At the Southgate Dental Centre, minor oral
surgery under local anaesthesia is performed in a dedicated
operating theatre.
Routine minor oral surgical procedures include:
- Placement of NobelBiocare implants, and Teeth-in-1-Hour
procedures
- Gingival contouring and shaping by laser
- Removal of pigmented growths by laser
- Removal of impacted third molars (wisdom teeth)
- Removal of retained roots
- Removal of flabby gingival tissue by laser (prior to
prosthetics)
- Exposure/removal of impacted canine teeth
- Removal of jaw cysts
- Apicectomy
- Periodontal surgery
- Laser surgery
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One of the most common surgical procedures is the
removal of impacted wisdom teeth. The wisdom teeth
are the last molars to
come through, right at the back of the jaws. They usually appear
between the ages of 17 and 25.
Impacted wisdom teeth may lead to repeated soreness and swelling
in the gum still covering the tooth. Sometimes this leads to
severe pain, especially on eating, and also difficulty in swallowing.
Severe cases can lead to infection, with facial swelling, inability
to open the mouth, and fever.
For mild cases, a mouthwash of medium hot water with a teaspoonful
of salt will help to reduce gum soreness and inflammation. An
antibacterial mouthwash can also reduce inflammation. Pain-relieving
tablets such as paracetamol can be used. However, if the pain
persists, or it is difficult to open the mouth, it is best to
consult the dentist. The dentist will usually take a panoramic
radiograph to see the position of the tooth and assess whether
there is enough room for the tooth to come through. An antibiotic
may also be prescribed.
When it is clear that the wisdom teeth will not be able to come
through because there is not enough room, or when there is dental
decay, then it would be advisable to remove them surgically.
Wisdom teeth vary in the difficulty of removing them, depending mainly on the
position and shape of the roots. Very occasionally, there is a possibility
of some numbness of the lip after the removal of a lower tooth – the
risk of this happening can be assessed from the pre-operative radiograph.
The actual surgical procedure usually lasts for 15 to 20 minutes
under local anaesthetic. Usually 2 or 3 stitches are inserted
to aid healing.
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The amount of discomfort post-operatively will depend
on how easy the removal of the tooth was. There is usually
some swelling and discomfort for a few days afterwards.
Usual pain-killers will deal with any pain, and antibiotics
are given to control any infection. It is best to stay
fairly quite and relaxed for 24 hours to make sure there
are no bleeding problems. An extra pillow at night will
minimize swelling. After 1 week, the dentist will probably
want to see you again a week later to check on the healing
and remove any stitches.
The major providers of health care insurances usually
provide cover for minor oral surgical procedures, including
the removal of impacted wisdom teeth.
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