What to Expect with Oral Surgery

When your dentist recommends oral surgery, you may immediately feel overwhelmed and fearful. Whether you’re dealing with impacted wisdom teeth, jaw alignment issues or preparing for dental implants, surgery plays an important role in maintaining and restoring oral health.

Understanding the purpose and process can make all the difference. This guide breaks down what oral surgery entails, how it works and what to consider when planning for the procedure — so you can feel more confident going into your procedure and every step along the way.

What is oral surgery?

Oral surgery is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the mouth, teeth, jaw and surrounding tissues. From wisdom tooth removal to jaw realignment, oral surgery encompasses a wide range of procedures designed to restore functionality, improve oral health and enhance overall quality of life.

While many dental treatments can be completed during a standard office visit, oral surgeries often require advanced techniques and tools, and they may involve local anesthesia, sedation or general anesthesia for patient comfort. Whether you’re dealing with a complex tooth extraction, dental implants or corrective jaw surgery, an oral surgeon is trained to address these needs with precision and care.

When is oral surgery needed?

Oral surgery is typically recommended when dental or oral health issues cannot be effectively treated through non-invasive methods. Your dentist or specialist may suggest oral surgery in the following situations:

• Tooth extractions: When teeth are severely decayed, damaged or impacted (such as wisdom teeth), oral surgery may be necessary to remove them safely.
• Dental implants: For patients needing replacements for missing teeth, oral surgery is used to place implants directly into the jawbone.
• Jaw issues: Corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) addresses structural abnormalities, misalignment or conditions like TMJ disorders.
• Bone grafting: If your jawbone lacks the strength or density, bone grafting can restore the structure and stimulate new bone growth.
• Periodontal surgery: Severe gum disease may necessitate surgical procedures to remove infected tissue, restore gum health or regenerate bone.
• Oral cancer: Surgical intervention is often part of the treatment plan for oral cancer, including the removal of tumors and reconstruction of affected areas.
• Oral pathology: Suspicious growths, cysts or lesions in the mouth may require surgical removal and biopsy. 
• Cleft lip: Congenital conditions like cleft lip and palate can be corrected through specialized oral and maxillofacial surgery. 

Preventive vs. corrective procedures

Oral surgery can be broadly categorized into preventive and corrective procedures, depending on the patient’s needs. Preventive procedures like wisdom tooth extractions or bone grafting aim to address potential issues before they lead to complications, such as infection or bone loss. Corrective procedures like jaw surgery or cleft palate repair focus on resolving existing structural or functional problems to restore oral health and improve quality of life. Understanding the purpose of your procedure can help you better prepare for the process and its benefits. 

The oral surgery process

While the specifics of your procedure may vary depending on the type of surgery, it will likely follow these general steps.

1. Initial consultation

Before signing off on any procedure, you’ll need to meet with your oral surgeon for a consultation. During this appointment, they will review your medical history, perform a detailed oral exam and may take x-rays or other imaging to assess your condition. This is also the time to discuss your goals, address any concerns and create a customized treatment plan.

2. Preparing for surgery

Before the procedure, you’ll receive instructions on how to prepare. These may include fasting, stopping certain medications or arranging transportation if sedation or general anesthesia will be used. Clear communication with your surgeon ensures you’re fully prepared. 

3. The surgery

On the day of your procedure, you’ll be administered the appropriate anesthesia for your comfort. The surgery itself can range from a quick, outpatient procedure to more complex operations requiring a longer duration. Your oral surgeon and their team will guide you through every step. 

4. Recovery and aftercare

After surgery, you’ll be given specific aftercare instructions to promote healing and minimize discomfort. This may involve managing swelling, taking prescribed medications and following dietary guidelines. Your surgeon will also schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. 

Cost and insurance considerations

The cost of oral surgery can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon’s expertise and your insurance coverage. Dental insurance helps cover a portion of the cost. Here’s some important information to know.

Medical vs. dental insurance

Your procedure may be covered by either medical or dental insurance, based on the type of surgery and reason for it. For example, procedures like jaw surgery or treatment for oral cancer are often billed under medical insurance, while tooth extractions and dental implants typically fall under dental insurance. It’s important to verify which plan applies and confirm coverage with your insurer before scheduling surgery.

In-network vs. out-of-network options

Choosing an oral surgeon within your insurance network can help lower your out-of-pocket costs. However, if you prefer an out-of-network provider, many insurance plans still offer partial reimbursement. Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) or health savings accounts (HSAs) can also be excellent tools to offset costs, allowing you to cover both in-network and out-of-network services with pre-tax dollars.

Additional tips

• Preauthorization: Check if your insurance requires preauthorization to approve the procedure.
• Payment plans: Many oral surgeons offer payment plans or financing options to make costs more manageable.
• Consult your employer: Flex benefits or reimbursement programs through your employer can provide additional assistance. 

FAQs about oral surgery

1. How long does it take to recover from oral surgery?

Recovery time depends on the type of surgery performed. Simple procedures like tooth extractions may take a few days to heal, while more complex surgeries like jaw realignment could require several weeks or months of recovery.

2. Will someone need to drive me home after surgery?

Yes, if your procedure involves sedation or general anesthesia, it’s vital to have a trusted friend or family member drive you home. Sedation can impair your ability to drive or operate machinery for several hours after the procedure.

3. Are there dietary restrictions after oral surgery?

Most oral surgeries require temporary dietary adjustments. You’ll likely start with soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes and soups to avoid irritating the surgical site. Gradually, you can reintroduce harder foods as healing progresses. Avoid alcohol, smoking and hot or spicy foods as these can delay healing.

4. What should I do if I experience complications after surgery?

While complications are rare, they can happen. If you notice signs of infection, excessive bleeding or prolonged pain or swelling, contact your oral surgeon immediately. Early intervention can prevent minor issues from becoming more serious.