Oral surgery removes damaged or diseased teeth as part of a restorative treatment plan. It is often the first procedure that Dr. Chang will perform before placing a crown or dental implant.
The team at Dental Restorative Group regularly conducts oral surgery in Belmont and throughout Greater Boston. Often, those in our care come to us based on referrals from general dentists and past patients.
Part of the reason people rely on us is that Dr. Chang is skilled in restorative and replacement procedures. This allows us to establish a healthy, strong foundation for a new prosthetic tooth so that the tooth is durable and aesthetically pleasing. Coupled with a focus on the patient experience, extended office hours, and participation in a variety of insurance networks, Dental Restorative Group offers patients greater convenience, comfort, and quality outcomes.
What Is Oral Surgery?
While oral surgery is a broad term, Dental Restorative Group focuses on the extraction of teeth to prepare for prosthetic procedures. Often, the teeth that we remove are damaged or diseased.
Reasons You May Need Oral Surgery
Cracked teeth.
A failed root canal.
A failed crown.
Damaged by decay.
Oral surgery removes teeth and damaged bone and tissue to provide a healthy foundation for an implant or a man-made crown.
Types of Oral Surgery
Dental Implants
Dental implants are an effective option for replacing missing or damaged teeth and restoring a full and functional smile. Implants are strong, durable, and can last the rest of your life with proper care. The actual implant is a small metal post anchored to your jawbone that serves as a replacement tooth root. Not only does it hold the replacement tooth firmly in place so you can eat and speak more naturally, but it stimulates the jaw to prevent bone loss and preserve facial structure and tooth stability.
Dr. Chang will examine your mouth and perform any extractions or bone grafting to prepare the area for dental implant surgery. Then he precisely inserts the implant that will soon integrate with existing bone, and the new crown will fit seamlessly between adjacent teeth, leaving you with a beautiful smile.
Learn More About Dental Implants
Wisdom Teeth Extractions
Wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth to emerge, and there is often not enough room in the mouth to accommodate them. This lack of space can cause them to become trapped under the gums, grow in at an angle, or crowd other teeth. As a result, you may experience pain, discomfort, damage to other teeth, and an increased risk of infection or tooth decay. Since you do not need these teeth for day-to-day function, early removal can help prevent future dental problems.
Many patients have their wisdom teeth removed as teens or young adults, but Dr. Chang also treats patients who have waited until later for oral surgery. He carefully removes the molars while protecting surrounding teeth, gums, and bone to promote healthy recovery. Local anesthesia or light sedation can keep you relaxed and comfortable during the procedure.
Oral Surgery Explained
Doctors may not be able to heal teeth that are seriously damaged or diseased. Rather than allowing teeth to continue to deteriorate or bacteria to spread, you may be better served to remove the teeth with oral surgery.
Dr. Chang can extract the teeth, surrounding tissue, and damaged bone. He can also create a cleaner, healthier base for placing a crown or dental implant. The result is a replacement tooth that restores the aesthetics and full function of the original.
The Consultation
Visit a practice location in Belmont or Cambridge for an initial consultation. As part of the experience, you will receive a comprehensive examination and provide a medical history. Many of our oral surgery patients are in their 60s and older, and so we take particular care to review these details and to ensure that patients are good candidates for treatment.
Some of those we see come to the initial visit with anxiety about their surgical procedure. It is completely normal to have concerns, particularly if you have had a bad experience with another provider in the past.
At Dental Restorative Group, we will:
- Take the time to help you understand what to expect in your procedure.
- Make certain you are satisfied with your treatment plan.
- Answer any questions you have about your care.
Most patients find comfort knowing that our doctor is a specialist who has years of experience performing oral surgery. He contributes to research in the field of prosthodontics, instructs at Ivy League institutions, and, more than anything, values patient comfort and safety.
With this background, you can have every confidence in our ability to perform procedures as non-invasively and gently as possible.
What Can I Expect From Oral Surgery?
On the day of your procedure, your doctor will take the time to extract your tooth carefully and skillfully to preserve the bone structure. Our professionals are skilled in creating strong foundations for prosthetic improvements.
Your doctor may use several techniques to make your experience more comfortable:
- A local anesthetic can remove sensation from the site of your oral surgery. Warming the anesthetic beforehand and introducing it slowly can make its administration significantly more comfortable.
- Your doctor can provide sedative medication if you are highly anxious about your procedure. Feel free to discuss this option during your initial consultation.
- Dental Restorative Group will provide guidelines for care following oral surgery so that you can prepare in advance. Many patients will purchase over-the-counter medication before their procedure so that they can manage discomfort as the anesthetic wears off.
About one week after your procedure, your doctor will see you for a follow-up visit. This allows our practice to ensure that you are healing well and to make plans for the next step in your restorative treatment.
Some Other Resources We’ve Put Together on Oral Surgery
Choose Oral Surgery With Dr. Chang in Belmont
Dr. Chang is a highly skilled prosthodontist with extensive experience delivering quality, compassionate care to support patients achieve good oral health. Learn more about the oral surgery services we offer in Belmont and the surrounding areas.