When Is Oral Surgery Necessary?

Protecting Your Smile, Comfort, and Health

When you hear the term “oral surgery,” you might picture a complex procedure that requires a hospital visit or long recovery. But the truth is, oral surgery includes many routine treatments that dentists and specialists perform every day. At Comfort Dental, we offer a wide range of oral surgery services to help protect your teeth, improve your health, and relieve pain.

From extractions to implant placements, oral surgery plays a vital role in modern dental care. But how do you know if oral surgery is necessary in your case? The answer depends on your symptoms, your oral health goals, and what your dentist sees during your exam.

What Is Oral Surgery?

Oral surgery refers to any surgical procedure performed in or around your mouth and jaw. Some oral surgeries are simple and done under local anesthesia, while others may require sedation or general anesthesia. These procedures are typically used to correct problems that cannot be addressed with non-surgical treatments.

Oral surgery is commonly performed by dentists with advanced training, or by oral and maxillofacial surgeons. These professionals are specially qualified to treat complex dental conditions involving the teeth, gums, bones, or facial structure.

Common Types of Oral Surgery

While oral surgery might sound intimidating, many procedures fall under this category and are fairly straightforward. Some of the most common oral surgeries include:

Tooth extractions (including wisdom teeth)
Dental implant placement
Biopsies or treatment of oral pathology
Jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery)
Treatment for facial injuries or fractures
Surgical exposure of impacted teeth
Corrective surgery for TMJ disorders

Each of these procedures serves a specific purpose and is used when non-surgical options are no longer effective.

Signs That You May Need Oral Surgery

You may be wondering whether your symptoms require surgical care. Here are some signs that could indicate oral surgery is necessary:

Severe tooth pain caused by decay or infection that cannot be treated with a filling or root canal
Impacted wisdom teeth that are causing crowding, pain, or infection
Missing teeth that need to be replaced with dental implants
Swelling or abnormal tissue growths in the mouth
Difficulty chewing, speaking, or closing your mouth due to jaw misalignment
Facial trauma involving broken or displaced teeth or jawbones

If you’re experiencing any of these problems, your Comfort Dental provider will examine your teeth, gums, and jaw to determine whether oral surgery is appropriate.

Wisdom Teeth and Extractions

One of the most common reasons for oral surgery is the removal of wisdom teeth. These third molars often become impacted, meaning they don’t fully emerge from the gums or come in at an angle. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to pain, infection, or damage to nearby teeth. In addition to wisdom teeth, other severely damaged or infected teeth may need to be extracted surgically, especially if they are broken below the gumline or cannot be removed with standard tools.

Dental Implants and Bone Grafting

Oral surgery is also a key part of tooth replacement with dental implants. During implant placement, a small titanium post is surgically inserted into the jawbone to serve as an artificial tooth root. This allows for strong, long-lasting support for crowns, bridges, or dentures.

In cases where the jawbone has weakened or receded, bone grafting may also be necessary before the implant can be placed. Both procedures fall under the category of oral surgery and require careful planning and recovery.

Oral Pathology and Biopsies

Changes in the soft tissues of your mouth — such as persistent sores, lumps, or discoloration — can sometimes be signs of a more serious problem. Oral surgeons are trained to identify these changes and may recommend a biopsy to determine if the tissue is benign or cancerous. Early detection and treatment are crucial. If your dentist notices anything unusual during an exam, they may refer you to an oral surgeon for evaluation and possible surgical intervention.

Jaw Surgery and TMJ Treatment

Some patients suffer from misaligned jaws or issues with their temporomandibular joints (TMJ). When conservative treatments don’t provide relief, oral surgery may be needed to reposition the jaw or repair damaged joint structures. Corrective jaw surgery can improve chewing, speech, and facial symmetry, while also reducing chronic pain or discomfort in the jaw joints.

What to Expect from Oral Surgery

Most oral surgery procedures are performed in-office using local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the treatment. Your provider will review the procedure with you beforehand and provide detailed instructions for pre- and post-operative care.

Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery. For example, wisdom tooth removal usually requires a few days of rest, while dental implant healing may take several weeks. Your Comfort Dental team will guide you through the recovery process to ensure proper healing and the best possible outcome.

Don’t Delay Treatment

If your dentist recommends oral surgery, it’s often because the issue cannot be resolved with simpler treatment. Delaying needed surgery can lead to complications, including infections, bone loss, or permanent damage to nearby teeth. At Comfort Dental, we take the time to fully explain your condition and treatment options so you can make an informed decision. Your comfort and health are always our top priorities.