What is Operculectomy?


Operculectomy is a dental surgical procedure that involves the removal of the operculum generally covering the wisdom tooth. Operculum is a flap of gum tissue that covers a partially erupted tooth and gets inflamed on repetitive trauma. The procedure is typically performed on the molars at the back of the mouth, which are most prone to impaction due to their position. Impaction occurs when a tooth fails to fully emerge from the gum line, causing pain, inflammation, and an increased risk of infection.

Operculectomy can provide relief from the pain and discomfort caused by a partially erupted tooth, and can also help to prevent more serious dental issues from developing in the future. The procedure is relatively simple and is typically performed on an outpatient basis.

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When do you Need an Operculectomy?


An operculectomy is usually recommended when a partially erupted wisdom tooth is causing pain, inflammation, or infection due to an operculum. When the pain is recurrent and the gum is swollen or painful while biting, the dentist may recommend operculectomy for relief.

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Signs that You Need Operculectomy


Pain or Discomfort

If you experience pain or discomfort in the back of your mouth where a tooth is partially erupted and covered by an operculum, it may be a sign that the tooth is impacted or infected.

Inflammation and Swelling

Inflammation and swelling in the affected area may indicate that there is an infection or abscess present. This can cause discomfort and pain, as well as potential health risks.

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Difficulty Brushing and Flossing

When a tooth is partially covered by an operculum, it can be difficult to properly clean the tooth and surrounding gum tissue. This can lead to an increased risk of decay and infection.

Increased Risk of Infection

An operculum can create a pocket between the tooth and gum tissue, which can trap bacteria and food particles. This can lead to an increased risk of infection in the affected area.

Procedure of Operculectomy


Before starting the procedure, the dentist will examine the tooth and rule out any other underlying diseases with the help of X-rays.

  • Anesthesia and Incision: The dentist or oral surgeon will numb the area with a local anaesthetic. Once the area is numb, they will make a small incision in the gum tissue to access the operculum.
  • Removal of the Operculum: Using a scalpel or laser, the dentist or oral surgeon will remove the operculum. This step may involve trimming away some of the surrounding gum tissue to ensure the complete removal of the flap.
  • Accessing the Tooth (if needed): In some cases, the dentist or oral surgeon may need to access the tooth beneath the operculum. They will carefully move the tissue aside to expose the tooth, which allows for better cleaning and reduces the risk of future infections.
  • Cleaning and Suturing: Once the operculum has been removed and the tooth is accessible (if needed), the dentist or oral surgeon will thoroughly clean the area to remove any debris or bacteria. They will then suture the incision closed with dissolvable stitches.
  • Aftercare Instructions: The dentist or oral surgeon will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to help promote healing and prevent complications. This may include taking pain medication, using an ice pack to reduce swelling, avoiding certain foods, and practising good oral hygiene.

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Why Choose Radiant Dental for Operculectomy?


Radiant Dental has a team of experienced and skilled dentists who have years of experience in Operculectomy

  • Access to the latest techniques and equipment to provide safe and effective treatment.
  • Understanding your concerns and answer any questions you may have regarding the treatment
  • Developing a personalised treatment plan that meets your specific needs and dental design.
  • Accurate diagnosis of dental problems with state-of-the-art technology, digital X-rays and intraoral cameras.
  • Safe and advanced sedation techniques for comfortable procedures.
  • Radiant Dental offers affordable and transparent pricing for all their operculectomy.
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FAQs

Have questions? We have the answers

The procedure is done under anaesthesia thus, there will be no discomfort during the procedure.

It is a minor surgical procedure that is done chairside and takes somewhere around 20-30 minutes. You can easily get back to your routine activities in a few hours.

You will be asked to avoid biting or chewing on hard foods for 48-72 hours after the procedure to promote healing.

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