What it is
Oral surgery covers surgical procedures carried out in the mouth, usually under local anaesthetic, in the dental clinic.
Most common procedures
- Extraction of teeth that cannot be saved.
- Removal of impacted wisdom teeth or wisdom teeth causing problems (repeated infections, decay, damage to the neighbouring tooth, cysts).
- Removal of impacted or extra (supernumerary) teeth.
- Biopsy of mouth lesions for diagnosis.
- Frenectomy (correction of the lip or tongue tie).
- Surgery to prepare for implants or dentures, including bone regeneration.
- Apical surgery, when root canal treatment is not enough.
Wisdom teeth do not always need to be removed. Whether they are monitored or eventually extracted depends on the clinical and radiological assessment of each case.
What happens
- Clinical and radiological assessment (panoramic X-ray and, in some cases, a CT scan).
- Information about the procedure, risks and alternatives, and informed consent.
- Surgery under local anaesthetic.
- Written aftercare instructions and, when needed, medication.
- Follow-up appointment and removal of stitches, if applicable.
Always tell the dentist about any medicines you take, especially anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs and osteoporosis medication.
Potential benefits
- Resolves infections and pain of dental origin.
- Allows mouth lesions to be diagnosed.
- Prepares the mouth for other treatments.
Limitations and precautions
- Pain, swelling and minor bleeding in the following days are common.
- Infection or dry socket (inflammation of the socket after extraction) may occur.
- Rarely, altered sensation of the lip or tongue, usually temporary, mainly after removal of lower wisdom teeth.
- The specific risks of each case are explained before surgery.
Frequently asked questions
Can I go to work the next day?
It depends on how complex the surgery is. After simple extractions, most people quickly return to normal activities.
Do I have to have my wisdom teeth out?
Not necessarily. Whether they are monitored or eventually extracted depends on the individual assessment of each case.
Results and treatment times vary from person to person. Treatment is only recommended after an assessment appointment.