Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (Including Wisdom Teeth)

What Is Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery?

Oral and maxillofacial surgery is the field of dentistry that treats conditions of the teeth, jawbones and the soft tissues of the mouth using surgical techniques. It covers a wide range of procedures, from routine extractions and impacted wisdom tooth operations to cyst removal, root-tip surgery and bone preparation before dental implants.

At ADEN Dental in Çukurambar, Ankara, surgical procedures are carried out under sterile conditions and in line with current dental protocols. Because every patient presents a different clinical picture, the treatment plan is always determined through a clinical examination by the dentist.

Wisdom Teeth: Why Do They Cause Problems?

Wisdom teeth are the third molars, which usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 25 and are the last teeth to take their place in the mouth. When the jaw does not offer enough space, they may remain fully or partially impacted within the bone or gum tissue.

Impacted or poorly positioned wisdom teeth can lead to pain, recurring gum inflammation, decay in the neighbouring molar and a feeling of pressure caused by crowding. Impacted teeth that cause no symptoms and do not harm the surrounding tissues, however, can often simply be monitored at regular check-ups; not every wisdom tooth needs to be removed.

Which Conditions Are Treated Surgically?

The procedures most frequently performed within oral surgery include:

Which procedure is appropriate is decided after a clinical examination and radiographic imaging, such as a panoramic X-ray and, where necessary, three-dimensional tomography. Imaging clearly shows the relationship of the tooth to structures such as nerves and the sinuses.

• Removal of fully or partially impacted wisdom teeth
• Complicated extractions of broken, severely damaged or curved-rooted teeth
• Removal of cysts and similar lesions within the jawbone
• Apical resection (root-tip surgery) for persistent infections at the root end
• Bone grafting and sinus lifting to prepare the jaw for dental implants
• Correction of lip and tongue ties (frenectomy)

How Is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth Removed?

The area is first numbed with local anaesthesia, so no pain is expected during the operation itself; only a sensation of pressure may be felt. A small opening is made in the gum and, if required, the thin layer of bone covering the tooth is removed.

Depending on its position, the tooth is taken out in one piece or divided and removed in sections. The duration varies with the position of the tooth and the shape of its roots, but most operations are completed within 20 to 60 minutes. The site is then closed with sutures, which are removed after about a week or dissolve on their own.

The Treatment Process at ADEN Dental

The process begins with a detailed oral examination and imaging. The dentist assesses the position of the tooth, its relationship to nearby anatomical structures such as nerves and the sinuses, and reviews the patient's general health history and current medication.

During the planning stage, the scope of the procedure, the type of anaesthesia and possible risks are explained openly, and the patient's questions are answered before treatment goes ahead.

Once the procedure is completed, written and verbal aftercare instructions are provided. A follow-up appointment is scheduled to assess healing and remove sutures if needed, and the follow-up period is extended when the dentist considers it necessary.

Aftercare and Recovery

The gauze pad placed on the surgical site should be held in place with gentle biting pressure for about 30 to 40 minutes. Spitting and rinsing should be avoided for the first 24 hours, and applying a cold compress from the outside at intervals on the first day helps limit swelling and protect the blood clot in the wound.

Soft, lukewarm foods are recommended for the first few days; hot, hard and grainy foods should be avoided. Smoking and alcohol can delay healing and should be avoided for at least 48 to 72 hours, and drinking through a straw is discouraged because it can dislodge the clot.

Prescribed medication should be taken exactly as directed. Increasing pain, bleeding that does not stop or fever are reasons to contact the clinic. Soft-tissue healing is largely complete within one to two weeks, while full healing of the bone can take several months.

What Should Be Considered Before Oral Surgery?

Uncontrolled diabetes, blood-thinning medication, a history of chemotherapy or radiotherapy and drugs used to treat osteoporosis (bisphosphonates) directly influence surgical planning. It is therefore important to share your full medical history and a complete list of your medication during the examination.

During pregnancy, non-urgent surgical procedures are postponed until after the birth where possible; when treatment cannot wait, the dentist coordinates the most suitable timing together with the patient's obstetrician.