Oral surgery and orthodontics are two distinct fields in dental care, each focusing on different aspects of oral health. At Mint Dental Care PLLC, we have both oral surgeons and orthodontists to provide comprehensive care. Here’s how they differ:

• Oral Surgery: Oral surgery involves surgical procedures on the mouth, teeth, jaws, and face. Oral surgeons are dental specialists who perform complex dental surgeries such as tooth extractions, wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, and corrective jaw surgery.
• Orthodontics: Orthodontists specialize in correcting teeth and jaw alignment using non-surgical methods such as braces, aligners, and other orthodontic appliances. Their primary goal is to straighten teeth, correct bites, and improve overall dental function and aesthetics.

While orthodontists focus on alignment and non-surgical treatments, oral surgeons are trained to handle surgical interventions for more complex dental and facial issues. Depending on your needs, you may see one or both specialists at our Plattsburgh dental clinic for comprehensive care.

Tooth extraction is a specific type of oral surgery, but not all extractions require the expertise of an oral surgeon. At Mint Dental Care PLLC, we offer both simple and surgical extractions depending on the complexity of the case. Here’s the difference:

• Tooth Extraction: A tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket. Simple extractions are usually performed by a general dentist and involve removing teeth that are visible and easily accessible, such as those with severe decay or damage.
• Oral Surgery: Oral surgery encompasses a broader range of surgical procedures, including complex tooth extractions, wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, and corrective jaw surgery. When a tooth is impacted or broken off at the gum line or specialized care is needed, an oral surgeon performs the extraction.

In summary, while tooth extraction can be a straightforward procedure, oral surgery covers more complex dental surgeries requiring specialized skills and equipment.

An oral surgeon and a general dentist have different roles and levels of training in dental care. At Mint Dental Care PLLC, we have both Plattsburgh dental professionals to meet all your oral health needs. Here’s how they differ:

• General Dentist: A dentist provides routine dental care, including dental checkups, cleanings, fillings, and basic tooth extractions. They are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of dental issues and are often the first point of contact for dental concerns.
• Oral Surgeon: An oral surgeon is a dental specialist who has completed additional years of training in surgical procedures involving the mouth, teeth, jaws, and face. They handle complex cases such as wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, and corrective jaw surgery, often requiring advanced surgical skills.

In essence, while a dentist focuses on general oral health, an oral surgeon is called upon for more complex and invasive dental surgeries. Both are essential to comprehensive dental care.

Yes, periodontal surgery is a type of oral surgery that focuses on the treatment of gum disease and other conditions affecting the structures that support the teeth. At Mint Dental Care PLLC, our Plattsburgh dental specialists, including oral surgeons and periodontists, work together to provide the best care for periodontal issues. Here’s what periodontal surgery involves:

• Gum Grafting: Used to treat receding gums by covering exposed roots, protecting teeth, and improving aesthetics.
• Pocket Reduction Surgery: Involves cleaning deep pockets of bacteria between the teeth and gums to prevent further damage from gum disease.
• Bone Grafting: Used to restore lost bone due to periodontal disease, providing a solid foundation for teeth or dental implants.

While periodontal surgery is a specialized form of oral surgery, it specifically targets gum and bone health, playing a crucial role in maintaining a healthy smile.

An oral surgeon is trained to perform a wide range of surgical procedures related to the mouth, teeth, jaws, and face. At Mint Dental Care PLLC, our Plattsburgh oral surgeons are skilled in various dental surgery services, including:

• Tooth Extractions: Including complex extractions of impacted or severely damaged teeth.
• Wisdom Teeth Removal: A common procedure to prevent complications from impacted wisdom teeth.
• Dental Implants: Placement of titanium posts to replace missing teeth, followed by crowns to restore functionality and aesthetics.
• Corrective Jaw Surgery: Also known as orthognathic surgery, used to correct misaligned jaws, improve bite function, and enhance facial symmetry.
• Bone Grafting: Used to rebuild bone in the jaw for dental implants or to support teeth affected by periodontal disease.

Oral surgeons are also involved in treating facial trauma, performing biopsies, and addressing congenital deformities. Their specialized training allows them to handle complex cases that go beyond general dentistry.

Before undergoing oral surgery, a thorough evaluation is necessary to ensure the best outcome. At Mint Dental Care PLLC, our oral surgeons perform several tests and evaluations to plan your procedure effectively. Here’s what you might expect:

• Dental Checkup: A comprehensive dental checkup to assess the overall health of your teeth and gums.
• Imaging: X-rays or CT scans are often used to get a detailed view of your teeth, jawbone, and surrounding structures. This helps in planning the surgical approach.
• Medical History Review: A review of your medical history, including any medications you’re taking, to identify potential risks or complications.
• Consultation: A detailed discussion with your oral surgeon about the procedure, expected outcomes, and any pre-operative instructions.

These steps ensure you are fully prepared for your oral surgery in Plattsburgh, reducing risks and promoting a smooth recovery.

The recovery time after oral surgery varies depending on the type and complexity of the procedure. At Mint Dental Care PLLC, we provide personalized aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. Here’s a general overview:

• Simple Tooth Extraction: Recovery usually takes a few days. Most patients can return to normal activities within 24-48 hours, with complete healing in about one to two weeks.
• Wisdom Teeth Removal: Recovery typically takes a week, with the first few days requiring rest and soft foods. Swelling and discomfort may last for a few days, but most patients feel better within a week.
• Dental Implants and Bone Grafting: Recovery can take several weeks to months, depending on how well the implant integrates with the bone. Most patients experience minor discomfort for the first few days, but full healing takes longer.
• Complex Surgeries (e.g., jaw surgery): These procedures may require several weeks to months for full recovery, with specific dietary and activity restrictions during the healing period.

Our Plattsburgh dental professionals provide detailed instructions and follow-up care to monitor your recovery and ensure optimal healing.

Wisdom teeth removal is a common oral surgery procedure to extract the third molars, which often cause issues due to their location at the back of the mouth. At Mint Dental Care PLLC, our oral surgeons specialize in safe and effective wisdom teeth removal. Here’s what the procedure involves:

• Assessment: During a dental checkup, our Plattsburgh dentist will assess the position and health of your wisdom teeth using X-rays.
• Surgical Extraction: If the wisdom teeth are impacted or causing problems, our oral surgeon will perform the extraction. This may involve making an incision in the gum and removing bone to access the tooth.
• Aftercare: Post-surgery, our dental professionals provide detailed care instructions to manage pain and swelling, promote healing, and prevent complications.

Wisdom teeth removal is often necessary to prevent issues such as crowding, infection, or damage to adjacent teeth, ensuring long-term oral health.

The cost of oral surgery varies based on the complexity of the procedure, the type of surgery, and the patient’s specific needs. At Mint Dental Care PLLC, we strive to provide clear and affordable pricing for all our dental surgery services. Here’s a general breakdown:

• Tooth Extraction: Costs typically range from $150 to $500 per tooth, depending on whether it’s a simple or surgical extraction.
• Wisdom Teeth Removal: The cost can range from $200 to $600 per tooth, with impacted teeth being more expensive due to the complexity.
• Dental Implants: Implant procedures can range from $3,000 to $5,000 per implant, including the cost of the implant post, abutment, and crown.
• Bone Grafting: Costs range from $300 to $3,000 depending on the size and complexity of the graft.

We recommend scheduling a consultation at our Plattsburgh dental clinic to get a personalized cost estimate. Our dental professionals can also discuss payment plans and financing options to make oral surgery more affordable.

Many dental insurance plans provide coverage for oral surgery, but the extent of coverage can vary depending on the procedure and your specific insurance policy. At Mint Dental Care PLLC, we work with a wide range of insurance providers to help you get the most out of your benefits. Here’s what you should know:

• Basic Coverage: Most insurance plans cover basic procedures like simple tooth extractions and emergency dental surgery.
• Major Procedures: More complex surgeries, such as wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, and bone grafting, may be partially covered, depending on your plan.
• Out-of-Pocket Costs: Deductibles, copayments, and maximum coverage limits will affect your out-of-pocket expenses.

We recommend contacting your insurance provider for detailed information about your coverage. Our dental clinic in Plattsburgh also offers assistance in understanding your benefits and exploring payment options for any costs not covered by insurance.