Oral surgery is a dental treatment that involves a small procedure to treat problems with your teeth, gums, jaw, or mouth. Common oral surgery procedures include tooth and wisdom tooth removal, dental implants, treatment of impacted teeth, and bone grafting. Your oral surgeon will recommend the appropriate procedure based on your oral health and specific needs.
When Is Oral Surgery Needed?
Oral surgery may be recommended when a dental problem cannot be treated with routine care.
Common reasons include:
- Impacted or painful wisdom teeth
- Severely damaged or broken teeth
- Advanced tooth decay
- Dental infection
- Difficult tooth extractions
- Teeth that cannot be restored
- Dental implant treatment
Your dentist will assess the condition and explain the most suitable treatment.
Oral Surgery Services
Tooth Extractions
A tooth may need removal if it is badly damaged, infected, or cannot be saved. Some teeth are easy to remove. Others may need a surgical tooth extraction.
Wisdom Tooth Removal
Wisdom teeth removal can cause pain, swelling, and infection if they do not grow in properly. Your dentist may take X-rays to check the tooth before recommending removal.
Surgical Extractions
Some teeth are harder to remove, especially when they are broken or stuck under the gums. A surgical extraction may be needed in these cases. The area is numbed before treatment to help keep you comfortable.
Dental Implant Surgery
Dental implants can replace missing teeth. Before treatment, your dentist will check your gums, jawbone, and overall oral health to see if an implant is suitable for you.
Specialist Oral Surgery Referrals
Not every oral surgical procedure should be performed in a general dental office. If your condition is complex or requires specialist management, we may refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for further assessment and treatment.
What to Expect During Oral Surgical Treatment
Before your oral surgery, your dentist will review your medical history and dental X-rays. They will explain the treatment and answer your questions. Local anesthesia is often used to numb the area, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Your dentist will also explain what to expect during recovery and how to care for your mouth afterward.
Recovery and Aftercare
Some soreness, swelling, or minor bleeding may occur after dental surgery. Follow the instructions provided by your dental team. This may include eating soft foods, keeping the area clean, taking medications as directed, and avoiding strenuous activity for a short period.
Recovery time depends on the type of oral surgery and your healing. Mild swelling and discomfort are common and usually improve within several days.
When to Contact a Dentist
Contact your dental office if you experience:
- Increasing pain or swelling
- Bleeding that does not settle
- Fever
- Signs of infection
- Difficulty swallowing
- Unexpected symptoms after surgery
Severe swelling or difficulty breathing requires urgent medical attention.
