Oral surgery
Oral surgery in Palafrugell: extractions, gingivectomy, fenestration, crown lengthening and frenectomy under local anaesthetic.
Oral surgery
Oral surgery deals with what can no longer be sorted out by conservative treatment: a broken or infected tooth that cannot be kept, a tooth that will not come through, a gum covering too much of the tooth, or a tight frenum. These are short procedures, carried out under local anaesthetic in the surgery itself.
Before any procedure we study the X-ray to know what lies underneath: the shape of the roots, the position of the nerve and how much bone there is. When a fuller image is needed, the panoramic X-ray or dental CT scan is taken at our group’s medical centre on Plaça de Catalunya 5, here in Palafrugell.
We talk you through the procedure before we begin and you leave with written aftercare instructions. When a case calls for it, we work alongside the anaesthetists and speech therapists the clinic collaborates with.
What it includes: Oral surgery
- Tooth extractions. When a tooth can no longer be saved because of decay, fracture or gum disease, or when a wisdom tooth keeps causing trouble.
- Gingivectomy. We trim excess gum, either for cosmetic reasons when too much shows when you smile, or to prepare the tooth for later treatment.
- Fenestration. A minor procedure to reach a tooth that has not erupted and help it come through, often combined with orthodontics.
- Crown lengthening. When very little tooth is visible, we expose a little more of it to give a broad, stable base for the restoration or the crown.
- Frenectomy. Treatment of the lip and tongue frena when they restrict movement of the tongue or lip, or push the front teeth apart.
How we do it
Every treatment begins with an examination and a detailed quote. This is how it usually works:
- 01
First appointment and X-ray
We examine the area, go over your medical history and medication, and take the X-ray needed to plan the procedure.
- 02
Plan, estimate and instructions
We explain what we will do and how you will feel afterwards, give you a written estimate and, if needed, any medication to take beforehand.
- 03
The procedure
It is done under local anaesthetic and usually takes between twenty minutes and an hour. You will leave with gauze in place and written instructions.
- 04
Review and stitches
About a week later we check how the gum is healing and remove the stitches if they are not the dissolving kind.
Always tell us what medication you take, especially anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs or bisphosphonates, and whether you have any allergies or a heart condition: it can change how we plan the procedure. On the day, come having eaten, avoid smoking and strenuous activity, hold a cold pack against your cheek and eat soft, cool food. If there is more bleeding than expected, if the swelling grows after three days or if you develop a fever, ring us on 972 30 65 64.
Accepted by most dental insurers. Give us a call and we'll tell you whether we work with yours.
Panoramic X-rays and dental CT scans are taken at Centre Mèdic Palafrugell, part of the same group, at Plaça de Catalunya, 5.
Frequently asked questions about Oral surgery
Does having a tooth out hurt?
During the extraction, no: the area is numb and what you feel is pressure. The discomfort comes later, as the anaesthetic wears off, and is well controlled with the painkiller we prescribe. Swelling usually peaks on the second day and then goes down.
How long does it take to heal?
The gum closes over in one to two weeks, while the bone underneath takes several months to fill in completely. Most patients are back to normal the next day, avoiding hard exercise, smoking and hard food for the first few days.
Do I need someone to come with me?
With a local anaesthetic you can come and go on your own, though having someone with you that day is more comfortable. If the case calls for sedation, it is given by an anaesthetist, and then you do need someone with you and must not drive.
Does my insurance cover extractions and surgery?
It depends on your policy: some insurers cover simple extractions and apply an agreed rate to everything else. Ring us with your insurance details and we will check before we set a date.
Other treatments
Call or write to us
The quickest way is the phone: we'll answer straight away and find you a time. If you'd rather write, send the contact form and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.