As a leading dental practice in North Cyprus, Kyrenia Dental Clinic, we understand the anxiety and inconvenience associated with any kind of surgery. Led by expert cosmetic dentist, Dr. Mustafa Haldun Sevgili, our skilled and caring team will be with you every step of the way.

Our services include general dentistry, preventive care, pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, oral surgery, periodontics and endodontics.

What Is Oral Surgery?

Oral surgeons, also known as oral and maxillofacial surgeons, are qualified dentists who have completed an additional four years of specialized training. Their advanced education includes anesthesiology and the diagnosis and surgical treatment of defects, injuries and diseases of the mouth, jaw, teeth, neck, gums and other soft tissues of the head.

Everybody is at risk of losing a tooth, but depending of a person’s age, reasons of tooth loss can be different. Research shows that 27 percent of individuals lose their first tooth in their 20s.

As an adult, it is imperative that you pay attention to brushing and flossing because poor oral hygiene is the main cause of periodontal disease (gum disease). As periodontal disease progresses, tooth loss becomes an inevitable outcome.

Losing teeth can cause more than oral health issues. It directly affects your self-esteem. Here are some consequences of tooth loss:

• Infection
• Speech impediment.
• Social embarrassment.
• Anxiety and self-consciousness.
• Sore, stiff jaws.
• Weakening of other teeth.
• Nutrition issues.
• Potential loss of space for adult teeth.
• Cysts forming in soft tissues.

Types of Oral Surgery Procedures

While the removal of wisdom teeth is the most well-known type of oral surgery in Kyrenia, there are many reasons why oral surgery may be required, including:

• Repairing or treating serious conditions affecting a patient’s teeth, palate, lips, jaw or face
• Alleviating problems due to obstructed sleep apnea, infections or facial pain
• Repairing maxillofacial region damage caused by a serious accident or injury

Common Issues Referred by Your Dentist

• An impacted tooth is diagnosed – when a permanent (adult) tooth has not yet erupted from the bone, but is moving into or pushing against an adjacent tooth
• A lesion, tumor or other tissue of the mouth or jaw requires biopsy or removal or if oral cancer is suspected
• A dental implant is required to replace a missing tooth or support a bridge
• One or more teeth must be removed
• A tooth breaks off at the gum line and it (or its root fragments) must be removed
• Corrective surgery to soft tissues or bones in the maxillofacial region is needed
• Diagnosis and treatment of infections in the maxillofacial region are needed
• Facial pain exists, including pain suspected from TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disease)
• Obstructive sleep apnea is suspected

Common Issues Referred by Your Orthodontist

• An open bite (space between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed)
• An unbalanced facial appearance from the front or side
• A facial injury or birth defect that affects the maxillofacial region
• A receding chin or protruding jaw
• A problem that causes lips to not meet without straining

Most Common Oral Surgeries Performed

Tooth Extraction

After the application of anesthesia, special tools are inserted between the tooth and gum surrounding the tooth. The tooth is moved back and forth within its socket until it separates from the ligament that holds the tooth in place. Sometimes a tooth is cut into small pieces before it is removed.

Impacted Tooth Extraction

The method for removing an impacted tooth will depend on how many roots it has and its location under your gum. Patient sedation is often used in addition to the application of an anesthesia to the impacted area.

A gum tissue flap is created to access bone tissue, and a small opening is made in the bone that covers the impacted tooth. The impacted tooth is then cut into small pieces (sectioned) and removed through the opening. The gum tissue flap is then repositioned and sutured in place.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Third molars, also called wisdom teeth, are the last set of permanent teeth to erupt in a person’s mouth and are the ones least needed. Wisdom teeth can endanger a patient’s dental health when:

• They erupt through your gum, but your jaw is too small to hold them. As a result, they force other teeth out of alignment and can damage your bite.
• They do not erupt through your gum and are not in a normal position. As a result, they crowd the roots of other teeth, force them out of alignment, and can damage your bite.

When your jaw is too small to accommodate normal wisdom teeth, it is common for gum or jaw discomfort and swelling to occur. In addition, there is a greater risk of developing gum (periodontal) disease.

Recovery from Oral Surgery

Bleeding After a Tooth Extraction

Bleeding after a tooth extraction is normal and slight bleeding may be noticed for up to 24 hours after surgery. Use the gauze that was provided to you, and bite down with firm pressure for one hour. You should remove the gauze gently. It may be necessary to take a sip of water to moisten the gauze if it feels stuck to the tissue. Doing this will prevent the bleeding from reoccurring. If you continue to have bleeding in the surgical area, contact your dentist or surgeon. They may instruct you to bite on a moist black tea bag. The tannic acid in the tea has been shown to reduce bleeding and assist with clotting.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal response to various types of surgery. Keep your head elevated with pillows as mentioned above. You may use an ice pack on the outside of your face for the first 24 hours after oral surgery. Swelling is usually completely gone within 7 to 10 days after oral surgery. Stiffness in the muscles of the face is also normal and may be noticed for up to 10 days after oral surgery. You may see slight bruising, typically if the surgery involved your lower wisdom teeth. If you have any concerns about swelling, or swelling has not reduced after 7 to 10 days, contact your doctor.

Pain After Oral Surgery and Medications

Pain after oral surgery varies depending on the extent of the procedure. Your dentist or surgeon will prescribe any necessary pain management medication. Follow the instructions for your medication carefully and always consult with your dentist or surgeon before taking any over-the-counter medications with your prescriptions. If you have been prescribed an antibiotic, always take all of the medication prescribed to you to prevent infection.

Rest and Recovery

Rest for at least two days after oral surgery. Physical activity is not recommended for 2 to 3 days after your surgery. Typically, you should be able to resume normal daily activities within 48 hours after surgery.

Oral Hygiene After Oral Surgery

Vigorous rinsing and spitting should be avoided for 24 hours. Brush gently and floss if able to open wide enough. Lightly rinse your mouth with water, avoiding mouthwash. Let the water fall out of your mouth on its own. After 24 hours, consider rinsing with a saline or salt water solution. This will naturally help keep the surgical site clean, aiding in the healing process.

Tobacco Use

Do not smoke for at least 24 hours after oral surgery. Smoking delays healing and may cause a very painful infection called a dry socket. This condition is a painful infection that will need to be treated by your dentist. Avoid the use of smokeless or chewing tobacco until complete healing has occurred. If you have had an extraction, the pieces from the tobacco may enter the extraction site, causing pain and discomfort in the socket.

Dental Implant Specialist

At Kyrenia Dental Clinic, Dr. Sevgili specializes in permanent Dental Implants — where he has fine-tuned the process, capitalizing on the final esthetic of restoration and quality of implants, while also maximizing efficiency and the comfort of his patients.

Dr. Sevgili holds extensive experience in the dental implant community and promotes continuing education through regular lectures on periodontics and implants.