Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions of the head and neck. After dental school, they complete 4-6 years of advanced training in craniomaxillofacial treatment. This specialty is one of nine recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA).
Tooth Extractions
Bone grafting is often necessary for dental restorations like implants and bridges when the jawbone is too damaged or receded to support them. Factors affecting jawbone volume include periodontal disease, tooth extraction, and injuries.
Bone grafting stabilizes the jaw for implants and restores lost bone, preventing further recession. It can also fill defects caused by tooth loss or disease.
The procedure begins with an examination of the affected area, possibly using X-rays or a CT scan to assess bone condition. There are several types of bone grafts
- Autogenous: taken from the patient’s own body
- Allograft: from cadaver or synthetic sources
- Xenograft: from bovine bone
The procedure involves numbing the area, making an incision, and adding the bone material, which will fuse with the existing bone over time. Healing can take several months.
Bone Grafting
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, usually emerge between ages 17 and 25 but often lack enough space to erupt properly, leading to impaction. This can cause infection, damage to adjacent teeth, or cysts. There are three types of impaction:
- Soft Tissue: The tooth is partially exposed but covered by gum tissue, risking infection.
- Partial Bony: Part of the tooth is beneath the gum and jawbone, often causing infection.
- Complete Bony: The tooth is fully encased in bone, requiring complex removal.
Wisdom teeth may need removal due to pain, infection, or potential future issues like damage to nearby teeth or misalignment. Early evaluation during the teen years is recommended to identify problems. The procedure is performed under anesthesia, typically without the need for an overnight stay, and post-operative care is provided to manage swelling and discomfort.
Wisdom Teeth Extractions
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, typically emerge between ages 17-25 but often lack enough space to erupt properly, leading to impaction. This can cause infection, damage to other teeth, and even cysts or tumors. There are three types of impaction:
- Soft Tissue: The tooth is partially exposed, but the gum covers part of it, leading to infection.
- Partial Bony: Part of the tooth is still beneath the gum and jawbone, often causing infection.
- Complete Bony: The tooth is fully encased in bone, requiring complex removal.
Wisdom teeth may need removal due to pain, infection, or potential future issues, such as damage to nearby teeth, disease, or misalignment. Early evaluation, typically in the teen years, is advised to identify problems early. The removal is done under anesthesia and doesn’t require an overnight stay. Post-operative care is provided to manage swelling and discomfort.