2 Oral Surgery Myths Debunked

Numerous conditions may necessitate oral surgery. Some of these oral issues include:



• Misshapen jaws
• Oral cancer
• Sleep apnea
• Wisdom tooth extraction

However, the term oral surgery may seem scary. And some patients hesitate to undergo the procedure, primarily due to a lack of facts about oral surgery.

With a lot of misinformation about oral surgery, it's normal to feel anxious and doubt if the procedure is worth it. Read this guide to distinguish oral surgery myths from facts before you decide if the solution is ideal for you.

Myth 1: Oral Surgery Is Painful

Many people are hesitant about oral surgery because of a natural fear of pain. The fear may result from stories of bad experiences from friends or on online platforms. Some experiences may be true, while others are an exaggeration.

The truth is, oral surgery doesn't have to be a painful experience. It's up to you and your surgeon to make the experience as comfortable and painless as possible. Check these tips for an excellent oral surgery procedure.

Select a Reliable Surgeon

The oral surgeon you choose is the primary determinant of how comfortable and successful your procedure will be. The right oral surgery specialist should be gentle and attentive to avoid tissue damage. If the surgeon damages any tissues, you are vulnerable to inflammation, which results in more pain after the surgery.

Use Anti-inflammatory Medications

Pain after oral surgery is a result of inflammatory signals within your body. Your surgeon may prescribe non-steroidal medications to minimize the signals and reflexes.

However, your surgeon should assess your health condition and history to determine if you can tolerate those medications. What works for someone else may not work well for you, so it's best if the professional evaluates your body to recommend the best pain reliever.

Follow Effective Post Surgery Tips

Your oral surgeon will advise you on what to do and avoid after surgery. For instance, the specialist will recommend that you avoid hard and acidic foods. You may also apply ice to reduce the chances of inflammation and observe proper oral hygiene to prevent infection.

Myth 2: Oral Surgery Is Costly

Besides the fear of pain, some patients avoid oral surgery because of cost. They assume that oral surgery is only for the wealthy, so they opt for other alternatives — such as over-the-counter medications — to save money.

If you look at things from a long-term perspective, you will realize that the value you get from oral surgery is greater than the amount you spend on the procedure. Oral surgery is an investment that improves the overall quality of your life. The procedure eliminates pain and discomfort. As a result, you can chew comfortably and more thoroughly after recovery.

As another example, oral surgery helps you sleep better if you suffer from sleep apnea. This will improve your health and productivity. Some oral procedures — such as jaw correction — boost your self-confidence.

Note that the cost of oral surgery varies from one procedure to the other. For example, dental implants cost higher than wisdom teeth extraction. In the same way, you may spend higher on sinus lifts than what you need for bone grafting.

Moreover, the oral surgeon you choose will impact the costs. Therefore, take your time to make a price comparison on different service providers and then settle with the most reasonably priced. Also, discuss with your surgeon to establish if they offer financing options and if they accept insurance for this procedure.

If you feel that oral surgery is right for you, don't hesitate to contact us at The San Diego Center for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery for more questions on the same. You can count on our expertise in oral surgery to restore your dental health and self-esteem.