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Minor Oral Surgery FAQ

Have any questions on minor oral surgery? Our team is here to help. If you do not find your answer below, get in touch with us and we will do our best to provide it.

Minor oral surgery in dentistry involves procedures primarily focused on extractions. These range from routine extractions to more complex cases involving impacted wisdom teeth, broken or retained roots, and the extraction of multiple teeth.

During the procedure, you will not feel pain, though there may be some pressure. After the anaesthesia wears off, you may experience mild pain or discomfort. Typically, the discomfort and pain are usually worse on the first day and gradually improves over the next few days.

There are two primary types of tooth extraction: simple extraction and surgical extraction. Simple dental extraction involves removing teeth that are visible and easily accessible. On the other hand, surgical dental extraction typically requires making an incision to gain access to the tooth that needs to be removed.

Numerous oral surgery procedures are performed annually, with some of the most common including tooth extraction, dental bone grafts, dental implants, periodontal surgery, corrective jaw surgery, sleep apnea surgery, and cleft lip and palate repair.

If a frenum occasionally obstructs normal mouth function, a frenectomy may be recommended. This minor surgical procedure, performed using either a scalpel or laser, typically lasts less than 15 minutes.

To promote healing and prevent disruption of blood clots after oral surgery, avoid activities like using a straw, aggressive mouth rinsing, and spitting for the first 72 hours. Gentle rinsing in the following days is advisable. Additionally, refrain from touching the surgical site with your finger, toothbrush, floss, or any other objects to minimize irritation.

Usually, your oral surgeon will recommend resting for 48-72 hours after the procedure to allow the treatment area to form a clot. Complete healing of the soft tissue typically takes around 3-4 weeks.

After a simple tooth extraction, pain usually diminishes within two or three days. More complex procedures may require a slightly longer healing period, with patients experiencing discomfort for a prolonged duration. Additionally, mild bleeding can be expected during the initial 24 hours after the procedure.

General anaesthesia induces sleep during the procedure. The oral surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue to gain access to the affected tooth or teeth. Subsequently, the oral surgeon will proceed to remove the tooth or teeth as needed.

Dental implants, root canal treatment, wisdom teeth extraction, gum lifts, and maxillofacial surgery are the top 5 most complicated dental procedures.

In situations involving upper front teeth, the roots are typically cone-shaped, which makes them relatively easier to extract due to less resistance.

Mouth gags, also referred to as mouth props, are crucial instruments used to keep the mouth open during dental and surgical procedures. They are particularly useful for patients under sedation and are also employed in treating paediatric and mentally challenged individuals.

Root canals have historically been perceived as one of the most painful and daunting dental procedures. However, misconceptions and exaggerated accounts from others may have contributed to this negative reputation. Technology advancements and better anaesthesia have made getting a root canal no more painful than getting a tooth filled.

Every surgical procedure carries inherent risks, but these risks are carefully weighed against the potential benefits. In oral surgeries, risks may include injury to adjacent teeth, infections, fragmentation of tooth roots, temporary numbness, or the development of a dry socket.

Symptoms of infection can include fever, unusual swelling and pain, persistent bad taste, and the formation of pus. Nearby teeth, fillings, or dental bridges near wisdom teeth can potentially be affected or damaged during the extraction process.