Patients often refer to an oral surgeon as someone for “difficult” teeth. And there is a lot of truth in this. There are procedures that can be performed in a standard dental surgery, but there are also those where safety and a predictable result depend on the surgeon's experience and a good diagnosis. Usually, the matter comes up at the first consultation: a photo, a risk assessment and a decision as to whether we enter the subject calmly or whether we need oral surgery. No drama, but with a plan.
Who is an oral surgeon and how does he differ from a dental surgeon?
In everyday language, these terms often get mixed up. In the simplest terms, an oral surgeon deals with procedures in the oral cavity, jawbone and facial tissues, often in situations that are more złhere, traumatic or require advanced planning. An oral surgeon performs oral surgery, but the extent and degree of difficulty can vary depending on qualifications and experience.
For the patient, one thing matters above all: whether the procedure is simple and predictable or has a higher risk of complications (proximity to nerves, maxillary sinus, extensive inflammation, difficult anatomy). As the risk increases, so does the sense that a specialist in maxillofacial surgery should lead the way.
How do you recognise that a case is „surgical”?
Sometimes the patient knows straight away: an eighth is lying horizontally, half the face hurts, jawbone appears. But sometimes it is more subtle. From the outside, it looks like a simple dental problem, and things come out in the picture that change the plan.
Signals that surgical consultation is worth considering:
- retained or partially retained tooth (usually eights),
- recurrent inflammation in the tooth area, abscesses, fistulas,
- teeth „fused” to the bone, unusually shaped roots,
- proximity to a nerve or the maxillary sinus,
- the need for a bone procedure (exposure, resection, augmentation),
- implantology plan requiring substrate preparation.
There is no need to guess at it. It can be seen in the diagnostics.
When is an oral surgeon needed for tooth extraction?
More often than not, the topic comes up with eight. And rightly so.
The procedure may require an oral surgeon when:
- the tooth is retained (has not erupted) and lies in the bone,
- is laid horizontally or at an unusual angle,
- the roots are curved, branched or too close to the nerve,
- patient has recurrent inflammation, oedema, trismus,
- the tooth is partially covered by gum and continues to become infected,
- The risk of complications is higher than standard.
In such cases, it is all about precision, tissue control and minimising trauma. Good surgery often means shorter healing and less stress after surgery. Yes, it can be done calmly.
When is an oral surgeon indicated in implantology?
Implantology is not always about „screwing in an implant”. Sometimes the conditions have to be prepared first, especially when:
- dos1TP2It is for bone atrophy after extraction,
- deficiencies are perennial and the bone is narrow or low,
- The implant is to be placed close to the maxillary sinus,
- bone or tissue reconstruction is needed,
- the plan involves a larger reconstruction (several implants, extensive work).
The oral surgeon (or an experienced implant surgeon) is then there to:
- risk assessment based on diagnostic imaging,
- plan the treatment in stages,
- secure the tissues so that the prosthetics have a stable base.
At ODENT implantology is a strength of the facility, and the team includes experienced surgical and implant specialists. This is important, as many cases can be managed comprehensively without flipping the patient between surgeries.
When is an oral surgeon sometimes needed for root canal treatment?
In most cases, root canal treatment is carried out by an endodontist. But if an infection in the root area persists despite treatment or the problem involves the root apex, sometimes a surgical procedure such as a root canal is considered. apical root resection. This is a topic for surgery, especially when:
- the inflammatory lesion is chronic and does not resolve,
- the duct is obstructed and cannot be reworked,
- The root tip has an unusual anatomy,
- it is necessary to remove the bone lesion.
It's not about the superiority of one method, it's about matching the tool to the problem. Endodontics saves teeth. Surgery can too.
Bone lesions, cysts, fistulas - when is it no longer ordinary dentistry?
The patient often comes in with „I have a lump” or „something has burst”. And sometimes it's a cyst, sometimes it's chronic inflammation in the bone, sometimes it's a lesion that requires removal and histopathological examination.
Surgical consultation is indicated when:
- X-ray shows a clear periapical lesion or cyst,
- a purulent fistula appears, which returns despite treatment,
- The gum swells cyclically in the same place,
- you have a feeling of pressure in your bones or a „spreading” sensation.
These are situations where we don't want to treat the symptoms. We want to get to the cause.
Is an oral surgeon needed for dental and craniofacial injuries?
Here the answer is usually short: often yes. Injuries can look harmless and inside there is bone fracture, tooth displacement, soft tissue damage. If after the injury it appears:
- disorder of occlusion (teeth suddenly „do not fit”),
- pain in the temporomandibular joint,
- numbness of the lip or chin,
- difficulty in opening the mouth,
- suspected złamania or displacement,
This is not a subject to wait. In such cases, an oral surgeon may be the right person to diagnose and treat.
What is the qualification for surgery at ODENT?
First there is a diagnosis and a conversation. The patient needs to know:
- what exactly we are doing,
- why in this form,
- what the risks are and how we mitigate them,
- what the healing will look like.
The ODENT Medical Centre has a digital X-ray laboratory, which speeds up diagnosis and planning. The facility has fourteen modern surgeries and provides comprehensive dental care. The team includes, among others, surgical and implant specialists, as well as an endodontist and periodontist, which facilitates patient management in a „one plan - several competences” model.
ODENT is located in Warsaw at 85 Grzybowska St. Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8:00-21:00, Sat 8:00-15:00.
FAQ
Is an oral surgeon always better at removing eights than a dentist?
Not always „better”, but in difficult cases (bone retention, proximity to a nerve, unusual roots) surgical experience increases safety and predictability.
Does a procedure with an oral surgeon hurt?
During he should not, as anaesthesia is used. After the procedure, tenderness and swelling are possible and the severity depends on the extent of the work.
When is an oral surgeon needed for implants?
When conditions are more difficult: little bone, close to the maxillary sinus, need for bone reconstruction or extensive reconstruction plan.
Is root tip resection a surgical procedure?
Yes. It is considered when standard root canal treatment or retreatment does not resolve the problem in the root apex area.
Does a cyst in the bone always need to be operated on?
Not always, but many lesions require surgical assessment and a decision on removal and diagnosis. Imaging and a treatment plan are fundamental.
I have an abscess and swelling - is it a surgeon yet?
Often yes, because the abscess may require incision and drainage and causal treatment. It is worth reporting as soon as possible.
Do I need a referral to an oral surgeon?
It depends on the organisation of the facility and the type of service. The easiest way is to arrange a consultation - the doctor will assess and suggest further steps.
How to prepare for oral surgery?
The most important thing is to follow the doctor's instructions, report medications and chronic diseases and perform the recommended diagnostics. The rest is decided individually at the consultation.
