Oral Surgery in Winston-Salem, NC

Oral surgery carries a weighty reputation, often met with hesitation, but its purpose reaches far beyond the immediate procedure. It’s about removing barriers—whether it’s infection, pain, or structural issues—that stand in the way of your long-term health. These procedures aren’t merely about fixing a problem; they set the stage for better function, comfort, and resilience. While no one eagerly anticipates surgery, its role in protecting your oral and overall health is undeniable. Sometimes, the best way forward is through, and oral surgery ensures that when you move ahead, you do so with strength, health, and confidence in what’s to come.

At Matthew Keider DDS, we are your partner in this journey. From diagnosis to recovery, our goal is to provide expert care, clarity, and reassurance every step of the way—so you can focus on healing and looking forward to a healthier future.

Oral Surgery and Tooth Extractions

Tooth extractions are sometimes necessary to protect oral health and prevent further complications. Dr. Keider carefully evaluates each case to determine the best course of action, always prioritizing conservative treatments when possible. However, when a tooth cannot be saved, an extraction provides relief and paves the way for better long-term dental health.

There are two primary types of extractions: simple and surgical. A simple extraction is performed on a tooth that is fully visible and easily accessible. Dr. Keider gently loosens the tooth before removing it with forceps.

A surgical extraction is needed when a tooth is not easily accessible, such as a tooth broken at the gum line. In these cases, Dr. Keider may need to make a small incision in the gum tissue to remove the tooth properly.

Dr. Keider may recommend an extraction for several reasons, including:

Severe decay that cannot be repaired with a filling, crown, or root canal
Advanced gum disease that has weakened the tooth’s supporting structures
Facial trauma resulting in a tooth that is too damaged to restore
Fractured teeth that cannot be repaired

For impacted wisdom teeth, extractions can be more complex. Dr. Keider can often perform these procedures using oral conscious sedation or laughing gas to keep you comfortable. However, some patients prefer to have no recollection of the procedure and opt for IV sedation. If this is the case, Dr. Keider will refer you to a specialist to ensure you receive the level of sedation that best suits your needs.

Restorative and Reconstructive Procedures

Restorative and reconstructive procedures help rebuild both the function and structure of your smile, ensuring long-term comfort and stability. Dr. Keider offers advanced solutions, such as dental implants and bone grafting, to replace missing teeth and strengthen the jawbone when needed.

Dental Implants and Bone Grafting

Dental implants are titanium posts Dr. Keider places in the jawbone, functioning as artificial tooth roots. The implants create a strong foundation for crowns, bridges, or dentures, allowing replacement teeth to feel and function naturally. Additionally, implants help prevent bone loss by stimulating the jawbone, preserving the facial structure, and preventing the sunken appearance that often occurs with missing teeth.

For patients who have experienced significant bone loss, bone grafting may be necessary to rebuild the jaw’s strength before placing traditional dental implants. This procedure encourages new bone growth, creating the support needed for long-term stability. However, at Matthew Keider DDS, we also offer mini dental implants, which are much smaller than traditional implants. Because of their size, mini implants often eliminate bone grafting, making them a great option for patients with lower bone density or those looking for a faster, less invasive solution. By restoring missing teeth and reinforcing the jawbone, these treatments do more than improve appearance—they enhance overall oral health and function.

Tori Removal: Enhancing Comfort and Function

Tori are harmless bony growths that develop inside the mouth, most commonly along the inner lower jaw (mandibular tori) or the roof of the mouth (palatal tori). While they don’t always require treatment, they can become problematic if they interfere with eating, speaking, or denture placement. Dr. Keider may recommend removal if these growths cause discomfort, restrict tongue movement, or make oral hygiene difficult.

To ensure a comfortable procedure, Dr. Keider begins with local anesthesia or sedation. He then makes a small incision in the gum tissue to access the excess bone. He carefully removes the growth using specialized instruments and smooths the area to create an even surface before repositioning and suturing the gum tissue to support proper healing.

For many patients, tori removal restores comfort and improves function, making daily activities easier and eliminating issues like denture irritation. If these growths affect your quality of life, Dr. Keider can evaluate your needs and determine if removal is the right step for you.

Oral Surgery and Cancer Screenings

Dr. Keider and his team perform thorough oral cancer screenings at every visit, ensuring early detection of any potential concerns. These screenings involve carefully examining the entire mouth, including the gums, tongue, cheeks, and throat. Since early-stage oral cancer can be difficult to spot with the naked eye, we offer advanced screenings using special glasses and optical lenses that enhance visibility. These devices allow us to detect abnormalities, such as pre-cancerous lesions, that might otherwise go unnoticed.

This screening process is quick, non-invasive, and completely painless. In just a few minutes, Dr. Keider can assess your oral health and identify any areas requiring further evaluation. If we discover a suspicious lesion or unusual tissue growth, we may recommend a biopsy to determine its nature.

Biopsies help us diagnose potential concerns with greater accuracy. Depending on the size and location of the abnormal tissue, Dr. Keider may perform an incisional biopsy, where he removes a small tissue sample for examination. If you require more extensive testing or treatment, he will refer you to a specialist for further evaluation and care.

Routine screenings are critical to preventive care, and early detection improves treatment outcomes. By incorporating these advanced diagnostic tools into our practice, Dr. Keider ensures that every patient receives the highest level of care to protect their long-term health.

Schedule Your Oral Surgery Consultation Today

Oral surgery is about more than treating problems. It’s about restoring comfort, function, and long-term health. Whether you need an extraction, dental implants, or a cancer screening, Dr. Keider and his team are committed to providing precise, compassionate care tailored to your needs. With the right treatment, you can maintain a strong, healthy smile for years to come. Schedule a consultation to learn more about your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do oral surgeons take x-rays?

Yes, X-rays are an essential tool in oral surgery. Dr. Keider uses advanced imaging, including CBCT scans and digital X-rays, to thoroughly evaluate your oral health and plan procedures precisely. These images provide a detailed view of your teeth, jawbone, and surrounding structures, helping to identify hidden issues such as impacted teeth, cysts, tumors, or bone loss.

Panoramic X-rays offer a comprehensive look at tooth positioning, maxillary sinuses, and bone density. This is especially important when planning extractions, dental implant placement, and other surgical treatments. By using state-of-the-art imaging technology, Dr. Keider ensures accurate diagnoses and treatment plans tailored to your specific needs.

Will removing a tooth stop the pain?

Yes, extracting a damaged or infected tooth will relieve the pain caused by that tooth. However, some temporary discomfort after the procedure is normal as your mouth heals. Swelling and tenderness at the extraction site typically peak within the first 24 to 48 hours and gradually improve over the next few days.

To manage post-extraction discomfort, we recommend taking over-the-counter pain relievers, applying ice packs to reduce swelling, and sticking to soft foods while the area heals. Rinsing with warm salt water can also help keep the site clean and promote healing. If pain worsens or doesn’t improve after a few days, it may indicate an issue like dry socket or infection. Give our office a call so we can address it right away.

What is the cost of oral surgery?

The cost of oral surgery varies based on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure, the materials used, and any necessary pre- and post-operative care. More involved surgeries, such as dental implant placement or bone grafting, typically have higher costs than simpler extractions. The length of the procedure also plays a role, as longer or multi-step treatments may require additional time and resources.

At Matthew Keider DDS, we understand that financial concerns can be a barrier to treatment. So, we offer multiple payment options. We partner with CareCredit and Proceed Finance and provide in-office financing to help make oral surgery more affordable. We will also evaluate your insurance coverage to maximize your benefits and reduce out-of-pocket expenses. If you have questions about costs or payment plans, our team is happy to assist you.