Oral Surgery in Spokane, WA

Sometimes the path to a beautiful and healthy smile requires surgical intervention. At 5 Mile Smiles, Spokane dentist Dr. Jason Keefe and our trusted team are committed to making your oral surgery experience as comfortable and pleasant as possible. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Keefe has performed a variety of oral surgery techniques to rehabilitate his patients’ oral health back to optimal state. He believes in staying abreast of the latest dental advances, including digital imaging and laser technology, to deliver quality dental care that is as gentle and comfortable as it is safe and effective.

Teeth Extraction

Tooth extraction refers to the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. Extraction is necessary when a tooth is so decayed or damaged that it can no longer be properly restored back to health. Impacted teeth, or teeth that do not have enough room to properly grow in the mouth, also require extraction.

There are two types of extractions. A simple extraction is usually performed on a tooth that is visible in the mouth, while a surgical extraction is necessary for teeth that are difficult to see or reach because they have not fully erupted or have broken off at the gum line. Surgical tooth extraction can be performed using a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. We also offer oral sedation that will put you in a relaxed, “dream-like” state while we perform your procedure.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common types of tooth extractions that we perform at our Spokane dental office. Because wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt, they are more likely to have insufficient space to grow in the mouth and cause problems. During wisdom tooth extraction, the targeted tooth may be fragmented into pieces for easier removal. Once the tooth is removed, the surgical site will be closed with stitches or sutures.

Dental Implant Placement

Dental implants restore teeth in their entirety, from the root to the crown. Implant surgery involves inserting a titanium post or screw into the jawbone so it can serve as stable foundation for an artificial tooth or teeth. During surgery, a small incision will be made in the gum tissue and bone. The post will then be carefully put into place and then left to heal and integrate with the surrounding jawbone. Once the implant post and bone have fused together, the replacement tooth or teeth will be placed on top. Dental implants can be used to support a dental crown, bridge, full dentures or partial dentures.

Bone Grafts

If you require a dental implant but do not have sufficient jawbone to properly support one, a bone graft must be performed. Bone grafts involve removing bone from another area of the patient’s jawbone, other body area or from a donor. Dr. Keefe most often receives bone from a national bone bank.

Oral Surgery FAQs

Is oral surgery painful?

Dr. Keefe uses local or general anesthesia to ensure that you are comfortable during your procedure. It may be necessary to have a loved one drive you home after surgery if the effects of the anesthesia have not worn off. He will prescribe pain medication for you to take to limit any post-surgical discomfort.

Does dental insurance cover oral surgery?

Your dental insurance may cover some of your oral surgery costs, but it depends on the procedure and your policy. Some surgeries are covered by medical insurance. Our friendly team can help review your insurance to determine what benefits you are eligible for. The total cost of your surgery depends on which surgery is necessary to repair your mouth.

What tips should I follow to make recovering from oral surgery easier?

5 Mile Smiles will provide you with a list of tips applicable to your specific surgery, but for all types of oral surgery you are going to want to rest and relax for the first couple days to give your mouth time to heal. Use an ice pack (for no more than 15 minutes at a time) to help minimize swelling. To avoid unnecessary discomfort, limit your diet to foods that are soft and not too hot or cold. Finally, attend your follow-up appointments to ensure that you are healing without complications.

When do wisdom teeth grow in?

Wisdom teeth usually emerge through the gums when a person is in their late teens or early 20s. If these teeth are found to pose a problem like overcrowding, it makes sense to remove them sooner than later since younger bodies have an easier time recovering from surgery. That said, wisdom teeth can be removed later in life, as well.

Should I replace a tooth that needs to be extracted?

For both cosmetic and functional reasons, Dr. Keefe strongly advises his patients who have a tooth extracted to fill in the gap soon after. Not only are the gums more susceptible to infection without a tooth, but the neighboring teeth start to drift out of place without a tooth to keep them aligned, risking the straightness and strength of your bite. Missing teeth can be addressed with procedures like placement of dental implants or dental bridges.

How often is bone grafting necessary for dental implants?

Patients are more likely to need bone grafting if they have left a vacancy in their mouth for an extended period. Up to 25% of the jawbone in the area can erode in the first year a tooth is missing, which makes implanting an artificial tooth more difficult. To try to avoid the need for a bone grafting procedure, look to replace your tooth sooner than later.

Why should I choose 5 Mile Smiles for oral surgery?

Although some general dentists can perform certain types of oral surgery, Dr. Keefe’s credentials make him a more suitable doctor for these procedures. He graduated from the University of Washington School of Dentistry with a doctorate in Dental Surgery. He is experienced at performing gentle and effective surgeries to improve his patients’ oral health. To see why so many patients trust their mouths to Dr. Keefe, please schedule a consultation.

Contact 5 Mile Smiles

To learn more about oral surgery with Dr. Keefe, please schedule a consultation. Contact our Spokane dental office by calling (509) 326-2621 today.