Oral Surgery

Problems and treatment methods which require an oral surgeon:

Tooth extraction: surgical removal of broken teeth, or teeth with a cracked tooth root or pain

If a tooth’s position is problematic or the surrounding tissues are inflamed, surgical intervention is necessary for its removal. Carefully exposing and cleaning the affected area helps prevent complications and pain. The procedure involves making an incision in the gum, separating the gum flap, and removing any remaining tooth fragments. The oral surgeon then cleans the wound and closes it with sutures. Thanks to this gentle surgical approach, many potential complications can be avoided.

Wisdom tooth removal

A wisdom tooth growing in the wrong direction or failing to erupt properly can cause significant issues and may even damage the entire dental arch over time. In such cases, wisdom tooth extraction may be necessary. A precise surgical procedure can help prevent pain and future complications.

Impacted tooth removal

An impacted tooth is one that has not erupted from the gum. Its removal is most commonly required for orthodontic purposes. Wisdom teeth are particularly prone to impaction, often remaining trapped in the bone or growing at an angle within the jaw. This condition can also affect upper canines.

Oral cyst removal

Depending on their size, cysts can be removed under local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia, and the procedure may be performed by a dentoalveolar or maxillofacial surgeon. Before the surgery, a CBCT scan is conducted to assess the exact size and location of the cyst, ensuring precise treatment planning.

Apicoectomy

Apicoectomy is an effective tooth-preserving procedure. It is performed to eliminate inflammation around the tip of the tooth root by removing the affected root end and surrounding inflamed tissue, preventing further infection. Before the procedure, the affected tooth must undergo root canal treatment.

Laser treatment of oral mucosal lesions

Laser treatment can promote the healing of mucosal wounds and help treat or remove certain abnormalities or lesions.

Implantation procedures

Implant placement can be performed under local anesthesia, but in more complex cases or when multiple implants are placed sedation may be required.

Bone grafting

Bone grafting procedures are necessary when we want to replace a missing tooth with an implant, but there is insufficient bone mass for the implant placement. Bone grafting can range from simple to more complex procedures, depending on the extent of bone loss in the specific area and what is most suitable for the patient.

Sinus lift

Sinus lift, or sinus floor elevation, is a specialized bone grafting procedure. It is necessary when an implant needs to be placed in the upper jaw’s lateral region, but the bone height in that area is insufficient because the sinus mucosa runs too low. During a sinus lift, the oral surgeon detaches the mucosa from the bone and uses bone graft material to increase the bone height to the necessary level for implant placement.

What should I do after an oral surgery?

First and foremost, always listen to your dental surgeon so you can avoid complications after the surgery.

These are the most important things to keep in mind:

• • The first 3 days after oral surgery are critical, so make sure to rest a lot and follow all the advice your dentist has given you.
  • Be gentle with the wound—do not suck on it or rinse it!
  • While the numbness lasts, avoid eating or drinking, as you may bite your lip, tongue, or accidentally swallow wrong.
  • Until the stitches are removed (in 7-10 days), avoid putting pressure on the operated area, meaning don’t chew on that side.
  • During your daily oral care routine, make sure to clean the operated area as instructed by your dentist. If for any reason this hasn’t been done, the general advice is to clean the area around the wound with a soft-bristled brush.
  • After a tooth extraction, a blood clot will form in the wound—it’s crucial not to disturb or remove this clot.

• Avoid using a water flosser for 1 week!

• For the first 3 days, refrain from consuming dairy products (to avoid bacterial infections), as well as coffee, tea, and alcohol (due to their blood pressure-raising effects). Also, avoid smoking because of the toxic compounds in cigarettes. Stick to soft, dairy-free foods until the wound heals.
• Avoid overexerting yourself—take a few days off from sports, avoid bending over frequently, lifting heavy objects, and refrain from putting strain on your facial and jaw muscles.
• Depending on the area treated, your face may experience some swelling. To prevent and manage this, it’s recommended to apply cold compresses.
• Apply the cold compress to the swollen areas for 10-15 minutes every hour, but be careful not to cause frostbite. It’s best to use ice gel or an ice pack wrapped in a towel for this purpose.

It is important that if you notice any irregularities, you contact your doctor as soon as possible. Also, make sure to attend the follow-up appointment and stitch removal at the scheduled time.