Oral Surgery
Expert Oral Surgery Services
Oral and maxillofacial surgery is widely recognized as one of the specialties of dentistry. At Dr John's Dental Centre, we provide comprehensive surgical care for a wide range of conditions affecting the mouth, teeth, jaws, and facial structures.
Our team of experienced oral surgeons uses advanced techniques and state-of-the-art equipment to ensure optimal outcomes with minimal discomfort. Whether you need wisdom tooth extraction, dental implants, or corrective jaw surgery, we're here to provide compassionate, expert care.
Common Procedures
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Expert care for impacted or problematic wisdom teeth
Understanding Wisdom Teeth
Sometimes there may not be room in your mouth for your wisdom teeth and, as they start to come through, they push against the teeth already there or may start to come through at an angle. When this happens, you might feel some pain or discomfort, so the best thing to do is to visit your dentist.
Diagnosis and Planning
The dentist will probably take an x-ray of your mouth to see how - or if - your wisdom teeth are coming through. From this, they will be able to make a judgement on whether or not to take them out and how easy or difficult it might be. Extractions are usually done under local anaesthesia.
Types of Wisdom Teeth Extractions
- Simple Extraction: For fully erupted teeth, performed under local anesthesia
- Surgical Extraction: For impacted teeth, may require an incision and sometimes sectioning of the tooth
- Complex Surgical Extraction: For deeply impacted teeth with curved roots, performed by specialist oral surgeons
What to Expect During the Procedure
Your oral surgeon will discuss anesthesia options with you before the procedure. Options may include:
- Local Anesthesia: Numbs the surgical area while you remain awake
- IV Sedation: Administered through a vein to help you relax
- General Anesthesia: You sleep through the entire procedure
Tooth Extractions
Having a tooth out is the same as having an operation and, because of this, you must look after the area to speed healing and to reduce the risk of infection.
Reasons for Tooth Extraction
- Severe tooth decay that cannot be repaired
- Advanced gum disease causing loosening of teeth
- Impacted wisdom teeth causing problems
- Fractured or broken teeth beyond repair
- Preparation for orthodontic treatment
- Overcrowding in the mouth
Post-Extraction Care Instructions
First 24 Hours
- For the first 24 hours, try to avoid eating hot food
- Do not smoke or drink alcohol
- Try not to disturb any blood clot which might have formed
- Do not rinse your mouth for 24 hours after extraction
After 24 Hours
- Rinse gently with warm salty water - half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of water is enough
- Brush your teeth as normal to keep your mouth as clean as possible
- You may feel some small pieces of bone work their way out of the socket - this is perfectly normal
Managing Discomfort
- There may be some swelling and a bit of discomfort in the first two to three days
- If you need to, take some ordinary painkillers - aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetomol will be fine
- Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling
If you feel pain a few days after the tooth has been removed, it might be where the blood clot has broken down leaving an empty hole in the gum. This is called a 'dry socket' and will need to be looked at by your dentist. Simply go back and the dentist will pack the wound to ease your discomfort.
Bleeding Control
Your dentist may have given you some gauze to place onto the area where the tooth has been removed - if not, a clean cloth handkerchief will do just as well (but not a paper tissue).
- Roll it into a small firm pad large enough to fit over the gap (probably around 1cm by 3cm)
- Sit up and gently clear away any blood clots around the gap using the gauze or hanky
- Put a clean pad over the gap (from tongue side to cheek side) and bite down on it firmly for 10 to 15 minutes
- Take the pad off and check whether the bleeding has stopped. If not, apply a fresh pad and contact your dentist
Additional Procedures
Other Oral Surgery Services
Comprehensive surgical care for various conditions
Bone Grafting
Restoring jawbone density for dental implants or after tooth loss. Using advanced grafting materials and techniques.
Dental Implants
Surgical placement of implant posts to replace missing teeth. Permanent solution for tooth loss.
Corrective Jaw Surgery
Orthognathic surgery to correct jaw misalignments, improve function and facial appearance.
Biopsies
Oral tissue sampling and analysis for diagnosis of suspicious lesions or growths.
TMJ Treatment
Surgical and non-surgical management of temporomandibular joint disorders.
Frenectomy
Removal or modification of oral frenula to improve speech, feeding, or orthodontic stability.
Patient Experience
What to Expect
Your journey through oral surgery at our clinic
Initial Consultation
Comprehensive examination, X-rays, and discussion of your concerns and treatment goals.
Treatment Planning
Detailed discussion of your condition, treatment options, and development of a personalized plan.
Pre-Surgery Preparation
Instructions for before the procedure, including any medications and anesthesia options.
The Procedure
Your surgery performed by our expert team in a comfortable, sterile environment.
Recovery & Follow-up
Post-operative care instructions and follow-up appointments to monitor healing.
Why Choose Us
Benefits of Oral Surgery at Our Clinic
Expert Surgeons
Our oral surgeons have years of specialized training and experience in complex surgical procedures.
Advanced Technology
3D imaging, digital X-rays, and modern surgical equipment for precise, safe procedures.
Comfort Options
Various anesthesia and sedation options to ensure your comfort during surgery.
Compassionate Care
We understand dental anxiety and provide gentle, supportive care throughout your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About Oral Surgery
Is oral surgery painful?
With modern anesthesia and sedation techniques, most patients experience little to no discomfort during the procedure. After surgery, we provide pain management instructions and medication to ensure your recovery is as comfortable as possible.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery time varies depending on the procedure. Simple extractions may heal in a few days, while more complex surgeries may take 1-2 weeks for initial healing. Complete bone healing can take several months. We provide detailed post-operative instructions for each procedure.
What are the risks of oral surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks including bleeding, infection, dry socket, nerve injury, and reaction to anesthesia. Our experienced surgeons take every precaution to minimize these risks, and we'll discuss them thoroughly during your consultation.
When can I return to normal activities?
Most patients can return to work or school within 2-3 days after simple procedures. For more complex surgeries, you may need 5-7 days of rest. We recommend avoiding strenuous activity for at least a week following surgery.
What can I eat after surgery?
Start with soft foods and liquids for the first few days: soups, yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs. Gradually introduce more solid foods as healing progresses. Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods that might irritate the surgical site.
Will I need time off work?
We typically recommend 2-3 days off for simple procedures and up to a week for more complex surgeries. We'll provide a medical certificate if needed for your employer.
Need Oral Surgery?
Schedule a consultation with our expert oral surgeons today