Minor Oral Surgery

Common Minor Oral Surgery Procedures We Perform

• Impacted Tooth Removal: Extraction of teeth (often wisdom teeth) that are trapped beneath the gum or bone.
• Surgical Tooth Extraction: Removal of broken or decayed teeth that cannot be extracted with a simple technique.
• Apicoectomy: A surgical root-end procedure performed when root canal treatment alone isn’t enough.
• Frenectomy: Surgical removal or reshaping of a frenum (e.g., tongue-tie or lip-tie).
• Biopsy of Oral Lesions: Sampling of abnormal tissue in the mouth for further examination.
• Exposure of Impacted Teeth: Often done to help guide impacted canines into proper position as part of orthodontic treatment.

When Is Oral Surgery Needed?

You may require minor oral surgery if you experience any of the following:

• Impacted or partially erupted teeth
• Persistent tooth or jaw pain
• Infected or severely damaged teeth
• Soft tissue abnormalities (lumps, cysts, lesions)
• Orthodontic treatment requiring surgical exposure of teeth
• Speech, feeding, or aesthetic issues related to tongue/lip ties

What to Expect During a Minor Oral Surgery Appointment

1. Consultation & Diagnosis: We assess your symptoms and review imaging (X-rays, scans) to plan the procedure.
2. Local Anesthesia: The area is completely numbed for a pain-free experience. Sedation options may also be discussed for nervous patients.
3. Surgical Procedure: The treatment is performed with precision and care, usually completed within 30–90 minutes depending on complexity.
4. Post-Operative Care: We provide full recovery instructions and schedule any necessary follow-ups to monitor healing.

Post-Surgical Instructions: Minor Oral Surgery

1. Bleeding Control

• Bite firmly on the provided gauze pad for 30–45 minutes. Replace only if bleeding persists.
• Slight oozing or blood-tinged saliva is normal for the first 24 hours.
• Avoid vigorous spitting, rinsing, or using straws during the first day.

2. Swelling & Discomfort

• Apply an ice pack to the outside of the surgical site (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) for the first 24 hours.
• Swelling typically peaks within 48–72 hours and resolves within a week.
• Mild bruising may appear—this is normal.

3. Pain Management

• Take prescribed or over-the-counter painkillers as directed.
• Start medication before anesthesia wears off for smoother pain control.

4. Oral Hygiene

• Do not rinse your mouth on the day of surgery.
• From the next day, rinse gently with warm salt water 3–4 times daily.
• Avoid brushing directly on or near the surgical site for 2–3 days.
• Resume normal brushing and flossing elsewhere as tolerated.

5. Diet Guidelines

• Stick to soft, cool foods for the first 1–2 days (e.g., yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies).
• Avoid spicy, crunchy, or hard foods.
• Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid alcohol, carbonated drinks, and hot beverages for 48 hours.

6. Activity

• Rest the day of the surgery.
• Avoid vigorous physical activity or exercise for 48–72 hours.

7. Smoking & Alcohol

• Do not smoke or vape for at least 72 hours—it delays healing and increases infection risk.
• Avoid alcohol while taking painkillers or antibiotics.

8. Stitches (If Present)

• If non-dissolvable stitches were placed, a follow-up appointment will be needed for removal.
• Dissolvable stitches will typically fall out in 5–10 days.

9. Call the Clinic If You Notice:

• Persistent or heavy bleeding after 6 hours.
• Increased swelling after 3 days.
• Fever above 101°F (38.5°C).
• Signs of infection (pus, foul taste, excessive pain).
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing.

Compassionate Surgical Care in a Comfortable Setting

We understand that surgery can feel intimidating, which is why we focus on comfort, communication, and safety at every step. Whether it’s a wisdom tooth removal or soft tissue surgery, we’ll make sure you feel at ease before, during, and after the procedure.

Book a consultation today to learn more about our minor oral surgery services and how we can help you achieve better oral health with confidence.