Convenient, precision oral surgery at your Cleveland, OH dentist’s office
Downtown Dental Services blends both close, warm relationship-based care with the latest technologies to help you preserve your natural teeth and a complete, healthy smile. However, situations can arise where it is actually unhealthy to hold on to a badly decayed or otherwise traumatized tooth. In these and other cases (such as impacted wisdom teeth), extractions would be recommended to resolve pain and restore health.
Fortunately, Dr. Tony Lu is trained and has the onsite capabilities to offer these and other oral surgery procedures from his Cleveland, OH office. Other dentists must refer surgical procedures out to specialists, such as oral and maxillofacial surgeons. These referrals add to the headaches, costs, and time associated with getting the care you need to feel and look better. Thanks to Dr. Lu’s extensive knowledge and skills, your teeth can be replaced promptly and affordably by the dentist who already knows you and your family.
Enjoy High-Quality Oral Surgery in Centennial
If you need extraction or implant placement, you can trust Downtown Dental Services for expert care. We provide advanced care rooted in comfort, precision, and smooth recovery. Ready to get started? Contact our team
Oral surgery has never been easier!
Extractions
Generally, extracting a tooth is a “last resort” procedure. In many cases, the natural tooth can be “saved” with restorative case, such as fillings, inlays, onlays, and crowns. Root canal therapy is a nonsurgical procedure with a more than 90 percent rate of successfully resolving internal trauma to the tooth. If the deeply inflamed or infected tooth cannot be treated effectively with root canal therapy, other surgical endodontic procedures may be recommended. If inflammation persists, then the trouble tooth must be removed.
Wisdom teeth (third molars) may become partially or fully trapped underneath the gums. Impacted teeth push up against the gums, which produces pressure and pain and may even damage the surrounding teeth. Again, extractions would be recommended.
Simple extractions involve loosening and gently lifting the tooth from its socket. They are appropriate for teeth that are partially or fully visible above the gumline. For very broken or otherwise impacted teeth, surgical extraction may be necessary to access and remove the tooth. We can discuss options for the most comfortable, fast, and precise care with you.
Implant placement
It is important to replace missing teeth promptly. Bone in the jaw can shrink and cause problems with chewing and speech to become worse. It can even “age” the appearance of your face. After tissues have healed, we may recommend either conventional bridges, partial dentures, or complete dentures. Dr. Lu is also experienced at placing dental implants. These cylinders are strategically placed in the jaw. Made from a biocompatible material, the implant joins to the surrounding bone. The part of the tooth seen above the gumline is then restored with a crown, bridge, or denture. So, the implant itself functions as root to securely support the replacement tooth.For patients who have already experienced bone loss, it may be necessary to build up the jaw prior to implants placement. A sufficient amount of bone must be present in the jaw to support the implant. Dr. Lu can discuss options for surgical bone grafting with you during your appointment. Call us to find more about what to expect before, during, and after your extraction, implant, or grafting procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions about Oral Surgery
Why would I need oral surgery?
We recommend oral surgery when a problem can’t be fixed with fillings, crowns, and other routine procedures. You may need oral surgery to address impacted wisdom teeth, bone loss, and advanced gum disease. You may also need oral surgery to replace a missing tooth (teeth) with dental implants. The goal of oral surgery is to restore comfort, function, and oral health.
Does oral surgery hurt?
Not at Downtown Dental Services. Your comfort is our priority. We use powerful anesthesia to keep you comfortable during treatment. We also offer IV sedation to keep you relaxed and pain-free during the procedure. After treatment, you may experience sensitivity and soreness, but it’s mild and manageable. We’ll provide aftercare instructions to ensure a faster, more event-free recovery.
Will I be asleep during my surgical procedure?
No! Sedation is not like general anesthesia. Our office uses IV conscious sedation that induces a semi-conscious state. You’ll be awake to communicate with the dentist, but not keen enough on the moment-to-moment details of treatment. Sometimes, you may drift into sleep, but you’ll still be conscious.
How long does it take to recover after oral surgery?
Recovery time varies, depending on the treatment involved and your body’s healing ability. Many patients recover within a day or two for simple extractions. However, more complex procedures, such as surgical extractions, may take a few more days. While full bone healing may take several weeks, most patients resume their daily lives within a few days. Following post-op instructions helps speed up healing.
What kind of food can I eat after oral surgery?
You can eat as soon as you get home. However, stick to soft, easy-to-eat foods at first. Think scrambled eggs, yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, Jell-O, and soups. You can take as many liquids as you like, but avoid using straws to prevent dislodging the blood clot. As your mouth becomes more comfortable, you can gradually transition to more solid foods.
What is a dry socket, and how can I avoid it?
A dry socket, or alveolar osteitis, appears when the protective blood clot at the surgical site fails to form or is dislodged too soon. This exposes the underlying bone and nerves, leading to persistent pain. Dry socket can delay healing, so it’s best to prevent it by avoiding smoking, straws, or vigorous rinsing or spitting until you heal.
My stitches came out—should I be worried?
Not always. Some stitches are designed to dissolve on their own. If they come out early but you are not in pain or bleeding heavily, it’s usually fine. If you are unsure, give us a call for reassurance.
How does PRF therapy help with oral surgery?
Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) is created from a small sample of your blood. PRF delivers a high concentration of growth factors that stimulate tissue repair. This helps your gums and bones heal more quickly after procedures such as extractions or dental implants. It also reduces post-op swelling and infections.
What are the warning signs when recovering from oral surgery?
Mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort are normal. However, contact us if you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, fever, or signs of infection. The rule of thumb is that you inform your dentist if anything feels off. Prompt intervention helps prevent complications.
What is the cost of my oral surgical procedure in Cleveland, OH?
The cost varies depending on the type and complexity of the procedure. We’ll provide a clear estimate upfront so there are no surprises. We’ll also discuss how to make your treatment affordable with insurance and dental financing.
Does my Cleveland dentist offer oral surgery?
Oral surgery might sound intimidating, but Downtown Dental Services makes your procedure seamless and comfortable. Whether you want implant surgery or surgical extraction, you can trust Dr. Tony Lu with the highest level of dental care. Call (216) 616-1155 and schedule your consultation today!