What is oral surgery?
It covers surgical procedures involving teeth, gums and jawbone: simple or more complex extractions, wisdom tooth removal, treatment of impacted teeth or small lesions.
An extraction is suggested when a tooth can't be treated or saved, or when it causes or may cause problems.
Who is it for?
People with a badly damaged tooth, or a wisdom tooth causing pain, infection or damage to neighbouring teeth. Not every wisdom tooth needs to come out: it depends on position, symptoms and X-rays.
- Teeth badly damaged by decay or fractures
- Wisdom teeth that push, hurt or keep getting inflamed
- Impacted teeth, still hidden under gum or bone
- Teeth to be removed before orthodontic or prosthetic treatment
How the procedure works
After the check-up and any needed X-rays, the dentist explains what she'll do. Usually:
- Local anaesthetic: you feel pressure during the procedure, but normally no pain
- The tooth is removed, with a small opening in the gum if needed
- The area is cleaned and stitches are placed if necessary
- You get instructions on what to do over the following days
Afterwards
Some light bleeding in the first hours is normal, and over the next days you may have some swelling and soreness, usually manageable with the medication the dentist suggests. Generally you will be advised to:
- Bite on gauze for a few minutes, as instructed
- Avoid vigorous rinsing and spitting in the first hours
- Eat soft, cool or lukewarm food on the first day
- Not smoke, and not touch the area with fingers or tongue
- Contact us if pain, fever or bleeding gets worse
When to come in
If you have wisdom tooth pain, swelling or a tooth that can't be treated, book a visit. Often an X-ray is enough to show whether treatment is needed and when.
Frequently asked questions
Does an extraction hurt?
With local anaesthetic you usually feel pressure but no pain. Some discomfort can follow for a few days.
Do wisdom teeth always have to come out?
No. It depends on their position, symptoms and possible damage to nearby teeth. The dentist will assess this with an X-ray.
Can I go back to work afterwards?
Often yes, but it depends on the procedure. For more complex cases it may be better to plan a day or two of rest.
Further reading (in Italian)
- Dente del giudizio: quando va estratto
- Mal di denti: cosa fare subito e quando chiamare il dentista
- Impianto dentale: come funziona, a chi serve, quanto dura
Other treatments
- Restorative dentistry
- Endodontics
- Cosmetic dentistry
- Preventive care
- Dental implants
- Orthodontics
- Pediatric dentistry
- Prosthodontics
- Teeth whitening
General information only: it does not replace a check-up. Only a dentist can assess your individual case.
Would you like a first visit?
Write to us: we will explain everything calmly.