Dental Implants
Dental implants are the best, most natural option to replace missing teeth. This minimally invasive procedure may be performed to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even in conjunction with dentures to provide optimum retention. Following a brief consultation, where the surgeon reviews options and views the patient’s panoramic x-ray, the surgery can be scheduled.
The implants can be placed in as little as thirty minutes, and recovery afterwards is minimal, consisting of just a couple of days. Most patients report the extraction of the tooth causing more discomfort that the placement of their implants. During the actual procedure, a small incision is made in the gums to expose the bone. Next, a series of precise instruments are used to create a space for the implant to be placed. Lastly, the implant is inserted into the created space and the gum tissue is closed with a suture. The implant requires a healing period so that it may integrate with the surrounding bone, and become a part of you. The appropriate length for proper integration will be determined during the consultation or at the time of the procedure.
After the implant has healed, your general dentist will fabricate a crown, bridge, or denture that attaches to the implant(s), restoring normal chewing function and improving your quality of life.
Orthognathic Surgery
Orthognathic surgery is useful in the treatment of conditions of the jaw and face with regards to structure, growth, sleep apnea, TMJ and advanced orthodontic problems. Orthognathic treatment is typically performed as a team approach with your orthodontist almost always involving braces. Orthognathic surgery is generally performed in an operating room setting. See your General Dentist, Orthodontist or Eastern Pines Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery for a consultation.
Preprosthetic Surgery
Preprosthetic surgery involves preparing the jaw or portion of the jaw for retaining a denture, partial denture or implant. It also involves repairing bone in areas of the jaw that may have resorbed over time due to many factors including trauma or long term denture use. Your form of treatment will be discussed and determined upon evaluation.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth or third molars are the last molars to form, and generally four wisdom teeth develop. However, over time our jaws have decreased in size, creating little or no space for these teeth to “erupt” or push through the gums into the mouth. “Nine out of ten people have at least one impacted wisdom tooth”, concluded a study performed by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Because of this lack of space, the wisdom teeth provide no function and may produce a number of problems. In order to prevent problems with the wisdom teeth, it is recommended that most people have them extracted or removed. Your dentist may recommend having your wisdom teeth removed after viewing a panoramic x-ray. The best time to have the procedure completed is between the ages of fifteen to twenty-six. During this stage of life, the teeth are generally not fully formed and the jaw bone is not as dense or hard. Recovery from the surgery is much shorter when done at an earlier age.
This surgery is usually preformed under an intravenous sedation for patient comfort. A small incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the tooth. The tooth is then “pushed” out using a small instrument. After the socket is cleaned, a suture is placed to close the area. Discomfort from this procedure greatly depends on the placement of the wisdom teeth, and will be discussed during a consultation with the surgeon.
If the wisdom teeth are not extracted, tumors, cysts, gum disease, and shifting of surrounding teeth are all possible complications. Having the teeth extracted gives peace of mind and improves oral health.
TMJ Treatment
The Temporomandibuilar Joint (TMJ) is a complex apparatus that has the potential to malfunction. If problems do occur in the TMJ they usually become evident by clicking, popping, pain and even by our jaws getting stuck open or closed. After a consultation visit the patient is typically placed on conservative therapy which may include an anti-inflammatory medication, soft diet, night guard and warm compress to the Temporomandibular Joint or Joints. Should conservative treatment prove to be ineffective an MRI may be necessary in the planning of more invasive treatment.
Botox
Botulinum Toxin has been FDA approved for cosmetic purposes in the treatment of fine lines and wrinkles in addition to its other medical purposes. Treatment of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and forehead begin with a consultation where your expectations and concerns are discussed. It is then determined whether or not you are a candidate for Botox. See your Eastern Pines Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon for a consultation and be on your way to a younger appearance today.
