Oral surgery
Oral surgery is a branch of dentistry that encompasses all surgical procedures in the oral cavity.
An oral surgeon – a dental specialist with the appropriate training – performs procedures such as tooth extractions, wisdom tooth surgery and implantations. Root tip resection and bone augmentation prior to dental implant treatment are also part of the field of oral surgery.
Oral surgery may be necessary to perform more complex treatments that go beyond routine dental care. These procedures are planned with particular care at our dental practice in Zurich. We offer special concepts for anxious patients to guarantee anxiety-free and painless treatment.
One of our dentists will be happy to advise you personally if you are planning oral surgery or would like non-binding information on the subject of oral surgery.
How does oral surgery work?
Oral surgery is usually part of a more extensive treatment, so the dentist already has all the documents relating to your dental situation.
The operation is carefully planned using X-rays, 3D scans and data from your medical history. Your dentist will also discuss possible forms of anaesthesia with you. In most cases, local anaesthesia is sufficient unless you prefer a deeper anaesthesia.
Oral surgery procedures are performed in accordance with strict hygiene standards. The exact procedure varies depending on the type of treatment. The dentist often has to open the gum to gain access to the tooth root or jawbone. After the treatment, the surgical area is carefully cleaned and the gum is sutured back together.
Your dentist will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for the area after the procedure. If sutures have been placed, they will usually be removed about a week after the treatment. The dentist will carry out the first follow-up check and discuss with you whether the wound is healing as expected.
What are the risks associated with oral surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, complications such as wound healing disorders, post-operative bleeding or infections may occur after oral surgery.
Another risk is damage to nerves, as the mouth is criss-crossed by a large number of nerves. However, most oral surgery procedures are routine procedures that the oral surgeon performs regularly and are therefore low-risk.
Depending on the type of treatment, there may be specific risks that your dentist will explain to you separately. For treatment under general anaesthesia, the general risks associated with anaesthesia also apply.
In the event of unexpected symptoms, your specialist dentist for oral surgery in Zurich is also available for you outside of normal opening hours.
Oral surgery aftercare: what should you bear in mind?
After oral surgery, it is important that you use all medication and mouthwashes prescribed by your dentist as directed.
You should also maintain thorough oral hygiene to prevent infection of the wound area. Your doctor will usually recommend that you avoid brushing the wound area for the first few days. After that, you can clean it carefully with a soft toothbrush. Avoid rinsing vigorously at first.
To help the swelling go down quickly, you can cool the treatment area from the outside with a cold pack or ice pack. If you experience any discomfort, take the prescribed painkillers and avoid physical exertion.
In the days following your dental surgery, you should avoid hard foods, very hot foods and spicy foods. Do not eat anything while the anaesthetic is still working, as you could accidentally injure yourself.
What treatments does oral surgery involve?
Oral surgery is always used when major treatment is required that goes beyond normal dental treatment.
This includes, for example, tooth extractions, root tip resection, the placement of dental implants or bone augmentation treatment prior to implantation. However, oral surgeons also perform procedures on the gums, such as aesthetic gum corrections and corrections to the lip or tongue frenulum.
Is oral surgery painful?
As with all treatments, we place great importance on pain-free procedures in our dental practice, including oral surgery. Oral surgery is therefore performed under local anaesthetic. For more extensive procedures or if you suffer from dental anxiety, sedation or general anaesthetic may also be recommended.
After the treatment, you may experience temporary pain, for which you will be prescribed painkillers.
Dental prosthesis after oral surgery: what are the options?
Your dentist will discuss with you in advance of your treatment what options are available, for example after a tooth extraction. From dental implants to customised bridges and crowns, we can offer you a tailor-made solution for every situation. Metal-free, all-ceramic dentures are also possible in many cases. One of our dentists will be happy to advise you in detail on oral surgery and dentures.