Oral surgery involves surgical interventions on the teeth, gums, jaw and other oral structures. These procedures include tooth extraction, implant placement, gum graft and jaw surgeries.

Oral Surgery encompasses all types of surgical interventions on teeth, gums, jaws, and other oral structures. Procedures include tooth extractions, implant placements, gum grafts, and jaw surgeries. Typically, these surgical procedures are performed by specialists with advanced training such as oral and maxillofacial surgeons or periodontists.

Why Is Oral Surgery Done?

Your dentist may recommend oral surgery for reasons including:

Advanced tooth decay
Severely fractured teeth
Gum disease
Impacted teeth
Missing teeth
Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD)
Bone loss in the jaw
Sleep apnea
Oral cancer
Benign oral pathologies (non-cancerous lumps or swellings)

Types of Oral Surgery

Here are some common surgical procedures performed within the scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery:

Tooth Extraction: Done due to severe decay, gum disease, tooth trauma, or complications with wisdom teeth.
Bone Grafting: Used to restore volume and density in the jawbone when there is bone loss.
Dental Implants: Medical-grade titanium or zirconium posts placed in the jawbone to replace missing tooth roots.
Periodontal Surgery: Performed to treat advanced gum disease.
Corrective Jaw Surgery: Used to correct skeletal abnormalities in the jawbones.
Sleep Apnea Surgery: Done to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Cleft Lip and Palate Repair: Corrective surgery for congenital cleft lip and palate issues.

Who Performs Oral Surgery?

Oral, maxillofacial, and facial surgeons, as well as periodontists, perform these types of surgeries. These professionals have completed dental school and received additional training in their respective specialties.

Procedure Details

Pre-Operative: Your dentist conducts a detailed evaluation, creates a treatment plan based on dental X-rays and scans.

During Surgery: Sedation options may be offered, and the procedure is generally performed as outpatient treatment in a dental office.

Surgery Duration: Varies depending on the type of procedure; a simple tooth extraction may take about 30 minutes, while more extensive jaw surgeries can last several hours.

Post-Operative: It's important to carefully follow post-operative instructions provided to minimize risks such as bleeding, infection, and other complications.

Ortodonti Uzmanı Dr. Dt. Hasan İlhan Mutaf

Risks and Benefits

Benefits: Oral surgery ensures the harmonious functioning of teeth, gums, and jaw joints, improving overall health and quality of life.

Risks: Complications such as infection, injury to adjacent teeth, dry socket, numbness, fractured tooth roots, and sinus issues may occur. You can minimize these risks by following post-operative instructions.

Recovery Process

Most people recover within about a week, though recovery time varies depending on the scope of the procedure. Avoiding hard and crispy foods and opting for soft foods can expedite healing.

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience tooth, gum, or jaw pain, consult your dentist immediately. During the post-operative recovery period, contact your surgeon promptly if you have signs of fever, excessive pain, or infection.