Oral surgery in Edinburgh

At Edinburgh Dental Specialists, our oral surgery care is led by our three GDC-registered Specialists in Oral Surgery, providing high-quality surgical treatment for patients across Edinburgh and beyond. Whether you've been referred by your dentist or are seeking specialist care directly, we offer a calm, thorough, and reassuring approach to every stage of your treatment.

We treat the full range of oral surgery needs, including wisdom tooth removal, surgical extractions, dental implants, bone grafting, apicectomy, and the removal of cysts or impacted teeth. Every case begins with a detailed consultation and imaging if required, so you understand exactly what's involved before any decision is made.

We know that surgery, even routine surgery, can feel daunting. That's why we can offer IV sedation for anxious patients, alongside a team experienced in supporting nervous patients through every step of their care. You'll never be rushed, and your questions will always be answered in full.

      Referral network

      As a specialist referral practice, we work closely with general dentists across the region, providing the additional surgical expertise needed for complex or higher-risk cases, all delivered with the same warmth and care you'd expect from your own dental team.

      Our three oral surgeons have a vast experience between them, and more information about your surgeon can be found below. 

        Meet your clinicians

        Edinburgh Dental Specialists 242

        Mr. Martin Paley

        Consultant Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
        BDS (Dund 1989), MB ChB, FFDRCSI, FRCS, FRCSEd(OMFS)
        GDC No. 64778

        Martin is a Consultant Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon for NHS Lothian based in the Regional Maxillofacial Unit at St Johns Hospital. His main NHS area of interest is head & neck cancer and he performs the often complex reconstruction and oral rehabilitation these patients require using free tissue transfer techniques and dental implantology.

        He has introduced to the unit, the newer minimally invasive techniques of sialoendoscopy to manage salivary gland disease. He also works at the Western General Hospital Oncology Centre and has a weekly clinic at the Spire Murrayfield Hospital.

        He is a graduate of Dundee and Aberdeen Universities and his specialty training was in Wales with time at the Vrije University in Amsterdam. Following this he completed a fellowship in head and neck surgical oncology in Liverpool before taking up his consultant post in Edinburgh in 2005.

        Martin introduced and  is one of only a few surgeons in Scotland to provide Zygomatic implants  in Scotland.

        Img 20260528 Wa0013

        Dr. Suzanne Lello

        Specialist in Oral Surgery, Practice Clinical Lead
        BChD Hons (Leeds 2008), MFDS RCS(Ed), FHEA, FCGDent, MOral Surg RCS(Ed)
        GDC No. 153633

        Suzanne graduated with Honours from the University of Leeds in 2008. She completed her first year in general practice in North Yorkshire and then joined the Dental Foundation Training Scheme, completing three years of hospital-based training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Oral Surgery and Oral Medicine. She completed her Specialist Training in Oral Surgery in the South West of England, alongside a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning for Health Professionals from the University of Bristol, which gained her Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy.

        Suzanne welcomes referrals for simple and complex oral surgery and implantology. She is experienced in intravenous sedation and regularly sedates her own patients and others within the practice who require it.

        Nadir 3 Meadows Dental Clinic

        Dr. Nadir Khan

        Specialist in Oral Surgery
        BDS FDS RCPS FFD RCSI
        GDC No. 61209

        Oral surgery FAQs - questions we're asked most often by patients considering or preparing for oral surgery

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        Oral surgery

        What is oral surgery?

        Oral surgery covers a range of surgical procedures affecting the teeth, jaws, and surrounding soft tissue, from wisdom tooth removal and surgical extractions to dental implants, bone grafting, and the removal of cysts or impacted teeth.

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        Oral surgery

        Do I need a referral to see an oral surgery specialist?

        In most cases, our patients are referred by their own dentist, who identifies that you would benefit from specialist assessment or treatment. If you don't currently have a referral but have a concern you'd like assessed, get in touch and we can advise on the best way forward.

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        Oral surgery

        Why has my dentist referred me to a specialist rather than treating me themselves?

        This isn't a reflection on your dentist's ability. Referral usually happens when a case involves added complexity, such as proximity to a nerve, multiple impacted teeth, or medical factors, where specialist training and experience offer the safest and most predictable outcome.

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        Oral surgery

        What makes someone an oral surgery "specialist"?

        "Specialist in Oral Surgery" and “Oral Surgeon” are protected titles in the UK and EU. It requires several years of additional postgraduate training beyond general dental qualification, followed by formal entry onto the General Dental Council's Specialist List, which you can verify directly with the GDC.

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        Oral surgery

        Will I be asleep during my procedure?

        Not necessarily. Most oral surgery is carried out under local anaesthetic, meaning you're awake but completely numb. For anxious patients, or more involved procedures, IV sedation is available. This keeps you conscious but deeply relaxed, often with little memory of the procedure afterwards. It is a very safe and comfortable way to have treatment done. General anaesthetic (full unconsciousness) is reserved for specific cases and is usually hospital-based.

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        Oral surgery

        I'm very nervous about dental treatment, can you help?

        Yes, and you're far from alone. A significant proportion of the patients we see have some level of dental anxiety. We take time to listen, explain everything clearly, and offer sedation options where appropriate, so treatment feels manageable rather than something to dread.

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        Oral surgery

        How do I know if my wisdom tooth needs to come out?

        Not every wisdom tooth needs removal, many cause no problems at all. Removal is generally recommended when a tooth is causing pain, recurrent infection, or is in a position that risks the health of the neighbouring tooth. A clinical examination and imaging will give a clear answer for your specific case.

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        Oral surgery

        How long does recovery take?

        This varies by procedure, but most patients experience some swelling and discomfort for a few days after surgery, manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. We provide detailed aftercare instructions specific to your treatment, and full healing timelines are discussed as part of your consultation.

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        What can I eat after oral surgery?

        Soft, cool foods are generally recommended for the first few days, gradually returning to a normal diet as healing progresses. We provide specific guidance tailored to your procedure.

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        Oral surgery

        What if I have concerns during my recovery?

        We will always give you a call the day after a procedure to ensure that you are recovering as expected. Our team is always contactable if you have any concerns after your procedure. Please don't hesitate to get in touch, it's always better to check than to worry unnecessarily.

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        Oral surgery

        How much does oral surgery cost?

        Costs vary depending on the procedure and complexity of your case. This will be discussed at your consultation, so you know exactly what to expect before deciding whether to proceed.

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        Oral surgery

        How long will my appointment take?

        This depends on the procedure, straightforward cases may take 20-45 minutes, while more complex treatment can take longer. We'll give you a realistic estimate at your consultation.

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        Oral surgery

        Do you treat patients from outside Edinburgh?

        Yes, we welcome patients from across Edinburgh, the Lothians, and further afield, often as part of a referral from their own dentist.

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          Still have a question?

          If you haven't found the answer you're looking for, we're happy to help directly.

          This page is written for general information and does not replace individual clinical advice. Please consult our specialist team or your own dentist about your specific circumstances.

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