Services by Oral Surgery Center
Wisdom Teeth – Extractions
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt within the mouth. When they align properly with the gum, they do not have to be removed; however, unfortunately, this is not the majority of the case.
Around the time of adolescence, wisdom teeth begin to grow in the back corners of your mouth in an attempt to “erupt”. Wisdom teeth removal is advised only if your mouth does not have enough space to correctly erupt. Often the wisdom teeth may remain trapped under the gum and bone, grow sideways or only partially emerge meriting their extraction.
Ultimately, the real issue lies with the painful effects that come with the improper growth of the wisdom teeth. Sharp pain, swelling, stiffness, and infection are common when a partially erupted tooth is left unattended. For this precise reason, early removal is recommended for patients.
Dr. Sedhom begins with a consolation to identify the issue at hand. Upon recognizing the diagnosis, a series of x-rays and tests are performed in order to evaluate the status of the wisdom teeth themselves. Another appointment will then be placed for the procedure itself. The patient is sedated using either local or general anesthetic, depending on the severity of the impaction. Surgery commences upon where family and friends are asked to wait patiently in the lobby. Upon discharge, the patient is taken to post-op and a friend or family member is given post-op instructions along with a post-op kit of pain medication, gauze, and more.
Dental Implants
Dental implants essentially replace your old teeth with new ones that look, feel and function naturally. The implants themselves are titanium posts often made out of titanium and created to act as roots. The artificial roots are surgically implanted and eventually bond to the bone, creating a strong foundation for your new teeth that develops over a few months. Once the implants beneath the gum have securely bonded, the second phase of surgery will commence. Dr. Sedhom will uncover the implants and place small posts that act as anchors for the artificial teeth. These posts protrude through the gums until the artificial teeth are placed shortly thereafter.
Though the procedure takes 6 to 8 months for total completion, the rewards are perpetual, allowing you to eat, smile and speak with ease. This surgery is ideal for patients who have lost several of their teeth or simply wish to restore their smile. The majority of the procedure can be done with local and/or general aesthetic. To see if you are a candidate for dental implants, set up a consultation today.
Impacted Canines
An impacted canine simply means the tooth in unable to erupt into function. Oral surgeons like Dr. Sedhom have the ability to expose and bracket such impacted teeth through surgical procedure. Often, teeth will erupt naturally or with the help of an orthodontist; however, the older the patient, the more likely the canine will not erupt on its own. Unfortunately, this then requires surgical procedure.
You can expect a limited amount of bleeding from the surgical sites after surgery. Although there will be some discomfort after surgery at the surgical sites, most patients find Tylenol or Advil to be more than adequate to manage any pain they may or may not have.
Within a few days after surgery there is usually little pain and medication becomes unnecessary all together. There may be some swelling, but it can be minimized by applying ice to the surgical area. A soft diet is recommended at first, but you may resume your normal diet as soon as you feel comfortable chewing. It is advised that you avoid sharp food because they tend to irritate the surgical site if they disrupt the wound during initial healing. You should plan to see your orthodontist within 1-14 days to activate the eruption process by applying the proper rubber band to the chain on your tooth. As always your doctor is available at the office or can be beeped after hours if any problems should arise after surgery.
Orthognathic Surgery
Orthognathic surgery refers to “straightening of the jaw(s) using surgery” [ortho – straight, gnathic – jaw(s)]. Whereas orthodontic treatment corrects the position of the teeth, orthognathic surgery positions the bones of the jaws (maxilla/mandible). One or both jaws may be surgically repositioned during the one operation. This involves making cuts (osteotomies) in the bones and moving the cut segments into their predetermined position under a general anaesthetic. The surgery is normally preceded by a period of orthodontic treatment so that post-operatively both the teeth and the bones will be in their correct position.
Finally, a short period of orthodontic treatment is then usually required to complete the alignment of the teeth.
All surgery carries potential risks. With orthognathic surgery, the major risks include bleeding; poor blood supply to the osteotomised jaw segments; infection; unfavourable bone cuts/splits; permanent numbness/tingling to lips, cheeks, and/or teeth; incorrect positioning of the jaws/segments; jaw joint problems; and damage to teeth. Your Surgeon will discuss these with you in more detail during your consultation appointments in the Rooms. Please remember however, that in the vast majority of cases, any associated problems are minor and easily attended to.
A positive approach is extremely important both before and after jaw surgery. Various studies support the fact that positive thinking can assist the body during the process of healing. The support of your family in the days and weeks following your surgery will also aid your recovery.
Jaw Tumors
Oral cancer is a deceptively common type of cancer. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), nearly 42,000 Americans are diagnosed with either oral or throat cancer each year. Because the condition can develop anywhere inside your mouth, it can manifest in your jaw as well.
Jaw cancer can occur either on the upper jaw, known as the maxilla; or the lower jaw, known as the mandible. If you experience any of the following jaw cancer symptoms, be sure to seek an evaluation by your dentist.
Jaw pain
A tumor is one explanation for pain in the jawbone, and this pain can make it hard for you to eat and chew. Jaw pain can develop for multiple reasons related to oral cancer, but it is one of the main symptoms associated with metastatic growths in the oral cavity, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Metastatic tumors develop when cancer from one part of your body spreads to another, such as the maxilla or mandible.