Surgical dental procedures, with sedation available and a clear explanation of what is involved.
Oral surgery covers procedures that go beyond routine dentistry — anything requiring an incision, work in the bone, or removal of a tooth that will not come out simply.
Most of it is more routine than it sounds, done under local anaesthetic in a normal appointment.
Procedures We Perform
Surgical extractions
For teeth broken at the gumline, with curved or fused roots, or otherwise not removable by simple means. A small incision is made and the tooth may be sectioned to remove it in pieces, which is gentler on surrounding bone. See tooth extractions.
Wisdom teeth removal
Including impacted wisdom teeth trapped in bone or angled into the neighbouring molar.
Implant placement
Placing the titanium post into the jawbone that will anchor your replacement tooth.
Bone grafting
Rebuilding jawbone volume where it has been lost, so an implant has something to anchor into. Often done at the same time as an extraction, to preserve the socket before the bone resorbs.
Other procedures
Removing cysts and lesions, exposing impacted teeth for orthodontic treatment, and biopsies of abnormal tissue found at a checkup.
When We Refer Out
Some cases belong with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and we would rather say so than take on work at the edge of what is sensible.
Cases we typically refer: teeth with roots in very close proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve, significant jaw pathology, corrective jaw surgery, complex facial trauma, and patients with medical conditions requiring a hospital setting.
You will get a straight answer at the consultation about which category you are in.
Comfort and Sedation
Everything is done under local anaesthetic — you will not feel pain, though you will feel pressure and movement.
Sedation is available and many patients choose it for surgical work, particularly for multiple extractions in one visit. Nitrous oxide wears off in minutes; oral sedation means arranging a ride home.
What to Expect Afterwards
Swelling typically peaks at day two or three, then improves. Bruising is possible. Most people take a day or two off and feel largely normal within a week.
- No rinsing, spitting, smoking or straws for 24 hours — this is what prevents dry socket
- Cold compress day one, warm salt water rinses from day two
- Soft food, and take pain relief before the freezing wears off rather than after
- Dissolvable stitches usually disappear within a week or two
Contact us if bleeding will not settle, pain sharply worsens after day three, swelling keeps increasing, or you develop a fever.
Cost and Coverage
Surgical procedures are priced by complexity and time. Sedation and bone grafting are quoted separately. See fees and payment.
Surgical extractions are covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan for eligible patients and by most private plans, often with preauthorisation. We handle the submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be put to sleep?
Not in the general anaesthetic sense. Local anaesthetic, with sedation if you want it — you stay conscious and able to respond.
How long is recovery?
Typically a few days of discomfort with steady improvement over a week. Bone grafts take months to integrate, though you feel normal well before that.
Can I go back to work?
After a straightforward procedure, often the next day. After multiple extractions or a graft, give yourself two.
Is it safe if I take blood thinners?
Usually, with planning. Tell us every medication you take at the consultation — do not stop anything on your own.