Angle House Blog
Meet our Oral Surgeon
Happy Easter, readers. We’re back this month with more insights into the dental world and an interview with our Oral Surgery Specialist, Christian Lalli at Angle House Goffs Oak.
What is your background in dentistry?
I have worked in both the public and private sector, having graduated in Dentistry and specialised in Oral Surgery with Full Honours. I’ve held the position of Honorary Fellow/Assistant Professor of Dentistry and Maxillofacial Surgery, where I acted as a member of the examination board, while also taking teaching assignments and undertaking clinical supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Why did you decide to specialise in oral surgery?
I have always wanted to be a surgeon. I sought the combination of clinical knowledge, technical skills and precision that’s needed; for the continuous challenge it offers; and for the satisfaction that gives.
What are the main procedures that an oral surgeon performs?
Oral surgeons commonly undertake wisdom teeth and complex teeth removal. We also work on soft tissue lesion and cyst removal, exposure of impacted teeth, and surgical procedures on medically compromised patients.
What is the most common procedure that you see?
We most commonly see wisdom teeth and complex teeth removal.
Why do oral surgeons extract wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth might need to be removed if they are damaged, if they are damaging the neighbouring teeth and/or if they are symptomatic. They often are in a position that makes their removal complicated, and beyond the expertise of a general dentist.
Are there any signs that might a tell patient they need to see an oral surgeon?
Patients should see their dentist routinely and if they have any concerns regarding their mouth. It is the dentist who then refers the patient to an oral surgeon if needed.
Do you have any advice to offer to patients who are nervous about having surgery?
The idea of having surgery can be scary, but there are a few options that can help every patients to have it done in a very comfortable way. All the oral surgery treatments are carried out under local anaesthetics, meaning that the patient doesn’t feel any pain during the procedure. For nervous patients or invasive procedures, conscious sedation is a great and safe option. In rare cases when sedation is not sufficient/suitable for the patient, surgery can be performed under general anaesthetic.
