About the direction
Surgical Dentistry
Surgical dentistry is a branch of medicine focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of a wide range of diseases, injuries, and pathological conditions of the facial region and upper sections of the neck — particularly those involving the dentoalveolar and oral systems.
Main categories of surgical dentistry
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Infectious and inflammatory diseases (including complicated forms of caries, non-carious tooth tissue lesions, and periodontal inflammation);
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Injuries to teeth, bones, soft tissues, and joints;
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Tumors;
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Dystrophic and atrophic processes;
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Congenital and acquired defects and deformities;
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Pathological conditions of the oral cavity that reflect systemic diseases.
Key areas and objectives of surgical dentistry
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Extraction of non-viable teeth;
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Removal of pathological lesions such as cysts, tumors, and other abnormal formations that may affect the patient’s health;
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Elimination of purulent inflammations in the oral cavity;
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Restoration of the dental arch integrity through implant placement;
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Bone tissue restoration via bone grafting;
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Correction of bite and jaw deformities through orthognathic surgery (performed in specialized hospitals);
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Surgical treatment of salivary gland diseases (e.g., sialadenitis, stones, cysts, and tumors);
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Maxillofacial traumatology — treatment and rehabilitation after injuries of the jaws and face, as well as pre-prosthetic and orthodontic preparation.
Surgical periodontology
This area focuses on treating periodontal diseases using operative methods.
The goal of surgical periodontology is to preserve the natural structure of periodontal tissues (those surrounding the tooth) and prevent disease progression.
The periodontium includes:
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The gums;
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Alveolar bone tissue (the socket where the tooth is anchored);
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Cementum (covering the tooth root);
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Periodontal ligament (connecting the root to the socket).
Main surgical procedures in periodontology:
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Curettage — removal of inflamed tissue and subgingival calculus to reduce infection and promote healing. It can be performed as closed or open curettage.
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Gingivectomy — removal of excess gum tissue around the teeth to treat gingivitis or periodontitis and improve gum aesthetics. The surgeon reshapes the gum line, enhancing both appearance and health by ensuring better oxygen access and faster healing.
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Gingivoplasty — reshaping of the gums to achieve a harmonious and natural contour. Performed for periodontal disease treatment, prosthetic or implant preparation, and aesthetic improvement.
Surgical dental treatment
This includes a range of procedures aimed at addressing dental pathologies that cannot be treated therapeutically:
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Tooth extraction — removal of a tooth that cannot be restored or interferes with orthodontic correction. Extractions can be simple or complex (requiring gum incision or tooth sectioning).
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Removal of cysts and other formations — surgical access is gained through a gum incision and partial bone removal.
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Treatment of purulent inflammations — management of abscesses or phlegmons caused by infections of the teeth, gums, or surrounding tissues.
Implantology
Implantology focuses on restoring missing teeth using dental implants — artificial tooth roots placed into the jawbone. After 3–6 months of healing, permanent prosthetics (crowns, bridges, or dentures) are attached.
Implantation protocols:
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Two-stage (delayed loading): the implant is placed first; after 3–6 months, the abutment and permanent crown are attached.
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One-stage (immediate loading): the implant and temporary prosthesis are installed within hours or days, followed by replacement with a permanent one after osseointegration.
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Immediate implantation: tooth extraction and implant placement in a single procedure, with either immediate or delayed loading, depending on the clinical case and patient preferences.
Maxillofacial surgery
A specialized medical field that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases, injuries, and defects of the head, face, neck, and oral cavity.
If you are unsure whether you need a dental surgeon, start with a therapeutic dentist. This specialist will assess the condition of your teeth and gums, create a treatment plan, and refer you to the appropriate experts if needed.
