Experienced, Gentle Oral Surgery in Chester, VA, Right Here in Our Office
When a dental problem requires surgical treatment, you want to know you’re in experienced, steady hands. Felton Dentistry has been providing oral surgical care to Chester patients for over 35 years, our team has the training and technology to handle everything from simple extractions to complex bone grafting procedures all in the same comfortable office where you come for your routine care.
If you need an oral surgical procedure, here’s what you can expect from us:
Call us today at 804-717-2099 to schedule your consultation. Don’t let your smile suffer! Our office is located at 10611 Greenyard Way – just a short drive from the Kroger Marketplace on Iron Bridge Road.
How Do You Know If You Need Oral Surgery?
Not every dental problem requires surgery, but certain situations do and the sooner they’re addressed, the better the outcome. Signs you may need a surgical consultation include persistent tooth or jaw pain, a tooth that cannot be saved with a filling or crown, preparation for a dental implant, or a wisdom tooth causing problems.
At Felton Dentistry, we handle both the consultation and the procedure. If surgery is recommended, we will walk you through exactly what’s involved, what to expect during recovery, and what your options are before anything is scheduled.
We routinely perform several types of oral surgery, including:
Tooth Extractions
When a tooth is too damaged, decayed, or impacted to be saved, extraction is the safest path forward. We perform straightforward and surgical extractions with care and precision, using effective anesthesia to keep you as comfortable as possible throughout.
Bone Grafts
If you’ve experienced bone loss in your jaw, often following tooth loss, a bone graft rebuilds the volume and density needed to support a dental implant. Dr. Felton uses proven grafting techniques to prepare your jaw for long-term restoration.
Ridge Augmentations
After a tooth extraction, the jawbone ridge can collapse or flatten over time. Ridge augmentation restores the natural contour of the jaw, which is essential for implant placement and for supporting bridge work that looks natural.
How to prepare for oral surgery
It’s important to always follow your dentist’s instructions when preparing for oral surgery. Generally, you would prepare for oral surgery just as you would for any other medical procedure.
Step 1: Set up a nice place to come home to after the surgery, in case you need some downtime after the procedure.
Step 2: You should follow the directions of your dentist, but typically it’s best to not eat or drink anything for 8-10 hours prior to your surgery.
Step 3: Discuss anesthesia options with your dentist. If you’re going to be given a sedative that would impair your driving, make sure you have secured a ride home after your appointment.
Recovery time after oral surgery
Recovery time after oral surgery can vary depending on your specific situation. However, it normally takes 48 hours up to 1 month. Be patient with yourself and be sure to check in with your dentist as directed to ensure you’re healing properly.
You will want to refrain from smoking or drinking alcohol after your surgery, as that can slow the healing process. It’s also important to avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods. Instead, eat softer foods that are at room temperature, as extreme hot or cold foods could be painful.
If you do experience pain or swelling, use an ice pack to reduce any inflammation. Instead of brushing, rinse your mouth with saltwater every few hours to help get rid of bacteria.
