Oral Surgery

Various types of oral surgery are regularly performed in your local dental surgery. If you are expecting, or have recently had, oral surgery there are a number of ways in which you can help to speed up your recovery and prevent the development of any complications.

Following any surgery you will be provided with post-operative care instructions. A follow up check will also be scheduled. It’s important that you attend this so we can check you are recovering as expected.

Why might I need oral surgery?

Oral surgery can be required for a variety of reasons.

Tooth extraction- the most common type of oral surgery. A tooth may need to be removed in the event of:

• Decay
• Damage
• An impacted wisdom tooth
• A baby tooth which has not fallen out on its own
• Removal of a tooth or teeth prior to orthodontic treatment

Dental Implants- an increasingly popular way to replace a missing tooth or teeth.

Jaw corrections- May be necessary as the result of an accident, incorrect bite, excessive tooth grinding or temporomandibular joint pain.

Oral cancers- will necessitate a biopsy and removal of affected tissues.

What if I need oral surgery?

If you do require oral surgery we will fully explain the procedure to you. Once you are happy to go ahead, your procedure will be booked and performed by your dentist- or you may be referred to a specialist as required.

Helping with the recovery process after any surgery:

• Take any painkillers and antibiotics as directed. If you are not supplied with any, standard painkillers (which are available in supermarkets and chemists) can be very effective in the relief of any pain.
• In the hours after surgery stick with a liquid diet or very soft foods.
• As you won’t be able to eat much choose wisely (healthy foods) and keep up your fluid intake by drinking lots of water.
• When you can chew, avoid eating directly on the affected part of your mouth.
• Clean your teeth as you would normally, but be very careful.
• Rinse your mouth regularly with salt water or a non-alcoholic mouthwash.

Other points:

• To reduce any bleeding, try gently wiping away any old blood from the wound or by rinsing your mouth with salt water. Bite down on a clean, moist cloth. Avoid exercise or excessive movement.
• To reduce any swelling apply an ice pack.
• If you have sutures they will require removal after around a week. If they fall out prior to this- don’t panic- it’s quite common.
• Some patients experience other common symptoms including numbness or tingling in the mouth, a high temperature, dry or cracked lips, stiffness or pain in the jaw, a sore throat, ear ache and dizziness.
• Give yourself suitable time to recover and avoid any strenuous activity for a few days.

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