Overview
This guide explains oral surgery for patients who are considering care from Dr. Mikhail Ruvinsky or another oral surgeon in New York.
Oral surgery covers procedures on the teeth, mouth, jaw, and face. It sits between general dentistry and hospital surgery. You may be referred here by your family dentist, or you may search directly for a provider such as Dr. Mikhail Ruvinsky after a tooth or jaw problem. Some providers practice on their own, while others join an institute of oral and maxillofacial surgery that groups several specialists together.
This page is educational. It does not confirm the services, hours, or credentials of any one office, so call the practice to confirm details. You can learn more about this field on the oral-surgery page. Below, you will find what oral surgeons do, what to expect at a visit, and when specialty care makes sense.
Key Information About Oral Surgery
Oral and maxillofacial surgery is the dental specialty that treats problems of the mouth, teeth, jaws, and face with surgery.[1]
What Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Do
Oral surgeons handle the surgical aspects of dental and facial care. They remove teeth that a general dentist cannot easily reach. They place implants, treat infections, repair facial injuries, and correct jaw alignment. Some also take biopsies and treat growths in the mouth.[1] Many of these providers aim to give patients compassionate care, which means clear explanations and steady support before, during, and after treatment.
Common Oral Surgery Services
The most common oral surgery services are wisdom teeth extractions and dental implant placement.[1] Wisdom teeth removal treats teeth that are stuck, crowded, or causing pain. Dental implants replace a missing tooth with a small post that anchors a crown. An oral surgeon may also remove broken or badly decayed teeth, treat dry socket, and manage oral infections. Some practices, set up as a New York institute of oral and maxillofacial surgery, bring several dental specialists together under one roof.
Dental implants tend to last. A systematic review of studies that followed patients for at least 10 years reported implant survival of about 95%, though outcomes vary with your overall health, bone quality, and oral hygiene.[5] Dental implant systems sold in the United States are cleared by the Food and Drug Administration through its 510(k) process. That is a clearance based on a device being similar to others already on the market, which is not the same as the stricter premarket approval used for some higher-risk devices.[6]
Training and Credentials
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons start with dental school, then complete several years of additional hospital-based surgical residency.[1] This extensive training covers anesthesia, surgery, and medical care. When you research a provider such as Dr. Mikhail Ruvinsky, you can ask about board certification, residency, and hospital privileges. A New York institute or group practice will often list each surgeon's training on its website. Confirm these details directly, since a directory listing alone does not verify them.
What to Know Before Oral Surgery
Before oral surgery, you need to know the timing, any age guidance, and how to prepare so treatment and recovery go smoothly.
Age matters for some procedures. Dentists often check wisdom teeth in the late teens and early twenties, since removal is sometimes easier before the roots fully form.[1] Whether to remove wisdom teeth that are healthy and not causing problems is debated. Some research finds only limited evidence that taking out symptom-free, impacted wisdom teeth helps, so weigh the possible benefits and risks with your surgeon instead of assuming removal is always needed.[4] Timing for dental implants is different. The jaw usually needs to finish growing first, so implants are generally placed in adults.
To prepare, share your full health history and medication list. Ask how to handle blood thinners, and arrange a ride home if you will receive sedation.
- List all medicines and supplements you take.
- Tell the surgeon about heart, lung, or bleeding conditions.
- Follow eating and drinking rules before sedation or general anesthesia.
- Plan time off work and arrange a ride if you will be sedated.
What to Expect During Your Visit
A typical oral surgery visit moves through a consultation, the procedure with anesthesia, and a recovery period with home-care instructions.
At the consultation, the surgeon reviews your history and any X-rays or scans. You discuss the plan, the risks, and your options for anesthesia. Oral surgeons use advanced anesthesia methods, from local numbing to sedation and general anesthesia, chosen to match the procedure and your comfort.[1]
During surgery, the team keeps the area clean and monitors you closely. Many procedures, such as a single extraction or one implant, take under an hour. More complex jaw surgery takes longer and may happen in a hospital.
Afterward, you receive instructions for swelling, bleeding, diet, and pain control. Recovery time varies by procedure and by patient. Good oral hygiene supports healing, though you may need to avoid the surgical site at first.[2] Results vary, so follow the office's guidance and report problems like fever or heavy bleeding.
Cost Factors and Insurance
Oral surgery costs vary widely, so most offices give an estimate after they examine you and review your insurance.
Several things affect the price: the type of procedure, how complex your case is, the anesthesia used, and where the office is located. Costs vary by location, provider, and case complexity. A single extraction usually costs far less than a full set of dental implants. Because figures change so much, ask for an itemized, written estimate before treatment.
Dental insurance may cover part of medically needed oral surgery, such as removing impacted teeth. Coverage for implants is often limited. Some procedures cross over to medical insurance, especially after an injury or for certain jaw conditions. Check both your dental and medical plans, and ask the office to help verify your benefits.
When to See an Oral Surgeon
See an oral surgeon when a tooth, jaw, or facial problem is too complex for routine care from a general dentist.
Your general dentist handles cleanings, fillings, and many simple extractions. A specialist is the better choice for impacted wisdom teeth, surgical extractions, dental implant placement, and jaw or bite problems.[1] Trauma to the face or mouth, cysts, and suspicious growths also call for an oral surgeon.
Watch for warning signs that need prompt care: severe or spreading swelling, trouble breathing or swallowing, a jaw that locks, or a sore in the mouth that does not heal within two weeks.[2] [3] When in doubt, ask your dentist whether a referral makes sense.
Find an Oral Surgeon
Ready to find oral surgery care near you? Start with the oral-surgery page to learn what these specialists treat, then compare providers who provide oral surgery services in New York, whether they practice alone or within an institute of oral and maxillofacial surgery. That list can include a directory entry such as Dr. Mikhail Ruvinsky on Ocean Avenue. Confirm credentials, services, and anesthesia options directly with each office, and bring your questions to the consultation. A short call can help you decide whether a provider like Dr. Mikhail Ruvinsky is the right fit for your needs.
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