Foothills Oral Surgery

3452 Graystone Pl SE, Conover, NC 28613
Open
Closes at 5:00pm
SundayClosed
Monday8:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday8:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday8:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday8:00am - 5:00pm
Friday8:00am - 2:00pm
SaturdayClosed

In dental terminology impacted means that a tooth has failed to emerge fully into its expected position. This may occur either because there is not room enough in the jaw for the tooth, or else because the angulation of the tooth is improper.

  • Wisdom teeth, either partially or fully erupted, can often be very difficult to clean effectively (erupted means that the wisdom tooth has, to some degree, penetrated through the gums). This increases the risk of developing dental problems such as tooth decay (cavities), periodontal disease (gum disease), or reoccurring infections.
  • Tooth crowding. Wisdom teeth, as part of their efforts to come fully into place, can put pressure on a persons other teeth and cause them to become misaligned (crowded and shifted). The misalignment of a persons lower front teeth, especially, is frequently blamed on pressure created by a persons wisdom teeth.
  • If a dentist can clearly tell that there are good reasons to remove a wisdom tooth, it is usually best to go ahead and have it removed as soon as possible. While there is no specific age by which a persons wisdom teeth should be extracted, as a rule of thumb, the younger a person is when they have their wisdom teeth extracted the fewer complications they experience. Usually, a persons wisdom teeth should be removed in their later teens or early twenties.

    Dry sockets are one of the most common problems people experience following dental surgery. They are caused by the premature loss of a blood clot in the empty tooth socket and affect approximately one out of five patients. This seems to occur with greater frequency in people who smoke or are taking birth control pills. While both jaws can be affected, they usually occur in the lower jaw on the third to fifth day. They cause a deep, dull, continuous aching on the affected side(s). Patients may first notice the pain starting in the ear radiating down towards the chin. It frequently begins in the middle of the night, and the Motrin medication usually doesnt help. Treatment involves placing a medicated dressing in the empty tooth socket. This will help decrease the pain and protect the socket from food particles. The effectiveness in alleviating the pain lasts for 24-48 hours and usually will require dressing changes every day or two for five to seven days. The dressings are usually removed when you have been pain free for 2-3 days. The dressing doesnt aid in healing. The only reason to place a dressing is for pain control. If Motrin is controlling the pain, the socket will heal without a dressing. An irrigation device will be given to you to help keep food particles from lodging in the extraction site following removal of the dressing.

    During dental and oral surgical procedures, local anesthesia (Novocain) is administered to block sensations. However, the anxiety that some people have can be controlled by administering sedative drugs, such as Valium-type medications. A sedated patient may remember the procedures, but will be more relaxed. Additional medications such as agents similar to pentothal are sometimes used to cause anesthesia, which places the patient more deeply asleep.

    The sedative and anesthetic medications are typically given intravenously (IV). Since the effects are so rapid by this means of administration, your doctor can precisely give the correct amounts of the medications to make you relaxed and comfortable. Also, if more medications are needed during the procedure, the IV allows easy administration of additional medications.

    The use of sedation and anesthesia in dentistry has a commendable record of safety. This is due to the advanced training your doctor has and his/her commitment to your overall health. It is important to advise your doctor of all medications that you take as well as any changes in your health since your last visit.

    In most states a special permit is required to administer intravenous medications. In order to qualify, your doctor had to provide evidence of advanced training in anesthesia and often a site visit is required. The ability to handle emergency situations as well as having specific emergency medications and equipment is also mandatory.

    Depending on the depth of the sedation and anesthetic being used, as well as your own medical condition, various monitors are used. These vary from automatic blood pressure cuffs, to the use of pulse oximeters which through a light sensor measure the oxygen concentration in your blood. Sometimes an EKG may be used as well.The doctor along with at least one trained member of the staff will always be with you and closely observe you throughout your treatment.

    Isolated injuries to teeth are quite common. Because of the specific needs of the dental structures, certain actions and precautions should be taken if someone has received an injury to his or her teeth or surrounding dental structures.

  • If a tooth is knocked out, it should be placed in salt water or milk. The sooner the tooth is re-inserted into the dental socket, the better chance it will survive. Therefore, the injured person should come to our office as soon as possible or go immediately to the Emergency Department of a local hospital.
  • There are several reasons: Why sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge a space? In addition, removing a denture or a partial at night may be inconvenient, not to mention that dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and rather embarrassing. Dental implants involve none of these complications.

    Are you missing one or more teeth? Are you lacking confidence because of your teeth or smile? Do you want natural-looking replacement teeth? Does wearing a denture restrict your ability to eat and smile comfortably? Dental implants can replace missing teeth for people of all ages, young and old. Nearly everyone is a candidate for dental implants, and there are very few medical conditions that would rule out dental implant treatment.

    The use of sedation and anesthesia in dentistry has a commendable record of safety. This is due to the advanced training your doctor has and his commitment to your overall health. It is important to advise your doctor of all medications that you take as well as any changes in your health since your last visit.In most states a special permit is required to administer intravenous medications. In order to qualify, your doctor had to provide evidence of advanced training in anesthesia and often a site visit is required. The ability to handle emergency situations as well as having specific emergency medications and equipment is also mandatory.

    Depending on the depth of the sedation and anesthetic being used, as well as your own medical condition, various monitors are used. These vary from automatic blood pressure cuffs, to the use of pulse oximeters which through a light sensor measure the oxygen concentration in your blood. Sometimes an EKG may be used as well.

    Reviews

    Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 241 reviews

    Sort by

    newest oldest highest lowest

    Duranci Cruz
    a year ago
    Thank you for helping me with my Wisdom teeth!


    Kathy Kent
    a year ago
    My oral surgery was a huge success. No pain or swelling and I am feeling great just one day post surgery. I highly recommend Foothills Oral Surgery. Such an awesome staff and Dr. Richardson is amazing.


    Johnna Christopher
    a year ago
    Excellent patient care! Team was knowledgeable and supportive! Couldn't have had a better experience! Well done Dr. Richardson and team!


    Ervin Featherstone Jr
    a year ago
    Great experience with getting prepped for an implant! All has gone well so far and now to heal for 4 months! Great professional and concerned staff! Definitely will recommend to family and friends! Libby F.


    Grace Mearns
    a year ago
    Dr. Onekhena and Cheri are amazing. I was made to feel so comfortable at the first appointment so I felt reassured that I could trust Dr, Onekhena and his team with my surgery. Dr. Onekhena is highly skilled and he and Cheri helped me stay calm and positive throughout the surgery. Dr. Onekhena phoned to make sure I was healing well post surgery, again very reassuring and helpful. The post surgery pain was minimal. I have already recommended Dr. Onekhena to a friend who needs his wisdom teeth taken out. I highly recommend this surgery, this surgeon and his friendly team top points.


    Cody Mccarraher
    a year ago
    Dr. Onekhena done a jam up job and was quick and easy. I am impressed and will recommend them to others!


    Janice Moser
    a year ago
    Great staff. Made me feel comfortable. Thank you Dr. Darab for reassuring me everything was going to alright.


    TheBeaver50
    a year ago
    Great experience all the way around. I had to have two teeth removed and I would use foothills oral surgery again.


    Christopher Galan-Duran
    a year ago
    amazing experience.


    Jacob Beyer
    a year ago
    Process was seamless and Dr. Onekhena and team did a great job!


    Adriana DeCarlo
    a year ago
    Excellent experience. NP made me comfortable while we waited, all the way up to the dentist coming in to do procedure. He made sure I was ok the entire time he worked on my tooth and encouraged me on how well I was doing as an anxious patient!! If you need oral surgery, this is your place. They treated me like family. Thank you!


    Jerry Beane
    2 years ago
    Had a wisdom tooth removed and I must say I was very nervous at first. Then later was more relaxed. Dr. Kept asking if I was ok and did I have any pain. The day after I am pain free. Did not need any pain med except Tylenol. The office receptionist at check in was very polite. The entire team was very professional. Thank you Dr. Jesse Onekhena and your team.


    Peggy Sigmon
    2 years ago
    Dr Richardson is great and did a wonderful job of extracting my husband's tooth.


    Sandra Scism
    2 years ago
    The Dr. And staff were very friendly and caring! I was in and out in no time and treated wonderful! I would definitely recommend them to anyone!


    Christina Jones
    2 years ago
    The reason why I choose this facility for my family is because Dr. Richardson calls all his patients to check up on them after their surgery. This is typically unheard of now a days and it is greatly appreciated. It really helps the patients feel they are truly cared about and not just a number.


    Hannah Overcash
    2 years ago
    I have high anxiety and was very nervous about getting my wisdom teeth removed, but Dr. Darab and his team were so gentle. They made sure I was comfortable and calm before they started anything. If you're needing any dental surgery done please go to foothills!!


    Wayne Ford
    2 years ago
    Had a wisdom tooth surgically removed. The lady who brought me back had great bedside manner and was very comforting. They put the needle in my arm and next thing I know I'm waking up and everything is finished. I don't remember getting a warning that they were administering the medicine to put me to sleep but that could just be that I forgot because of the anesthesia. The only thing I would like to have happened different is that everyone seemed to come in the room at once. They were introduced in a bing bang boom kind of way I felt like they were rushing. The pain meds they gave me aren't any stronger than the ones I got for a simple tooth pull. I'm a little confused because they cut through my cheek/gum to help get it out and put in stitches. It hurts more than a regular tooth being pulled obviously and they should have prescribed something stronger because I'm still feeling quite a lot of pain even with taking the recommended ibuprofen along with the prescription pain medicine and icing the area. Other than that everything was great and professional. They also used numbing spray where they put the needle in my arm so I didn't even feel that. If you're nervous about a procedure don't be. These lovely people are gonna make sure you're comfortable. Highly recommend.


    Karen Hunt
    2 years ago
    Dr. RICHARDSON AND THE ENTIRE STAFF AT FOS ARE WONDERFUL, KIND, AND COMPASSIONATE PEOPLE WHO REALLY LISTENED TO MY PAIN AND PROBLEM AREA. THEY PROVIDED SWIFT ACCURATE SOLUTIONS TO HELP ME GET ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY AND CONTINUE TO PROVIDE IMMEDIATE SUPPORT THROUGH MY HEALING PROCESS. VERY COMFORTING KNOWING THAT I AM IN GOOD HANDS.


    Aaron Reid
    2 years ago
    Doctors and staff did a great job communicating the procedure, payment, and planning of my surgery. Very nice staff, highly recommend. Also appreciated the personal follow up from the doctor.


    Robert Hibbitts
    2 years ago
    I had the occasion of needing the services provided by Dr. Jesse Onekhena and his associate recently and I have never experienced treatment from a Procedure from a dentist and staff that was better.I can highly recommend the services of your practice to anyone.Thanks!


    Load more
    Find the best dentist in: North Carolina / Catawba County / Conover / 28613