Oral surgery is a broad field that involves surgical procedures aimed at improving or correcting oral and facial health. Whether it’s to relieve pain, restore function, or enhance appearance, oral surgery plays an important role in dental care. From simple tooth extractions to complex jaw surgery, these procedures are performed by qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeons.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the most common types of oral surgery and what each entails.
1. Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common oral surgeries performed, especially in young adults between the ages of 17 and 25. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, often don’t have enough space to emerge properly, leading to pain, swelling, and even infection. In some cases, they can become impacted, meaning they are trapped beneath the gum line or growing at odd angles.
The procedure typically involves the following steps:
- Local or general anesthesia is administered to numb the area or make the patient comfortable.
- The surgeon makes incisions in the gums to access the wisdom teeth.
- The teeth may need to be broken into smaller pieces for easier removal.
- Stitches are placed to close the incisions.
Post-surgery, patients may experience some swelling and discomfort, but with proper care, recovery is usually quick.
2. Dental Implants
Dental implants are a popular solution for replacing missing or severely damaged teeth. The procedure involves inserting a titanium post into the jawbone, which acts as a root for a replacement tooth. Over time, the bone integrates with the implant, providing a stable and durable base for a crown.
The dental implant procedure typically includes:
- A consultation and X-rays to assess the jawbone’s health.
- The implant is surgically placed into the jawbone.
- After several months of healing and osseointegration (bone fusion), a crown is placed on top of the implant.
Dental implants are a long-lasting and effective solution, offering a natural appearance and the ability to chew comfortably. However, not everyone is a candidate for dental implants, especially those with insufficient bone density.
3. Tooth Extractions
Tooth extractions are another common oral surgery. Teeth are extracted for various reasons, including decay, infection, overcrowding, or damage that can’t be repaired with fillings or root canals. It may be necessary to remove teeth to prepare for orthodontic treatment, such as braces, or to prevent potential complications.
The extraction process involves:
- Administering local anesthesia to numb the area.
- If the tooth is visible, it will be pulled out with forceps.
- For impacted teeth or those beneath the gumline, an incision may be needed to access the tooth.
Post-surgery, pain and swelling are common, and follow-up care is essential to ensure the socket heals properly.
4. Corrective Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)
Corrective jaw surgery (also known as orthognathic surgery) is performed to correct structural problems in the jaw that may affect eating, speaking, or breathing. This surgery is often required for patients with conditions such as misaligned jaws, jaw fractures, or sleep apnea.
The procedure may involve:
- Making incisions in the jawbones.
- Realigning the bones to achieve proper function and appearance.
- Fixing the bones in place with screws, plates, or wires.
- Closing the incisions with stitches.
Corrective jaw surgery can significantly improve both the function and appearance of the mouth, helping to resolve issues such as malocclusion (bad bite) or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).
5. Gum Surgery (Periodontal Surgery)
Gum surgery, or periodontal surgery, is performed to treat advanced gum disease or to reshape the gums for aesthetic purposes. It may be necessary when non-surgical treatments, such as scaling and root planing, are not enough to address the issue.
Common types of gum surgery include:
- Gum grafting: This procedure involves taking tissue from another part of the mouth to cover exposed tooth roots due to gum recession.
- Pocket reduction surgery: This is performed to reduce deep pockets in the gums caused by gum disease.
- Crown lengthening: This surgery is used to remove excess gum tissue, improving the appearance of the gums and teeth.
Gum surgery can help prevent tooth loss and improve the overall health and appearance of your gums.

6. Bone Grafting
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure often done in conjunction with dental implants. If a patient does not have enough healthy jawbone to support an implant, bone grafting is performed to build up the bone and create a stable foundation.
The process includes:
- Removing bone from another area of the body or using synthetic bone material.
- The graft is placed in the jawbone to promote growth and healing.
- After several months, the bone graft fuses with the existing bone, allowing for successful implant placement.
Bone grafting is also used in cases where bone loss has occurred due to trauma, infection, or certain medical conditions.
7. Frenectomy
A frenectomy is a procedure to remove or alter the frenulum, a small fold of tissue that connects the lip or tongue to the gums. This surgery is typically performed to correct issues such as a tongue tie (restricted tongue movement) or lip tie (when the upper lip is tightly attached to the gum), which can interfere with speech or feeding.
The procedure involves:
- Local anesthesia to numb the area.
- Removing or reshaping the frenulum to allow for more mobility.
- Stitches to close the incision, though they may dissolve on their own.
Frenectomy is a simple and effective surgery that can improve speech, eating, and overall oral function.
8. Treatment for Oral Cancer
Oral cancer surgery is performed to remove tumors or abnormal tissue that may be cancerous or pre-cancerous. If diagnosed with oral cancer, surgery is often part of the treatment plan, alongside other therapies such as radiation or chemotherapy.
The surgical procedure involves:
- Removing cancerous tissue from the mouth, jaw, or throat.
- Reconstructive surgery may be required if large portions of tissue are removed, particularly from the tongue or gums.
- Lymph node removal may also be necessary to prevent the spread of cancer.
Oral cancer surgery is often followed by a recovery period of rest and rehabilitation, especially if reconstruction is involved.
Conclusion
Oral surgery plays an essential role in treating a variety of dental and facial issues. From removing problematic wisdom teeth to restoring missing teeth with implants or improving facial appearance with jaw surgery, these procedures can dramatically enhance both your oral health and overall quality of life. If you need any of the procedures mentioned above, it’s important to discuss the benefits and risks with a qualified oral surgeon who can guide you through the process and ensure the best outcomes for your health.