You've probably needed an oral surgeon at some point in your life and wondered how to choose the right one. To be a successful doctor, it's essential to pursue continuous education, keep up with scientific and technological advances, and apply that knowledge consistently in practice. Banja Luka is home to many specialists in this field, and our clinic proudly works with two highly successful oral surgeons.
 

What does an oral surgeon do?


An oral surgeon is a specialized dentist who has completed an additional three years of education in jaw and dental surgery. Their expertise includes:

• Complex tooth extractions and wound suturing
• Removal of granulomas and cysts
• Infection treatment
• Placement of dental implants
• Correction and regeneration of soft and hard tissues
• Surgical preparation for prosthetic and orthodontic treatments
• Surgical assistance in orthodontics

An oral surgeon has a broad knowledge of all areas of dentistry, particularly facial and head anatomy, microsurgery, pharmacology, and postoperative care – all of which ensure safe and successful procedures.

Tooth extraction involves the removal of a tooth from its socket (alveolus). It is performed when the tooth is:

• Irreversibly damaged by decay
• Affected by a severe infection that recurs even after treatment attempts
• Broken below the gum line
• Orthodontically undesirable (e.g., wisdom teeth threatening adjacent teeth or the dental arch)

Standard tooth extraction is performed using forceps and elevators under local anesthesia. The procedure takes a few minutes, and the patient feels only pressure.
After extraction, cold compresses are recommended, as well as avoiding rinsing or swishing the mouth (to prevent clot displacement), and avoiding physical activity for 24–48 hours. It is also important to keep the extraction site clean.

Surgical tooth extraction is a more complex procedure performed when a tooth cannot be removed using standard techniques. It is most commonly done in cases of:

• Teeth broken below the gum line
• Retained roots
• Teeth with curved roots
• Teeth with difficult access (e.g., upper wisdom teeth)

The procedure involves an incision of the mucosa, removal of a portion of the bone, tooth extraction, and suturing of the wound. Recovery typically lasts 5–7 days and includes antibiotic and painkiller therapy. After extraction, cold compresses are recommended, as well as avoiding physical activity for 24–48 hours.

An apicoectomy is a microsurgical procedure that removes the tip of a tooth root along with the surrounding inflamed tissue. It is performed when:
 

• A periapical infection does not respond to endodontic therapy
• There is chronic inflammation around the root tip
• Retreatment of the root canal is not possible

A cystectomy involves the removal of a cyst – a pathological cavity filled with fluid. Cysts most commonly form around dead teeth or as a result of trauma. If left untreated, they can cause deformities, bone resorption, and the loss of multiple teeth.
These procedures are performed under local anesthesia and are often combined, especially when the cyst is connected to the root tip. A follow-up check is recommended after 7 days, and chewing on the treated side should be avoided for the next 2 weeks.

Impacted wisdom teeth are teeth that cannot erupt due to lack of space, improper positioning, or anatomical obstacles. They most commonly cause:
 

• Pain and swelling
• Inflammation (pericoronitis)
• Pressure on neighboring teeth
• Cysts and root resorption

The procedure includes:

• X-ray diagnostics
• Surgical opening of soft tissue
• Bone removal if necessary
• Extraction of the tooth and suturing

Recovery takes a few days, with mandatory use of prescribed medication and regular follow-ups. During the first 48 hours, patients should avoid hot drinks, smoking, and physical exertion.

A frenectomy is a procedure to remove or correct the frenulum – small connective tissue bands located between the lip and gums (labial frenulum) or under the tongue (lingual frenulum). Indications for this procedure include:
 

• Speech difficulties (especially in children)
• Gap between the front teeth
• Gum recession
• Preparation for dentures or orthodontic therapy

The procedure is quick, lasting 10–15 minutes, and has a very short recovery time. Children and adults can return to their normal activities within a few days.

Oroantral communication is an unwanted connection between the oral cavity and the maxillary sinus, most commonly occurring after the extraction of upper molars. If not closed, it can lead to:
 

• Chronic sinusitis
• Passage of food and liquids into the nose
• Unpleasant pressure and infections

This surgical procedure involves closing the opening using a mucosal-muscle flap. It is performed under local anesthesia, and the wound typically heals within 2–3 weeks.

Circumcision is performed when a tooth crown is partially or completely covered by gingiva, preventing proper eruption. It is most commonly performed in:

• Young patients undergoing orthodontic treatment
• Teeth trapped in soft tissue

The procedure involves removing excess gum tissue and exposing the crown, which enables tooth eruption and continuation of therapy. The procedure is quick, and the wound heals rapidly.

This branch of oral surgery prepares the mouth for fixed or removable prosthetic restorations.

It includes:

• Leveling of bony ridges
• Removal of bony protrusions (tori)
• Correction of excess soft tissue
• Smoothing of the alveolar ridge

The goal is to ensure the stability, functionality, and aesthetic appearance of the prosthetic restoration. Recovery takes about 10 days, after which the fabrication of the prosthetic can begin.

Orthodontic surgery is used to assist teeth that cannot erupt on their own or cannot be moved with standard orthodontic treatment. It includes:

• Surgical exposure of the tooth
• Placement of an orthodontic bracket
• Attachment of a chain to pull the tooth into the correct position

It is most commonly applied to impacted canines, especially in the upper jaw. This procedure is combined with orthodontic therapy and provides excellent results.

Alveolitis (dry socket) is a painful condition that occurs when a blood clot fails to form or dissolves too early after tooth extraction, leaving the bone exposed. Symptoms include:

• Severe, throbbing pain
• Unpleasant odor
• Exposed alveolar bone

Treatment includes:

• Wound cleaning
• Application of local medications
• Pain management therapy

Prompt treatment shortens the duration of symptoms and promotes normal healing.

Gingivectomy is an aesthetic procedure that removes excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth crown. It is performed in patients with:
 

• A "gummy smile"
• Excessive gingival overgrowth
• Need for preparation for crowns or veneers
 

The result is a more symmetrical, aesthetically pleasing smile and improved oral hygiene. The procedure is done using a laser or scalpel, under local anesthesia.

Is oral surgery painful?
Procedures are performed under local anesthesia and are completely painless. Some discomfort after the procedure is possible, but it is easily managed with painkillers.

How long is the recovery time?
It depends on the type of procedure. For most interventions, recovery lasts between 3 and 7 days.

What is the price of a dental implant?
The price depends on the type of implant, the need for additional procedures, and the prosthetic solution. We usually place Straumann implants, and the cost is 1,200.00 BAM.

When is the best time to remove wisdom teeth?
The best time is during adolescence or early twenties, before they cause complications or pressure on neighboring teeth.

How long does implant placement take?