Dental Surgery
“Dental surgery” covers a range of in-office procedures that go beyond routine cleanings and fillings: extractions, wisdom teeth removal, bone grafts, gum surgery, and implant placement. We perform most surgical procedures at our Burnaby practice under local anaesthetic with oral sedation available for anxious patients. For complex cases that need IV sedation or general anaesthesia, we refer to an oral surgeon and coordinate your care.
Most dental surgery is much easier than patients expect.
Modern local anaesthetic + oral sedation makes most surgical procedures comfortable. You feel pressure and movement, but not pain. We use the gentlest techniques, take time to explain what is happening, and offer breaks at any point.
Surgical procedures we perform
Tooth extraction
Removing a damaged, decayed, or non-savable tooth. Simple extractions take 10 to 30 minutes. We always discuss alternatives (root canal, crown) before recommending extraction.
Wisdom teeth removal
Extracting one to four third molars. We handle fully-erupted and impacted cases in our office. See our wisdom teeth page for the full procedure.
Dental implant placement
Placing a titanium post in the jawbone to replace a missing tooth. See our implant page for the full step-by-step.
Bone graft
Adding bone material to a thin or shrunken area, usually to prepare for an implant. Most grafts are minor and done at the same appointment as the extraction or implant.
Gum surgery (gingivectomy)
Reshaping or removing diseased gum tissue. Used for advanced gum disease, “gummy smile” reshaping, or to expose more tooth for a crown.
Frenectomy
Releasing a tight frenulum (the small fold of tissue between gum and lip or under the tongue). Helps with breastfeeding in infants and speech in older patients.
What to expect on the day
- Pre-procedure check-in. We review the plan, confirm any sedation medication you took, take your blood pressure, and answer any last-minute questions.
- Numbing. Local anaesthetic for the area, applied with topical numbing gel first for comfort. We test the numbness before starting.
- The procedure. Most in-office surgeries take 20 to 60 minutes. We give you a play-by-play if you want it, or work quietly if you would rather not know the details.
- Stitches and care. If you have stitches, they are usually dissolvable. We give you gauze to bite on for any bleeding and a written aftercare guide.
- Recovery and follow-up. You leave with detailed instructions, a 24-hour after-hours number to call with any concerns, and a follow-up visit scheduled (usually 1 to 2 weeks).
Pain management and sedation
Most surgical procedures are well-controlled with local anaesthetic alone. After the freezing wears off, over-the-counter pain reliever (ibuprofen alternated with acetaminophen) handles most discomfort. For more involved procedures, we may prescribe a short course of stronger pain medication.
If you feel anxious, we offer oral sedation, a medication taken by mouth before your appointment that keeps you calm and relaxed. You will be awake and able to respond but the procedure will feel shorter and less stressful. Oral sedation requires a ride home.
Note: we do not offer IV sedation or general anaesthesia. For cases that need them, we refer to an oral surgeon and coordinate your care.
Cost, insurance, and CDCP
Most surgical procedures are covered (partially or fully) by extended health plans and by the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) for eligible patients. Cosmetic procedures (gummy-smile reshaping, for example) are usually not covered. We always submit a predetermination so you know what is covered before treatment. We bill insurance directly so you only pay your residual. Call us at 604-282-3800 for a quote.
Why choose Madison Dental Studio for surgery
Over 20 years of surgical experience, oral sedation for anxious patients, clear written aftercare instructions, 24-hour follow-up phone number, BCCOHP-registered team, direct insurance billing, and a multilingual team (English, Punjabi, Hindi, Persian, Tagalog, Spanish, Mandarin, Korean).
Dental surgery FAQ
Does dental surgery hurt?
The procedure itself does not hurt because the area is fully numb. You feel pressure and movement, not pain. After the freezing wears off, most patients manage with over-the-counter pain reliever for 1 to 3 days. We prescribe stronger medication if your case warrants it.
How long does recovery take?
It depends on the procedure. Simple extractions: 2 to 3 days. Wisdom teeth: 4 to 7 days. Bone graft: 3 to 6 months for bone integration (most daily activity returns within a week). Implant placement: 3 to 6 months total (back to normal activity in 5 to 7 days).
Can I drive myself home?
Yes if you only had local anaesthetic. If you took oral sedation, you need someone to drive you home and stay with you for the rest of the day.
When do I need a referral to an oral surgeon?
For cases that require IV sedation or general anaesthesia, very impacted wisdom teeth, complex bone grafts, or oral pathology (suspicious lesions or tumours). We coordinate the referral and follow up on your care.
What is dry socket and how do I avoid it?
Dry socket is when the blood clot at an extraction site comes loose too early, exposing the bone. It causes throbbing pain 3 to 5 days after the procedure. Avoid it by NOT using a straw, NOT smoking, and NOT rinsing vigorously for 24 hours after extraction. If you develop dry socket, call us right away and we will treat it the same day.
Is dental surgery covered by CDCP?
Yes, medically necessary surgical procedures are covered for eligible patients at 40, 60, or 100 percent depending on your adjusted family net income. We are an enrolled CDCP provider. See our CDCP page for details.
Need a surgical consult?
Book an appointment and we will examine the area, discuss your options (including alternatives to surgery when possible), and give you a clear written plan.