Oral Surgery
1. Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Wisdom teeth are often removed to prevent or address a variety of dental issues. In many cases, the jaw does not have enough space to accommodate these teeth, causing them to become impacted and unable to fully emerge through the gums.
Partially erupted wisdom teeth can allow gum tissue to form a flap over the tooth, trapping food and bacteria, leading to swelling, pain, and infection. More serious complications may include damage to adjacent teeth or bone, and in some cases, the development of cysts or tumors.
Wisdom teeth may also grow at improper angles, placing additional pressure on surrounding structures. Extraction helps prevent these issues and protects your long-term oral health.
2. Preprosthetic Surgery
- Alveoplasty (reshaping the jawbone)
- Maxillary tuberosity reduction
- Removal of exostoses (bony growths such as maxillary or mandibular tori)
- Removal of excess soft tissue
- Frenectomy (removal or adjustment of muscle attachments)
- Vestibuloplasty (reshaping the gum and tissue area for better prosthetic fit)
3. Surgical Management of Oral Pathologic Lesions
4. Bone Grafting (Bone Augmentation)
Bone grafting is a procedure used to rebuild or enhance bone in the jaw, often in preparation for dental implants. This involves placing bone or bone-like materials in areas where bone loss has occurred, allowing it to fuse with your natural bone over time.
The specific approach depends on your individual needs, including the location and number of implants planned. In most cases, healing time ranges from 6 to 12 months before implants are placed, although in some situations, treatment timelines may be shorter. A thorough consultation will help determine the best option for you.
5. Sinus Lift (Sinus Augmentation)
A sinus lift is a specialized procedure used to add bone to the upper jaw in the area of the molars and premolars. It is typically recommended when there is insufficient bone height or when the sinuses are too close to the jaw for dental implants to be safely placed.
By gently lifting the sinus membrane and adding bone beneath it, this procedure creates the necessary support for successful implant placement. Sinus lifts have become increasingly common as more patients choose dental implants as a long-term solution for missing teeth.
