Oral surgery refers to a group of medical procedures performed on the mouth, teeth, gums and jaw to treat conditions that cannot be solved with normal dental treatments. These procedures are done by oral surgeons who are specially trained to handle complex issues like impacted teeth, jaw pain, facial injuries and oral infections. In simple words: Oral surgery helps fix serious dental and jaw problems safely and effectively. Oral Surgeon is Mouth & Jaw Specialist Doctor who Perfomed surgeries related to the jaw problems, impacted teeth and oral tumors (cancer) and many more.

Types of Oral Surgery

Oral surgery covers many procedures. Some of the most common types include:

1. Tooth Extraction

• Removal of damaged, decayed or problematic teeth.

• Often recommended when a tooth cannot be saved with filling or root canal.

2. Wisdom Tooth Removal

• Removal of the third molars that get stuck (impacted) or cause pain and swelling.

3. Dental Implants

• A titanium screw placed inside the jawbone to replace missing teeth.

• Acts as a strong foundation for crowns or artificial teeth.

4. Root Canal Surgery (Apicoectomy)

• Removes infection from the root tip of a tooth when normal root canal treatment is not enough.

5. Jaw Surgery

• Corrects jaw alignment, improves bite and helps with chewing or speaking problems.

6. Gum Surgery

• Treats gum infections, receding gums or periodontal disease.

7. Facial Injury Repair

• Fixes broken jawbones, teeth trauma or facial fractures.

8. Oral Cyst or Tumor Removal

• Removes abnormal growths inside the mouth to prevent complications.

What Conditions Are Treated with Oral Surgery?

Oral surgery is recommended for several dental and facial problems, such as:

• Severe tooth decay

• Impacted teeth (especially wisdom teeth)

• Jaw misalignment

• Tooth loss

• Gum disease

• Oral infections or abscesses

• Facial injuries

• Cysts, tumors or abnormal growths inside the mouth

• TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems

• Snoring or sleep apnea in some cases

If any condition affects your ability to chew, speak, smile or live without pain, an oral surgeon can help.

What’s the Difference Between Oral Surgery and Maxillofacial Surgery?

People often get confused between the two, but here is the simple difference:

Oral Surgery

• Focuses on mouth, teeth and gums.

• Includes dental extractions, implants and gum surgeries.

Maxillofacial Surgery

• Is a broader specialty.

• Covers the entire face, jaw, neck and skull.

• Treats facial trauma, jaw joint problems, fractures and complex facial surgeries.

In short:
All maxillofacial surgeons are oral surgeons, but not all oral surgeons perform maxillofacial procedures.

Risks and Benefits of Oral Surgery

Benefits

• Relief from pain and infection

• Improved chewing and speaking

• Better oral health

• Restored confidence with improved appearance

• Prevention of future dental problems

• Permanent solutions like implants

Risks

Like any medical procedure, oral surgery has some risks, including:

• Swelling

• Bleeding

• Pain or discomfort

• Temporary numbness

• Infection (rare when proper care is taken)

Oral surgeons take every precaution to ensure the procedure is safe and comfortable.

Symptoms That May Lead You to Need Oral Surgery

These symptoms usually indicate a dental or jaw problem that might require oral surgery:

1. Severe Tooth Pain

Deep, throbbing pain that does not go away even after taking painkillers.

2. Swelling in the Gums or Jaw

Inflammation or puffiness due to infection, impacted teeth or abscess.

3. Impacted Wisdom Teeth Symptoms

• Jaw stiffness

• Pain at the back of the mouth

• Difficulty opening mouth

• Swelling near the wisdom teeth area

4. Repeated Gum Infections

Red, swollen or bleeding gums that do not improve.

5. Difficulty Chewing or Biting

Misaligned jaw or damaged teeth can cause discomfort while eating.

6. Loose or Missing Teeth

May indicate an infection, trauma or the need for dental implants.

7. Jaw Pain or Clicking

Signs of TMJ (jaw joint) disorder that sometimes requires surgical correction.

8. Facial Injury Symptoms

• Broken tooth

• Fractured jaw

• Cuts inside the mouth

• Difficulty moving the jaw

9. Cysts or Lumps Inside the Mouth

Unusual growths that need surgical removal.

Symptoms After Oral Surgery (Normal Recovery Signs)

These are common and normal symptoms after oral surgery:

1. Mild to Moderate Pain

Most patients feel discomfort for 1–3 days.

2. Swelling

Cheeks or gums may swell for 24–72 hours.

3. Minor Bleeding

Light bleeding or oozing for a few hours after surgery.

4. Bruising

Slight bruising near the jaw or cheeks.

5. Jaw Stiffness

Difficulty fully opening the mouth for a few days.

6. Numbness

Temporary numbness if anesthesia was used (usually goes away soon).

7. Bad Taste or Mild Odor

Common during healing as the wound closes.

Symptoms That Are NOT Normal (Seek Medical Help)

If these symptoms occur, contact your surgeon immediately:

❌ Excessive bleeding

❌ High fever

❌ Severe pain that does not improve

❌ Pus or discharge

❌ Increasing swelling after 3 days

❌ Persistent numbness

❌ Difficulty breathing or swallowing

These may indicate infection or complications and need urgent attention.

What Is the Recovery Time After Oral Surgery?

Recovery depends on the type of surgery:

• Simple extraction: 1–3 days

• Wisdom tooth removal: 3–7 days

• Dental implants: Initial healing in 1–2 weeks; complete healing in 3–6 months

• Jaw surgery: 4–6 weeks

• Gum surgery: 1–2 weeks

During recovery, patients are usually asked to:

• Eat soft foods

• Avoid smoking and alcohol

• Take medicines as advised

• Maintain gentle oral hygiene

• Follow all after-care instructions

Healing is usually smooth when instructions are followed properly.

What Is the Most Common Oral Surgery?

The most common oral surgery is wisdom tooth extraction. This is because many people do not have enough space in their jaw, causing the wisdom teeth to stay stuck, grow sideways or cause swelling and pain. Timely removal prevents infections and future complications.

Book Your Oral Surgery Consultation in Today with ORL International Hospital

Oral surgery plays an essential role in treating complex dental and facial problems that cannot be managed with basic dental care. Whether it’s removing a damaged tooth, fixing jaw issues or restoring missing teeth, oral surgery ensures long-term comfort, function and oral health.

By understanding the types, benefits, risks and recovery process, patients can make confident and informed decisions about their treatment.

Oral surgery includes procedures that treat complex issues of the mouth, teeth, gums and jaw—such as wisdom tooth removal, dental implants, gum surgery and jaw corrections. These treatments help relieve pain, fix infections and restore oral function. While the most common procedure is wisdom tooth extraction, oral surgeons also handle facial injuries and cyst removal. Recovery varies from a few days to weeks, depending on the surgery, and proper after-care ensures smooth healing.