A referral to an oral surgeon can bring up a lot of questions. You may know that you need surgery, but you may not know what the procedure involves or why a specialist is needed.
At 47 North Oral Surgery, we provide specialized surgical care for patients referred by their general dentist. Our focus is oral surgery, including dental implants, wisdom tooth removal, impacted wisdom teeth treatment, and tooth extractions. Our goal is to give you clear information, careful treatment planning, and the surgical care you need.
If you are researching oral surgery procedures, understanding the common treatments can help you feel more prepared for your consultation. Here is what you should know about the procedures we commonly perform.
Dental Implants
Dental implants replace the roots of missing teeth. We place a small implant into the jawbone. After the implant heals and integrates with the bone, your dentist can attach a crown, bridge, or other replacement tooth.
We start dental implant treatment with a careful evaluation. We review your teeth, gums, and bone structure and use digital imaging to help plan the procedure. Your overall treatment plan may also consider whether you need additional bone support before implant placement.
The surgical part of implant treatment takes place in our office. We use local anesthesia and can discuss sedation options with you based on your procedure and needs. Healing then takes place over time as the implant becomes stable in the jawbone.
Dental implants can help replace missing teeth while providing a stable foundation for your final restoration. Because implant treatment involves surgery and careful planning, many patients are referred to an oral surgeon for the implant placement portion of care.
You can learn more about dental implants and how we plan implant placement before your consultation.
Wisdom Tooth Removal
Wisdom teeth are the last molars to develop. They often appear during the late teens or early twenties. Because they develop so late, there may not be enough room for them to come in correctly.
When wisdom teeth create problems, removal may be recommended. A wisdom tooth can become trapped, grow at an angle, or only partly emerge through the gum. These issues can make the area hard to clean and may lead to pain, infection, decay, or damage to nearby teeth.
At 47 North Oral Surgery, we begin with an examination and imaging. We look at the position of the teeth and nearby structures before creating a treatment plan. Wisdom tooth removal may take about 30 to 90 minutes, depending on how many teeth we remove and how complex the case is.
Your anesthesia and sedation options will also be discussed before surgery. Our goal is to make sure you understand the procedure and know what to expect before you arrive for treatment.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth are a common reason patients are referred to an oral surgeon.
An impacted wisdom tooth does not have enough room to fully emerge. It may stay under the gum, remain inside the jawbone, or grow at an angle. Some impacted wisdom teeth cause obvious symptoms. Others may not cause pain at first.
Possible signs include:
- Swelling or tenderness near the back molars
- Pain or pressure
- Bleeding or irritated gums
- Trouble opening your mouth
- Bad breath
- Signs of infection
An impacted tooth can also affect the tooth next to it. In some cases, it may contribute to decay, infection, or damage to surrounding structures.
We use dental X-rays and digital imaging to see where an impacted wisdom tooth sits. That information helps us choose the safest approach for removal.
Some patients ask whether an impacted wisdom tooth should be removed right away if it does not hurt. There is no single answer for every patient. We look at the tooth’s position, your oral health, your age, and the risk of future problems before recommending treatment.
Tooth Extractions
Tooth extraction means removing a tooth from its socket. Your general dentist may refer you to us when a tooth needs surgical removal or when the case is more complex.
We perform tooth extractions when a tooth is beyond saving or when removal is needed as part of a larger treatment plan. Common reasons include severe decay or infection, significant damage, overcrowding, advanced periodontal disease, or certain orthodontic needs.
Not every extraction follows the same process.
A tooth that is easy to access may need a simple extraction. A tooth that is broken, impacted, or difficult to reach may require a surgical extraction. In a surgical extraction, we may need to make a small incision or adjust the surrounding bone to safely remove the tooth.
Our approach depends on the tooth and the condition around it. Before treatment, we review your imaging and explain what we expect during the procedure.
We also provide detailed aftercare instructions. Following those instructions can help support healing and reduce the chance of problems after surgery.
What Should You Expect From an Oral Surgery Consultation?
Your first visit gives us a chance to understand your needs and build a treatment plan.
We review your medical and dental history. We examine the area being treated and review X-rays or other imaging when needed. Our site explains that the initial appointment includes a consultation about your diagnosis and treatment options.
We also discuss anesthesia and sedation when they apply to your procedure. The right approach depends on the treatment, your medical history, and your needs.
You should feel comfortable asking questions during this visit. You may want to ask why the procedure is needed, what the recovery may be like, and what you should do before and after surgery.
You do not need to diagnose your own condition before the appointment. Your referral and examination give us the information we need to guide the next step.
Why Are Patients Referred to an Oral Surgeon?
Oral surgeons receive specialized training in surgical procedures involving the mouth and related structures. General dentists often refer patients when a treatment requires surgical expertise, advanced planning, or care that falls within an oral surgeon’s specialty.
At 47 North Oral Surgery, we work with referring dentists to provide the surgical care their patients need. Your general dentist may identify a problem and refer you to our team for treatment. After your procedure, we can coordinate with your dentist as needed for the next phase of your dental care.
This referral process gives you access to a specialist while keeping your overall dental care connected.
What Is Recovery Like After Oral Surgery?
Recovery depends on the procedure.
After wisdom tooth removal or a tooth extraction, you may have some swelling, soreness, or minor bleeding. These effects generally improve as the surgical area heals. We provide specific post-operative instructions based on your procedure.
Rest is important after surgery. You may also need to follow a soft-food diet for a period of time and avoid activities that could disturb the surgical site.
For wisdom tooth removal, our post-operative guidance explains how to manage swelling, protect the surgical area, and return to normal activity safely.
Every patient heals at a different pace. We will explain what is normal for your procedure and when you should contact our office with a concern.
For patients preparing for wisdom tooth surgery, our earlier guide, All About Wisdom Tooth Extraction, covers the treatment and common questions patients have before surgery.
Which Oral Surgery Procedure Do You Need?
The answer depends on your diagnosis and your treatment plan.
You may need a dental implant if you are missing a tooth. You may need wisdom tooth removal if your third molars are causing problems. An impacted wisdom tooth may require surgical removal because it cannot erupt normally. A tooth extraction may be needed when a damaged or compromised tooth cannot be saved.
These oral surgery procedures are different, but they all require careful evaluation. We look at the details of your case before recommending treatment.
If your dentist referred you to us, bring your questions to your consultation. We will explain what we find, discuss your options, and help you understand the next step.
Final Thoughts
The most common oral surgery procedures we provide include dental implants, wisdom tooth removal, treatment for impacted wisdom teeth, and tooth extractions. Each procedure serves a different purpose, and your treatment should always reflect your individual needs.
When you receive a referral for oral surgery, you do not have to figure everything out on your own. We will review your condition, explain the procedure, and guide you through the surgical process.
To learn more about our approach and specialized care, visit 47 North Oral Surgery.