Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is the specialty of dentistry which includes the surgical and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries and defects involving both the functional and esthetic aspects of the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region (the mouth, jaws and face).

We proudly offer the following services:

Dental Implants

What are Dental Implants?
The implants themselves are titanium cylinders which are inserted into the jawbone where teeth are missing and act as tooth root substitutes.  They are surgically placed into the jawbone.  The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth.  Small posts are then attached to the implant which protrude through the gums.  These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.  Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.

Bone Grafting

Over a period of time, the jawbone associated with missing teeth atrophies or shrinks. This often leaves a condition in which there is poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for placement of dental implants. In these situations, most patients are not candidates for placement of dental implants, unless grafting is performed.

We now have the ability to grow bone where needed. This not only gives us the opportunity to place implants of proper length and width, it also gives us a chance to restore functionality and esthetic appearance. The bone graft procedures are referred to as:

Ridge-augmentation
In severe cases the ridge has been reabsorbed and a bone graft is placed to increase the ridge height and/or width.

Sinus lift procedure
This procedure involves elevating the sinus membrane and placing the bone graft onto the sinus floor, allowing implants to be placed in the back part of the upper jaw.

Nerve- repositioning
The inferior alveolar nerve, which gives feeling to the lower lip and chin, may need to be moved in order to make room for placement of dental implants to the lower jaw.

These procedures may be performed separately or together, depending upon the patient's condition. There are several areas of the body, which are suitable for attaining bone grafts. In the maxillofacial region, bone grafts can be taken from inside the mouth, in the area of the chin or third molar region or in the upper jaw behind the last tooth. In more extensive situations, a greater quantity of bone can be attained from the hip or the outer aspect of the tibia at the knee.

Most of these surgeries are performed in the out-office surgical suite under IV sedation or general anesthesia. 

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Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt within the mouth.  When they align properly, and gingival tissue is healthy, wisdom teeth do not have to be removed.  Unfortunately, this does not generally happen.  The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when they are prevented from properly erupting within the mouth.  They may grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum, and even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. 
 

These poorly positioned impacted teeth can cause many problems.  When they are partially erupted, the opening around the tooth allows bacteria to grow and will eventually cause an infection.  The result: swelling, stiffness, pain and infection.  Local periodontal disease may affect the second molar tooth.  The pressure from the erupting wisdom tooth may move other teeth and disrupt the orthodontic or natural alignment of teeth.  The most serious problem occurs when tumors or cysts form around the impacted wisdom tooth, resulting in the destruction of the jawbone and healthy teeth.  Removal of the offending impacted tooth or teeth usually resolves these problems.  Early removal is recommended to avoid such future problems and to decrease the surgical risks involved with the procedure.

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Apicoectomy / Surgical Root Canal Retreatment

Apicoectomy, also known as Surgical Root Canal Retreatment, is performed only after the traditional root canal treatment was unsuccessful.  

An apicoectomy is performed when X-rays exhibit an unresolved black circle around the tooth, a fistula is present in the gum, or there is persistent inflammation and infection in the area around the root tip of the tooth after a root canal procedure.  At times infection may be present without the associated pain.

The root tip (apex) of the tooth and the surrounding infected tissue is removed after an injection of local anesthetic. The root is often sealed with a root-end filling.  The gingiva is then repositioned with sutures. 

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Orthognathic Surgery

Orthognathic surgery is needed when jaws don't meet correctly and/or teeth don't seem to "fit" with your jaws.  In most cases, teeth are straightened with orthodontics, and then corrective jaw surgery repositions misaligned jaws.  This not only improves facial appearance, but also ensures that teeth meet correctly and function properly.  Orthognathic surgery allows for repositioning of teeth and facial bones to create a more balanced appearance with jaws that work together well.

Difficulty in the following areas should be evaluated :

• Protruding Jaw/Chin

• Elongated Chin 

• Deficient Chin

• "Gummy" Smile

• Open Bite (space between upper and lower teeth)

• Difficulty In Chewing, Biting or Swallowing

• Chronic Jaw or TMJ Pain

• Speech Problems

*From "A Patient's Guide to Orthognathic Surgery", 1994, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

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Facial Trauma

Any injury to the face or head, either due to motor vehicle accidents, falls, sports, work related or physical violence, can affect either your sight or your ability to breathe, speak or swallow. These injuries can range from facial cuts and lacerations to more serious problems such as broken teeth and fractures. Facial fractures can involve any combination of bones in the lower or upper jaw, palate, cheekbones or eyesocket.

Our staff is uniquely qualified, through their training and experience, to treat injuries specific to the mouth, face and jaw. Not all facial injuries are alike; some are more serious than others. Even in the case of a moderately cut lip, the expertise of our staff is invaluable in bringing about the desired cosmetic result.

The treatment of facial fractures is similar, in principle, to the treatment of a broken arm or broken leg. The method of treatment is determined by various factors such as the location and severity of the fracture and the age and health of the patient.

The patient's facial appearance is minimally affected in the treatment of facial fractures. In accessing the facial bones the incisions are designed to be small and, whenever possible, placed in areas such as hairline or jaw so that the resulting scar is hidden from view.

While you cannot always avoid injury, accidents do happen. We recommend that you use seatbelts when riding in any automobile. For that same reason, if you are an athlete, use protective mouth guards and appropriate masks and helmets for your sport.

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