INTRODUCTION
Common Oral Surgery Procedures
Oral surgeries have an extensive range and are performed according to the severity of oral complications. However, the most common type of oral surgery is tooth extraction. Tooth extraction becomes necessary when the natural teeth no longer remain treatable. In this surgery, the affected teeth are removed to protect the adjacent teeth or stop the spread of infection to other structures of the mouth. Teeth are extracted for various reasons: decay has reached deep into the tooth causing an abscess, the infection has destroyed a large portion of the tooth or surrounding bone, periodontal (gum) infection, or there is not enough room for all the teeth in your mouth.
FEATURES
Preparing for Oral Surgery
Oral surgeries have an extensive range and are performed according to the severity of oral complications. However, the most common type of oral surgery is tooth extraction. Tooth extraction becomes necessary when the natural teeth no longer remain treatable. In this surgery, the affected teeth are removed to protect the adjacent teeth or stop the spread of infection to other structures of the mouth. Teeth are extracted for various reasons: decay has reached deep into the tooth causing an abscess, the infection has destroyed a large portion of the tooth or surrounding bone, periodontal (gum) infection, or there is not enough room for all the teeth in your mouth.
Common Oral Surgery Procedures
Wisdom Teeth Extraction
1
Wisdom teeth are the last molars on either side of the jaws. Teeth that are removed before they have fully developed roots have fewer complications. Therefore we recommend people between 15 and 19 have their wisdom teeth evaluated to see if they need to be removed.
Tooth Extraction
2
Tooth extraction becomes necessary when the natural teeth no longer remain treatable. Teeth may need to be extracted due to deep decay reaching an abscess, extensive infection destroying tooth or surrounding bone, periodontal infection, or crowding.
Dental Implant Placement Following Extraction
3
Dental implant surgery is generally carried out after tooth extraction to replace the removed teeth. It is essential to replace lost or missing teeth as soon as possible with dental alternatives, as untreated extracted teeth can lead to serious dental problems including the shifting of adjacent teeth. Implants are directly anchored into your jawbone and look and function like your original teeth.
REPLACEMENT
Replacing Extracted Teeth
The placement of dental implants is the most effective and durable dentistry procedure and generally lasts for a lifetime with little maintenance and good oral hygiene. Implants are directly anchored into your jawbone and look and function like your original teeth. Regular follow-up appointments at Balsam Dental in The Beaches let us monitor healing and long-term outcomes after surgery.
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WHEN NEEDED
When Oral Surgery Becomes Necessary
Oral surgery is usually recommended when non-surgical treatments cannot resolve the problem or preserve the affected tooth. Early evaluation helps prevent complications.
Common reasons for oral surgery
• Decay has reached deep into the tooth, causing an abscess
• Infection has destroyed a large portion of tooth or surrounding bone
• Periodontal (gum) infection
• Not enough room for all the teeth in your mouth
• Impacted or problematic wisdom teeth
• Preparation for dental implants
At Balsam Dental in The Beaches, we assess each situation carefully and walk you through the options.
BENEFITS
Preparation, timing, and recovery.
How should I prepare for oral surgery?
Preparation depends on the specific procedure and whether you'll be having sedation. In general, we'll ask you to arrange for a ride home if you're having any form of sedation stronger than local anaesthetic. We'll go over medications you're currently taking and let you know if any need to be paused. On the day of surgery, wear comfortable clothing, follow any eating instructions we've given you, and try to get a good night's sleep beforehand. We provide detailed prep instructions for every surgical procedure at your pre-op appointment.
When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
We recommend people between 15 and 19 have their wisdom teeth evaluated to see if they need to be removed. Teeth that are removed before they have fully developed roots have fewer complications. Removing them earlier typically means a smoother procedure and quicker recovery.
Why Replace Extracted Teeth?
It is essential to replace lost or missing teeth as soon as possible with dental alternatives, as untreated extracted teeth can lead to serious dental problems and result in the dislocation or shifting of adjacent teeth. The placement of dental implants is the most effective and durable dentistry procedure and generally lasts for a lifetime with little maintenance.
What About Recovery?
Recovery time varies by procedure. Simple extractions typically heal in a few days. Wisdom tooth extraction usually involves 3–7 days of swelling and mild discomfort. We provide detailed post-op instructions for each procedure. Following them carefully speeds recovery and reduces the risk of complications.
What should I eat after a tooth extraction?
Stick to cool, soft foods for the first 24 hours — yogurt, smoothies (no straw), applesauce, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs. Avoid anything hot, crunchy, spicy, or requiring a lot of chewing. By day 3–4 you can usually start reintroducing more normal foods, and by a week most patients are back to their regular diet.
Why can't I use a straw after an extraction?
The suction from drinking through a straw can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the extraction site — which can lead to a painful complication called dry socket. Skip straws for at least a week after extraction. Also avoid smoking, spitting forcefully, and vigorous rinsing during that time, for the same reason.
Will I need to take time off work for oral surgery?
For a simple extraction, most patients are fine to return to work the next day, though a low-key day is ideal. For wisdom tooth extraction, plan 2–3 days off — you'll be tired, swollen, and probably not at your best. If you're having sedation, arrange for a ride home and someone to be with you for the first few hours after.
What are the signs of a dry socket?
A dry socket typically shows up 2–4 days after an extraction as intense, throbbing pain that radiates to your ear or jaw — much worse than the normal soreness of healing. You might also notice a bad taste or smell. If this happens, call us right away. Treatment is quick and brings almost immediate relief.
