Minor Oral Surgery

Minor dental surgery refers to small, routine surgical procedures performed within the mouth that do not require a hospital setting or general anaesthesia. These treatments are usually completed under local anaesthetic and involve minimal recovery time.
Common examples include simple and complex tooth extractions, removal of impacted teeth, exposing buried teeth for orthodontics, soft-tissue procedures, biopsies, and treatment of small cysts or infections. These procedures are straightforward, safe, and designed to resolve issues that cannot be treated with standard dental care alone.

No. Minor oral surgery is performed under local anaesthetic, meaning the treatment area is fully numbed. Most patients feel pressure but no pain during the procedure. Some mild discomfort afterwards is normal, but this can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief.

Most procedures take between 20 and 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of the treatment. Your dentist will give you a clear time estimate during your consultation.

Many patients return to normal activities within 24–48 hours. More complex procedures may require a few extra days of healing. Following the aftercare instructions is key to supporting a comfortable recovery.

If your treatment involves only local anaesthetic, you can typically drive once you feel comfortable. However, if sedation is used, you will need someone to accompany you and drive you home.

For the first 24–48 hours, you should avoid:

• Smoking or vaping
• Alcohol
• Hot foods and drinks
• Strenuous exercise
• Using straws (to prevent dislodging a blood clot)
  

Soft foods and gentle oral care are recommended while the area heals.

You should contact your dentist if you experience increasing pain, swelling that worsens after 2–3 days, persistent bleeding, fever, or anything that feels unusual during recovery. Prompt support ensures complications are addressed quickly.