Oral Surgery in Dunn, NC

Oral surgery tackles complex dental problems, restoring both function and appearance for better overall health. At J. Michael Williams, DDS, we offer various oral surgery options to meet the needs of your entire family. Because we understand that visiting the dentist can be intimidating, we work hard to create a welcoming and comfortable environment. To ease any anxiety, our team provides sedation options, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience. Whether it’s wisdom teeth removal for your teenager or dental implants for a parent, we’re dedicated to offering personalized care and support.

Oral Surgery at J. Michael Williams, DDS

Extractions and Wisdom Teeth Removal

Tooth extraction is often necessary to address specific dental problems. For example, advanced periodontal disease can severely damage the gums and bone supporting the teeth, causing them to become loose. In such cases, we extract the affected teeth to prevent further deterioration and improve your oral health. Severe dental trauma can also result in damage that is beyond repair. When a tooth is extensively broken or fractured, extraction may be the best option to avoid infection and pain. It also paves the way for future restorative procedures.

Additionally, overcrowded teeth can lead to alignment issues that hinder oral hygiene and dental health. Wisdom teeth are particularly problematic in this regard. They can become impacted, meaning they get trapped in the jawbone or gums, leading to discomfort, cysts, or damage to neighboring teeth. They might also erupt at an angle, pressing against other teeth and causing alignment problems. Wisdom teeth are often hard to clean thoroughly, which makes them more susceptible to decay and gum disease. To avoid these issues, we recommend removing problematic wisdom teeth before they cause further complications.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a permanent solution for replacing teeth lost due to decay, injury, or periodontal disease. During the procedure, we insert a titanium screw into the jawbone, which serves as an artificial root to support crowns, bridges, and dentures. This approach restores the appearance and functionality of your teeth, providing a durable and stable solution to tooth loss.

We offer both mini dental implants and traditional implants, each with its own placement technique and eligibility requirements. Traditional implants may require bone grafting if there isn’t enough jawbone space to support the implant. This step involves adding bone material to the jaw to create a stable foundation. Once the grafted bone has healed, we insert a titanium screw that integrates with the bone over time, ensuring a secure fit.

On the other hand, mini dental implants are slender titanium posts with ball-shaped ends that extend slightly above the gum line. Their slim design allows for a simple, minimally invasive placement, often without the need for bone grafting, incisions, or stitches. This makes them perfect for patients with lower bone density or volume as well as individuals who are unable to undergo more extensive surgical procedures.

These two effective implant options allow us to meet our patients’ unique needs, ensuring tailored treatment and the best possible oral health outcomes.

Emergency Oral Surgery: When to Contact Our Office

Oral Surgery in Dunn, NC | J. Michael Williams, DDS | Tooth Pain

When a dental emergency arises, quick action is crucial. We understand some situations can’t wait, so we’re here to help. Call our office immediately if you have a severe toothache that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter medication.

Continuous or intense pain in your gums or jaw often indicates a problem that medication alone cannot resolve. In such cases, a tooth extraction may be necessary to prevent further complications. Additionally, swelling, pus, or an abscess around a tooth suggests a severe infection that could spread if not treated promptly. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, contact us right away. We will evaluate your condition and discuss the best course of action.

If you are experiencing a dental emergency, we strive to see you the same day whenever possible. We also have an on-call person available during nights and weekends to schedule appointments for the next business day. Your dental health and comfort are our top priorities, and we are dedicated to providing the care you need when you need it most.

Our Sedation Options for Your Oral Surgery

Before any oral surgery, we conduct a thorough assessment to ensure the safest and most effective treatment option. Our process includes reviewing your dental and medical history, taking X-rays to understand the tooth’s position and root structure, and discussing sedation options to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.

We offer various sedation techniques to help you relax during oral surgery, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), which helps you remain calm and relaxed; oral sedation, which makes you drowsy but still conscious; and IV sedation, which provides a deeper level of sedation. Each option caters to different comfort levels and procedural needs, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.

Let Us Care for Your Family’s Smiles

We treat our patients like family, making your family’s dental health our top priority. With personalized care and sedation options tailored to your needs, we ensure a comfortable, stress-free experience. Schedule an appointment today and let our caring team make a difference. At J. Michael Williams, DDS, your family’s smiles are in good hands!

Frequently Asked Questions

After a tooth extraction, wait at least a few hours before eating. We recommend starting with very soft foods and liquids that require no chewing, then gradually introducing semi-soft foods as you heal.

Avoid hot foods and drinks to prevent irritation of the extraction site. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, but avoid using straws, as the suction can dislodge blood clots and cause dry sockets. Listen to your body and follow the provided instructions. While healing times can vary, if you experience increased pain, swelling, or signs of infection, contact our office immediately.

Tooth extractions can cause pain and discomfort, but modern dental techniques aim to minimize this as much as possible. Our practice uses advanced methods and anesthesia to ensure you feel as little pain as possible during the procedure. After the extraction, you may experience some soreness, but we will provide specific instructions for pain management tailored to your needs.

Recovering from a tooth extraction depends on several factors:

  • Type of extraction (simple vs. surgical)
  • Number of teeth removed
  • The location of the extracted tooth
  • Your body’s healing capacity
  • How well you follow post-procedure care instructions

You might feel better within a few days, but complete healing of the extraction site can take several weeks.