Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth are the third molars that typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood. While some patients have room for these teeth to develop properly, many experience complications that require professional removal. Our experienced team performs thousands of wisdom tooth extractions with exceptional patient care and superior outcomes.
Common reasons for wisdom tooth removal include impaction (teeth that are trapped beneath the gum line or bone), crowding of adjacent teeth, inadequate space in the jaw, pericoronitis (infection around partially erupted teeth), and decay that cannot be treated. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, and even compromise the health of nearby teeth if left untreated.
We offer multiple anesthesia options to ensure your comfort, including local anesthesia, IV sedation for anxiety-free care, and general anesthesia for complex cases. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and return to normal activities within a few days. Our team provides detailed pre-operative instructions and comprehensive post-operative care guidance to promote optimal healing.
What to Expect
- • Initial consultation with digital imaging to assess tooth position and complexity
- • Anesthesia options discussed and customized to your needs
- • Extraction performed with minimal trauma to surrounding tissues
- • Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and remove sutures if needed
Surgical Extractions
Surgical tooth extraction is necessary when a tooth cannot be removed through routine extraction. This includes deeply impacted teeth, teeth with complex root structures, fractured teeth that extend below the gum line, and non-restorable teeth that require professional surgical removal. Our surgical expertise ensures these challenging cases are handled with precision and care.
Unlike simple extractions performed by general dentists, surgical extractions require the advanced training and experience of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. We may need to make an incision in the gum tissue, remove a portion of bone, or section the tooth into smaller pieces for safe removal. Our minimally invasive techniques preserve as much healthy bone and tissue as possible, which is especially important for patients considering future dental implants.
We utilize advanced imaging and surgical instruments to plan and execute extractions with remarkable precision. Each extraction is tailored to the unique anatomy and complexity of the tooth, and we're committed to maximizing comfort through our comprehensive anesthesia options.
Common Scenarios for Surgical Extraction
- • Impacted teeth (teeth unable to fully erupt)
- • Fractured teeth with roots below the gum line
- • Severely decayed teeth that cannot be restored
- • Teeth with curved or fused roots
Bone Grafting
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that rebuilds and regenerates jawbone volume where bone has been lost due to extraction, disease, or injury. This procedure is essential for patients who want to restore their smile with dental implants but lack sufficient bone structure. We offer several bone grafting techniques to meet your specific needs, using advanced regenerative materials and methods.
We provide multiple bone grafting approaches: socket preservation grafts immediately after tooth extraction preserve the natural contours of your jaw; ridge augmentation rebuilds height and width of the jawbone for implant placement; and sinus lift procedures create space for implants in the upper jaw by lifting the sinus membrane and adding bone. Our team carefully evaluates your anatomy and bone quality using 3D imaging to recommend the most effective approach for your situation.
We utilize biocompatible bone graft materials including autogenous bone (harvested from your own body), allograft materials (from tissue banks), alloplastic materials (synthetic options), and xenograft materials (from animal sources). Each material offers distinct advantages, and we select the optimal choice based on your clinical needs, timeline, and preferences. Most patients can proceed with implant placement within 4-6 months after bone grafting.
Bone Grafting Benefits
- • Creates adequate bone volume for successful implant placement
- • Maintains natural facial contours and bone structure
- • Improves long-term success rates of dental implants
- • Supports jawbone health and prevents further deterioration
Outpatient Anesthesia
Your comfort and safety are paramount during oral and maxillofacial surgery. We offer a comprehensive range of anesthesia options from minimal sedation to deep anesthesia, all administered by trained professionals in our surgical facility. Our state-of-the-art office surgical suite is equipped with emergency equipment and medications.
Our anesthesia options include local anesthesia (numbing medication injected into the surgical area), nitrous oxide with local anesthesia (for mild sedation and anxiolytic effects), IV sedation (conscious sedation for a relaxed, comfortable experience with memory suppression of the procedure), and general anesthesia (complete unconsciousness for complex surgical cases). Before your procedure, we'll discuss which anesthesia option is best suited to your needs, anxiety level, and the complexity of your surgery.
We continuously monitor your vital signs, oxygen saturation, heart rate, and blood pressure throughout your procedure. Our team is trained in advanced life support and emergency protocols. All patients receive detailed pre-operative instructions including nothing by mouth guidelines, medication adjustments, and transportation requirements.
Anesthesia Safety
- • Thorough pre-operative medical evaluation and clearance
- • Continuous monitoring of vital signs during the procedure
- • Surgical facility equipped with full emergency protocols
- • Trained anesthesia professionals overseeing your care
Oral Pathology
Oral pathology encompasses the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the mouth, jaws, teeth, and related structures. Our surgeons are trained to identify and manage conditions such as benign tumors, cysts, lesions, infections, and malignant diseases. Early detection and proper treatment are crucial for optimal outcomes, and we provide comprehensive care for patients with oral pathologic conditions.
We perform tissue biopsies to accurately diagnose suspicious lesions, abnormal growths, or areas of concern identified during examination. Biopsy specimens are submitted to oral pathology laboratories for microscopic analysis and definitive diagnosis. Once we have a diagnosis, we develop an appropriate treatment plan, which may include surgical removal, additional diagnostic imaging, or referral to specialists when indicated. Conditions we treat include odontogenic cysts, bone pathology, salivary gland disorders, and pre-malignant or malignant lesions.
We work closely with oral pathologists and other specialists to ensure comprehensive care. Any patient with suspicious oral findings will have a thorough examination, appropriate imaging, and if needed, biopsy to establish a diagnosis. Our goal is to identify problems early and provide effective treatment while preserving function and aesthetics. Regular dental check-ups and prompt attention to any unusual symptoms are essential for early detection of oral pathology.
When to Seek Evaluation
- • Persistent oral ulcers or sores that don't heal
- • Unusual lumps, bumps, or swelling in the mouth or jaw
- • Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking
- • Changes in tooth color, position, or alignment
- • Persistent pain or numbness in the mouth or jaw
Pre-Prosthetic Surgery
Pre-prosthetic surgery prepares your mouth for the successful placement and fit of dentures, partial dentures, or other prosthetic appliances. These procedures ensure that your jawbone and soft tissues provide an ideal foundation for your prosthetics, improving fit, stability, retention, and comfort. Without pre-prosthetic preparation, dentures may be loose, uncomfortable, or ineffective.
Common pre-prosthetic procedures include bone recontouring to smooth irregular bone surfaces that would cause pressure points; tori removal (removal of bony growths on the hard palate or mandible that interfere with denture fit); frenum relocation to provide better denture support; and ridge augmentation to increase bone volume. Some patients require a combination of procedures to optimize their denture-bearing surfaces. We carefully evaluate your anatomy and discuss which procedures will provide the best foundation for your prosthetic treatment.
Our goal is to create comfortable, well-fitting prosthetics that restore your ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. We work closely with your prosthodontist to coordinate treatment and ensure that surgical modifications are specifically designed to optimize your denture fit. Patients often report significantly improved comfort and satisfaction with their prosthetics after pre-prosthetic surgery.
Pre-Prosthetic Procedures
- • Bone contouring and smoothing for optimal denture fit
- • Removal of tori and other bony prominences
- • Soft tissue modification and frenum relocation
- • Ridge augmentation to enhance prosthetic support
Facial Trauma Treatment
Facial trauma requires immediate and specialized care to restore function, prevent complications, and achieve optimal aesthetic outcomes. Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons have extensive training and experience in diagnosing and treating facial injuries including fractures of the jaw, facial bones, and teeth. We work closely with emergency departments, trauma centers, and other medical specialists to provide comprehensive trauma care.
We treat a wide range of facial injuries including mandibular (lower jaw) fractures, maxillary (upper jaw) fractures, orbital fractures, nasal fractures, cheekbone fractures, and multiple complex fractures requiring sophisticated surgical reconstruction. Treatment depends on the specific injury, patient age and health, and associated injuries. Some fractures can be managed with observation and careful monitoring, while others require surgical intervention with plates, screws, or wires to ensure proper healing and restore normal function.
Prompt evaluation and treatment of facial trauma is essential to prevent complications such as improper healing, infection, permanent jaw dysfunction, airway problems, or facial deformity. We use advanced imaging including CT scans to accurately assess injury severity and plan surgical treatment. Our priority is restoring your ability to eat, speak, and breathe normally while achieving the best possible facial appearance. Emergency trauma services are available through our affiliated emergency departments.
Types of Facial Injuries We Treat
- • Mandibular and maxillary fractures with various displacement patterns
- • Orbital fractures
- • Nasal and midface fractures
- • Complex polytrauma with multiple facial injuries
- • Tooth avulsion and dental injuries