Oral, Dental & Maxillofacial Surgery

A tooth extraction is generally considered a last-resort treatment in dentistry. Performed to preserve oral health and resolve intraoral problems, extraction can become necessary in certain situations. In this article you will find everything you need to know about the extraction process and aftercare. What is a Tooth Extraction? A tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from the jawbone. This procedure is performed when a tooth is irreversibly damaged, or when severe infection, decay, periodontal disease or other oral health problems occur. Extraction is an important step to protect oral health and prevent more serious complications. Who Needs a Tooth Extraction? Tooth extraction may be recommended in the following situations: Severe tooth decay: Teeth that are extensively decayed and cannot be saved. Periodontal disease: Teeth that have lost supporting structures due to advanced gum disease. Fractured or damaged teeth: Teeth broken or damaged beyond repair. Infections: Severe infections or abscesses at the root. Crowding: To create space for orthodontic treatment. Impacted teeth: Teeth that cannot erupt properly and cause problems. Tooth Extraction Procedure Examination and Assessment: The first step is a clinical examination and assessment with your dentist. Your dentist will determine whether extraction is necessary and explain the procedure. Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is applied so you do not feel pain during the extraction. This numbs the tooth and surrounding tissues. Tooth Removal: The dentist carefully removes the tooth from the jawbone. Modern techniques are used to minimize trauma to the gum and surrounding tissues. Bleeding Control and Care: After extraction, sterile gauze is used to control bleeding. Your dentist will provide post-operative care instructions. Aftercare Following Extraction To promote healing and reduce the risk of infection after extraction, pay attention to the following: Bleeding control: Bite gently on the provided gauze for 30–45 minutes to help stop bleeding. Pain management: Use painkillers recommended by your dentist and apply cold compresses if needed. Eating and drinking: Avoid hot foods and beverages for the first 24 hours; choose soft and cool foods. Oral hygiene: Avoid rinsing vigorously during the first 24 hours. Brush gently and avoid disturbing the extraction site. Suture care: If sutures were placed, follow care instructions and attend the follow-up appointment for suture removal. Possible Complications Extraction is generally safe, but complications can occur: Dry socket (alveolitis): Loss of the blood clot at the extraction site causing delayed healing. Infection: Risk of infection at the extraction site. Nerve injury: Possible nerve damage, particularly with lower teeth. Following your dentist’s instructions and attending follow-up visits reduces the risk of complications. Alternatives After Extraction To replace the tooth and restore function and aesthetics, several options are available: Dental implants: A long-lasting solution to fill extraction spaces. Bridges: Fixed prosthetic restorations that replace missing teeth. Dentures: Removable or fixed prostheses to rehabilitate missing teeth. Tooth extraction is an important treatment for maintaining oral health. If you are experiencing severe dental problems or pain, contact your dentist to discuss whether extraction is necessary.

Wisdom teeth (third molars) typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. Like other teeth, wisdom teeth play a role in oral function, but they often need extraction due to crowding, gum infections, or improper positioning. In this article you will find everything you need to know about the extraction process and aftercare for wisdom teeth. What are Wisdom Teeth? Wisdom teeth are the third molars located at the very back of the mouth. Most people have four wisdom teeth — two upper and two lower. While they can contribute to chewing, they frequently cause problems because of lack of space in the jaw. Who Needs Wisdom Tooth Extraction? Extraction of wisdom teeth may be necessary in the following situations: Lack of space: When the jaw does not have enough room, wisdom teeth can push adjacent teeth and cause crowding. Impacted teeth: Teeth that are fully or partially trapped in the jawbone may cause pain and infections. Gum infections: Infections around wisdom teeth can lead to swelling, pain and abscess formation. Caries: Due to their position, wisdom teeth may be difficult to clean and become decayed. Oral hygiene problems: Hard-to-reach wisdom teeth can negatively affect overall oral hygiene. Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure Examination and Assessment: Your dentist will take X-rays to evaluate the position and condition of your wisdom teeth and decide whether extraction is necessary. Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is applied so you do not feel pain during the procedure. In some cases — especially when multiple wisdom teeth are removed — sedation or general anesthesia may be used. Extraction: The dentist carefully removes the tooth from the jaw. For impacted teeth, the gum and sometimes bone around the tooth are opened to allow safe removal. Modern techniques minimize trauma to surrounding tissues. Bleeding Control and Sutures: Sterile gauze is placed to control bleeding; sutures may be applied if deemed necessary. Aftercare Following Wisdom Tooth Extraction To support healing and reduce infection risk after extraction, observe the following: Bleeding control: Bite gently on the provided gauze for 30–45 minutes to help stop bleeding. Pain management: Use painkillers prescribed or recommended by your dentist and apply cold compresses when needed. Food & drink: Avoid hot foods and beverages for the first 24 hours; prefer soft and cool foods. Oral hygiene: Avoid vigorous rinsing during the first 24 hours. Brush carefully and avoid disturbing the extraction site. Suture care: If sutures were placed, follow care instructions and attend the appointment for suture removal. Possible Complications Wisdom tooth extraction is generally safe, but complications may occur: Dry socket (alveolitis): Displacement or loss of the blood clot at the extraction site leading to delayed healing. Infection: Risk of postoperative infection at the site. Nerve injury: Possible nerve damage, especially with lower wisdom teeth. Following your dentist’s instructions and attending follow-ups reduces the risk of complications. Alternatives After Extraction Usually it is not necessary to fill the space after wisdom tooth removal; however, maintain regular dental care and check-ups to preserve oral health. Your dentist will give you guidance on the healing process and post-operative care. Wisdom tooth extraction is an important treatment to protect oral health and prevent more serious problems. If you experience pain or discomfort related to your wisdom teeth, contact your dentist to discuss extraction options.

Cysts that develop in the mouth and jaw area can lead to serious health problems over time. Early diagnosis and treatment are therefore important. Cyst surgeries are surgical procedures in dentistry that enable safe and effective removal of cysts. Below you will find everything you need to know about the cyst operation process and aftercare. What is a cyst? Cysts are fluid- or semi-solid-filled sacs that can form in the oral and jaw regions. Although often benign, when they enlarge they can press on surrounding tissues causing pain and discomfort. Untreated cysts also carry a risk of infection and can damage tooth roots, jaw bones or other oral structures. Who is a candidate for cyst surgery? Cyst surgery may be indicated in the following situations: Periapical (root) cysts: Cysts that form around tooth roots and can damage adjacent tissues. Jaw cysts: Cysts within the jaw bone that may grow and cause pain or deformity. Infected cysts: Cysts that are inflamed or secondarily infected. Enlarging cysts: Lesions that increase in size and exert pressure on nearby structures. Undetermined masses: Lesions of uncertain nature that require surgical removal for diagnosis and treatment. How is cyst surgery performed? Examination & imaging: The first step is a clinical exam and imaging (X-ray, CBCT, etc.) to determine the cyst’s location, size and type. Treatment planning: Based on the cyst type and position, the dentist/ surgeon prepares a tailored treatment plan aimed at complete removal while protecting adjacent tissues. Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is given for pain control. In some cases, sedation or general anesthesia may be used. Surgical removal: The surgeon removes the cyst and, if necessary, any adjacent infected tissue. Modern surgical techniques are used to minimize trauma to surrounding structures. Sutures & hemostasis: After removal, the site is sutured and bleeding is controlled. Post-operative care instructions are provided. Aftercare — what to watch for To speed healing and reduce infection risk after cyst surgery: Pain control: Use prescribed pain relievers and apply cold packs as needed. Diet: Avoid hot foods and drinks for the first few days; prefer soft, cool foods. Oral hygiene: Avoid vigorous rinsing during the first 24 hours; brush gently and avoid disturbing the surgical site. Suture care: Follow instructions if sutures were placed and attend the appointment for stitch removal. Infection signs: Contact your dentist promptly if you have fever, excessive pain or swelling, or other signs of infection. Benefits of cyst surgery Reduces health risks: Surgical removal minimizes risks of infection and further complications. Relieves pain and discomfort: Eliminates the pressure and symptoms caused by the cyst. Preserves oral structures: Surgery is planned to remove the lesion while protecting surrounding tissues. Promotes faster recovery: Modern techniques support a smoother healing process. Cyst surgery is an effective and safe treatment to protect oral and jaw health. If you suspect a cyst or notice an unusual swelling in your mouth, contact your dentist for evaluation and treatment.

Apical Resection Overview Root infections and inflammations can seriously threaten dental health. When these problems are difficult to resolve with conventional methods such as root canal treatment, an apical resection operation is an effective solution. In this article you will find everything you need to know about the apical resection procedure and the postoperative period. What is Apical Resection? Apical resection is the surgical removal of infected or inflamed tissue at the tip of a tooth root. This method is typically used when root canal treatment is insufficient, aiming to save the tooth and preserve its health. Apical resection supports healing of the surrounding bone and prevents spread of infection. Who is a Candidate? Apical resection may be indicated in the following situations: Failed root canal treatment with persistent infection. A cyst or granuloma at the root apex. Root-tip fractures. Persistent inflammation and infection at the root end. Anatomical obstacles preventing complete cleaning of the root apex during root canal therapy. Procedure Examination & Assessment: The first step is an examination and assessment with your dentist or endodontist. Imaging (radiographs and other modalities) is used to determine the extent and location of the infected area. Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered so you do not feel pain during the procedure. Surgical Intervention: A small incision is made in the gum to access the root. The infected root apex and surrounding inflamed tissue are carefully removed. The root tip is usually resected by a few millimetres and the root canal area is cleaned. Filling & Sealing: After removal of the root tip, the root canal is filled and sealed to prevent recurrence of infection. The gum incision is sutured closed. Bleeding Control & Care: Sterile gauze is used to control bleeding and support healing. Your dentist will provide postoperative care instructions. Postoperative Instructions To speed recovery and reduce infection risk after apical resection: Pain management: Use painkillers recommended by your dentist and apply cold compresses if necessary. Eating & drinking: Avoid hot foods and beverages for the first few days; consume soft, cool foods. Oral hygiene: Avoid vigorous rinsing for the first 24 hours. Brush gently and take care not to disturb the surgical area. Suture care: If sutures were placed, follow care instructions and attend the appointment for their removal. Infection signs: Contact your dentist immediately if you experience fever, severe pain or swelling. Advantages Elimination of infection: Surgical removal of infected tissue prevents spread of infection. Tooth preservation: Enables saving the tooth without extraction so it can continue functioning healthily. Rapid recovery: Modern surgical techniques provide a fast and smooth healing process. Functional and aesthetic preservation: Protects the tooth’s function and appearance. Apical resection is an effective and reliable treatment for root infections. If you have persistent infection or inflammation around your tooth roots, consult your dentist about apical resection.