Oral Surgery San Jose, CA
Oral surgery procedures include diagnosis, treatment, medicines, and recovery. Many dental conditions require oral surgery to treat the problem and prevent further complications from arising. Oral surgery may seem intimidating to many patients, but advances in dental technology have made these procedures less invasive with reduced treatment and recovery time. They may be recommended or required for patients experiencing teeth, bone, or jaw irregularities due to an injury, defect, or condition.
Oral surgeries are available at NuSmile Dental & Orthodontics in San Jose and the surrounding area. Our staff can help you learn more about the procedure and answer any questions you have. Call us at (408) 791-2800 to schedule a consultation appointment today.
Oral Surgery
Oral surgeries are procedures performed inside or around the mouth, gums, or jaw to treat dental conditions that are not treatable through non-invasive treatments. Our team takes all precautionary measures into account to ensure each procedure is safe and effective. During the consultation appointment, patients may ask questions or address concerns they have regarding the surgery. We will discuss the procedure in detail so that the patient has a good understanding and feels well-prepared before their surgery appointment.
The American Dental Association describes oral and maxillofacial surgery as "the specialty of dentistry which includes the diagnosis, surgical and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries and defects involving both the functional and esthetic aspects of the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region." The term ‘oral' refers to the mouth, and ‘maxillofacial' refers to the jaw and face. Oral surgeries can also describe any procedure involving the mouth, teeth, gums, and jaw. The location and treatment will determine the type of surgery required.
“Oral surgeries are surgical procedures performed inside or around the mouth, gums, or jaw to treat dental conditions that cannot be treated through non-invasive treatments.”
Conditions That Lead to Oral Surgery
Oral surgery is intended for cases in which other basic treatments are insufficient in treating the problem or condition. According to Web MD, the most common conditions that prompt oral surgery includes impacted teeth, tooth loss, jaw-related problems, and facial or maxillofacial abnormalities or infections. The initial diagnosis will reveal the need for oral surgery, allowing both the patient and dentist to understand the complications of the present condition.
Impacted Teeth
Impacted teeth are usually the result of pressure resultant from wisdom teeth or other teeth that have erupted or developed improperly. This can cause tooth misalignment, entrapped and crowded teeth, and, in severe cases, the formation of cysts and other infections. Removal of impacted teeth can help prevent damage and decay, keeping the oral cavity healthy.
Tooth Loss
Tooth loss is often the result of severe decay, infections, diseases, injuries, and accidents. Dental implants act as substitutes for tooth roots and keep artificial teeth replacements securely in place. Implants help fill in gaps that could otherwise produce infection or lead to misalignment issues as surrounding teeth move closer together.
Jaw-related Problems
Jaw-related problems include unequal jaw growth, correction of jaw irregularities, and TMJ disorders. These conditions can cause improper development of the jaw, deterioration of surrounding/underlying bone, and jaw joint dysfunction. Oral surgery can correct these issues while aligning the upper and lower jaws to allow for proper oral functioning.
Abnormalities and Infections
Other conditions that warrant oral surgery are abnormalities and infections such as facial injury repair, lesion removal and biopsies, cleft lip/cleft palate repair, facial infections, and sleep apnea. Oral surgery for these conditions can repair broken or fractured jaws and allow the jaw, lip, and connective tissues to function normally. Surgery may also be necessary to remove lesions or infections in the gum or jawline.
“Oral surgery is intended for cases in which most other basic treatments are insufficient in treating the problem or condition.”
Preparing For Oral Surgery
We highly encourage patients to address all questions and concerns they have about their surgery during the consultation. It is important to understand all of the implications that go into any surgery and be prepared well ahead of time. No matter the type of surgery, we will inform the patient of their procedure type, discuss instructions prior to and during the procedure, and relay any crucial information they need to know before the surgery.
In general, surgical procedures involve a form of sedation, which will require the patient to fast from midnight the night before their surgery. Fasting prevents aspiration, a rare complication in which contents of the stomach fill the lungs. Patients receiving sedation will also need a ride to and from our office as the anesthetic can impair their consciousness. We also recommend that patients wear a short-sleeved shirt to allow for easy access to the veins and to help us monitor their blood pressure during surgery. Any additional instructions will be given on a case-by-case basis.
“In general, surgical procedures involve a form of sedation, which will require the patient to fast from midnight the night before their surgery.”
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Surgery Procedure
On the day of surgery, we advise patients to arrive early to complete any necessary paperwork. It also allows them to stay calm and relaxed before their surgery, keeping their heart rate and blood pressure steady. The duration of surgery depends largely on the condition, severity, and current oral health status. We will discuss the length of time before the surgery.
Once the patient has checked in and is ready for treatment, we will inject the anesthetic, which will be local or general anesthesia or nitrous oxide. An IV may be required for some patients to keep their vitals up during surgery. Once the patient is numb, we will begin the procedure. Each procedure varies, but the patient will have a good understanding of what their procedure will entail before coming in on the big day.
“The duration of surgery depends largely on the condition, severity, and current oral health status, but the estimated length of time will be discussed with the patient before the day of surgery.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How can I speed up my recovery from oral surgery?
Q. What are the reasons for oral surgery?
Q. How can I prepare for oral surgery?
Q. What happens during the surgery procedure?
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Recovering from Oral Surgery
Patients should plan to spend the day resting after oral surgery. The drowsiness of the sedative will likely last all day, making it important for patients to avoid doing anything that requires concentration. Patients should also refrain from straining to avoid dislodging any blood clots and causing bleeding. They should also keep their heads elevated whenever they are lying down.
Above all, it is crucial to follow the dentist's instructions for your individualized treatment plan. If you contract a fever, develop pus, or notice your swelling and bruising getting worse after three days, call our office right away.
“Patients should plan to spend the rest of the day resting after oral surgery.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is there open enrollment for oral surgery?
A. Oral surgery is included in many dental insurance plans. It is important to talk to your provider prior to booking the surgery in order to understand your benefits and what you may owe. Open enrollment for oral surgery differs from state to state, and the deadlines are posted on state government websites.
Q. What is "dry socket?"
A. Dry sockets are blood clots that often appear after extraction surgeries and usually go away on their own. In most cases, dry sockets result from inadequate hygiene practices, smoking, and overexertion during recovery. Symptoms include bad breath, foul odor and taste, and increased pain. Patients who experience dry socket for longer than three days should contact their doctor as soon as possible to schedule a follow-up.
Q. Is oral surgery painful?
A. Any type of oral surgery involves the use of anesthesia to keep patients comfortable and pain-free during the procedure. In most cases, the numbing agent lasts for at least an hour after the surgery and may last the remainder of the day, depending on the type of surgery and anesthetic used. However, after the numbing agent wears off, patients will likely feel pain in or around the surgical site and will be given pain relief medication and antibiotics to help with swelling and inflammation.
Q. What are the most common types of oral surgeries?
A. The single most common oral surgery is wisdom tooth extraction, with an estimated 10 million wisdom teeth extracted from approximately five million people in the United States each year. Other common oral surgeries include dental implants, bone grafting, corrective jaw surgery, and facial trauma surgery.
Q. When can I start eating and resuming my everyday activities?
A. In most cases, patients may resume eating as normal as soon as a week after surgery. Since each type of surgery is different, we may recommend patients eat certain foods and beverages for a shorter or longer period. Medications may also alter eating habits. This will all be discussed during the consultation appointment and reiterated after the surgery.
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Oral Surgery Terminology
Learn More Today
Sometimes, only oral surgery can adequately address your dental issues. We at NuSmile Dental & Orthodontics may be able to help. Call us today at 408-791-2800 to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2026
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2026
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2026
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