Oral Surgery

Wisdom teeth extractions

Somewhere between the ages of 15 to 25 years, most people's third molars begin to erupt through the gum line at the very back of their mouths. However, the modern jaw shape often can't accommodate wisdom teeth, leading to either of two unhealthy conditions: crowding of existing permanent teeth, or impaction—the incoming molars get stuck in place. Since few people's jaws can accommodate these large third molars, we typically examine our 11 and 12-year-old patients to predict the upcoming developmental positioning of the wisdom teeth, recommending extraction prior to 17 to 19 years of age.

That Smarts!

While extraction may not sound like a lot of fun, it's far better than the typical alternatives. Crowded teeth can misalign your bite, cause jaw pain, and lead to gum disease, causing dental problems for the rest of your life. Partially-erupted wisdom teeth allow bacteria and germs to multiply, leading to infection or cyst formation; tumors may even grow on a trapped wisdom tooth. Impacted or partially-erupted wisdom teeth may force entry, pushing up in whichever direction they find the most give: sideways, vertically, backward, forward. They can become stuck while still fully encased in the jawbone (called a bony impaction), or prior to erupting through the gums (called a soft tissue impaction). Such impaction can cause pain, swelling, and infection. The good news is that extraction is a simple, routine surgical procedure that can usually be performed comfortably in one office visit.

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Bone Augmentation

Bone augmentation is a procedure that can help some patients become candidates for dental implants. To create a secure and lasting hold, implants need a certain amount of jaw bone volume, so bone augmentation is often performed where there is inadequate bone structure. The process usually involves grafting (adding) bone or a similar substance to the jaw so it fuses with the existing bone. Dr. Doctor will determine the best type of bone augmentation procedure for your individual situation after evaluating your dental health and discussing your goals needs.

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Sinus Lift/Sinus Augmentation

A sinus lift, also referred to as a sinus augmentation, is a surgical procedure that adds bone to a patient’s upper jaw, making the area of the molars and premolars taller to allow for dental implant placement. This is necessary when inadequate bone structure exists in the upper jaw, usually because someone has lost teeth in that area, which contributes to bone resorption (absorbed back into the body). During a sinus lift, additional bone will be added to the areas on either side of your nose. In order to accommodate the extra bone mass, your sinus membrane will need to be moved up, or “lifted.” Dental implants placement can occur once the healing phase is complete.

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Biopsy

A sinus lift, also referred to as a sinus augmentation, is a surgical procedure that adds bone to a patient’s upper jaw, making the area of the molars and premolars taller to allow for dental implant placement. This is necessary when inadequate bone structure exists in the upper jaw, usually because someone has lost teeth in that area, which contributes to bone resorption (absorbed back into the body). During a sinus lift, additional bone will be added to the areas on either side of your nose. In order to accommodate the extra bone mass, your sinus membrane will need to be moved up, or “lifted.” Dental implants placement can occur once the healing phase is complete.

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