The oral surgeon will open your gum from both sides by cutting it then remove the cyst or boil that has formed at the bottom of the tooth in the jaw - they then patch you up - you'll keep the tooth and you should go for regular x-rays to check it's not returned. As someone who has had this done - make sure you have someone to take you home it's not a short procedure, nor will it leave you feeling capable to drive or take public transport - you should have painkillers lined up - preferably prescription strength - a stock of soup, mashed potato, ice cream and yogurt - I was told nothing hot for 24 hours - nothing solid for 5 days. I was also given icepacks. The swelling makes you look like you lost a fight and the pain was truly horrendous. Some thing to wish upon your worst enemy. Long-term - I've kept my tooth and had no re-occurrence.