WISDOM TEETH
Wisdom teeth are the last molars to develop and appear in the mouth. Wisdom teeth may not need to be extracted if they grow straight and in the proper placement in conjunction to the other teeth in the mouth. When a tooth doesn’t fully grow in the condition is called “impacted” and usually results in the necessity for removal.
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DENTAL IMPLANTS
Dental implants are artificial roots and teeth (usually titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jawbone. Due to biocompatible properties of titanium, a dental implant fuses with the bone and becomes a good anchor for the replacement tooth. Dental implants can be used for replacing single or multiple missing teeth.
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RECONSTRUCTIVE JAW SURGERY
Orthognathic surgery, also known as Corrective Jaw Surgery, is a procedure to correct minor or major anatomical or dental irregularities. Reasons for undergoing this surgery can range from misalignment of jaws or teeth to improper or uncomfortable biting or chewing. Patients undergoing this surgery can see some aesthetic changes to their appearance, but the motivation for the surgery is primarily corrective for functional issues. Every situation is unique, but it’s important to understand that it may take several sessions over a long period of time in order to complete.
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FACIAL TRAUMA RECONSTRUCTION
When facial injury or trauma requires surgical intervention, our oral and maxillofacial surgeons will assess the extent of patient injury and the best plan of action to surgically repair the damage. If you or a loved one suffers a traumatic injury to the face or mouth, be sure to request that an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon is called for consultation. With their extensive training in this surgical area, an OMS is most qualified to assess and consult in the case of these types of injuries.
IMPACTED CANINES
After wisdom teeth, the maxillary cuspid or upper eyetooth is the second most common tooth to become impacted, because they are the first teeth that touch as jaws close. Eyeteeth play an essential role in the “bite” and can quickly cause discomfort in chewing and biting if impacted. The quality of the alignment of a patient’s natural chewing motion can be disrupted if there are any irregularities with these important teeth.
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ORAL PATHOLOGY
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is trained and experienced in properly diagnosing and surgically treating cancer of the head, neck, and mouth. Most estimates suggest that an average of 42,000 Americans will be diagnosed each year with oral or pharyngeal cancer. Because oral cancer is often discovered late in its development, the mortality rate is particularly high. your general dentist or OMS is the individual to detect and assess oral cancer during routine examinations or other procedures.
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BONE GRAFTING
When a patient’s jawbone is too soft or isn’t thick enough, a patient may require bone grafting before dental implant surgery. The primary reason for this is that the action of chewing exerts great pressures on the jawbone. If there is a lack of support for the implant, the surgery may fail. A bone graft can create a more solid base for the dental implant. There are several different bone-grafting materials available, including transplanted bone from another area of the patient. It may take up to six months for the transplanted bone to grow enough new bone to support a dental implant. If only minor bone grafting is needed, the procedure can often be done a the same time as the extraction of the tooth.
