What Is Oral Surgery and When Is It Needed?

Oral surgery refers to specialized procedures to diagnose, treat, or correct conditions affecting the mouth, jaw, face, and neck. Common reasons for oral surgery include:

• Tooth extractions (including impacted or infected wisdom teeth).
• Dental implant placement to replace missing teeth.
• Jaw correction and reconstruction surgeries (orthognathic surgery).
• Removal of oral cysts, tumors, or treatment of oral infections.
• Correction of congenital abnormalities like cleft palate or facial trauma.

Is Oral Surgery Painful?

Modern oral surgery is performed with local anesthesia or sedation, ensuring the procedure itself is painless. Patients may experience mild to moderate discomfort or swelling afterward, which can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication.

Oral Surgery Recovery and Aftercare

• Recovery times vary by procedure: simple extractions may need only 1–2 days, while complex surgeries could require a few weeks.
• Most patients return to daily activities quickly with proper post-operative care—ice packs, soft foods, rest, and salt water rinses aid recovery.
• Follow all surgeon instructions, avoid smoking or alcohol, and attend scheduled follow-up visits for best results.

Risks and Complications

While oral surgery is generally safe, potential risks include infection, bleeding, nerve injury, or temporary swelling. Strict adherence to pre- and post-surgery instructions greatly reduces risk.

Cost of Oral Surgery in Kolkata

• Costs depend on the complexity and type of surgery.
• Average prices in Kolkata:
  • Simple tooth extraction: ₹800–₹1,500
  • Wisdom tooth removal: ₹3,500 and above
  • Cyst/tumor removal: ₹6,500+
  • Major jaw surgeries or advanced oral/maxillofacial procedures: ₹25,000–₹60,000 or more.
• Many medically necessary procedures (like extractions or pathology) are covered by dental insurance, while elective procedures (such as implants) may have limited or no coverage.

Preparing for Oral Surgery

• Avoid food and drink per instructions before surgery; arrange for transportation if sedation is planned.
• Inform your surgeon of all medications or health conditions.
• Set up a comfortable recovery area at home and stock up on soft foods.