Procedures

Removal of Teeth

Permanent (Adult) Teeth

Permanent teeth can be difficult to remove secondary to curve, multiple roots and dense bone. Teeth that have had a root canal done are more difficult to remove due to changes in the tooth ligament, which causes less movement of the tooth.

Baby Teeth

1. It’s just a baby tooth: Primary (baby) teeth can be difficult because of their long, thin roots and possible damage to the permanent tooth buds that are below.
2. Removal of baby teeth in children can be a difficult experience under local anesthesia. Even though the child has adequate local anesthesia, the sensation of pressure while pushing on the tooth may elicit a painful response from a child and thus, an unpleasant experience may occur in which many children will not want to return. By safely using a general anesthetic, the child has no recall of the procedure and returns to the dentist without pending fear. Primary teeth are often removed for orthodontic indications as in tooth guidance.

Wisdom Teeth (Third Molars) / Impacted Teeth

Wisdom teeth or third molars are the last teeth to develop. Due to a discrepancy between the size of jaws and teeth, many times there is inadequate space between these teeth and they remain embedded (impacted) in the jaw. Other teeth can also be embedded (impacted) due to lack of space during growth.

"Preventive Dentistry dictates the treatment of impacted teeth"

Why remove embedded (impacted) teeth

• Prevent infection
• Prevent loss of bone and destruction of adjacent teeth
• Prevent pain of unexplained origin
• Prevent possible movement of adjacent teeth, especially if you have had orthodontic therapy
• Assist with orthodontic therapy
• Prevention of cyst and tumors
• Studies have shown that the highest bacterial growth in the mouth is around wisdom teeth
• Now almost 1 of every 5 patients is a high-risk patient over the age of 40!
• There is a large increase in complication rates. In the elderly, this can be "life-threatening".

Click on the following link for further information on wisdom teeth from the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

Orthodontic Assisted Eruption of Teeth

Exposure of a tooth for orthodontic treatment:

These are teeth that are crowded out by other teeth and do not have a chance to erupt into the mouth. By surgically exposing the tooth, placing a bracket with a chain, your orthodontics can bring the tooth into a functional position.

Oral Pathology

Biopsy of soft tissues and hard tissue lesions.

Dental Implants

What are dental implants:

Dental implants are titanium screws that are placed into the jawbone. A tooth is subsequently made over the top of the implant. Implants have a 96% success rate for over the last 40 years.

When are dental implants indicated?

• For the replacement of a lost tooth.
• Placement into an area where a tooth never developed (congenitally missing tooth). This can be seen in teenagers and is usually placed in conjunction with orthodontic therapy.
• Complete upper and lower tooth replacement instead of conventional dentures.

Why not a bridge:

• Researchers have calculated a 74% survival rate for a bridge for 15 years.
• Implants have a 96% success rate for over the last 40 years.
• Crowns and bridges can decay, implants are metal thus there is no loss secondary to decay.
• Bridges have special care requirements to maintain; implants are taken care of just like any other natural tooth.
• Implants maintain surrounding bone to prevent collapse of the facial bones when used as a bridge or under a connecting denture.
• Our implants are made in the USA.

Anesthesia

For your surgical procedure, intravenous sedation and general anesthesia is used to provide a comfortable and safe surgical experience. As a result, the anxiety and fear of undergoing surgery is removed.

Your safety is the number one concern in our office. We use the most modern equipment and monitoring systems in our office to ensure your well-being. As a result, your procedure can be performed in a safe and cost-effective manner in our office surgical suite.

Click on the following link for further information on anesthesia from the American Association of Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons.