Common Reasons You Might Need Oral Surgery
October 28, 2025
What Is Oral Surgery?
Common Reasons for Oral Surgery
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth: One of the most well-known oral surgeries is wisdom tooth removal. If these back molars become impacted, meaning they do not fully erupt or grow at an angle, they can cause pain, infection, or damage to nearby teeth. In many cases, they are removed preventively, even if no immediate symptoms are present, to preserve your oral health.
- Dental Implants: If you’ve lost a tooth due to injury, decay, or disease, a dental implant may be an option for long-term replacement. This surgical procedure involves placing a titanium post into the jawbone, which acts as an artificial root for a crown or bridge. Implants help preserve your jaw bone and restore both appearance and function.
- Tooth Extractions: Not all extractions are simple. Severely decayed, broken, or infected teeth may require surgical removal, especially if the roots are fractured or the tooth is below the gumline. Surgical extractions are performed under local anesthesia and may involve stitches to aid healing.
- Jaw Alignment Surgery: Also known as orthognathic surgery, this procedure corrects irregularities of the jaw bones. It may be necessary if you have trouble chewing, speaking, or breathing due to misalignment. Jaw surgery is typically coordinated with orthodontic treatment and offers both functional and aesthetic improvements.
- Biopsies or Lesion Removal: If your dentist notices a suspicious spot or growth in your mouth, they may recommend a biopsy to rule out oral cancer or other conditions. These procedures are usually quick and involve removing a small sample of tissue for lab testing.
What to Expect Before and After Surgery
- Pain management
- Oral hygiene during recovery
- What to eat and avoid
- When to resume normal activities