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Dental Surgery
Explained

Dental surgery refers to any procedure that involves cutting into the soft tissue or bones of the mouth, face, or jaw to treat a range of dental and oral conditions. Some common reasons for dental surgery include removing damaged or infected teeth, correcting jaw and bite problems, treating gum disease, and placing dental implants

The specific procedure and steps involved in dental surgery will vary depending on the type of surgery being performed. For example, a simple tooth extraction may only require numbing the area and removing the tooth, while a complex jaw surgery may involve cutting and repositioning the jaw bones.

Dental surgery is typically performed by a dentist or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, who has special training in these procedures. The procedure is usually performed under local or general anesthesia to ensure the patient is comfortable and pain-free during the surgery.

In general, the goal of dental surgery is to improve oral health, alleviate pain and discomfort, and restore the function and appearance of the teeth and mouth. However, like with any type of surgery, dental surgery does carry some risks and potential complications, so it’s important to thoroughly discuss the procedure and all options with a healthcare provider before deciding to undergo dental surgery.

What Are Types of
Dental Surgery?

There are several types of dental surgery, including:

Tooth extraction: removing damaged, decayed, or impacted teeth.
Dental implants: placement of metal posts into the jawbone to support replacement teeth.
Bone grafting: adding new bone or artificial bone substitute to the jaw to improve support for dental implants.
Sinus lifts: elevating the sinus floor and adding bone to prepare for dental implant placement.
Gum surgery: treating periodontal disease by removing infected gum tissue or reshaping the gum line.
Impacted wisdom teeth removal: removing impacted wisdom teeth that are causing pain or crowding.
Root canal therapy: removing the infected or damaged tissue inside the tooth.
Crown lengthening: reshaping the gum line and removing excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth structure.
Soft tissue grafts: transplanting healthy gum tissue to areas where it is needed.
Apicoectomy: removing the tip of the tooth root and surrounding infected tissue.

The specific type of dental surgery depends on the individual’s needs and the condition being treated. Your dentist or oral surgeon can provide more information about the various types of dental surgery and recommend the best options for your specific situation.

Do and Don'ts
After Dental Surgery?

Do’s:

Take prescribed medications and pain relievers as directed
Bite on a gauze pad for at least 20-30 minutes after the surgery to control bleeding
Apply ice to the affected area for the first 48 hours after surgery, 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off
Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water, beginning the day after surgery
Follow a soft food diet for the first few days and gradually progress to a normal diet as tolerated
Keep your follow-up appointment with your dentist

Don’ts:

Don’t brush your teeth or rinse your mouth vigorously for the first 24 hours after surgery
Avoid drinking through a straw for the first few days after surgery, as the sucking motion can dislodge the blood clot
Don’t smoke or use straws, as this can cause a painful condition called “dry socket”
Don’t drink alcohol for at least 24 hours after surgery
Don’t engage in strenuous physical activity for the first few days after surgery

Note: Every surgical case is unique and your dentist may have specific instructions for you. It’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions for the best possible outcome.

What is Abscess and Cyst Operations
(Apical Resection)?

Apical Resection is a surgical procedure to remove an abscess or cyst from the end (apex) of a tooth. The procedure involves making an incision in the gum to access the affected area, removing the infected or damaged tissue, and cleaning and shaping the remaining socket to prepare for filling or capping. The goal of the procedure is to remove the source of the infection and to preserve the remaining healthy tooth structure.