Oral Surgery
Oral surgery: tooth extraction, wisdom teeth, and other procedures
Oral surgery addresses clinical situations ranging from simple tooth extraction to the removal of impacted wisdom teeth, jaw cysts, or lesions requiring surgical intervention.
It is an essential area of dentistry that restores health, comfort, and quality of life. At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, every oral surgery procedure is planned using advanced imaging and minimally invasive techniques. The result is precise, safe treatment with a faster recovery.
If you have a wisdom tooth causing pain, a lesion that requires assessment, or a condition that cannot be resolved with conventional treatments, the first step is an oral surgery appointment to obtain a full diagnosis.
Advanced Technology in Your Oral Surgery
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, oral surgery is supported by three-dimensional imaging examinations and digital protocols that allow rigorous and predictable surgical planning.
Planning with three-dimensional CBCT
Cone beam computed tomography allows visualisation of the exact position of impacted teeth, the proximity of anatomical structures, and bone quality. This information is essential for planning each oral surgery procedure safely.
Diagnosis with Panoramic X-ray
The panoramic X-ray provides a comprehensive panoramic view of the dental arches, the jaws, and the adjacent structures. It is the first-line examination for assessing wisdom teeth, cysts, and other conditions requiring oral surgery.
Precision Periapical Radiograph
The digital periapical radiograph allows a detailed analysis of the root and surrounding bone of a specific tooth. It is essential for assessing apical lesions, root fractures, and infections that may require tooth extraction or apicectomy.
“Many patients arrive at our clinic apprehensive about oral surgery — and that is entirely understandable. Our role is to turn that apprehension into confidence, through rigorous diagnosis, detailed planning, and techniques that make the procedure far more comfortable than most people expect.”
What is oral surgery and when is it necessary?
Oral surgery covers a range of procedures performed in the oral cavity and jaws, going far beyond what many people associate solely with tooth extractions. It includes, for example:
- Removal of impacted wisdom teeth,
- Complex extractions,
- Removal of cysts and lesions,
- Bone regeneration, and
- Pre-prosthetic surgeries that prepare the mouth to receive implants or prostheses.
Opting for oral surgery is, in most cases, a clinical decision aimed at resolving a problem before it worsens, persistent pain, a tooth that has not erupted properly, a recurrent infection, or the need to create the right conditions to restore your mouth.
The earlier it is diagnosed, the less invasive the treatment tends to be.
We know that the word "surgery" can cause apprehension. That is why every procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, in a controlled environment and using minimally invasive techniques, ensuring maximum comfort during and after the intervention.
We assess your case thoroughly and explain, in clear language, all the options available to you.
What our patients say
I had an impacted wisdom tooth for years and kept putting off the extraction out of fear. At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo they explained everything to me, the surgery was quick and the recovery was much better than I expected.
Carlos Matos
I discovered a cyst in my jaw during a routine examination. I was worried, but the team supported me from diagnosis through to full recovery. I always felt safe.
Margarida Ferreira
I needed a surgical extraction of a tooth that had broken below the gum line. The procedure was calm, pain-free, and within a few days I had fully recovered.
Inês Pereira
4 steps for your oral surgery
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, oral surgery follows a structured clinical protocol so that you know exactly what to expect, from the first appointment through to full recovery.
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Assessment Appointment
The first step is an oral surgery consultation. The dentist carries out a detailed clinical examination and requests the appropriate imaging, such as a panoramic X-ray or CBCT scan, to assess the condition of the tooth, the bone, and the surrounding structures. All your questions are answered at this appointment.
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Personalised planning
Based on the results of the examinations, the dentist determines the best surgical approach for your case. In more complex situations, such as the extraction of impacted wisdom teeth close to the inferior alveolar nerve, three-dimensional planning is essential to reduce risks and increase the predictability of the procedure.
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Surgical procedure
Oral surgery is performed under local anaesthesia and, in most cases, is completed in a surgery setting. Minimally invasive techniques allow for less tissue trauma, less discomfort and a faster recovery. Many patients report that the procedure was simpler than they had expected.
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Supported Recovery
After surgery, you will receive personalised post-operative care instructions and appropriate medication. Follow-up appointments allow us to monitor healing and ensure recovery proceeds without complications. If you have any questions, our team is available to help.
0
Assessment Appointment
The first step is an oral surgery consultation. The dentist carries out a detailed clinical examination and requests the appropriate imaging, such as a panoramic X-ray or CBCT scan, to assess the condition of the tooth, the bone, and the surrounding structures. All your questions are answered at this appointment.
0
Personalised planning
Based on the results of the examinations, the dentist determines the best surgical approach for your case. In more complex situations, such as the extraction of impacted wisdom teeth close to the inferior alveolar nerve, three-dimensional planning is essential to reduce risks and increase the predictability of the procedure.
0
Surgical procedure
Oral surgery is performed under local anaesthesia and, in most cases, is completed in a surgery setting. Minimally invasive techniques allow for less tissue trauma, less discomfort and a faster recovery. Many patients report that the procedure was simpler than they had expected.
0
Supported Recovery
After surgery, you will receive personalised post-operative care instructions and appropriate medication. Follow-up appointments allow us to monitor healing and ensure recovery proceeds without complications. If you have any questions, our team is available to help.
Everything you need to know about oral surgery
Oral surgery is the area of dentistry dedicated to the diagnosis and surgical treatment of various conditions affecting the teeth, jaw, and soft tissues of the oral cavity.
When a dental problem cannot be resolved with conventional treatments, oral surgery is usually the safest and most effective course of action.
The most common procedures include:
- Simple and surgical tooth extraction,
- Removal of impacted teeth (such as wisdom teeth),
- Excision of jaw cysts and lesions,
- Apicectomy,
- Frenectomy, and
- Pre-prosthetic surgery to prepare for dentures or dental implants.
Wisdom tooth extraction is one of the most frequent reasons for an oral surgery appointment. These teeth, also known as third molars, are the last to erupt and frequently lack sufficient space in the dental arch.
When they become impacted — that is, fully or partially retained within the bone — they can cause pain, infection, damage to adjacent teeth, or cyst formation.
Early intervention, supported by examinations such as the panoramic X-ray (OPG) and CBCT, allows the extraction to be planned safely and complications to be minimised.
In cases where a periapical lesion does not respond to conventional endodontic treatment, an apicectomy may be necessary — a procedure that removes the root tip and infected tissue with the aim of preserving the natural tooth and avoiding extraction.
Modern oral surgery relies on three-dimensional imaging for precise planning and uses minimally invasive techniques that reduce discomfort and shorten recovery time.
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, in Benavente, each case is assessed and planned individually.
If you need an assessment, book your appointment.
Main problems treated with oral surgery
There are several conditions that may require oral surgery to be resolved safely and definitively.
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, each situation is assessed individually to determine the most appropriate approach. Find out about the most common problems.
Impacted wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt and frequently do not have sufficient space in the dental arch. When they become impacted — that is, fully or partially retained within the bone — they can cause pain, infection, pressure on adjacent teeth, and, in some cases, cyst formation.
Extraction of impacted wisdom teeth is one of the most common procedures in oral surgery. At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, planning is carried out using panoramic X-ray (OPG) and, where necessary, CBCT, to ensure maximum safety, particularly in cases of proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve.
If you have pain or discomfort in the wisdom tooth area, an assessment appointment is the first step.
Jaw Cysts and Lesions
Dental cysts are pathological cavities that can develop in the jaws, often silently, without causing symptoms for months or even years.
Cysts are usually detected on routine imaging examinations, such as panoramic X-ray (OPG).
When not treated promptly, cysts can grow and compromise the bone, the teeth, and adjacent structures.
Oral surgery allows the complete removal of the lesion and analysis of the tissue for a precise histological diagnosis. At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, post-operative follow-up is thorough to confirm complete healing.
Teeth Indicated for Surgical Extraction
There are situations in which a tooth cannot be removed by simple extraction — for example, when it has curved roots, ankylosis, a fracture below the gum line, or when it is severely destroyed by decay.
In these cases, surgical extraction is the indicated procedure.
The dentist makes a small incision to access the tooth and, if necessary, removes a portion of bone to allow its removal in a controlled manner with minimal trauma.
This type of dental extraction is performed under local anaesthesia, and recovery is usually swift.
Short labial or lingual frenulum
The labial or lingual frenulum is a band of tissue that connects the lips or tongue to the structures of the mouth.
When this band is too short or thick, it can restrict tongue mobility (ankyloglossia), make breastfeeding difficult in newborns, affect speech, or cause gum recession.
A frenectomy is a simple, quick procedure that corrects this condition in both children and adults.
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, the frenectomy is performed in a clinical setting, with recovery that is usually comfortable within a few days.
Discover Clínica Médica Dentária Dr. Paulo Cardozo
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo in Benavente, we have the clinical experience and advanced diagnostic resources to carry out oral surgery procedures safely and in a personalised manner. Our team is ready to receive you with the attention you deserve.
Book your oral surgery appointment
If you have a wisdom tooth causing discomfort, a lesion that needs assessment, or any situation that may require oral surgery, do not delay.
Book an assessment appointment at Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo in Benavente and take the first step towards resolving your problem safely.
Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo
R. Vasco da Gama 6,
2130-197 Benavente, Portugal
Telephone: +351 263 516 773
Mobile: +351 919 366 534
geral@clinicapaulocardozo.pt
Frequently asked questions
about oral surgery
What is oral surgery?
Oral surgery treats conditions of the teeth, jaws, and soft tissues of the mouth. It includes tooth extractions, removal of impacted teeth, cysts, apicectomies, and frenectomies.
Does oral surgery cause pain?
Procedures are carried out under local anaesthesia and do not cause pain. After surgery, mild discomfort in the first few days is normal and can be managed with medication.
How long does recovery take?
It depends on the procedure. With a simple tooth extraction, recovery takes a few days. In the removal of impacted wisdom teeth, one to two weeks may be required.
When is it necessary to extract wisdom teeth?
When they are impacted and cause pain, infection, or pressure on neighbouring teeth, or when there is a risk of cysts. The dentist assesses each case with imaging.
What is a frenectomy?
This is a straightforward procedure that corrects the labial or lingual frenulum when it restricts the mobility of the lips or tongue. It is indicated in both children and adults.
I am anxious — can I still have oral surgery?
Yes. At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, the team supports patients with dental anxiety. Each procedure is explained clearly, and patient comfort is always the priority.
What is an apicectomy?
This is a procedure that removes the root tip and the infected tissue surrounding it, when root canal treatment does not resolve the infection, in order to preserve the natural tooth.
What examinations are carried out before oral surgery?
The most common are the panoramic X-ray (OPG) and CBCT. These allow the position of impacted teeth to be assessed and the surgery to be planned safely. Both are available at the clinic.
Does the dental clinic carry out oral surgery in Benavente?
Yes, our Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, in Benavente, performs oral surgery on its premises, with digital planning and minimally invasive techniques.
Clinical Rigour and International Standards
The clinical team at Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo guides its practice in accordance with the guidelines of the leading oral health reference bodies, including the FDI World Dental Federation, the Ordem dos Médicos Dentistas (OMD), and the World Health Organization — Oral Health.
The continuous training and professional development of the clinical staff at Clínica Médica Dentária Dr. Paulo Cardozo, together with the integration of international recommendations into their practice, ensures that every procedure is carried out with safety and medical responsibility.