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)
  
• minor soft tissue surgery (such as 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
  
• minor orthodontic surgery (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.