Oral Surgery

Oral surgery treats common oral health problems, like severe tooth decay, bone loss in the jaw, and gum disease. At Morrison Cosmetic & General Dentistry in Chevy Chase and Gaithersburg, Maryland, experienced cosmetic dentist Eric Morrison, DDS, and the team provide a full suite of oral surgery services, including wisdom teeth removal, gum grafts, and root canal therapy. Call Morrison Cosmetic Dentistry today to schedule an oral surgery consultation, or book your appointment online.

Will I need oral surgery if I have a cavity?

Not necessarily. Most oral health problems, like cavities and gum disease, improve with non and minimally invasive treatments. However, if your symptoms continue, worsen, or increase your risk of more serious dental issues, oral surgery might be necessary. 

Are there different types of oral surgery?

The Morrison Cosmetic Dentistry team provides several types of oral surgery, including:

Full mouth reconstruction

Full mouth reconstruction is a type of oral surgery that replaces some or all of your natural teeth with restorations. It restores your chewing and biting abilities, improves your oral health, and reduces the risk of future complications.

Root canal therapy

Root canal therapy removes infected or inflamed pulp from the center of a permanent tooth. Removing the pulp stops the pain, prevents the infection from spreading, and preserves your natural tooth. 

Tooth extractions, including wisdom teeth removal

Extractions are a type of oral surgery that removes a tooth (or multiple teeth) from its socket. The Morrison Cosmetic Dentistry team aims to preserve permanent teeth whenever possible. Still, if you have a severe infection or wisdom teeth that are unable to break through your gum line, extractions might be necessary.

Gum grafting

Gum grafting is an oral surgery that repairs receding gum tissue. During this procedure, your dentist removes a small flap of healthy tissue from the roof of your mouth and stitches it over your receding gums. The new tissue fuses with your gums and restores your gum line.

Bone grafting

A bone graft increases the amount of bone in your upper or lower jaw. You might need this type of surgery if you want dental implants but don’t have enough bone to support them. 

During treatment, your dentist inserts a small piece of bone tissue into your upper or lower jaw. Once placed, the graft encourages the production of new, healthy bone.

What is recovery like after oral surgery?

After oral surgery, it’s normal to experience mild swelling, pain, and bleeding. Take your medication as prescribed, get plenty of rest, and eat soft foods until your dentist says it’s ok to resume your regular diet. Most people recover within a week or two, but it might take longer.

Call the nearest Morrison Cosmetic Dentistry office today to schedule an oral surgery appointment, or book your visit online.