What Is Oral Surgery?

Oral and maxillofacial surgery uses surgical techniques to treat abnormalities of the face, mouth, and neck.

Dr. Birbe, a renowned maxillofacial surgeon, specializes in treatments for abnormalities in the shape and size of the face.

Treats conditions that affect chewing or orthognathic surgery , in the surgical treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, in the correction of post-traumatic facial deformities, in nasal surgery, or rhinoplasty , and finally in eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty.

He is also an expert in jaw reconstruction surgery when there is insufficient bone to place dental implants.

In addition, his team treats cancerous conditions of the mouth, face, and neck.

Most of these problems are treated through the mouth, so there are no visible facial scars.

Hence the importance of a thorough mastery of oral surgery in order to perform excellent maxillofacial treatments.

Treatment Process

The process begins with an initial visit during which the team at Clínica Birbe assesses the reason for your visit, performs an oral examination, and orders imaging tests—usually a panoramic X-ray and, when necessary, a 3D CT scan. Based on that information, Dr. Joan Birbe develops a personalized plan and explains the specific technique, the risks, and the alternatives to you. The procedure is performed in the office under local anesthesia and, if you prefer, under conscious sedation. After surgery, you will receive detailed instructions, have direct contact with the team, and have follow-up appointments scheduled.

Recovery time

Recovery depends on the procedure. In simple extractions, swelling and discomfort subside within 3–5 days. In more complex cases—deeply impacted teeth, fenestrations, frenectomies—the recommended rest period is 5 to 7 days, with a soft diet, local cold therapy for the first 24 hours, and the prescribed pain medication regimen. It is important not to smoke, to avoid physical exertion, and to practice good hygiene. Complete healing of the soft tissues usually occurs within 2–3 weeks. We schedule at least one in-person follow-up appointment between the 7th and the 10th to check on your progress.

Expected Results

The results of oral surgery are, in most cases, very stable. Wisdom tooth extraction eliminates pain and the risk of recurring infection. Fenestrations allow the orthodontist to position the tooth correctly. Frenectomies improve function (breastfeeding, speech, oral hygiene) and appearance when indicated. In more extensive surgeries, functional results become apparent within the first few weeks. Patient satisfaction is linked to both clinical outcomes and clear communication and follow-up. That is why we document each case with an examination and, when relevant, comparative photographs.

Duration of treatment

Each procedure is tailored to the individual case. Simple extractions take 20–30 minutes. Procedures such as wisdom tooth extractions, fenestrations, or frenectomies take between 30 and 60 minutes in the dental office. Advance planning, however, may require 1 or 2 additional visits for imaging tests and consent forms. The entire treatment process—including preparation, the procedure, and follow-up visits—is typically completed in 4 to 8 weeks. For more complex surgeries or those combined with orthodontic treatment, the timeframe will be extended according to the overall plan agreed upon with you.

What problems does it solve?

Included Teeth

A medical specialty that treats conditions affecting the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull.

Windows and Openings

The degree of difficulty of a surgical procedure is the criterion that determines whether a condition is treated by an oral surgeon or a maxillofacial surgeon.

Frenectomies

The specialty that treats diseases affecting the tooth nerve.

Dental Trauma

Most dental injuries are related to sports. Any tooth that has been hit—whether or not there is a visible fracture—requires an examination by a dentist or a endodontist. Dislodged or lost teeth are examples of less common but more serious injuries that require immediate examination.

Often, the alveolar bone—which holds the tooth in place—is also affected by the trauma and requires treatment. Like the adjacent teeth, these may have sustained additional, unnoticed damage that can only be detected through a comprehensive dental exam. Treatment will depend on the type, location, and severity of each injury. Dental trauma can cause necrosis of the dental pulp, either immediately or after a delay.

If not If a root canal treatment is performed, infections may develop in the bone supporting the tooth, and we may lose the tooth.
previous dental trauma
Dental Trauma Recovery

Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Surgery

Oral surgery encompasses all surgical procedures performed inside the mouth: wisdom tooth extractions, impacted tooth extractions, fenestrations for orthodontic purposes, frenectomies, and the treatment of dental trauma. At Clínica Birbe in Barcelona, we approach each case based on an evaluation by Dr. Joan Birbe, a maxillofacial surgeon certified by the ABOMS (American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery), ensuring an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan tailored to the patient.

Oral surgery procedures are always performed under local anesthesia and, when necessary, with conscious sedation, so that the patient feels no pain during the procedure. After surgery, you may experience discomfort, swelling, or a feeling of tightness, all of which can be managed with the pain medication regimen prescribed by the medical team. Most patients describe the experience as much more bearable than they had imagined.

Recovery depends on the type of procedure. For simple extractions, the swelling subsides within 3 to 5 days, and healing is complete within 2 weeks. For more complex surgeries, such as those involving deeply impacted teeth or multiple fenestrations, the recommended recovery period is 5 to 7 days, and patients should resume their normal routine gradually. We always provide detailed postoperative instructions and follow-up appointments.

Although some simple procedures can be performed by a dentist, complex procedures must be performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Dr. Joan Birbe is the only maxillofacial surgeon in Spain with ABOMS certification, in addition to his European certification, which provides an added assurance for delicate procedures. The initial evaluation allows us to determine who is a candidate and which technique offers the best prognosis.

Dr. Joan Birbe: Oral Surgery with ABOMS Certification

Oral surgery ranges from complex extractions to apicoectomies and cyst management. Even though it’s an outpatient procedure, it’s still surgery. Dr. Birbe approaches this procedure with the same high standards reflected in his ABOMS certification and hospital experience: preliminary imaging, a tissue-preserving technique, and clear recovery protocols, all at his practice in Barcelona.

Why Have Your Oral Surgery at Clínica Birbe?

We treat every oral procedure as a surgical procedure, with all the necessary safeguards: assessment, planning, hospital-grade aseptic techniques, and follow-up care.
• CBCT and panoramic X-rays for planning complex extractions or cyst removal.
• Conscious sedation is available for patients with dental anxiety or for lengthy procedures.
• Careful handling of soft tissues to reduce inflammation and recovery time.
• A written protocol for postoperative care and direct contact with the team if any questions arise.
• Coordination with the implantology department when the extraction is intended to lead to aSchedule an appointment subsequent restoration.


→ and we’ll work together to determine whether your case requires oral surgery and how to proceed.

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Contact us during our business hours:

  • Monday, Thursday and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:00h to 19:00h.
  • Phone: +34 93 212 47 37

Outside our working hours you can send us a WhatsApp or a form and we will get back to you the next business day. Being located in Barcelona, we receive patients from all over the national and international territory.

During your first consultation we will provide you with:

✔ Personal diagnosis by oral and facial examination.

✔ Closed budget with different financing financing possibilities.

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