Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained to recognize and treat a wide spectrum of diseases, injuries and defects in the head, neck, face, jaws and the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region. They are also trained to administer anesthesia and provide care in an office setting.
They treat problems such as the extraction of wisdom teeth, misaligned jaws, tumors and cysts of the jaw and mouth, and to perform dental implant surgery.
If you need oral surgery, you’ve come to the right place!
At Lakewood Dental Arts our board certified specialists are highly trained in a variety of surgical procedures that will improve your oral health and the appearance of your smile.
Oral surgery has vastly improved over the last few decades.
Thanks to groundbreaking techniques and cutting-edge dental technology, our surgical options are safer, faster, and more effective than ever before.
Surgical Procedures
Oral surgery may be used to treat a variety of dental and orthodontic problems affecting the mouth, teeth, and jaw.
Oral surgery may be performed under local anesthesia, as is the case for minor procedures like tooth extraction, or it may be performed under general anesthesia, which we use for more extensive oral surgeries.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, erupt much later than our other permanent teeth. They usually come in between the ages of 17 and 25.
Because they are the last to come in, they can create problems for your existing teeth such as crowding, shifting and decay of the adjacent teeth.
We may recommend wisdom teeth removal to prevent or correct these issues.
Tooth Extractions
Our wisdom teeth are not the only ones that can create problems.
Our doctors may recommend a tooth extraction to help alleviate painful symptoms after other options have been exhausted.
Other reasons that indicate an extraction is necessary include:
| • | Irreparable damage due to tooth decay or cracked teeth |
| • | To eliminate tooth over crowding |
| • | Extensive bone loss due to periodontal disease |
| • | Extraction may help an impacted tooth |
| • | Dental trauma |
Bone Grafting
Bone grafting is done for numerous reasons, including injury and disease. Following an extraction a bone graft can help to prevent the shrinkage of bone and gums.
Successful implant treatment requires a sufficient amount of bone in the jaw. We may recommend a bone graft if your bone is too thin or too soft to support an implant.
Platelet Rich Plasma
Platelet Rich plasma (PRP) is a relatively new approach to tissue regeneration.
PRP is used in conjunction with connective tissue grafting and bone grafting procedures to enhance your healing and improve the desired results of your procedure.
PRP allows us to take advantage of the healing properties in your own blood by isolating the growth platelets. It can also be an excellent tool for the regeneration of soft tissues.
Oral Pathology
Oral pathology refers to the diagnosis and study of problems that affect your oral and maxillofacial region. An evaluation and oral biopsy is essential for a definitive diagnosis.
An oral biopsy is not limited to the diagnosis of tumors but it is also of great usefulness for determining the natures of all types of lesions.
The goal of oral pathology is to cure oral diseases with causes that are not initially apparent. Once we determine the exact causes of a problem, we can develop a more precise treatment plan.
Dental Trauma
If you experience dental trauma be sure to schedule an emergency appointment as soon as possible. Injury or trauma to the face can result in serious problems for your oral health.
If one of your teeth becomes loose or knocked out, you may need oral surgery.
FAQs
What Are My Anesthesia Options For Oral Surgery?
Depending on the type and complexity of your oral surgery, you may have several anesthesia options, including local anesthesia, sedation anesthesia, or general anesthesia. Local anesthesia numbs the specific area being treated, sedation helps you relax while remaining conscious, and general anesthesia ensures you are fully asleep during the procedure. Your dentist will discuss the best option based on your comfort level and medical history.
How Long Will The Oral Surgery Procedure Take?
The duration of oral surgery depends on the specific procedure being performed. Simple tooth extractions may take 30 minutes or less, while more complex surgeries, such as dental implant placement or jaw reconstruction, may take several hours. During your consultation, your dentist will provide a detailed timeline for your procedure.
What Will Recovery Be Like After Oral Surgery?
Recovery from oral surgery varies depending on the type of procedure and your overall health. Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort, swelling, and sometimes bruising, which can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers. Soft foods, rest, and following your dentist’s aftercare instructions are key to a smooth recovery. Most minor surgeries heal within a week, while more extensive procedures may require several weeks.