Extractions & Oral Surgery

Extracting teeth, placing implants, or helping heal gum diseases may require oral surgery. At Proud to Smile Dentistry in Bernardsville, New Jersey, Patricia Swaintek-Lamb, DMD, Karima West, RDH, and the team provide oral surgery to support your oral health and tooth integrity. To learn more about the expert oral surgery provided at Proud to Smile Dentistry, make an appointment today. Call or use the online tool to book your visit. 

What is oral surgery?

Dr. Swaintek-Lamb is a dental health professional with advanced training and experience offering oral surgery. Oral surgery sounds scary, but the procedures actually help improve the health of your gums, teeth, jaws, and other oral tissues. 

Oral surgery removes decay, disease, and damage, which helps you avoid complications and pain in the long term.

When would I need oral surgery?

Dr. Swaintek-Lamb offers oral surgery for many reasons, including:

Tooth extractions

Tooth extractions may be required if you have advanced decay. Extractions may be the first step in preparing for dental implants, dentures, or other orthodontic procedures. Extractions also remove wisdom teeth that are impacted or crowding other teeth. 

Tooth extractions can be simple, using a device — called an elevator — to loosen the tooth and forceps to remove it from your jawbone. Surgical extractions require incisions into the gumline and are reserved for teeth impacted or broken off at the gumline. 

Dental implants

Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. Oral surgery is the first step in getting an implant. 

Periodontal surgery

Patients with advanced gum disease may require periodontal or gum surgery to improve their gum health. The Proud to Smile Dentistry team lifts your gums to remove all bacteria and plaque beneath them. The surgery may also include gum contouring to even your gumline and improve the appearance of “long” teeth. 

You may need oral surgery as part of an emergency dentistry procedure. Dr. Swaintek-Lamb may also perform minor oral surgery to take a biopsy of suspicious soft tissue.

What is it like to recover from oral surgery? 

Recovery from oral surgery is typically faster than from other surgical procedures. Oral tissues usually heal relatively quickly. 

You receive comprehensive instructions on how to care for your surgical site after your procedure. Take all medications as prescribed and commit to a soft-food diet for a few days. Avoid using a straw and high-impact activities to help prevent you from dislodging blood clots that form at the site of surgery.

Contact Proud to Smile Dentistry to learn more about the oral surgery provided by Dr. Swaintek-Lamb. Call today or use the online tool to book a consultation.