Oral Surgery
Willow Street Dentist
EXTRACTION
Third molars, or wisdom teeth, are the last set of permanent molars to emerge. These teeth are also the most likely to require extraction, due to any of several complications. However, other teeth may also require extraction if they cannot be saved by root canal therapy or other treatment. Some of the most common reasons to have teeth extracted include:
- Impacted tooth – tooth is trapped beneath bone or gums and not emerging properly
- Crowding or small mouth – emerging teeth may cause other teeth to shift or crack due to lack of space
- Decay or infection – when a tooth is affected by extreme decay or infection that cannot be corrected with filling or root canal treatment, it may require extraction
Dr. William Borowski and Dr. Tiffany Ngan may recommend extraction of one or more of your teeth if any of these issues apply to you. During your consultation, we may also recommend sedation dentistry to make your experience more comfortable.
Post-Extraction Care
After your extraction, you will need to be driven home by a friend or family member. You will require rest, but lie with your head propped on a pillow to prevent prolonged bleeding.
We will apply gauze when your extraction is complete. When it becomes soaked, change it for a fresh piece. Use pain medication and ice pack as directed for pain and swelling. If bleeding continues beyond 24 hours, contact our office immediately.
For the first few days following extraction, limit your diet to soft foods. Avoid smoking or using a straw, as the pressures created by these actions can slow clotting and loosen sutures.
For more information or an extraction consultation, contact our office.
DENTOALVEOLAR SURGERY
Dentoalveolar surgery describes a set of oral surgery procedures that deal primarily with the teeth and soft tissues of the mouth. Here are some of the most common types of dentoalveolar surgery we perform.
Tooth Extractions
If decay, injury, disease, or orthodontic treatment causes you to need a tooth extracted, you may be referred to our office. We will work with you to determine the best anesthetic option to ensure your extraction is done in a safe and comfortable manner.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Third molars, more commonly known as wisdom teeth, are the last teeth to emerge and have a high likelihood of complications with their growth. Due to their location in the back of the mouth, wisdom teeth are often obstructed by crowding within the mouth and may become impacted (unable to emerge). They may even cause damage to surrounding teeth when there is not enough room for them to grow in fully. When wisdom teeth are impacted, infected, or are likely to damage other teeth, it may be best to have them extracted. Our experienced team will discuss your options with you and ensure your safety and comfort throughout.
Exposure of Impacted Teeth
For some patients, a tooth may become trapped beneath bone or gum tissue and unable to grow in. This is known as an impacted tooth. When this occurs, our team can review your specific situation and perform the appropriate surgery to assist the tooth in emerging into your mouth in its correct position.
Soft-tissue Grafts
A soft-tissue graft is recommended in some cases to bolster the gum tissue to a specific area within the mouth. Generally, this is done in cases of gum recession, root exposure, or to prevent the development of soft-tissue related issues.
For more information about these or other dentoalveolar surgery procedures, contact our office.
CROWN LENGTHENING
Crown lengthening treatment removes excess gum tissue from around one or more of your teeth, exposing additional tooth structure above your gumline. This may be recommended if you have a “gummy” smile or to provide better access to correct issues with decayed or broken teeth or infected gums.
During treatment, your gums are moved away from your tooth and jawbone. The bone will be smoothed, if needed, prior to reattaching the gums lower on the teeth. With more tooth structure showing above the gumline, your teeth now appear longer and your gums less prominent.
BONE GRAFTING
Dental implants are an aesthetic and effective solution for tooth loss. However, to place a dental implant, you must have sufficient healthy bone structure in the area where the implant will be placed. This bone serves to anchor the implant in place and ensure your tooth replacement solution is strong and long-lasting.
When teeth are lost or removed without replacement, resorption (bone loss) can occur. If we find that you have experienced bone loss in the area where you need implants, we may recommend a bone graft. A bone graft augments the healthy bone in your jaw and stimulates regeneration that further restores your jawbone structure.
Once fully healed, you will be ready to receive dental implants that will provide a solution for tooth loss and prevent further resorption of jaw bone structure.
