Oral Surgery

What is oral surgery?

Unlike other practices that refer patients to oral surgeons in Fargo or Bismark, Miller Dental performs most extractions and oral surgery in-office.

The types of in-office oral surgery include:

Extractions

An extraction is the removal of a damaged or otherwise problematic tooth. Miller Dental recommends extractions for a number of reasons, including severe tooth decay, impacted teeth, and teeth with significant trauma or damage. 

Dr. Miller provides both simple and surgical extractions. 

A simple extraction involves the removal of a visible tooth. He uses specialized instruments to loosen and remove the tooth. 

Dr. Miller performs surgical extractions on teeth that have either broken off or haven’t emerged past the gum line. He makes small incisions into the gums to access and remove the underlying tooth.

During any extraction, Dr. Miller uses anesthesia to minimize any pain or discomfort. 

Dental implants

A dental implant is a very effective way to replace a tooth. A dental implant consists of a titanium rod and artificial tooth that replace both the root and visible parts of your tooth. 

During a dental implant procedure, Dr. Miller places a metal rod in your jawbone. After you heal from the initial surgery, Dr. Miller permanently fixes an artificial tooth on top of the metal rod. 

The metal rod acts like a tooth root and holds the artificial tooth in place. Dental implants are very versatile and can help restore both individual and multiple missing teeth. 

Root canal 

A root canal is a common procedure that your dentist performs to save the structure of your tooth. The inside of your tooth contains a soft material called pulp. Issues like severe tooth decay, chips, and injuries to the tooth can lead to infected tooth pulp.

During a root canal, Dr. Miller makes a small opening in your tooth and removes the infected pulp. He then applies antibiotics to prevent reinfection and seals the tooth. 

How do I know if I need oral surgery?

Dr. Miller typically recommends surgery for conditions like impacted wisdom teeth, broken teeth, and teeth damaged by gum disease. 

If you suffer from damage or dysfunction with your teeth or gums, you may need surgery to restore your oral health. Dr. Miller offers advanced diagnostics and works with you to determine the right treatment for your condition.

How do I prepare for oral surgery?

Prior to your procedure, Dr. Miller provides you with pre-surgery instructions. In most cases, you need to avoid eating or drinking several hours before the procedure. If your surgery requires general anesthesia, you should arrange for transportation after the procedure. 

After your surgery, it’s important to follow your aftercare instructions. Depending on the type of procedure, recovery from oral surgery can take anywhere from a few days to a few months. 

To find out if oral surgery is right for you, book your appointment at Miller Dental by phone or request one online today.