Oral surgery is a specialized branch of dentistry that involves the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects in the mouth, teeth, jaws, and face. Common procedures include wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, jaw surgery, and biopsies of oral lesions.

Some of the most common oral surgeries include:

• Tooth extractions (especially wisdom teeth)
• Dental implants to replace missing teeth
• Jaw surgery to correct bite problems or misalignment
• Bone grafts to rebuild jawbone for implants
• Biopsies or removal of oral lesions for testing

The recovery time for oral surgery varies depending on the type of procedure performed. Simple extractions may only require a few days of recovery, while more complex surgeries like jaw realignment or bone grafting may take several weeks. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions to guide your recovery.

Oral surgery is a precise and highly structured process, and understanding what to expect can help ease any anxiety and ensure you are well-prepared. The exact experience will vary based on the type of surgery you are having, but here is a general overview of what you can expect before, during, and immediately after the procedure:

1. Pre-Operative Preparation

Before your surgery, you will have a consultation with the oral surgeon. During this appointment, they will explain the procedure, discuss your medical history, and answer any questions you may have. If the surgery requires general anesthesia or sedation, you will likely be instructed not to eat or drink for 6 to 8 hours before the procedure. For surgeries done under local anesthesia, the preparation is usually simpler, and you may not have the same fasting requirements.

You should arrange for transportation to and from the surgery if you are undergoing sedation or general anesthesia, as you won’t be able to drive afterward.

2. Anesthesia

One of the most important parts of oral surgery is pain management. Depending on the complexity of the procedure and your comfort level, you may receive one of the following types of anesthesia:

• Local Anesthesia: Numbs the specific area where the surgery will occur, allowing you to remain fully conscious but pain-free.
• Sedation: Can range from mild (where you’re relaxed but awake) to deep (where you’re semi-conscious and may not remember much of the procedure). It is typically administered through an IV.
• General Anesthesia: Puts you completely to sleep, which is generally used for more invasive surgeries like jaw reconstruction or multiple extractions.

Your oral surgeon will choose the appropriate method based on your procedure and overall health.

3. The Procedure

Once you are properly anesthetized, the oral surgeon will begin the procedure. The length of the surgery depends on the type and complexity. Simple tooth extractions may take 30 minutes or less, while more involved surgeries like dental implant placement or jaw realignment could take several hours. During the surgery, you will not feel pain, although you may be aware of pressure or movement in the case of local anesthesia.

For surgeries like wisdom teeth removal, the surgeon may need to make incisions in the gums and remove bone to access the teeth. For dental implants, a titanium post is placed into the jawbone, which will eventually fuse with the bone to serve as a tooth root replacement.

4. Post-Surgery Monitoring

Once the surgery is complete, you will be moved to a recovery area where your vitals will be monitored as the anesthesia or sedation wears off. If you were under general anesthesia or deep sedation, expect to feel groggy or disoriented for a while.

During this phase, your oral surgeon or their team will provide post-operative care instructions, which may include:

• Managing pain with prescribed or over-the-counter medications
• Using cold compresses to reduce swelling
• Modifying your diet to include soft foods for several days
• Avoiding smoking, spitting, or using a straw, which can disrupt healing
• Gently rinsing your mouth with a saltwater solution after 24 hours

They will also schedule follow-up appointments to check your healing progress.

5. Immediate Aftercare

Once you’re cleared to leave, you’ll either be driven home by a friend or family member or, in the case of minor procedures under local anesthesia, you can leave on your own. Your mouth may still be numb for a few hours, so eating and drinking should be done cautiously to avoid biting your tongue or cheek. Most patients experience some degree of swelling, discomfort, or mild bleeding for the first few days, which should gradually subside.

If you follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully and maintain good oral hygiene, you can expect to recover smoothly.

If you are undergoing oral surgery with sedation or general anesthesia, you will typically be asked to avoid eating or drinking for at least 6-8 hours before the procedure. For surgeries with local anesthesia only, there may be fewer restrictions. Your surgeon will give you detailed instructions.