Oral Surgery Essentials: What every Dental Assistant Should Know

In this episode of the Smile Squad Academy Podcast, we’re diving into the critical world of oral surgery—a foundational specialty that every dental assistant must understand. From simple tooth extractions to complex reconstructive procedures, oral surgery plays a major role in both routine and emergency dental care.

We’ll walk you through key concepts including Exodontics, the process of tooth extractions, and informed consent, a legal and ethical must before surgery begins. You’ll also learn about medical conditions that require extra caution—like recent heart attacks, hypertension, diabetes, and pregnancy—and how they affect surgical decisions.

We break down common surgical terms like:

• Impacted teeth and how they’re classified (soft tissue vs. full bony)
• Frenectomy, alveoplasty, and biopsies
• The painful condition known as alveolitis (dry socket), what causes it, and how to prevent it.

By the end of this episode, you’ll feel confident identifying surgical risks, understanding oral surgery procedures, and communicating clearly with patients during pre-op prep.

🎧 Whether you're preparing for exams or sharpening your clinical knowledge, this episode gives you the surgical edge every assistant needs.

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