Dental Piezosurgery in Dublin

Piezosurgery is based on the piezoelectric effect, which converts electrical energy into controlled mechanical vibration. A specialised surgical tip vibrates at approximately 25–30 kHz with a very small amplitude, allowing the clinician to make micrometric cuts in mineralised tissue.

At these working frequencies, the cutting action is selective for bone and is less likely to injure elastic soft tissues than a rotary instrument. This distinction can be valuable when surgery is close to a nerve, blood vessel or sinus membrane. It reduces risk but does not make surgery risk-free, and direct contact, poor visibility or difficult anatomy can still cause injury.

Continuous irrigation cools the operating area, while the cavitation effect helps clear blood from the field. This can improve visibility and allow the clinician to work with greater control. Irrigation and careful technique remain essential because every bone-cutting instrument can produce heat.

The main advantage is precision. Controlled microvibration can produce accurate bone cuts with less unintended contact than a rotating bur. This is particularly useful near the mandibular canal during lower wisdom tooth surgery, around the sinus membrane during a sinus lift, or when making controlled osteotomies for bone grafting and ridge expansion.

A tissue-preserving approach may reduce surgical trauma and help retain viable bone cells important for healing and implant integration. Research also reports less post-operative pain, swelling and restricted mouth opening in some procedures compared with rotary techniques. The benefit varies by procedure and patient, so these outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

Because cavitation can reduce bleeding in the immediate field, the clinician may have a clearer view of the anatomy. Better visibility and instrument control can support safer surgery, but they complement rather than replace training, careful planning and appropriate imaging.

During surgical or impacted tooth extraction, piezosurgery can provide controlled bone removal and may reduce the chance of unintended contact with a neighbouring root, nerve or other soft tissue. It can be particularly helpful for an impacted lower wisdom tooth close to the mandibular canal. Upper wisdom tooth removal costs €250 – €350 and lower wisdom tooth removal costs €350 – €600; the applicable technique is confirmed after assessment.

In implant dentistry, piezosurgery may be used for precise implant-site preparation, ridge splitting, harvesting or shaping bone grafts, and selected sinus-lift procedures. The aim is to preserve bone and reduce the risk of perforating the Schneiderian sinus membrane. Implant surgery starts from €750, with the ceramic implant crown priced separately at €750 – €950.

Piezosurgery is a tool rather than a separate treatment diagnosis. Whether it is beneficial depends on the operation, available access, bone density and nearby anatomy. An OPG costs €70 and a CBCT 3D scan costs €150 when imaging is clinically indicated for planning.

Piezosurgery generally cuts bone more slowly than rotary instruments. It also requires specific equipment, appropriate tips and clinician training. In a straightforward extraction or simple bone procedure, conventional instruments may be faster and equally appropriate.

The technology can reduce certain risks but cannot eliminate bleeding, infection, swelling, pain, nerve disturbance, sinus complications, delayed healing or the need for further treatment. The risks depend primarily on the procedure and individual anatomy and are discussed before consent.

After surgery, follow the written instructions about protecting the wound, oral hygiene, food, smoking, activity and medication. Contact the clinic for worsening pain or swelling, fever, pus, persistent bleeding or altered sensation. Heavy bleeding, rapidly increasing swelling, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or feeling acutely unwell requires urgent medical assessment.