Oral surgery refers to any surgical procedure performed in or around the mouth. It covers a wide range of treatments, from tooth extractions and wisdom tooth removal to dental implants and bone grafts. It’s recommended when a dental problem can’t be resolved with non-surgical treatment.
Most people tense up when they hear the words “oral surgery.” It sounds more serious than it usually is. The most common oral surgery procedures are tooth extractions and implant placement, and both happen every day in dental offices under nothing more than local anesthetic.
Understanding what falls under this term, who performs it, and what recovery actually looks like takes most of the mystery out of it.
Key Takeaways
- Oral surgery includes any dental procedure that goes below the surface of the gum tissue
- Common types include tooth extractions, wisdom tooth removal, dental implants, and bone grafts
- Many procedures are performed by a general dentist, not a specialist
- Most procedures are outpatient and done under local anesthetic with recovery at home
Common Types of Oral Surgery
The term covers a broad range. Here are the most common oral surgery procedures and who typically performs them.
| Procedure | What it treats | Typically performed by |
|---|---|---|
| Tooth extraction | Damaged or decayed teeth that can’t be saved | General dentist or oral surgeon |
| Wisdom tooth removal | Impacted or problematic third molars | General dentist or oral surgeon |
| Dental implants | Missing teeth | General dentist or oral surgeon |
| Bone graft | Bone loss in the jaw | General dentist or oral surgeon |
| Sinus lift | Insufficient upper jaw bone height for implants | General dentist or oral surgeon |
| Corrective jaw surgery | Bite problems, jaw misalignment, facial trauma | Oral and maxillofacial surgeon |
Extractions, implants, and bone grafts are routine procedures performed in dental offices every day. Corrective jaw surgery is significantly more complex and handled by a specialist in a hospital or surgical center.
Can a General Dentist Perform Oral Surgery?
Yes, for many procedures. General dentists with surgical training regularly perform tooth extractions, dental implants, bone grafts, and sinus lifts. More complex procedures, like corrective jaw surgery or facial reconstruction, require an oral and maxillofacial surgeon with additional hospital-based training.
The line between general dentistry and oral surgery is less rigid than most people assume. Tooth extractions, one of the most common procedures in any dental office, are a form of oral surgery. An experienced general dentist with surgical training handles a wide range of cases.
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon has completed four to six additional years of hospital-based surgical residency beyond dental school. They take on complex jaw surgeries, facial trauma, and reconstructive cases that require that level of specialization.
If a procedure falls outside your dentist’s scope, they’ll refer you to the right person. You don’t have to navigate that yourself.
Does Oral Surgery Hurt?
Most oral surgery is performed under local anesthetic, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. You may feel some pressure or movement, but not discomfort. After, mild soreness and swelling are normal for a few days. Most patients manage recovery comfortably with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Sedation is also available for patients who prefer it, or for more involved procedures where it improves comfort and safety. Your dentist will walk you through the anesthesia options at your consultation before anything is scheduled.
The intensity of recovery depends on the procedure. Simple extractions settle quickly. Implant placement and bone grafting involve more healing time because new bone needs to form and integrate.
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery after oral surgery varies a lot depending on what was done. Here are some general guidelines:
- Simple extractions: most patients return to normal activity within 3 to 5 days
- Dental implants and bone grafts: soft tissue heals quickly, but bone integration takes several months
- All procedures: stick to soft foods, avoid drinking through a straw, don’t smoke, take prescribed medications as directed, and attend follow-up appointments
Most recovery complications come from not following post-op instructions. Dry socket after an extraction, for example, happens when the blood clot is disrupted. Following your dentist’s guidance closely is the most effective thing you can do.
When Your Dentist Might Recommend Oral Surgery
Your dentist will recommend a surgical approach when the problem can’t be fixed any other way. Some of the most common triggers:
A tooth that is too damaged to save with a filling or crown. Wisdom teeth that are impacted or causing problems with adjacent teeth. Bone loss that needs to be corrected before an implant can be placed. Failing teeth that need to be replaced with implants as part of a full-mouth plan.
In most cases, the conversation starts with imaging. X-rays or a 3D scan show exactly what the situation looks like, and your dentist explains the options clearly before any decision is made. If you’ve been told you may need oral surgery and want to understand what’s involved, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kitts at our Edmonds office. He performs extractions, implant placement, bone grafting, and other oral surgery procedures and will walk you through your specific situation before anything is scheduled. We handle every step from start to finish.
