Common Oral Surgery Procedures
- Simple and surgical extractions
- Wisdom teeth assessment and removal, depending on the case
- Exposure and bonding, performed in coordination with an orthodontist
- Frenectomy, depending on the case
- Biopsy and referral coordination as indicated
Your Visit and Planning
Your consultation includes an exam, imaging, and a discussion of your medical history and medications. We will review your comfort options, the risks and benefits of treatment, and the expected downtime, and you will receive written pre-op and post-op instructions to take home.
What to Expect on the Day
Local anesthesia is used for most procedures, with sedation options available and reviewed on our Sedation Dentistry page. We use gentle techniques to preserve bone and soft tissue wherever possible. Sutures or packing are placed if indicated, and prescriptions are provided based on your individual needs.
Recovery and Aftercare
- Bite on gauze as directed, and expect minor oozing for several hours
- Use cold compresses during the first 24 hours, 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off
- Stick to soft foods, and avoid straws and smoking as instructed
- Begin gentle rinses the next day, and brush carefully around the surgical site
- Call our office if you experience increasing pain or swelling, persistent bleeding, or fever
Risks and Considerations
There is a risk of dry socket after extractions, so closely following your post-op instructions is important. Temporary swelling, bruising, or jaw stiffness may occur. For lower wisdom teeth, there is a rare risk of numbness, which we will discuss with you beforehand. Not all wisdom teeth need removal, and this decision is always made on a case-by-case basis.
Ready to Address Your Oral Surgery Needs?
If you have noticed bleeding, sensitivity, or changes in your gums, do not wait for it to progress. Book a gum health check with our Waterloo team and get a clear, personalized plan to protect your smile.
Request Oral Surgery AssessmentFrequently Asked Questions About Oral Surgery
Many patients resume light activity within 1 to 2 days, though this varies depending on the complexity of the procedure and your individual healing. We will give you a personalized recovery timeline at your consultation.
Some swelling and bruising is normal after oral surgery and typically resolves within a few days to a week. Using cold compresses in the first 24 hours can help minimize this.
Not necessarily. Removal is only recommended if your wisdom teeth are impacted, symptomatic, or at risk of damaging nearby teeth. This is assessed case by case using an exam and imaging.
Stick to soft, cool foods immediately after your procedure, such as yogurt, smoothies, or mashed potatoes, and gradually advance to firmer foods as your comfort allows.
No. If you receive sedation, you will need an escort to drive you home and stay with you for the remainder of the day.
Follow your post-op instructions closely, avoid smoking, and skip using straws for at least several days, since suction can dislodge the healing blood clot and lead to dry socket.
We will recommend pain relief options based on the complexity of your procedure and your medical history, ranging from over the counter medication to prescription options when needed.
Sometimes, yes. Bone grafting can help preserve bone volume at the extraction site, which is especially useful if you are considering a dental implant in that area in the future.
Start gentle rinses the day after your procedure, and avoid using suction or vigorous rinsing directly over the socket while it heals.
A short follow-up appointment may be scheduled if needed to check your healing progress, particularly for more involved procedures.
