An oral surgeon is a dental specialist that’s trained to perform surgical procedures on the mouth, teeth, jaws, and face. While dentists can perform minor oral surgeries, they’re not oral surgeons or oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMS), which is the full name of these specialists. The word maxillofacial means relating to the jaws and face. Our  office is lucky enough to staff two excellent Oral Surgeons.

While most dental offices do not offer everything in one treatment room, patients can receive the entire dental implants experience without leaving our office.  Our office is able to  provide everything, including CT scans, tooth extraction, bone graph, implant insertion, abutment, and crown placement.  We are able to monitor all phases of the implant process and  make sure that the implants remain secure and provide years of stability.  We are committed to building you a better smile with fully restored functional and cosmetic features. We look forward to helping you improve your life!

Wisdom teeth ,otherwise known as third molars.Sometimes these teeth emerge from the gum line and the jaw is large enough to allow room for them, but most of the time, this is not the case. More often, one or more of these third molars fails to emerge in proper alignment or fails to fully emerge through the gum line and becomes “impacted” between the jawbone and the gum tissue. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause swelling, pain, and infection of the gum tissue surrounding the wisdom teeth. In addition, impacted wisdom teeth can cause permanent damage to nearby teeth, gums, and bone. Therefore, dentists recommend people with impacted wisdom teeth have them surgically removed.

Lesion removal and biopsy. Oral surgeons can take a small sample of abnormal growth or tissue and then send it for laboratory testing for identification. Some lesions can be managed medically or can be removed by the oral surgeon.

Snoring/sleep apnea. When conservative nonsurgical methods such as positive pressure air machines and dental splint appliances fail to alleviate this problem, surgery can be tried. Surgical procedures involve removing the soft tissues of the oropharynx (an area in the back portion of the mouth) or the lower jaw. Laser surgery is a newer treatment option.

TMJ disorders-Dysfunction of the TMJ, the small joint in front of the ear where the skull and lower jaw meet, is a common source of headache and facial pain. Most patients with TMJ disorders can be successfully treated with a combination of oral medications, physical therapy, and splints. However, joint surgery is an option for advanced cases and when the diagnosis indicates a specific problem in the joint.

There are countless benefits to oral dental surgery. They focus mainly on preventing damage in the future, and repairing existing damage. Getting your wisdom teeth removed, for example, is often a preventative means to protect against infection, crowding and potential misalignment.

Other benefits of oral surgery include:

  • Prevent long term damage
  • Repair existing damage
  • Regain the use of your full mouth
  • Prevent future infection
  • Resolve existing maladies
  • Prevent and repair bone loss

Oral surgery can produce life changing results. It can be done for people of all ages, for a variety of different reasons. Oral surgery is a means to a better quality of life for those suffering from infected teeth, gums or bone loss.

What To Expect During And After Your Procedure

What to expect depends on what you are having done. You can expect minor bleeding or swelling after your surgery, some may be more extreme than others. Our Surgeons will prescribe you pain medication if they think it is necessary. You will often have gauze or stitches in your mouth as well. Follow your dentists instructions and know that we are always available to answer any questions you may have.

Oral surgery may seem like a major procedure, however it is very common. Our Oral Surgeons are extremely experienced and will ensure that your procedure is as seamless as possible.

After your surgery, you will be free to leave the dental office on the same day. Be sure that you have a friend, family member to drive you. You cannot drive after being under general anesthetic until its effects wear off.