Oral Surgery

The most recognized form of oral surgery is tooth extraction. And the most common reasons for tooth extraction includes tooth beyond repair either from decay, root fracture, trauma and impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth that need removal due to various reasons.

Simple tooth extraction can be carried out by extraction forceps or elevators (instruments used to lift the tooth/roots out of its bony cavity) Sometimes, the tooth has to be removed surgically (bone removed around the tooth to facilitate removal) Surgical removal is needed when simple extraction is not possible because of the condition of the tooth, position in the jaw etc.

Both simple and surgical removal of tooth/roots can be very well accomplished under local anesthetic (dental injection) Your dentist may refer you to see another Dentist who has a special interest or an oral surgeon, if he or she feels your situation will benefit from someone who has more experience, skills in oral surgery and also has access to appropriate equipment to carry out a particular procedure.

A good surgical technique is to make the procedure pain and complication free both during and after the procedure. The surgeon will discuss in detail with you before carrying out the procedure and make sure that you are comfortable throughout the procedure and answer all your questions and concerns including alternative treatment options (see below)

Coronectomy (An alternative procedure to complete removal of tooth mainly wisdom tooth in suitable cases) a measure adopted to avoid damage to the nerve which gives sensation to lower lip.

Conventional wisdom teeth removal has a risk of damaging the nerves supplying lower lip, chin and tongue. Temporary injury occurs in up to 8% of cases and permanent injury in up to 3.6% of the cases where the roots of the lower wisdom teeth are in close proximity to the nerve. Since the crown of the impacted lower wisdom teeth are often the cause of various problems, by removing the crown and leaving the roots the problems are solved. As with any surgical procedure, this also carries a small risk(s) which will be explained to you in detail.