that can occur after the extraction of a permanent adult tooth. it can occur at the site of the tooth extraction when the blood clot has been dislodged or has dissolved before the wound fully heals. Exposure of the underlying bone and nerves due to a dry socket results in severe pain. Pain that radiates from the socket to your ear, eye, temple, or neck on the same side of your face as the extraction is a common symptom. Your pain medication may not be as effective. To help minimize the potential for a dry socket: Do not use a straw for one week following surgery Do not spit or smoke for at least 3-5 days following surgery.

Most general dentists are qualified to remove teeth, and many do perform simple extractions. However, when it comes to removing the wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, most dentists refer their patients to an oral surgeon. Oral surgeons spend an additional four to six years of training in hospital-based residency programs. They receive extensive surgical training in specializations such as dental implant placement, bone grafting, facial surgery, internal medicine, trauma, and tooth extraction. This intensive, specialized training means that oral surgeons are truly qualified to handle all types of surgical procedures involving the face, mouth, and jaw areas. Removing the third molars often require general anesthesia, and most patients prefer to be asleep during the procedure. Oral surgeons are licensed to administer general anesthesia. So if you don't want to be awake during the procedure, you will definitely want to see an oral surgeon.

It isn't always wise to wait until your wisdom teeth start to bother you. In general, earlier removal of wisdom teeth results in an easier and quicker healing process. AAOMS researchers found that older patients may be at greater risk of disease, including periodontitis in the tissues surrounding the third molars and adjacent teeth.

Ms Champagne, I'm so glad you asked that question. We work with other patients who are also concerned about what it would mean to go to an out-of-network dentist. What they found is that by choosing us the fee difference between us an in network dentists was surprisingly small while the difference in quality is great. Surgeons at South Shore Oral Surgery Associates made a decision that we would never compromise a patient's treatment decisions and options because of insurance limits. We would happy to do a benefits check and see what it would mean for you to come to us.

At South Shore Oral Surgery Associates, we offer several methods of anesthesia to our patients. Our office offers our patients the option of Intravenous Sedation. During the general anesthesia, medications are administered through an intravenous line. The patient falls asleep and is completely unaware of the procedure being performed. Our expert oral surgeons will make sure you're monitored before, during, and after the procedure.