Tooth Extraction and Minor Oral Surgery

Tooth extraction and minor oral surgery are common dental procedures that are often necessary to address a variety of dental issues. While the thought of dental surgery can be intimidating, understanding what to expect before, during, and after the procedure can help to ease any anxieties and ensure a smooth recovery.

 

Simple Tooth Extraction

Simple tooth extraction is a dental procedure in which a tooth is removed from the mouth with minimal trauma and without the need for extensive surgical procedures. It is typically performed under local anesthesia by a dentist or oral surgeon.

 

Minor Oral Surgery (MOS)

Minor oral surgery refers to surgical procedures that are performed in the oral cavity (mouth) and are generally simpler and less invasive than major oral surgeries. A common example of minor oral surgery is the extraction of an impacted wisdom tooth.


These procedures are generally performed under local anesthesia, and patients can usually go home the same day. Recovery time varies depending on the procedure, but most patients can resume normal activities within a few days to a week.


While minor oral surgery is generally safe and effective, there are risks associated with any surgical procedure, including bleeding, infection, and damage to surrounding tissue. Patients should discuss the risks and benefits of any surgical procedure with their dentists before undergoing treatment.

 

Tooth Extraction Aftercare

  • Please keep the gauze with some pressure for 0.5 to 1 hour after the extraction
  • If bleeding persists after removing the gauze, replace it with a new piece of gauze for another 1 hour until it stops
  • Take medications as directed
  • Avoid rinsing your mouth or spitting vigorously in the coming 3 days to prevent the blood clot from dislodging
  • Avoid brushing directly over your extraction site 2 to 3 days after extraction
  • Avoid licking the wound
  • Do not eat any solid food if the effect of anesthesia persists
  • Avoid hot, stimulating, crunchy, hard or tough foods
  • Avoid using straws and smoking

Should you have any enquiries, please contact us at 2889 5633 (Mei Foo) or 2889 7108 (Yau Ma Tei) .

 

Q&A

  • Severe tooth decay
  • Severe periodontal disease leading to loose teeth
  • Unrepairable tooth fracture
  • Requirements for a tooth straightening plan
  • Impacted wisdom teeth causing adjacent tooth decay or periodontal disease
  • Extraction of remaining tooth roots

In most cases, the extraction site will heal within a week or two, and any discomfort and swelling should subside. In some cases, your dentist or oral surgeon will schedule a follow-up appointment to check on your progress and ensure that the healing process is going smoothly.

  1. The shape and number of tooth roots
  2. Whether the teeth are impacted
  3. Tooth position
  4. Remaining crown proportion
  5. Elasticity of the alveolar bone