Oral Surgery | Save Your Teeth and Smile

Tooth extraction is a procedure for removing a tooth that is damaged beyond repair, decayed, or causing issues such as crowding or infection. Extractions can be simple or surgical. A simple extraction involves removing a tooth that is visible and fully erupted, using tools to loosen and pull the tooth out. A surgical extraction is required for teeth that are not easily accessible, such as broken or impacted teeth, and involves a small incision in the gum to access the tooth. Extractions are often a last resort when a tooth cannot be restored with fillings, crowns, or root canals.

Dental implants have changed the way dentistry has evolved over the last 25-years. A dental implant is a replacement for the root of a tooth. They are used to secure crowns to the jawbone using titanium and titanium alloy. These metals are used because they are lightweight and biocompatible – which means they are not rejected by our bodies. Dental implants are used to replace teeth that have been affected by decay, disease, oral cancer, or a number of causes such as smoking, alcoholism, or injury. Dental implants require a procedure to create channels in the jawbone so the implants can be fitted with intimate contact with the jaw. Implants generally require 3-6-months for the bone to fuse with the titanium rod before we can place a tooth restoration (a crown or bridge), to complete the process.

Wisdom teeth are our last teeth to erupt and are located in the back bottom and top corners of our mouths. They usually come in between the ages of 16-21 and while some patients may not have any issues with them, it is better to have them removed as there are typically more issues leaving them in. These issues could include a lack of room for them to properly erupt, they can become impacted and cause pain, oral infections, or other oral health issues. Oftentimes, our office will suggest wisdom tooth removal as a preventive measure. A wisdom tooth extraction is an outpatient procedure that only takes a few days to fully recover form.

Crown lengthening is a procedure used to expose more of a tooth’s structure. It involves reshaping the gum tissue, and sometimes the underlying bone, to allow for better crown placement or improve aesthetics. This procedure is often performed when a tooth breaks near the gum line, there is decay under the gum, or if there is a "gummy" smile. By exposing more of the tooth’s surface, the dentist can securely place a crown or improve the appearance of the smile.

Gum grafting is a surgical procedure to repair gum recession, which exposes the tooth root and increases sensitivity and risk of decay. A gum graft uses tissue from the roof of the mouth or a donor source, attaching it to the affected area to cover the exposed root. This helps protect the root, reduce sensitivity, and improve gum health and appearance. Gum grafting is often recommended for patients with significant gum recession due to periodontal disease, trauma, or aggressive brushing.

Bone grafting is a procedure used to rebuild bone that has been lost due to gum disease, tooth loss, or trauma. This procedure is often required before placing dental implants, as implants need a certain amount of bone for support. Bone graft material, which can be synthetic, from the patient, or from a donor, is placed in the affected area to stimulate new bone growth. Over time, the graft material integrates with the jawbone, providing a solid foundation for dental implants or improving the structure and appearance of the jaw.

This is a comprehensive treatment plan to restore and rebuild all the teeth in the upper and lower jaws. This process combines multiple restorative and cosmetic procedures tailored to the patient’s needs, such as crowns, bridges, dental implants, veneers, gum treatments, and sometimes orthodontics. Full mouth reconstruction is often recommended for patients with extensive dental issues, such as severely worn, broken, or missing teeth, and aims to restore function, aesthetics, and overall oral health. This approach not only improves chewing and speech but also enhances facial appearance and confidence.