Sometimes, dental care requires more than routine checkups or fillings. When teeth are damaged, infected, or misaligned, oral surgery can help restore your smile, relieve pain, and improve function. At Priest River Dental, we provide a range of oral surgery services to address complex dental issues, all in the comfort of our office in Priest River.
Our goal is to make dental surgery approachable, safe, and comfortable. With experienced care and options for IV sedation if needed, patients can feel confident and relaxed while we restore their oral health.
When Is Oral Surgery Necessary?
Oral surgery may be recommended for several reasons, including:
- Severely damaged or diseased teeth that cannot be repaired with fillings or crowns
- Impacted or problematic wisdom teeth that cause overcrowding or pain
- Preparation for dental implants through procedures like bone grafts or sinus lifts
- Correction of receded or uneven gums with cosmetic gum surgery
By addressing these issues, oral surgery can help prevent further dental problems and improve your overall oral health. It also allows us to maintain proper alignment, preserve bone structure, and provide a functional, aesthetically pleasing smile.
Types of Oral Surgery at Priest River Dental
Our office offers a variety of oral surgery procedures tailored to each patient’s needs, including:
Tooth Extraction
When a tooth is severely damaged or infected, extraction may be necessary to protect your other teeth and overall oral health. Dr. McKinney works carefully to remove the tooth while minimizing discomfort. After healing, patients can discuss replacement options such as dental implants or bridges to restore function and appearance.
Bone Grafts
Bone grafting strengthens areas of the jaw that may be lacking sufficient bone for implant placement. This procedure ensures a solid foundation for implants and helps maintain the natural contour of your jaw and face. Bone grafts are a key part of long-term oral restoration.
Ridge Augmentation
Ridge augmentation reshapes the jaw and gumline in areas affected by tooth or tissue loss. This procedure is often performed to prepare for dental implants, providing the necessary support for restorations and ensuring a healthy, natural-looking smile.
Sinus Lifts
For patients needing upper jaw implants, a sinus lift can raise the sinus ridge and add bone to create the proper structure for implant placement. This procedure allows us to restore missing teeth even in areas where bone density may have been insufficient.
Cosmetic Gum Surgery
Cosmetic gum surgery can improve both the appearance and health of your gums. Procedures may involve grafting tissue to rebuild the gumline or removing excess gum tissue to enhance the look of your smile. This treatment can complement cosmetic dentistry procedures for a complete smile makeover.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, often cause overcrowding, misalignment, or pain. Our team uses gentle extraction techniques, even for impacted teeth, to reduce discomfort and promote faster healing. IV sedation is available for patients who feel nervous, ensuring a calm and relaxed experience.
The Role of Sedation in Oral Surgery
We understand that the idea of oral surgery can be intimidating. That’s why IV sedation is available for patients who feel anxious. Sedation helps you relax during surgery, making longer or more complex procedures easier and less stressful. Combined with our experienced team and modern techniques, sedation ensures your comfort from start to finish.
Preparing for Oral Surgery
Preparation is key to a smooth oral surgery experience. During your consultation, Dr. McKinney will evaluate your oral health, review imaging of your teeth and jaw, and discuss your treatment options. We’ll explain what to expect before, during, and after the procedure, including post-operative care instructions to promote healing.
For example, after wisdom teeth removal or implant preparation, you may need to avoid certain foods, take medications as prescribed, and follow oral hygiene guidelines. Our team will guide you through every step so you can recover safely and comfortably.
Recovery and Follow-Up
Recovery times vary depending on the type of procedure performed. Most patients experience mild discomfort that can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, while more extensive procedures may require prescribed medication. We schedule follow-up visits to ensure your healing is progressing and to monitor the success of any implants or restorative work.
With proper care, patients return to normal activities gradually, regaining full function and comfort in their teeth and gums. Our priority is a smooth recovery and long-lasting results.
Why Choose Priest River Dental for Oral Surgery?
At Priest River Dental, we provide oral surgery in a welcoming, patient-focused environment. Dr. McKinney has extensive experience performing surgical procedures with precision and care. Our team uses modern imaging and minimally invasive techniques to improve outcomes and reduce discomfort. Sedation is available for nervous patients, and our staff is dedicated to providing support before, during, and after your procedure.
We also coordinate oral surgery with other services such as restorative dentistry, dental implants, and cosmetic dentistry, ensuring a complete and personalized approach to your smile and oral health.
Schedule Your Oral Surgery Consultation
If you need oral surgery or are experiencing discomfort, don’t wait to get care. At Priest River Dental, we provide expert surgical care in a comfortable, supportive environment. Call us today at (208) 448-2694 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward restoring your smile, comfort, and oral health.