General information only. This article explains dental topics in general terms and isn’t a substitute for personal advice. Everyone’s oral health and dental needs are different, so please see a dentist for advice that applies to you.
Oral surgery covers surgical procedures on the teeth, gums, jaws and nearby structures. Some, such as removing a tooth, are common and often done by a general dentist. More complex surgery is done by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. This article outlines common procedures, what they can help with, recovery and risks.
Who performs oral surgery
General dentists often carry out simpler extractions and minor procedures. Complex cases are usually referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, a registered specialist who in Australia holds both dental and medical degrees plus surgical training. Periodontists (gum specialists) also perform some surgical procedures. You can check any practitioner’s registration on the AHPRA public register.
Common procedures
- Tooth removal: including teeth that are broken, badly decayed or impacted. See wisdom teeth removal.
- Dental implants: titanium posts placed in the jaw to replace missing teeth, sometimes with bone grafting. See the dental implant procedure.
- Gum and bone surgery: such as flap surgery and grafts for advanced gum disease. See gum disease treatment.
- Removal of cysts or growths in the mouth or jaw, with samples (biopsies) sent for testing.
- Jaw (orthognathic) surgery: to correct significant jaw misalignment, usually combined with orthodontic treatment.
- Treatment of facial injuries, such as fractured jaws.
- Cleft lip and palate repair, usually as part of a hospital team.
What oral surgery can help with
Dental health
Removing a tooth that is infected, cracked beyond repair or causing repeated problems stops pain and infection. Surgical gum treatment can reduce deep pockets around teeth and help keep them. Implants can replace missing teeth and help keep the bone around them.
Function and appearance
Jaw surgery can improve biting, chewing, speech and facial balance in people with significant jaw discrepancies. Repair of clefts and injuries restores function and appearance.
General health
Treating dental infections early helps prevent them from spreading. Replacing missing teeth can make it easier to eat a balanced diet. Some jaw conditions, such as certain jaw joint (TMJ) problems and sleep apnoea, may involve surgical treatment in selected cases.
Recovery and aftercare
- Follow the written instructions you are given.
- Use cold packs on the first day and take pain relief as advised.
- Eat soft foods for a few days and avoid strenuous activity.
- Avoid smoking, straws and vigorous rinsing early on, to protect healing sites.
- Keep your mouth clean, brushing gently around the area.
- Attend follow-up visits so healing can be checked.
Risks
As with any surgery, risks include pain, swelling, bleeding, infection, nerve injury causing numbness, sinus problems with upper back teeth, and reactions to anaesthetic or sedation. Your medical history and medications, especially blood thinners, should be reviewed beforehand. The specific risks of your procedure should be explained so you can make an informed decision, and it is fine to ask questions or say you feel anxious.
Common questions
Is oral surgery painful?
Procedures are done under local anaesthetic, sedation or general anaesthetic, so you should not feel pain during them. Soreness and swelling afterwards are common and usually settle over a few days.
How long is recovery?
From a few days for simple procedures to several weeks for jaw surgery.