Oral surgery, also called maxillofacial surgery, deals with the teeth, gums, nerves, roots and the jaw. There are many different types of oral surgery procedures, such as dental implants, root canals, and extracting teeth. If you need to have oral surgery, it helps to know everything there is to know about it, including the potential risks involved. Here are some common side effects and potential complications you might need to deal with if you get oral surgery.

Failed Root Canal

If you need to get a root canal, you should know this is a routine procedure with the majority of them being very successful. However, one complication you might need to deal with is a root canal that has failed. A root canal is considered to have failed if the tissues surrounding the root are still infected or become infected again after the procedure is done. The root canal should remove all infected tissue, so this is usually from some tissue being left behind. You either need to pull the tooth or have the procedure done a second time.

Pain

A very common side effect following any oral surgery procedure is pain. Many procedures, with the exception of root canals and some extractions, require the use of general or local anesthesia. This is done to numb the area or put you to sleep entirely during the procedure. When the anesthesia wears off, you may feel some pain or discomfort. In most cases, you can take over-the-counter or prescription pain killers.

If it is severe and debilitating pain, you might be experiencing what is called dry socket. This happens if the blood clot that formed after an extraction has become dislodged. If you think you have dry socket, seek emergency care.

Weakened Tooth

Some oral surgery procedures will cause you to have a weakened tooth. This is especially true if you have a root canal procedure. The pulp is removed from your tooth, so the tooth is now considered dead. Until you have a crown put on, the tooth is very weak and brittle.

This can lead to more complications, because if you chew with that tooth before the crown is put on, it can break. This requires you to have the tooth removed. If you have a root canal, get your crown as soon as you are able to in order to prevent losing your tooth.

Infection

All oral surgery procedures run the risk of getting an infection after it has been performed. Following your dentist's post-surgery instructions is the best way to prevent this. Take antibiotics prescribed to you and make sure to brush and floss every day. If you notice signs of infection, such as extreme pain, a bad smell, or discharge coming from the surgical site, contact your dentist or oral surgeon from a company like True Bite Oral Surgery and Implant Center.

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