What is Surgical Dentistry / Oral Surgery?
The dental specialty of Surgical Dentistry / Oral Surgery is concerned with the diagnosis and surgical management of pathological processes and anomalies in the teeth or their supporting structures.
Most treatment can be completed on an out-patient basis using local anæsthesia, occasionally supplemented by sedation if necessary.
The Surgical Dentist / Oral Surgeon is trained in a number of surgical procedures including the following:
- the extraction of teeth and roots
- the treatment of ectopic and impacted teeth
- surgical endodontics
- the re-implantation of teeth
- surgical exposure of teeth (such as canines)
- biopsy techniques
- removal of intra-oral submandibular salivary calculi
- management of dental trauma
- closure of holes between the mouth and sinus
- management of cuts to the mouth
- dental implantology
- release of tongue-ties and
- pain and anxiety control, local anæsthesia and sedation
The syllabus includes:
- diagnosis and management of oral disease
- surgical endodontics
- minor soft-tissue surgery
- management of dental trauma
- surgical placement of dental implants
- management of pain and anxiety by pharmacological and non-pharmacological means
- control of cross-infection
- medico-legal aspects of surgical dentistry
Most Surgical Dentists / Oral Surgeons have trained in a hospital-setting and often work part time in hospital Oral Surgery departments.
Of note, since April 2007, the Surgical Dentistry and Oral Surgery specialist lists held by the General Dental Council have merged.