Anesthesia
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons receive extensive and formal anesthesia training during residency, alongside Anesthesiologists and Anesthesia resident physicians, which uniquely allows them to offer a range of anesthesia options in the outpatient setting. Different procedures may require different levels of anesthesia, from local anesthesia to general anesthesia. Patients should discuss anesthesia options with their OMS before surgery.
Wisdom Teeth Extractions
The term “wisdom” comes from the idea that the molars surface at a time typically associated with increased maturity or “wisdom.” Third molars or (‘wisdom teeth’) are usually the last four of 32 teeth to erupt in the mouth, usually between 17 and 25. They are located at the back of the mouth (top and bottom).
Dental Implants
Many people today getting are opting for dental implants to replace missing teeth. They’re a long-term replacement solution that is embedded into your jaw, just like your natural teeth. Unlike bridges and dentures, dental implants will not affect healthy teeth or lead to bone loss in the jaw. If dental implants are properly cared for, they can last a lifetime.
Frenectomy
Frena are small folds of tissue located in the mouth: under the tongue, inside the upper lip, inside the lower lip, and connecting the cheeks to the gums. A frenectomy is a surgical procedure to loosen or release these bands. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) typically performs a frenectomy to increase the range of motion of the tongue (removing the lingual frenum) or to close a gap in a patient’s upper front teeth (removing the labial frenum).
Tooth Extractions
You may need to have a tooth extracted for several reasons such as decay, injury, or as part of orthodontic treatment. Whatever the reason, you will most likely be referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who will remove your tooth in the office using an anesthetic that is appropriate for your procedure.
Oral, Head, & Neck Pathology
Your oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) is the expert for diagnosing and surgically treating cancer of the head, neck, and mouth. Oral cancer’s mortality is particularly high, not because it is hard to detect or diagnose, but because the cancer is often discovered late in its development. Your family dentist or OMS is in the best position to detect oral cancer during your routine dental examinations.
Bone Grafting
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons frequently utilize bone grafting techniques in conjunction with tooth extractions, dental implant placement, facial trauma treatment, and reconstructive surgery of the mouth, face, and jaws. Bone grafting aims to provide a good quantity and quality of bone at the desired site for proper form and function. Bone grafting is sometimes necessary to facilitate dental implant placement, especially when teeth have been missing from these sites for an extended period of time. They are also used in reconstructive cases to improve a patient’s capacity for more effective chewing and improve speech and facial appearance.
Expose And Bond (Impacted Teeth)
An impacted tooth is simply one that has been blocked from entering the mouth. Many oral and maxillofacial surgeons recommend their removal because of the placement and difficulties of caring for wisdom teeth. Other impacted teeth can be brought into proper position through an expose-and-bond procedure – a process combined with orthodontic treatment that can bring the impacted tooth into its proper position.
Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADS)
Temporary anchorage devices, or TADs, are small titanium anchors used in certain orthodontic cases to help achieve quicker tooth movement with more efficiency and comfort. TADs may be used in addition to braces or as an alternative to headgear.
How Are TADs Placed?
A strong anesthetic is used to numb the gum tissue and the jaw surrounding the area where the TAD will be placed. Once the area is numb, your doctor will gently place the TAD through the gum tissue and firmly into the jawbone. The placing of a TAD is quick and may be over before you know it. While your doctor is placing the TAD, you may feel slight pressure, but within a day, you will no longer be able to feel the TAD. Your TAD is removed once your treatment is complete or no longer needed to help straighten your teeth. Removal of a TAD is a comfortable procedure that takes just a few minutes.
How Can I Relieve Discomfort From My TAD?
If you feel any discomfort from having your TADs placed, Tylenol® is recommended to help relieve your pain. If you continue to experience discomfort days after your treatment, please contact your dentist as soon as possible.
How Can I Keep My TAD Clean?
A TAD can be cleaned the same way you clean your braces: by brushing your teeth at least three times a day. When your TAD is placed, we will also provide you with an antimicrobial mouthwash that you will need to use twice a day.
If you have questions about TADs, please contact our practice. We will answer any of your questions and provide you with detailed information about your orthodontic treatment.
