You need an oral and maxillofacial surgeon when a dental or face problem goes beyond a filling or root canal: a tooth stuck in the bone, a broken jaw after an accident, a swelling or cyst in the jaw, or bone work before implants. At SAIDS Dental Hospital, Kozhikode, this is done by senior oral surgeons, including retired Government Medical College surgeons.
7 signs you should see an oral surgeon
- Wisdom tooth pain or swelling at the back of the jaw, especially if the tooth is half out or not visible.
- A tooth broken at the gum line, or a root left behind after an extraction.
- Jaw or face injury after an accident: teeth not meeting, numbness, difficulty opening the mouth.
- A swelling in the jaw, gum or cheek that does not go away in two weeks.
- A white or red patch or an ulcer that has not healed in two weeks. Get it checked for early mouth cancer.
- Clicking, pain or locking of the jaw joint (TMJ).
- Planning dental implants but told there is not enough bone.
What oral surgeons treat
- Impacted wisdom teeth: surgical removal under local anaesthesia
- Broken roots and difficult extractions
- Jaw fractures: plates and screws or wiring
- Cysts and tumours of the jaw: removal and biopsy
- Infections and facial swelling: drainage and antibiotics
- Not enough bone for implants: bone grafting, sinus lift, implants
- Jaw joint (TMJ) problems: medicines, splints, minor procedures
Is oral surgery painful?
The area is fully numbed, so you feel pressure but not pain during the procedure. Some swelling and soreness for two to three days is normal and settles with the prescribed medicines. Larger surgeries are done under general anaesthesia in a hospital theatre.
Oral surgery at SAIDS, Kozhikode
The Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at SAIDS is led by senior surgeons, including retired Government Medical College surgeons. Because SAIDS is inside the 1,100-bed MMC Hospital campus, major jaw and face surgeries are done in MMC Hospital operation theatres, with anaesthesia, ICU and emergency support on the same campus. Wisdom tooth removal starts from Rs. 825 and dental implants from Rs. 11,000.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a dentist and an oral surgeon?
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a dentist with a three-year MDS in surgery of the mouth, jaws and face.
Can a jaw fracture be treated at a dental college?
Yes, at a dental college with a hospital attached. At SAIDS, jaw fractures are treated by oral surgeons in MMC Hospital theatres.
How long is recovery after wisdom tooth surgery?
Most people return to normal work in two to three days; the socket heals fully in a few weeks.
Book your visit: SAIDS Dental Hospital, MMC Campus, Modakkallur, Atholi, Kozhikode. OPD Monday to Saturday, 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM (Sunday closed). Consultation is free. Call +91 7510500043 or +91 8606730213, WhatsApp +91 95443 93383.