What is Oral Surgery?
Oral surgery is any surgical procedure in the mouth. Oral surgery can include implants, tooth extraction, apicectomy, gingivectomy and other treatments. These dental treatments are usually considered minor oral surgery and are performed with local anaesthetic. However sedation can be arranged if needed.
Oral surgery may be required if you have a disease, infection, injury or deformity that affects your teeth, jaw and mouth. An infected tooth can affect your general medical health. It is better not to have infection in the mouth or anywhere else in the body if this can be avoided, as untreated infections can lead to sepsis. Oral surgery is necessary if the issue is causing you pain or problems and cannot be resolved with routine dental care.
The Benefits of Oral Surgery
Helps to improve the overall health of your teeth and mouth
The removal of infection sources in the mouth is imperative to medical wellbeing These infection sources could be infected retained roots or uncleansable impacted teeth
Can restore proper jaw function helping you to speak and chew
Some procedures can enhance aesthetics
The Oral Surgery - Extraction Process
1
Following an examination and X-rays, the treatment plan will be outlined. We’ll ask you to consent to any treatments.
2
Local anaesthetic will be used and we’ll check it is working.
3
The tooth will be loosened and then removed.
4
Sometimes the gum will need to be cut and bone removed around the area to allow loosening - the dental practitioner will advise if this is needed.
5
Stitches and packing are sometimes placed to aid healing. Both are usually dissolvable.
6
Written and verbal instructions will be given and an out of hours contact too.
Types of Oral Surgery Procedures Available
The type of oral surgery procedures we offer include:
Extractions
Apicectomy
Gingivectomy
Reimplantation of avulsed teeth
Implants
Usually before dental surgery an X-ray will be taken of your mouth. We have a scanner at the practice for advanced treatment planning such as for implants and surgical wisdom tooth removal, so we can complete a treatment plan and explain thoroughly what is recommended.
Our Facial Aesthetics Practitioner
All facial aesthetics treatments are carried out by Dr Ailsa David, a medically accredited practitioner, ensuring safe, professional and high quality care tailored to you. Ailsa trained with Professor Brian Franks on his Medical Aesthetic Non-Surgical Interventions Training course in 2023. She holds certification for Botulinum Toxin Part 1 (for the upper face) and Dermal Fillers Parts I and II (for lower face and lip augmentation)
"I love carrying out facial aesthetics because small, carefully placed treatments can make a big difference to how someone feels about themselves. I really enjoy helping people feel more confident, refreshed, and like the best version of themselves.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Simple tooth extractions are the most common oral surgery procedures that we prescribe at Courtyard Dental Practice.
What are the most common oral surgery procedures?
It is best to be guided by your dental practitioner. Our expert dentists will advise whether you need oral surgery, including talking you through the benefits and risks.
How do I know when I need an oral surgery procedure?
Each procedure is very individual and each person is very different too. An average time frame for oral surgery is impossible to predict.
How long does oral surgery take?
You will feel pressure during an extraction - and sometimes an electric shock. You should not feel pain, we make sure the local anaesthetic has taken effect before performing any procedures. After your operation you should take regular painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen, if you are able to do so, for 3-4 days.
Will oral surgery hurt?
A small amount of blood is expected post-surgery and it goes a long way in saliva. The dental practitioner will ensure you are not bleeding when you leave the surgery. Otherwise we will give instructions and bite packs just in case. We have an on-call service out of hours for your comfort.
What happens if it bleeds afterwards?
Each person is very different and each procedure is different too. Your dental practitioner will be able to advise before the treatment as to what to expect after treatment including recovery times and aftercare.
What’s the average oral surgery recovery time?
You can eat and drink as normal both before and after the oral surgery procedure. It is important to be well fed and hydrated otherwise you may feel unwell.
Can I eat before and after oral surgery?
Yes there are risks with oral surgery, as there are with any type of surgery. These risks will be explained to you before treatment is embarked upon.
Are there any risks associated with oral surgery?
Care for the whole family
"I contacted Courtyard Dental Practice after years of deliberating teeth straightening with various other dentists. I inquired about Invisalign, and everything was explained so clearly."
Sonia Jandu
"The dentist Ailsa and Emily the nurse were really supportive and the appointment went really well."
Claire Treanor
"I went there today with my 5 years old for a check up and filling. They been great! Dr Freedman and Emily have been so friendly, professional and quick! "
Raquel Garcia Haro
"Alexia & her team are fantastic! I’m definitely a nervous patient but they were so great, a visit doesn’t make me nervous at all."
Suzi Ovens
"I just want you to know how much I appreciate you as a dentist - my wife has been terrified of the dentist for years.... now look at her! "
"Very happy with how professional Ailsa & Vicki was. Treatment was explained to me and I was made very comfortable."
"'I never thought a trip to the dentist could be something I would look forward to . Thank you all so much!"
"Thank you so much for the treatment this morning, my teeth feel much more comfortable. My visit to your practice was so reassuring I feel much more positive, "
"Lovely welcoming helpful staff and festive practice (its december) Dentist very knowledgeable and explained my treatment plan to me in a way that I can understand.!"
"I contacted Courtyard Dental Practice after years of deliberating teeth straightening with various other dentists. I inquired about Invisalign, and everything was explained so clearly."
Sonia Jandu
"The dentist Ailsa and Emily the nurse were really supportive and the appointment went really well."
Claire Treanor
"I went there today with my 5 years old for a check up and filling. They been great! Dr Freedman and Emily have been so friendly, professional and quick! "
Raquel Garcia Haro
"Alexia & her team are fantastic! I’m definitely a nervous patient but they were so great, a visit doesn’t make me nervous at all."
Suzi Ovens
"I just want you to know how much I appreciate you as a dentist - my wife has been terrified of the dentist for years.... now look at her! "
'Very happy with how professional Ailsa & Vicki was. Treatment was explained to me and I was made very comfortable.'
"I never thought a trip to the dentist could be something I would look forward to . Thank you all so much!"
'I love coming to the dentist because the staff are so friendly, smiley & kind"
"Dentist very knowledgeable and explained my treatment plan to me in a way that I can understand."
"Thank you so much for the treatment this morning, my teeth feel much more comfortable."
