Oral Surgery?

Question

I'm having oral surgery this friday, because I have gotten gingivitis on the back gum where my bottom wisdom tooth is suppose to be growing on both sides? I'm a little nervous and wanted to ask some questions? Will they do both sides on that one day? How will they numb it? How long is the surgery? After they remove the flap of gums, and when the numbness were off, will I be in a great deal of pain?

Answer 1

Depending on the extent, they may do one side only, or both that day. As far as anesthesia, you should only get on each side. Usually they will place a topical anesthetic first so this should not be all that painful. In addition, it is usually less sensitive than other areas in the mouth. While it will probably not be necessary to put you under, you may ask your surgeon about perhaps having some nitrous or an oral sedative to make you more comfortable. Be sure to call and ask for these in advance if you think it's an option, as the oral sedative usually takes a while to take affect. I used to be a surgical assistant for a periodontist, and while I don't know exactly what you are having done, it should not take more than a few hours at most. If that is the only area being done, and is not too complex, then it should last only 1-3 hours max, and most of this will be surgical set-up. When the surgery is over, you will still be numb when you leave. The surgeon can either give you a long lasting anesthetic that will keep the area numb for quite a while, or a shorter acting one. With the longer acting one, you need to be careful with drooling when eating etc. You should probably ask for the shorter acting one if you will be going back to work. Also with the longer acting one, it is a good idea to put a towel on your pillow in case you sleep and drool and there is some red stuff in it. Also, make sure you go ahead and take your pain medication before the numbness wears off to ease the transition. You may experience some soreness in the area and the doctor should make some pain meds available to you. Usually this should not be that debilitating, and most patients were fine in a couple of days. The good thing about the oral cavity is that it is the most rapidly healing tissue in the body. Hope this helps. Also, don't be afraid to explain all this to your surgeon. If he's good, he'll be more than happy to answer all of your questions. The assistant that gives you take home directions afterward will be a good source of information too.

Answer 2

They may do one side first, then the other side another day. they'll most likely do that.