Bone Preservation and Augmentation

Many times due to progressive disease, infection or trauma, bone and soft tissues are lost in areas around the teeth. This process is accelerated when teeth are removed and nothing is done to replace the stimulation that tooth root provides to preserve the jawbone. This is extremely prevalent in the front of the upper jaw where bone loss and shrinking gum tissue can be seen when we smile.

Placement of dental implants prevents the defect that would normally develop when teeth are missing. And, there are techniques to replace bone and gum tissue in areas where it has been lost. Depending on the size of the defect, and the location within the mouth, this can be done easily in the office, often at the same time as placement of dental implants.

Surgical Removal of Teeth

Many simple extractions can be performed by a general dentist. However since an oral surgeon has special training, dentists will usually refer patients for the removal of damaged, impacted, or severely decayed teeth, including wisdom teeth. Patients who are considering dental implants are also referred to an oral surgeon so that the teeth can be removed with techniques that preserve the bone, which creates a better site for implant placement. In addition, patients who would be more comfortable receiving sedation or general anesthesia during surgical procedures are usually referred to an oral surgeon.

Surgical Removal of Wisdom Teeth

Very few people have the space for their third molars (wisdom teeth) and most people do not need these teeth to function properly. Wisdom teeth will often be impacted in the bone, preventing the normal eruption process (pushing through the gum tissue). Most dentists will recommend extraction of wisdom teeth to prevent problems such as crowding of other teeth, which can be a serious problem with orthodontics, and possible infection.

Oral Diseases and Infections

Cancer screening and biopsy of questionable tissue is a routine part of the practice. Fortunately, bones and soft tissues damaged by oral cancer can be repaired or reconstructed surgically. The doctors also treat infections of the mouth, jaw and neck.

Anesthesia and Pain Relief

For your comfort, surgery can be performed under local anesthesia, fully awake; under general anesthesia, fully asleep; or with light sedation combined with local anesthesia. Our staff is highly trained and certified in outpatient anesthesia and our offices have modern operating rooms with state of the art monitoring equipment to allow for safe anesthesia delivery.

Corrective Jaw Surgery

Orthognathic surgery is needed when the jaws don’t meet correctly and teeth don’t seem to fit with jaws. Teeth are straightened with orthodontics, and corrective jaw surgery repositions misaligned jaws. This not only improved facial appearance, but also ensures that teeth meet correctly and function properly.