Oral Surgery in Gastonia, NC

Emergency Oral Surgery in Gastonia

Dental emergencies requiring oral surgery don't wait for convenient times. We provide emergency oral surgery services for patients experiencing severe pain, trauma, or infections that require immediate surgical intervention.

Emergency situations requiring oral surgery:

• Severe tooth pain from impacted wisdom teeth
• Facial trauma affecting teeth or jaw
• Abscessed teeth requiring immediate extraction
• Broken teeth with exposed nerves
• Post-surgical complications

For urgent oral surgery needs, call our emergency dentistry line at (704) 396-6166. We offer same-day appointments for true emergencies.

What Is Oral Surgery?

Oral surgery is a specialized area of dentistry that treats complex issues involving the teeth, gums, jawbone, and surrounding oral structures. Our oral surgeon uses advanced surgical techniques to address conditions that cannot be resolved with traditional dental procedures. From addressing painful conditions to improving oral functionality, oral surgery can be essential for maintaining optimal dental health and preparing for restorative treatments.

Comprehensive Oral Surgery Services in Gastonia

At Gaston Dental, our practice offers a complete range of specialized oral surgery services to address your specific needs:

Wisdom Teeth Removal Gastonia

Impacted or problematic wisdom teeth can cause significant pain, infections, and alignment problems. Our skilled oral surgeon safely removes wisdom teeth using modern techniques to minimize discomfort and promote faster healing.

Wisdom teeth removal is recommended when:

• Teeth are impacted and cannot fully erupt
• Overcrowding threatens other teeth alignment
• Repeated infections or gum disease around wisdom teeth
• Cysts or tumors develop around impacted teeth
• Difficulty cleaning leads to decay or gum disease

Tooth Extractions and Surgical Extractions

We perform both simple extractions and complex surgical extractions for teeth damaged by severe decay, trauma, or crowding. Our gentle approach ensures your comfort throughout the procedure.

Types of extractions we perform:

• Simple extractions for visible, easily accessible teeth
• Surgical extractions for impacted or broken teeth
• Full mouth extractions for complete rehabilitation
• Emergency extractions for severe pain or infection

Soft Tissue Surgery and Biopsies

When soft tissue concerns arise, we provide minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat issues quickly and efficiently.

Soft tissue procedures include:

• Oral biopsies for suspicious lesions
• Gum recontouring and crown lengthening
• Frenectomy procedures
• Removal of benign growths or cysts

Pre-Prosthetic Surgery

Preparing your mouth for dentures, bridges, or implants may require surgical procedures to ensure optimal fit and function.

Pre-prosthetic procedures:

• Bone recontouring and smoothing
• Tissue grafting for improved denture retention
• Tori removal for better prosthetic fit
• Ridge augmentation procedures

Advanced Sedation Options for Comfort

We understand that oral surgery can cause anxiety. Our comprehensive sedation options ensure your complete comfort throughout any procedure:

Local Anesthesia

Complete numbing of the surgical area for pain-free procedures while remaining fully conscious and alert.

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Mild sedation that helps you relax while remaining conscious and able to respond to instructions.

Oral Sedation

Medication taken before your appointment provides deeper relaxation for anxious patients or longer procedures.

IV Sedation

Administered intravenously for maximum comfort during complex procedures, with continuous monitoring for safety.

Our experienced team will recommend the best sedation option based on your anxiety level, medical history, and procedure complexity.

What to Expect During Oral Surgery

At Gaston Dental, we take the time to ensure you're informed and comfortable throughout your oral surgery experience:

1. Comprehensive Consultation & Treatment Planning

During your initial visit, we'll perform a thorough examination including digital X-rays and 3D imaging when necessary to understand your needs and design a personalized treatment plan.

2. Pre-Surgical Preparation

We'll provide detailed pre-operative instructions, including dietary restrictions, medication guidelines, and what to expect on surgery day.

3. Advanced Anesthesia & Sedation

We offer multiple comfort options, from local anesthesia to IV sedation, ensuring a completely pain-free and stress-free procedure tailored to your needs.

4. Precise Surgical Procedure

Using advanced techniques including piezo surgery, laser technology, and minimally invasive approaches, we minimize discomfort and promote faster healing.

5. Detailed Post-Operative Care

After your procedure, we'll provide comprehensive aftercare instructions, prescription medications when needed, and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor healing.

Cost and Insurance for Oral Surgery

Oral surgery is typically covered by dental insurance, and we work to maximize your benefits while keeping treatment affordable:

Insurance Coverage

• Most dental insurance covers 70-80% of oral surgery procedures
• Medical insurance may cover certain procedures (trauma, pathology)
• We accept all major insurance plans including Medicaid
• Pre-authorization handled by our experienced team

Treatment Investment

• Simple extractions: $150-300 per tooth
• Surgical extractions: $300-600 per tooth
• Wisdom teeth removal: $200-500 per tooth
• Soft tissue procedures: $300-800
• Sedation fees: $150-500 depending on type

Financing Options

• Affirm financing - Check eligibility with our QR code before your visit
• CareCredit and Sunbit payment plans available
• Extended payment plans for qualifying patients
• Cash discounts available for uninsured patients

New Patient Special: $99 exam and X-rays for cash patients plus 10% off treatments.

Call (704) 396-6166 for detailed cost estimates and insurance verification.

Preparing for Your Oral Surgery

Proper preparation ensures the best possible outcome and recovery:

24-48 Hours Before Surgery

• Follow pre-surgery dietary restrictions (no food/drink 8-12 hours if sedation planned)
• Arrange transportation - someone must drive you home if sedation is used
• Prepare recovery space with soft foods, ice packs, and prescribed medications
• Confirm appointment and ask any last-minute questions

Day of Surgery

• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
• Remove jewelry, contact lenses, and makeup
• Take prescribed pre-medication as directed
• Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in and preparation

Recovery and Aftercare for Optimal Healing

Recovery timelines vary by procedure, but most patients heal within 3-7 days:

First 24 Hours

• Apply ice packs 15-20 minutes on, 15-20 minutes off to reduce swelling
• Take prescribed pain medication as directed before numbness wears off
• Rest and avoid strenuous activity
• Bite gently on gauze to control bleeding
• No smoking, spitting, or using straws

Days 2-7

• Continue pain medication as needed
• Rinse gently with warm salt water after 24 hours
• Eat soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies
• Gradually increase activity as tolerated
• Attend follow-up appointments as scheduled

Warning Signs to Call Us Immediately

• Excessive bleeding that doesn't stop with pressure
• Severe pain not relieved by prescribed medication
• Signs of infection (fever, increasing swelling, pus)
• Dry socket symptoms (severe pain 3-4 days post-extraction)
• Numbness persisting beyond expected timeframe

When Oral Surgery Isn't Necessary

Not every dental problem requires surgical intervention. We believe in conservative treatment when possible:

Alternatives to Consider

• Root canal treatment may save severely damaged teeth
• Periodontal therapy can address gum disease without surgery
• Orthodontic treatment may resolve crowding without extractions
• Restorative dentistry can repair damaged teeth

Our oral surgeon will always discuss all treatment options and recommend the most conservative effective approach for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions