Types of Dental Surgeries and What to Expect During Each Procedure

My Firsthand Experience with Different Dental Surgeries and What I Learned

I never thought I’d be the type of person who’d become familiar with multiple types of dental surgeries. But between a stubborn wisdom tooth, a dental implant, and helping my teenage son through jaw surgery, our family has seen it all. What started as a simple cavity led to years of lessons, discomfort, healing, and a deep appreciation for modern dentistry. If you’re staring down a recommendation for oral surgery and feeling nervous, you’re definitely not alone—I’ve been there, and I’m here to share what I wish I’d known earlier.

1. Tooth Extractions – Not Just About Wisdom Teeth

The first dental surgery I ever faced was a wisdom tooth extraction. I was 22, fresh out of college, and completely unprepared for the puffiness that followed. But what surprised me even more was learning that extractions aren’t just for wisdom teeth. My dad had to get a severely decayed molar removed last year, and my son had two baby teeth extracted that refused to fall out naturally.

Here’s what to expect:

Local or general anesthesia depending on the complexity
Swelling and soreness for a few days post-op
Soft diet while healing
Follow-up care to monitor clotting and prevent dry socket

Pro tip: Stock up on ice packs and soup before the procedure. And don’t underestimate how sleepy anesthesia can make you—I fell asleep mid-conversation on the ride home.

2. Root Canal Surgery – Not as Scary as It Sounds

When I heard the words “root canal,” I panicked. My mind went straight to horror stories. But when my molar cracked and exposed a nerve, I had no choice. I’ll admit it: I was wrong to be scared.

Root canal surgery (apicoectomy) isn’t as dreadful as it’s made out to be. In my case, it was a surgical follow-up after a failed standard root canal.

What surprised me:

Minimal discomfort during the procedure thanks to great numbing techniques
The focus is on saving the tooth by removing infected root tips
Stitches and swelling lasted just a few days

I was back to work in two days. The hardest part? Not being able to drink hot coffee while healing!

3. Dental Implants – The Long Game but Worth Every Step

This was, by far, the most intense dental journey I’ve had. I lost a tooth due to a failed root canal, and my dentist recommended an implant. The process spanned almost eight months, but it was worth it for a permanent solution that looks and feels real.

3.1 Bone Grafting Came First

Because I had some bone loss, they had to rebuild the bone before placing the implant. This part took a few months of healing, and honestly, the swelling made me look like a chipmunk for a few days.

3.2 Implant Placement and Crown

The actual implant surgery was surprisingly easy—just some pressure and a bit of bleeding. The hardest part was waiting for the bone to fuse (osseointegration). Once that was done, they placed the crown. Now, I forget which tooth is the fake one.

If you’re considering an implant, just know: it’s a marathon, not a sprint. But it’s one of the best dental decisions I’ve ever made.

4. Gum Surgery – My Unexpected Wake-Up Call

During a routine cleaning, my dentist noticed my gums had started to recede. Years of aggressive brushing had caught up with me. She recommended a gum graft surgery.

I was terrified of the idea of tissue being moved from one part of my mouth to another. But the procedure was relatively quick, and I had a friend who went through the same thing, which helped me feel less alone.

Post-op recovery included:

Limiting talking for a day or two (harder than it sounds!)
Antibiotics and antibacterial rinses to avoid infection
Being gentle while brushing forever after

Now I use a soft-bristle brush and treat my gums like royalty.

5. Orthognathic (Jaw) Surgery – A Family Journey

When my teenage son was diagnosed with a jaw misalignment, we were told that braces wouldn’t be enough. We faced the big one: orthognathic surgery. It was intimidating. We met with oral surgeons, scheduled pre-surgery orthodontic work, and prepared ourselves for a long road.

Here’s what I learned as a parent through that process:

Surgery took several hours under general anesthesia
Recovery was hard—his jaw was wired for weeks, and we had to blend everything (even lasagna!)
The results were life-changing—his speech improved, and he finally had a comfortable bite

I’ll never forget the moment he looked in the mirror after healing and smiled with total confidence. Every uncomfortable night was worth it.

6. Preparing for Dental Surgery: What I Now Always Do

No matter the type of dental surgery, preparation makes all the difference. Over the years, I’ve created a checklist I follow religiously:

Ask lots of questions beforehand—don’t be afraid to call the office again and again
Stock up on soft foods, pain relievers, and entertainment
Plan time off work or school—more than you think you’ll need
Follow post-op instructions exactly, especially when it comes to cleaning the surgical area

And most importantly, I always go into these procedures with realistic expectations. Healing takes time, and while technology has come a long way, your body still needs rest and care to recover.

If you’re exploring your options or need help finding a trusted oral surgeon, Dentistry Toothtruth can connect you with the best-rated clinics and specialists near you. Their platform helped me find the right expert for my implant procedure, and I wouldn’t go anywhere else now.

Dental surgeries may sound daunting, but with the right preparation, support, and mindset, they can be transformative. I’ve gone from dreading the dentist’s chair to understanding and respecting what these procedures can do. And if I can get through it—believe me—you can too.