Common Oral Surgery Procedures
Tooth Extractions
Sometimes saving a tooth isn’t possible. Severe decay, advanced gum disease, irreparable fractures, or extreme crowding may necessitate extraction. Dr. Dayoon Lee performs extractions carefully to minimize trauma to surrounding tissues and bone, which promotes faster healing and better outcomes if you later choose replacement options like implants.
Simple extractions remove visible teeth that have fully erupted. Surgical extractions address teeth that haven’t fully emerged or have broken below the gum line. Both procedures use local anesthesia for comfort; most patients heal within a week or two.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Third molars—commonly called wisdom teeth—often cause problems when they try to emerge in their late teens or early twenties. Many jaws lack sufficient space for these teeth, causing them to become impacted, grow at wrong angles, or stay trapped beneath gums and bone.
Impacted wisdom teeth create infections, damage neighboring teeth, cause cysts, and trigger painful swelling. Dr. Joo Nho evaluates wisdom teeth using 3D imaging to determine if removal prevents future complications. Early removal typically involves easier surgery and faster recovery than waiting until problems develop.
Bone Grafting
When teeth are missing for extended periods, the supporting jawbone deteriorates. Dental implants require adequate bone volume for success. Bone grafting rebuilds lost bone using donor material, synthetic substitutes, or your own bone from another site.
The graft material acts as a scaffold, encouraging your body to grow new bone over several months. This procedure makes oral surgery in New York possible for patients lacking sufficient bone for implants.
Sinus Lifts
Upper back teeth sit close to the maxillary sinuses. After tooth loss, these sinuses can expand downward while bone recedes, leaving insufficient height for implants. A sinus lift gently elevates the sinus membrane and places bone graft material in the created space.
This procedure sounds dramatic, but it has become routine in implant dentistry. Dr. Lee performs sinus lifts with precision, minimizing discomfort and promoting excellent healing.
Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)
Severe bite misalignment, jaw growth discrepancies, or facial asymmetry sometimes require surgical correction. These procedures reposition the upper or lower jaw or both to improve function and appearance.
While less common than other oral surgeries, orthognathic surgery transforms lives for patients struggling with chronic jaw pain, difficulty chewing, speech problems, or breathing issues related to jaw position.
Preparing for Oral Surgery
Preparation makes surgery safer and recovery smoother. Dr. Dayoon Lee provides detailed pre-operative instructions tailored to your specific procedure.
Before Your Surgery:
- Arrange transportation home since anesthesia impairs driving ability
- Follow fasting instructions if receiving sedation
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing
- Remove contact lenses and avoid makeup
- Take prescribed medications as directed
- Inform us of any health changes since your consultation
Having someone stay with you for at least the first few hours after surgery provides practical help and peace of mind.
Anesthesia and Comfort Options
Our practice’s oral surgery in New York prioritizes your comfort through various anesthesia options. Local anesthesia numbs the surgical area for all procedures. We offer additional sedation for more extensive surgeries or anxious patients.
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) creates relaxation while keeping you conscious and responsive. Oral sedation uses medication taken before surgery to reduce anxiety significantly. IV sedation provides deeper relaxation with no memory of the procedure.
Dr. Joo Nho discusses which option suits your needs based on the procedure complexity, anxiety level, and medical history.
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery experiences vary by procedure type and individual healing capacity. Most patients manage discomfort well with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication.
General Recovery Guidelines:
- Rest for the first 24-48 hours
- Apply ice packs to reduce swelling
- Eat soft foods and avoid the surgical site while chewing
- Don’t use straws (suction can dislodge blood clots)
- Avoid smoking and alcohol
- Keep your head elevated when lying down
- Follow prescribed medication schedules
- Attend all follow-up appointments
Some swelling and bruising are normal and peak around day three before improving. Most patients return to work or school within a few days for routine extractions, though more extensive surgeries require longer recovery.
Potential Complications and How We Prevent Them
All surgeries carry risks, but serious complications are rare with proper technique and post-operative care. Dry socket—when the blood clot at an extraction site dislodges—causes significant discomfort but resolves with treatment. Infection, excessive bleeding, and nerve injury are other potential issues that Dr. Lee and Dr. Joo Nho work diligently to prevent.
Careful surgical planning using 3D imaging, meticulous technique, detailed post-operative instructions, and thorough follow-up minimizes complication risks. Following aftercare instructions significantly impacts your healing success.
When Oral Surgery Becomes Necessary
Nobody wants surgery, but delaying necessary oral surgery often worsens problems and complicates eventual treatment. Infected wisdom teeth don’t improve with time. Damaged teeth that can’t be saved threaten neighboring teeth. Bone loss continues without intervention.
Dr. Dayoon Lee and Dr. Joo Nho recommend surgery only when conservative approaches won’t solve the problem. They explain why surgery offers the best solution and what happens if you choose to wait.
Advanced Technology for Better Outcomes
Modern oral surgery relies on technology that improves precision and outcomes. Digital imaging reveals the exact bone structure and anatomy. Surgical guides created from 3D scans ensure accurate implant placement. These tools make procedures more predictable and less invasive.
Your Surgical Team Cares
Facing oral surgery feels daunting, but you’re not alone. Our entire team supports you through the process—from initial consultation through final follow-up. We answer questions patiently, address concerns honestly, and celebrate your successful recovery.
Oral Surgery in New York
If you need oral surgery, trust the experienced hands of Dr. Dayoon Lee and Dr. Joo Nho at dentistnearmemanhatten.com. We combine surgical skill with genuine compassion to deliver care that exceeds expectations.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation. Together, we’ll create a treatment plan that restores your oral health and gives you confidence in every step of your surgical journey.