If you are preparing for wisdom tooth extraction, implant placement, bone grafting, or a similar procedure, you may be wondering, “How long does oral surgery take?” You likely have many additional questions as you prepare for your appointment. As an experienced and award-winning oral surgeon, Dr. Chris Tye knows how important it is for you to feel confident about your care. He and the members of his team are always ready to answer your questions about any stage of your upcoming procedure.
If your questions are not answered below, or if you are seeking additional information, contact Texas Oral Surgery Specialists today.
How Long Does Oral Surgery Take?
Oral surgery differs from patient to patient since each procedure is tailored to meet individual needs. Nonetheless, standard operations follow a general timeframe.
- Wisdom teeth removal usually lasts 45 to 90 minutes, depending on how many teeth you are having extracted and whether or not they have already come in
- Non-wisdom tooth extraction typically takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on how many teeth you are having removed.
- Bone grafting surgery usually takes 45 to 90 minutes.
- Corrective jaw surgery can take 2 to 4 hours depending on the nature of the surgery and the degree of correction you require.
How Do I Prepare for My Surgery?
Because you will receive sedation, you should not eat or drink anything for 6 to 8 hours prior to your procedure. You should also avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, for a week, as these medications can cause bleeding after surgery. Certain herbal supplements can also inhibit healing, so you should be sure to discuss your medications with Dr. Tye at your pre-surgery consultation.
What Sedation Options Are Available?
Dr. Tye and his team provide IV sedation. You will receive sedatives directly in your bloodstream, taking effect very quickly. They will induce a sleeplike state. However, unlike general anesthesia, they will not put you fully to sleep, so you can still respond to requests from our medical team. IV sedation wears off quickly, and you should have virtually no memory of your surgery after it leaves your system.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
The length of recovery will depend on the type of surgery you undergo and several other factors. For instance, healing after wisdom tooth extraction depends on your age, sex, whether or not you smoke, and the duration of your procedure, among other factors. Fortunately, receiving treatment from an experienced oral surgeon has been shown to reduce recovery time and post-operative discomfort.
After a bone graft, discomfort and swelling will typically dissipate in a week or two. Nonetheless, it takes several months for the new bone tissue to integrate with the existing jawbone structure.
Because corrective jaw surgery is a more extensive procedure, healing typically takes between 6 and 12 weeks.
After dental implant placement, it usually takes 4 to 6 weeks for the implants to fuse with your jawbone. However, this does not mean that you will experience discomfort or loss of dental function for that entire time. In fact, patients who qualify for All-on-4® implant supported dentures can have a new restoration attached to the implant posts on the same day as the surgery.
Learn More about “How Long Does Oral Surgery Take”
The team at Texas Oral Surgery Specialists will happily take all the time you need to answer your questions and explain your treatment options. We proudly serve patients in Colleyville, Fort Worth, Bedford, Keller, Southlake, Euless, and the surrounding communities. Call 817-552-3223 today. You can also contact us online with any questions or to book an appointment.
