Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Oral surgery procedures require the tooth, the jawbone and the surrounding structures to be assessed together. The position of a tooth, the shape of its roots, its relationship with the bone and the anatomical structures next to it only become clear through clinical examination and appropriate imaging. A surgical procedure is therefore not planned by looking into the mouth and saying that a tooth “needs to come out”.
In the lower jaw, the relationship between the roots of the tooth and the mandibular canal, and in the upper jaw the proximity of the teeth to the sinus cavity, directly affect the planning. In some cases these relationships are assessed with a panoramic radiograph, in others with three-dimensional imaging.
Not every impacted tooth is extracted
When wisdom teeth cannot find room in the mouth, they may erupt only partly or remain impacted within the bone. This does not always call for extraction. Extraction is considered in situations such as pain, recurrent infection, damage to the neighbouring tooth, suspicion of a cyst, a position that cannot be cleaned, or the requirements of another planned treatment. For teeth that cause no complaint and can be monitored, observation may be preferred.
The same approach applies to surgical extraction: whether the tooth can be saved is assessed first. Where the tooth can be kept in the mouth through root canal treatment, apical surgery or a restorative solution, extraction is not the first option.
Risks are explained from the outset
Swelling, tenderness, limited mouth opening and difficulty chewing are expected findings after surgical procedures. These are not complications but an ordinary part of healing, and they are usually most noticeable in the first few days. Beyond this, every procedure has its own specific risks; these include risks related to anatomical proximity, bleeding, infection and healing that progresses more slowly than expected.
Explaining these risks in a way that applies to you is part of the procedure. Which findings are expected and which call for prompt attention are explained both before and after the procedure.
Bone volume is part of implant planning
A significant part of oral surgery is bound up with implant treatment. If a tooth was lost some time ago, bone volume in that area may have decreased. In such cases bone augmentation, or elevation of the sinus floor in the posterior upper jaw, may be considered before the implant. These are not needed in every patient; the need is determined by assessing imaging and the prosthetic plan together.
The planning process is explained clearly
The scope and conditions of every surgical procedure differ. Following assessment, we determine under what conditions and with which team the procedure should be carried out; this planning is explained openly to the patient and the process is agreed together.
After his training at Istanbul University Faculty of Dentistry, MSc. Dt. Mehmet Taş completed a master's degree in Oral Surgery and Implantology in Italy. This qualification is not a specialist title; it forms the scientific basis of the approach followed in surgical and implant planning.
Preparation before the procedure
There is information that needs to be shared before a surgical procedure: known medical conditions, medicines taken regularly, allergies, previous operations and any bleeding-related condition. Anticoagulant medicines, medicines affecting bone metabolism and immunosuppressive treatments directly affect the planning.
These medicines must not be stopped without medical advice. Where necessary, we coordinate with the relevant doctor and set the timing and method of the procedure accordingly.
What to expect during healing
The first days of healing follow a different course from the weeks that follow. The first 24 hours matter for protecting the blood clot: avoid disturbing the area, do not rinse vigorously, do not drink through a straw and avoid smoking. Swelling usually increases in the first few days and then subsides. There may be temporary restriction in mouth opening.
These are expected findings. By contrast, pain that increases and does not settle, high fever, widespread swelling, a bad smell or discharge, or difficulty swallowing or breathing require prompt attention.
Pages in this section
- Oral Surgery Procedures — Scope, assessment before the procedure, healing and explanation of risks.
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth — When extraction is considered and when the tooth is monitored. (in preparation)
- Bone Grafting and Bone Augmentation — Methods and healing where bone is insufficient. (in preparation)
- Sinus Lifting — The approach used when bone height is limited in the posterior upper jaw. (in preparation)
Frequently asked questions
My wisdom tooth does not hurt — should I still have it out?
If there is no complaint, extraction is not automatically necessary. The position of the tooth, how easily it can be cleaned, its effect on the neighbouring tooth and the radiographic findings are assessed to decide whether extraction or monitoring is appropriate.
Will I feel pain during the procedure?
The procedure is carried out under local anaesthesia and comfort is the aim. You may feel pressure and vibration. As individual experience varies, no guarantee of complete absence of pain is given.
How long does the swelling last?
Swelling is usually most noticeable in the first few days and then subsides. The duration depends on the extent of the procedure and on the individual. With increasing pain, fever or widespread swelling, you should seek attention without waiting.
I take anticoagulants — can the procedure still be carried out?
Please tell us about the medicines you take. Anticoagulants must not be stopped without medical advice; where necessary we plan together with the relevant doctor.
Is a bone graft needed for every implant?
No. The need is determined by assessing the existing bone volume and the planned prosthesis together; in most cases no additional procedure is required.
Can I go to work or school after the procedure?
It depends on the extent of the procedure. Rest may be advised for the first day. Advice specific to you is given beforehand.
Local assessment
At our clinic at the Beylikdüzü–Esenyurt junction, the need for surgery is determined by assessing the clinical examination, the necessary imaging methods and the anatomical relationships together. Following the assessment, an appropriate treatment plan is agreed with the patient.
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