Oral Surgery

At Distinctive Dentistry, Dr. Klemann George offers oral surgery services, performing simple and complex tooth extraction, including wisdom teeth, and root canal treatment. Oral surgery refers to any surgical procedure performed in and around your mouth and jaw. 

Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction, also known as exodontia, is the process of pulling out a tooth from its socket in the bone. For the good of your dental health, Dr. Klemann may recommend a tooth extraction if the tooth is broken or damaged by decay and cannot be saved with a filling, crown, or other dental treatment. In an emergency situation, Dr. Klemann will pull a tooth if it is due to severe tooth pain that worsens with chewing, swollen gums, or jaw pain.

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Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth are your third molars that usually come in when you are older between the ages of 17 and 21. They are located in the very back of your mouth–two on the top and two on the bottom to give you a completed set of 32 adult teeth.

You may need your wisdom teeth pulled if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

  • Sensitivity and pain in the back of the mouth
  • Inflammation around the gums
  • Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
  • Painful cysts that develop in your mouth
  • Stiffness and pain in your jaw
  • Problems with your sinuses
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Root Canal Treatment

Root canal (or endodontic) treatment is required when the inside of your tooth (the pulp) becomes inflamed or infected. A tooth may become inflamed or infected due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures, faulty crowns, a crack or chip in the tooth, or a deep cavity or issues from a previous filling. 

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Consultation for Oral Surgery

During your consultation, Dr. Klemann will review your medical and dental  history with you and ask you questions about any current medications you may be taking. She may also order digital X-rays to get a clear view of the inner structures of the teeth. These images provide a lot of detail and allow Dr. Klemann to find cavities, check the health of the tooth root and bone surrounding the tooth, check the status of developing teeth, and monitor the general health of your teeth and jawbone. These images will help Dr. Klemann decide on the appropriate course of treatment.

Preparing for Oral Surgery

You should stop eating or drinking anything after midnight the night before surgery. You should also stop taking any medication that may interfere with dental sedation the day before the surgery. Dr. Klemann will review the specifics with you during your consultation.

Types of Anesthesia Used for Oral Surgery

For simple tooth extractions, Dr. Klemann may just give you Lidocaine (a local anesthetic) for pain. For more complex tooth extractions (including wisdom teeth removal) and root canal treatment, moderate (IV sedation) or deep sedation (general anesthesia) may be recommended. 

Along with dental sedation, patients may also be given a local anesthetic (usually lidocaine) to numb the site in the mouth where the dentist will be performing the procedure. 

Recovery Period After Oral Sedation

Depending on the complexity of your case, Dr. Klemann may advise you to do one or more of the following after your oral surgery:

  • Rest for 24-72 after your procedure to give the treated area time to clot. After that time period, you should be able to return to normal activity. 
  • Take over-the-counter pain medication to alleviate any discomfort you may have. A combination of acetaminophen and ibuprofen works well. 
  • Eat soft foods for the first couple of days.
  • Avoid spitting or drinking through a straw, so you don’t dislodge the clot forming in the treated area.

Be sure to follow all aftercare instructions Dr. Klemann provides you.

Oral Surgery Services at Distinctive Dentistry in Clackamas

Dr. Klemann has extensive experience in performing oral surgery and is exceptionally proficient in managing medically complex cases.

If you would like a consultation with Dr. Klemann to discuss oral surgery, call Distinctive Dentistry at (503) 698-4884. For your convenience, you may also schedule an appointment online. 

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