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Oral surgery

The name of this field may sound intimidating to many people, but in reality there is nothing to be afraid of. Oral surgery (also known as dental surgery) primarily deals with the extraction of wisdom teeth and damaged teeth that can no longer be saved. It also addresses a range of other problems affecting the oral cavity, particularly:

  • infectious and non-infectious cysts and cyst-like lesions

  • unerupted (impacted) teeth

  • surgical removal (resection) of fractured tooth roots

  • jawbone augmentation

  • soft-tissue procedures in the oral cavity before orthodontic or denture treatment

  • placement of dental implants

  • treatment of the temporomandibular joint

  • removal of tumours and other pathological lesions

  • relocation of a patient’s own teeth to another site (autotransplantation)

  • surgical treatment of periodontitis

  • dental traumatology (treatment of post-traumatic conditions)

as well as other surgical procedures, many of which are associated with orthodontic treatment.

Most of these procedures are performed on an outpatient basis with premedication under local anaesthesia. For more complex operations, an oral surgeon may use general anaesthesia, ensuring that the procedure is painless for the patient.

Tooth Extraction

One of the most common oral surgery procedures is tooth extraction. This may involve the extraction of wisdom teeth (third molars), or the removal of other teeth that have been irreversibly damaged by decay, trauma or infection. In some cases, teeth must be extracted because there is not enough space for them in the mouth. This is most commonly the case with wisdom teeth.

Preparing for the Procedure and What to Expect

Before a tooth extraction, the patient should eat and drink sufficiently and take any medication they normally use. Before proceeding with the extraction itself, the dentist will ask about the patient’s general health and any medical conditions that could complicate the procedure or subsequent healing.

The oral surgeon will then explain the procedure and administer a local anaesthetic. To make the injection itself more comfortable, a numbing gel can first be applied to the gums. The dentist will then remove the tooth, ideally in one piece. In some cases, however, the tooth needs to be sectioned and the root removed surgically.

Healing and Aftercare Following Tooth Extraction

After the procedure, the oral surgeon thoroughly cleans the wound and stops any bleeding. Antibiotics may be prescribed if complications occur. You should not eat for three hours after the extraction, and for the first 3–4 days you should take extra care when brushing your teeth and avoid stress and strenuous physical activity. The area may be painful and slightly swollen. However, if it becomes hot and the swelling increases, or if bleeding occurs, you should see a dentist without delay. These symptoms may indicate inflammation or infection.

You can help reduce swelling by applying ice, but only during the first 24 hours after the procedure. Applying ice later may interfere with the healing process. Disinfectant sprays recommended by your dentist may be more useful at a later stage, while any pain can usually be relieved with over-the-counter painkillers. The wound should heal completely within a maximum of six weeks, while partial ossification (replacement of connective tissue with bone) generally occurs within approximately one month.

Oral Surgeon

Any dentist may perform oral surgery, but they should first complete the required examination in this field. Many specialists also hold a qualification in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Their professional qualifications should be documented by certification from the Czech Dental Chamber.

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