Symptom Explorer
Oral Surgery
Wisdom teeth, jaw cysts, tumors, and salivary gland problems
When Your Mouth Needs More Than Routine Dental Care
Oral and maxillofacial surgery covers a wide range of conditions involving the teeth, jaws, mouth, and surrounding face. Dr. Anshalika, as a qualified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon (M.D.S., OMFS), manages problems that go beyond what a general dentist handles: impacted and complicated tooth extractions, diagnosis and surgical removal of jaw cysts and tumours, salivary gland disorders, jaw preparation for denture placement (pre-prosthetic surgery), removal of lipomas and soft tissue growths around the face and neck, and biopsy of suspicious lesions inside the mouth. If you have been referred by your dentist for a procedure beyond their scope, or if you have a jaw or oral condition causing ongoing symptoms, Dr. Anshalika provides specialist assessment and treatment.
Wisdom Teeth — Why They Cause So Much Trouble
Wisdom teeth (third molars) are the last teeth to emerge — typically between ages 17 and 25 — and they frequently have insufficient space in the modern human jaw. When a wisdom tooth cannot erupt in correct alignment, it becomes impacted: pressing against the second molar, lying at an angle within the bone, or erupting only partially through the gum. A partially erupted wisdom tooth creates a persistent pocket between the gum and tooth that cannot be cleaned — a site that traps food and bacteria, leading to recurrent infections (pericoronitis), bad breath, decay in the adjacent second molar, and occasionally cyst formation around the crown. Not all impacted wisdom teeth need immediate removal, but those causing pain, infection, or structural damage to neighbouring teeth should be assessed promptly.
Oral Cysts and Growths — Don't Watch and Wait Forever
Jaw cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form within the jawbone or soft tissues of the mouth — often discovered incidentally on a dental X-ray when no symptoms are present. Common types include radicular cysts (arising from the root of a dead tooth), dentigerous cysts (forming around an unerupted tooth), and odontogenic keratocysts (which have a higher rate of recurrence and require careful management). Left untreated, jaw cysts gradually expand, weakening the surrounding bone, displacing teeth, and becoming progressively more complex to treat. Any lump, white patch, red patch, or non-healing ulcer inside the mouth that has been present for more than 2 weeks warrants an expert assessment. The majority of oral lesions are benign — but the only way to know is to have them properly examined.
Salivary Gland Problems — Recognising the Symptoms
The major salivary glands — the parotid (in front of and below the ear) and the submandibular (under the jaw) — produce saliva that keeps the mouth moist, aids digestion, and protects teeth. When these glands become blocked, infected, or develop structural problems, symptoms are characteristic: swelling of the cheek or under the jaw that worsens predictably at mealtimes (as the gland attempts to release saliva when eating), pain or tenderness in the gland area, a dry mouth, or a foul taste if the blockage becomes infected. Salivary stones (sialoliths) — calcified deposits that block the gland duct — are the most common cause and can often be removed with a minor procedure. Chronic parotitis, salivary gland tumours, and Sjogren's syndrome are other conditions that require specialist evaluation and management.
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Common Questions
Wisdom teeth often don't have enough room to come in properly. They can get stuck (impacted) under the gum, push against other teeth, or come in at odd angles — causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. Think of it like trying to fit one more person into an already full elevator. Removing an impacted wisdom tooth is a routine procedure that relieves the pain and prevents future problems.
A lump inside the mouth or jaw could be a cyst (a fluid-filled sac) or a tumor. Most oral cysts and tumors are not cancer — they're like water balloons that form inside the bone or soft tissue. But they can grow and push on teeth and nerves if left untreated. A proper examination and sometimes imaging helps us understand exactly what it is, and surgical removal takes care of it.
Swelling under the jaw or near the ears could be related to your salivary glands — the glands that make saliva to keep your mouth moist. They can get blocked (like a clogged pipe), infected, or develop stones. You might notice the swelling gets worse when you eat because the gland tries to release saliva but can't. Treatment depends on the cause — sometimes it's as simple as removing a blockage.