Oral Surgery

Oral surgery refers to any surgical procedure performed in or around the mouth, jaws, and related structures, typically to treat diseases, resolve injuries, or correct defects that cannot be managed by non-surgical means. Common types of oral surgery include tooth extractions, dental implants, removal of impacted wisdom teeth, bone grafts, gum grafts, and repairs of jaw or facial injuries.

Oral surgery is performed by dental specialists with advanced training, such as oral surgeons or oral and maxillofacial surgeons. The scope of oral surgery includes procedures on the teeth, gums, tongue, and the bones of the jaws, and sometimes overlaps with maxillofacial surgery, which also covers facial and neck conditions. More complex cases—such as jaw realignment or treatment of oral tumors—may require multidisciplinary teams, including oral and maxillofacial surgeons who may hold both dental and medical qualifications.

Patients are usually referred for oral surgery when dental or jaw problems exceed the scope of a general dentist, such as with complex extractions, bone loss, or certain oral pathologies.