Oral Surgery in Studio City, CA

Oral Surgery FAQ

What is oral surgery?

Oral surgery encompasses surgical procedures of the teeth, jawbone, and surrounding soft tissues, including dentoalveolar surgery (extractions, bone grafting), implant placement, apicoectomy, cyst and tumor removal, and corrective jaw (orthognathic) surgery.

Is oral surgery painful?

No. Procedures are performed under local anesthesia with articaine or lidocaine, and IV sedation with midazolam or propofol is available for more complex cases. Post-operative discomfort is managed with prescribed NSAIDs or analgesics for three to five days.

How long does recovery from oral surgery take?

Recovery varies by procedure. Simple surgical extractions typically heal in three to five days, while bone grafting and implant placement may require seven to ten days before suture removal. Full osseous healing of grafted sites takes four to six months.

When is oral surgery necessary instead of non-surgical treatment?

Surgery is indicated when conditions cannot be resolved conservatively, including impacted third molars (wisdom teeth), periapical pathology unresponsive to root canal therapy, jawbone cysts or benign tumors, and alveolar ridge deficiency requiring bone augmentation before implant placement.

What is a dental bone graft and what materials are used?

A bone graft rebuilds lost alveolar bone to support dental implants or restore ridge contour. Common graft materials include autograft (the patient’s own bone), allograft such as demineralized freeze-dried bone (DFDBA), xenograft such as Bio-Oss (bovine-derived), and synthetic options like hydroxyapatite or beta-tricalcium phosphate. A collagen membrane is often placed over the graft to guide tissue regeneration.

What is an apicoectomy?

An apicoectomy, also called endodontic microsurgery, removes the apex (tip) of a tooth root along with surrounding infected periapical tissue. The root end is sealed with a biocompatible material such as mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), and the procedure is performed under an operating microscope for precision.

Will I need sedation for oral surgery?

Sedation options are tailored to the procedure and patient comfort level. Nitrous oxide provides mild anxiolysis, oral sedation with triazolam produces moderate sedation, and IV sedation with propofol or midazolam allows deeper sedation for lengthier or more invasive procedures.

How should I prepare for oral surgery?

Follow NPO (nothing by mouth) guidelines: no solid food for eight hours and no clear liquids for two hours before IV sedation. Provide a full medication list including blood thinners and supplements, and arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after sedation. At Studio Dental Care in Studio City, CA, detailed pre-operative instructions are provided at your consultation.

What should I expect during recovery from oral surgery?

Swelling typically peaks at 48 to 72 hours and resolves within 7 to 10 days. Apply a cold compress in 20-minute intervals for the first 24 hours to reduce edema. A soft-food diet, gentle saline rinses starting 24 hours post-surgery, and prescribed medications support comfortable healing.

How do I get started with oral surgery?

Schedule a consultation for a comprehensive evaluation including panoramic radiography and CBCT (cone-beam computed tomography) imaging to assess the surgical site and develop a precise treatment plan.