Sedation Options for Oral Surgery

oral surgery

An oral surgeon is trained to perform very specific procedures that can affect the entire oral cavity and lower portion of the face. For example, a person might see an oral surgeon for something relatively simple like a tooth extraction or something far more complex like full mouth reconstruction, which can include jaw surgery, tooth extractions and implant dentistry. Since an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) performs an array of treatments with varying invasiveness, sedation and anesthetic options for patients is necessary for promoting comfortable care. Local Anesthesia & Nitrous Oxide Advancements in local anesthetics have made it possible for dental professionals to take conservative approaches to using strong medications in many instances. Some tooth extractions can be performed with local anesthetic and nitrous oxide effective at maintaining patient comfort. On the other hand, many wisdom tooth extractions require IV sedation. That is because this oral surgery is more complex…

Common Procedures Offered by Our Oral Surgeons

oral surgery

Has your dentist or physician referred you to our practice for oral surgery? If so, you might be wondering what exactly an oral and maxillofacial surgeon does. The truth is that an oral surgeon provides an array of services and treatments that can increase oral function, correct abnormalities, and improve oral health. Some of our most common procedures include jaw surgery, tooth extractions, biopsies, and dental implant placement. Jaw Surgery Jaw surgery is a common oral surgery procedure that can address issues with jaw development and alignment. Corrective jaw surgery might be needed for those who have suffered with traumatic facial injuries as well. When it comes to jaw surgery, the primary concern is with oral function. Ideally, treatment should increase oral function – making it more comfortable and smooth. Secondarily, jaw surgery might be necessary for improving facial symmetry and balance. This is especially true if one jaw has…

Will a Temporary Orthodontic Anchorage Device Benefit Me?

oral surgery

Some patients who long for straighter smiles may face some obstacles to traditional orthodontic treatment. For example, if a tooth that needs to be moved is adjacent to a large gap, there may be no surface to which the next bracket can be attached so that forces can be properly applied to the targeted tooth. A Temporary Anchorage Device (TAD) can help patients overcome such treatment challenges. TADs are tiny surgical screws that an oral surgeon places in designated locations in the jaw. The TAD is made of titanium, so the bone can fuse with it and it will stay in place for the duration of treatment. If an extra anchor is needed for the orthodontic appliances in your case, a TAD may be beneficial. TADs also can be helpful when it’s necessary to correct the bite in addition to the alignment of the teeth. The orthodontist and oral surgeon…

Conditions Treated by an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

oral surgery

There usually comes a time in one’s life when the need for oral surgery occurs … impacted wisdom teeth need to be removed; a defect requires repair; a biopsy is needed for a suspicious area. Any of these situations, along with many other conditions, can be attended to by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Trauma occurring from an accident often requires the expertise of an oral surgeon. With facial injuries, the patient has any number of bones, teeth, or areas like the tongue, jaw, chin, throat, or neck that can be impacted. Salvaged teeth can be re-inserted, cuts can be repaired, or a treatment plan for continuous reconstructive surgery can be implemented for long term relief and restoration. One of the most common surgical procedures performed is that of removing impacted third molars. These are the wisdom teeth, usually the last teeth to erupt. Quite often they remain imbedded in…

Oral Surgery Procedure: What are my sedation options?

oral surgery

As you consider scheduling an appointment for oral surgery, your thoughts will certainly wander beyond the subject of wisdom teeth or dental implants. Like many patients, it is understandable that you will wonder about the other details surrounding the surgery. How will it feel? Will you be asleep or awake? Will you feel pain? What if you are afraid of needles? These questions (and others) are perfectly normal, and your oral surgeon is prepared to answer them all. In fact, your oral surgeon is prepared to customize the surgical procedure to suit your preferences in order to provide you with high quality care that is also comfortable. For most patients, the management of stress or anxiety and controlling pain are top priorities. When you are able to relax into the dental chair and when you are able to let your mind wander away from thoughts of tension or discomfort, you…

Sleep Apnea: What is the Pillar® Procedure?

oral surgery

The Pillar® Procedure is a safe and effective oral surgery technique designed to reduce or eliminate snoring, a common symptom of sleep apnea. For patients who suffer from this condition, snoring is often an indication that the airways have become partially or completely blocked during sleep. In light of the significant health risks posed by sleep apnea, the Pillar® Procedure has enabled many patients to enjoy a greater quality of sleep while also protecting their overall health. Excess or loose tissue in the back of the throat is the leading cause of snoring, and more than 80% of patients are unable to control this condition on their own. During sleep, the soft tissues of the throat, soft palate, and the tongue tend to collapse, and the patient’s attempt to breathe through the nose and mouth are restricted. The result is the loud vibration caused by the air being forced past…

Facial Trauma: Soft Tissue Injuries

oral surgery

Sometimes, an accidental injury to the head, face, or mouth can be absolutely devastating. In other instances, it can be as simple as a cut that bleeds uncontrollably. When such an injury involves the teeth, it is natural to seek the help of an oral surgeon. What you may not realize is that an oral surgeon is also the correct choice when the injury involves the soft tissues of the face, mouth, lips, or tongue. Due to an oral surgeon’s in-depth education and experience, you can expect to receive an exceptional level of combined medical and dental care. When it comes to a region as delicate and highly visible as the face and mouth, these skills become more valuable than ever. In addition to a wealth of knowledge about the teeth, gums, and bone, an oral surgeon’s education includes extensive hands-on experience in several related fields of study. Pain management,…

Crown Lengthening: Purpose and Procedure

oral surgery

Crown lengthening is a type of oral surgery that reduces the amount of a patient’s gum tissue and exposes more of the patient’s tooth material. This procedure can be used in a number of circumstances. Some patients pursue crown lengthening for purely aesthetic reasons, such as eliminating a “gummy smile,” while others may need the surgery to uncover enough tooth material to support a restoration, such as a crown or filling. Crown lengthening may also be needed in cases of broken or severely decayed teeth in which there is minimal remaining tooth material below the gumline.  In performing oral surgery, such as crown lengthening, small incisions are made in the gums to pull tissue away from the tooth’s roots. Sometimes, it will be necessary for the surgeon to remove bone material surrounding the roots, as well, in order to achieve the desired appearance. After all the necessary tissue has been…