Oral and maxillofacial surgery covers conditions affecting the teeth, jawbones and surrounding oral tissues when surgical assessment or treatment may be required. Its scope may include impacted teeth, surgical extractions, jaw cysts, dental implant placement and procedures used to prepare insufficient bone for implant treatment.

At Ozant Dental Clinic in Nicosia, surgical planning is based on a clinical examination, appropriate diagnostic imaging, general health and the extent of the proposed procedure. Not every surgical finding requires an operation; the first priority is to identify the source of the problem and choose an appropriate approach.

What Is Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery?

This field covers the surgical diagnosis and treatment of the hard and soft tissues of the mouth and jaws. It extends beyond tooth extraction and may include impacted teeth, implant surgery, bone deficiencies, sinus-related planning, jaw cysts, root-end surgery and persistent oral lesions.

When May Surgical Assessment Be Required?

Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth
Fractured, severely damaged or difficult-to-remove teeth
Recurrent pain, swelling or oral infection
Dental implant placement
Insufficient bone at a planned implant site
A possible need for bone grafting or sinus lifting
Suspicion of a cyst or another jaw lesion
Conditions requiring root-end surgery
Persistent or unexplained soft-tissue changes
Surgical preparation before orthodontic or prosthetic treatment

When Should an Impacted Wisdom Tooth Be Assessed?

Wisdom teeth may erupt fully, appear only partially or remain embedded within the jawbone. Impaction alone does not mean that removal is necessary. Recurrent infection, pain, swelling, food trapping, damage to a neighbouring tooth, a possible cyst or an unfavourable position may require detailed assessment.

The tooth position, root anatomy and relationship with the nerve canal or maxillary sinus can be reviewed using appropriate imaging. Some symptom-free impacted teeth may be monitored.

How Is a Surgical Tooth Extraction Planned?

A fractured tooth, complex root anatomy, impaction within bone or proximity to important structures may require a surgical approach. Planning considers tooth position, bone anatomy, infection, medication and relevant medical conditions.

What Is Assessed Before Dental Implant Surgery?

Implant planning involves the missing tooth space, available bone, gum tissues, neighbouring teeth, nerves, sinuses and the position of the planned restoration.

Bone height, width and quality
Periodontal and gum health
Oral hygiene and smoking
General health and medication
The planned crown, bridge or prosthesis

Further information is available on the Dental Implants page.

When May Bone Grafting Be Required?

Tooth loss, gum disease, trauma or natural anatomy may leave insufficient bone at an implant site. Bone grafting or augmentation may be considered to create appropriate support or rebuild localised bone loss. The method and timing of implant placement are determined individually.

What Is a Sinus Lift?

The maxillary sinus lies above the back teeth of the upper jaw. Available bone height may decrease after tooth loss. A sinus lift is intended to elevate the sinus floor carefully and increase bone support at a planned implant site. It is not required for every implant patient.

Jaw Cysts and Oral Infections

Jaw cysts may develop without early symptoms and can be discovered during routine imaging. Pain, swelling, discharge, unpleasant taste, tooth mobility, difficulty chewing or a persistent oral lesion may require assessment. Removed tissue may need pathological examination in selected cases.

How Does Digital Imaging Support Planning?

A panoramic X-ray may provide an overview, while three-dimensional imaging may be used for more complex cases. It can help assess impacted teeth, nerve canals, bone volume, sinus anatomy and the boundaries of a lesion. Imaging supports, rather than replaces, clinical examination.

What Should Be Disclosed Before Surgery?

Blood-thinning medication, medicines affecting bone metabolism, diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, immune disorders, pregnancy, allergies and significant previous surgery should be disclosed. Medication should not be stopped or changed without advice from the relevant healthcare professional.

What Should Patients Do After Oral Surgery?

Follow the individual post-operative instructions provided.
Avoid hot, hard or irritating foods initially.
Do not disturb the surgical site with the tongue or fingers.
Avoid forceful rinsing and spitting during the first 24 hours.
Avoid smoking and alcohol because they can interfere with healing.
Take prescribed medication as directed.
Attend scheduled review appointments.

Bleeding that does not stop, worsening pain, rapidly increasing swelling, high temperature, difficulty breathing or difficulty swallowing requires prompt professional care.

Surgical Assessment at Ozant Dental Clinic

Clinical findings and diagnostic images are reviewed together. Multidisciplinary planning may be required when surgery is related to implants, periodontology, orthodontics or restorative dentistry. The purpose, alternatives, possible risks and expected recovery are discussed before treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all impacted wisdom teeth need to be removed?

No. Some symptom-free impacted teeth that do not threaten neighbouring structures can be monitored.

Is oral surgery painful?

Many procedures are performed under local anaesthesia. Post-operative tenderness and swelling vary according to the procedure and individual healing.

Is a sinus lift required for every implant?

No. It is considered only when there is insufficient bone support in the back of the upper jaw.

Can bone grafting and implant placement be performed together?

They can be combined in selected cases, while more extensive bone loss may require a separate healing period.

How long does swelling last?

It varies by procedure. Increasing swelling, fever or worsening pain should be reported to the clinic.

Appointment and Assessment

For an impacted tooth, surgical extraction, pre-implant bone assessment or another oral surgical concern, you can submit an appointment request.

Medical Information

This content has been prepared for general information. It does not replace a clinical examination, diagnosis or an individual treatment plan. The appropriate approach is determined after considering oral health, general health, clinical findings and individual needs. No particular treatment result, lifespan or suitability for every patient is guaranteed.

Last updated: 3 August 2026