Usually, patients who need dentures can get them without any preparation or additional procedures. Occasionally, pre-prosthetic surgery is needed in order to prepare the jawbone beneath the gums for a full or partial denture to fit comfortably. In case you’ve been told you have to undergo oral surgery for dentures, here’s what you should know.

Pre-prosthetic Oral Surgery
You might need dentures if you need a restoration that does not require the support of nearby teeth. It is true that dentures do not require adjacent teeth to hold them in place, but that does not mean they do not require any support at all. The dentures rest on the gums and the bony ridge beneath the gums.
It can be uncomfortable to wear dentures if this ridge is uneven or too sharp. Despite adhesive pastes, dentures can slip and shift unexpectedly throughout the day. You may have trouble eating and experience slurring when you speak as a result. Constant shifting and slipping can irritate your gums and cause painful sores.

In spite of the fact that dental implants are the ideal solution for this problem, we understand that they are not an option for all patients for a variety of reasons. Many of the complaints patients have about conventional dentures can be avoided by reshaping the bone so that a full or partial denture will fit securely.

Pre-prosthetic Surgery Options
Pre-prosthetic surgical procedures are minor outpatient surgeries performed in our office. The most common pre-prosthetic surgeries we perform at our oral surgery office are:

• Bone smoothing and reshaping: Smoothing and reshaping the bone prevents sore spots where the denture rubs and causes irritation. This surgery is often performed as a pre-prosthetic procedure, but it can also be performed on patients who have dentures and are experiencing discomfort.
• Bone ridge reduction: This procedure alters the bony ridge to ensure that dentures fit comfortably and securely.
• Removal of excess bone or soft tissue: Excess bone and soft tissue can prevent a denture from fitting properly or make it uncomfortable or unstable.

In some cases, only one of these procedures is necessary, while in other cases, a combination of these procedures may be necessary.

Pre-prosthetic Surgery Recovery

There will be some discomfort following your procedure for a few days. We will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to help you manage any pain and minimize complications. It is possible to speed up the healing process and get back to normal much sooner if you eat soft foods, get rest, and use cold compresses.
After your pre-prosthetic surgery, your dentist or prosthodontist will fit your denture once the bone and soft tissues have healed.
If you have questions about oral surgery for dentures or you’d like to schedule a consultation, contact us today.

People with wisdom teeth usually don’t notice them until they are in their late teens or early twenties after all of their normal adult teeth have grown in. When wisdom teeth erupt, they frequently do so in an abnormal manner, causing a variety of issues. The following is a list of how these third molars may develop and why they are frequently removed:

• Wisdom teeth that only partially erupt: When molars only partially break through the surface of the gum tissue, an opening is created for bacteria to enter, bacteria that is extremely difficult to remove. As a result, the person may experience gum swelling, pain, and, eventually, infection.
• Wisdom teeth that erupt but are misaligned: This can cause swelling and pain in the gum tissue between the last molar and the new wisdom tooth.
• Wisdom teeth that erupt at an angle — When this occurs, the erupting wisdom tooth can push or “crowd” other molars, causing pain and a variety of dental problems.

Most dentists or oral surgeons recommend that people have their wisdom teeth extracted as soon as it is clear that they will cause dental problems, which means that the majority of patients who have their wisdom teeth extracted are between the ages of 18 and 24. However, there is another reason why they recommend the procedure to people in this age group: the procedure is easier when the patient is younger and the wisdom tooth roots have not yet fully formed. Teeth extraction in younger patients is not only easier for the dentist or oral surgeon, but it is also less of an ordeal for the patient.

Dos and Don’ts Following Extraction

It is critical to remember that having your wisdom teeth extracted is major oral surgery. That means you’ll need to plan ahead of time and set aside time to recover and heal following the procedure.

Your oral surgeon will give you detailed instructions on how to take care of yourself after the procedure. Here are some of the most common dos and don’ts after oral surgery.

What you can do

• Maintain an elevated head position. This will help to keep swelling at bay. This is especially important in the first 24 to 48 hours following the procedure.
• For the first few days after surgery, apply an ice pack to your face on a regular basis to help reduce pain and swelling. If you don’t have an ice pack designed for this purpose, wrap some ice in a clean washcloth and use that instead. Even a frozen bag of peas will suffice! After the first 48 hours, switch to a heating pad and place it directly on your extraction sites.
• It is normal to experience some bleeding after the procedure. To keep the bleeding to a minimum, bite down gently on clean gauze until it stops.
• Eat only soft foods until you start to feel better. Your dentist or oral surgeon can advise you on the best foods to eat during your recovery period.
• Drink plenty of fluids while avoiding the use of a straw. Sucking on a straw can irritate the extraction sites and slow the healing process.
• Take whatever pain medication your dentist has prescribed. It’s critical that you do this not only to alleviate any pain or discomfort, but also to ensure that you get enough rest after surgery. Rest is essential for healing, and you can’t get enough if you’re in pain.
• To exercise your jaw, open and close your mouth gently throughout the day. However, remember to move slowly and gently.
• You can begin brushing your teeth the second day after your procedure, taking care to avoid the extraction sites.
• If you have a fever or if your pain and/or swelling persists, contact your dentist or oral surgeon.

What to stay away from

• Certain actions can disrupt the blood clots that form at each extraction site, and it is critical to keep those blood clots intact in order to heal properly. As a result, avoid sucking, smoking, or spitting, all of which can damage a clot and increase the likelihood of a “dry socket.”
• Avoid eating crunchy or hard foods for at least 7 days after your procedure.
• Avoid vigorously rinsing your mouth, as this may disrupt a blood clot. If you must rinse your mouth, do so gently.

If you need to have your wisdom teeth extracted, it’s normal to be nervous about the procedure. Keep in mind, however, that your oral surgeon has most likely performed this procedure numerous times with great success. And, thanks to modern dental technology and sedation techniques, you will experience no pain or discomfort during the procedure. You’ll be able to recover fully at home in just a few weeks if you closely follow your oral surgeon’s advice on do’s and don’ts after wisdom teeth removal. For more information, please contact our office.

When your oral surgeon suggests that you need a bone graft, it may sound like a terrifying procedure. However, this treatment is a relatively minor procedure that is used more frequently than you may have realized. Bone grafts are frequently used in conjunction with other dental procedures, such as implant placement in an area where the jawbone has weakened.

When Is Bone Grafting Necessary?

When a patient lacks sufficient bone structure to support the placement of dental implants, bone grafting is recommended. The body produces new bone cells on a regular basis, but this production can decrease over time. You may eventually not have enough bone in your jaw to provide the strong foundation your teeth require to stay in place. If this is the case, you will most likely benefit from a bone graft.

The following are some of the most common causes of bone density loss:

• Gum disease- It is characterized by chronic inflammation and infection of the gums.
• After tooth extraction—in the empty space where teeth were extracted.
• Prior to implant placement
• Injury or trauma to the mouth or facial areas
• Defects in development

How Dental Bone Grafts Work

This surgical procedure can be used to rebuild or repair bone. It works by implanting bone tissue in the area of bone loss. The tissue is then used by the body to generate new cells and recreate the bone in that location.

A small piece of bone is removed from another part of your jaw or body during the procedure. Artificial bone can also be used. Other bone graft tissues, such as those from a cow, can be obtained. Another option is to implant a bone graft made of phosphorous, calcium, and hydroxylapatite.

A “socket graft” is the most common type of bone graft. This procedure prevents the socket from collapsing and preserves the structure for implant placement. After the socket graft is finished, you will have to wait 4–6 months before the implant can be placed.

Preventing Bone Loss

Following the completion of your bone graft, it is critical that you follow the recovery instructions. Furthermore, to avoid future bone loss, you should be proactive in preventing gum disease.

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day.
• Take special care to clean gently around the gum lines.
• Floss your teeth at least once per day. 
• Check in with your dentist on a regular basis.

If you have any questions about the bone graft procedure, please contact our oral surgery office to make an appointment for a consultation.

We tend to overlook the temporomandibular joint’s function and purpose until it gives us reason to be concerned. If this important joint becomes injured or infected, it can lead to many problems with our ability to speak and chew properly. When you experience discomforts such as muscle pain or headaches when trying to open and close your mouth, you may be suffering from a temporomandibular joint disorder, also called TMD.

Our oral surgery office understands the frustration of discomfort extending to the back and shoulders, so we use our extensive knowledge to treat the aches and pains associated with TMD.

Understanding temporomandibular disorders

In front of each ear, the temporomandibular joint connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull. It allows you to move your jaw up and down and side to side, allowing you to talk, chew, and yawn. You may occasionally feel pain in your jaw area, or your dentist or doctor may have diagnosed you with TMD. The temporomandibular joint and chewing muscles are affected by TMD, which is not just a single disorder, but a group of painful conditions.

What Causes Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD)?

There is no single cause for TMD. Almost anything that causes tension in the jaw and temporal muscles can lead to TMJ problems. Often, multiple factors contribute to the disorder. Injuries to the jaw, face, head, and neck are some of the most common causes of TMD pain.

Teeth grinding or jaw clenching: 

Bruxism occurs when you unconsciously clench your jaw or grind your teeth. The condition affects some people while they are awake, generally due to stress or concentration, while other people experience it while sleeping. Because of the intense pressure being put on your teeth, your bite position can change over time. The result is jaw misalignment, which leads to other associated problems like TMD.

Sleep Disorders

Sleep apnea occurs when your airway collapses while you’re asleep, preventing you from breathing. To open the airway, the lower jaw will clamp down or thrust forward, causing additional stress that will result in TMJ discomfort.

Arthritis

Quite often, individuals with arthritis throughout the body will experience arthritis of the TMJ.

Stress

Stress is often regarded as a major cause of TMD, as it influences involuntary movements throughout the body, such as teeth clenching and grinding, and tension in the neck, head, and shoulders.

Symptoms and Signs

Since TMD consists of several complications, it may be accompanied by a variety of symptoms. The most common symptom of TMJ disorder is pain, especially in the chewing muscles and/or jaw joint.

Other symptoms may include:

• The jaw is locked or limited in movement.
• Pain that affects the jaw, face, neck, and shoulders
• Opening and closing the mouth causes unpleasant popping, clicking, or rough sounds.
• A sudden change in the position of the upper and lower teeth
• Migraines and headaches
• Earaches
• Dizziness
• Hearing difficulties

Treatment of TMJ

Because TMD issues tend to be temporary and often do not get worse, simple treatment may be sufficient to relieve discomfort, including

• Physical therapy that focuses on stretching and relaxing muscles.
• The short-term use of muscle relaxers and anti-inflammatory
• Night-guards
• Splints

Although conservative therapies are helpful for temporarily relieving pain and muscle spasms, they are not a “cure” for TMD. Surgery may be an option if other treatments are not sufficient, such as

• The injection of pain relievers with treatments such as BOTOX®
• A modified condylotomy procedure can be used to reduce or prevent jaw locking.
• Repositioning the TMJ disc with a procedure called a discectomy

TMD not only affects your day-to-day life but also your oral and overall health. TMD treatment restores normal jaw function and relieves joint stress so that you can return to your normal life.

Our oral surgery practice provides compassionate, innovative, and experienced treatment for TMD patients. If you would like more information about our TMD treatment options, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule a consultation appointment.

In the past, oral cancer was most commonly associated with older men, typically those with a history of smoking. Many of the patients with oral cancer are younger, and many of them don’t smoke. Women are getting oral cancer at an accelerated rate. We should be aware and vigilant about the fact that oral cancer isn’t just something that affects the elderly. Learn what you can do to protect yourself from this devastating disease and how a visit with an oral surgeon can help you.

Facts about oral cancer

The U.S. will lose more than 10,000 men and women to oral cancer this year. Approximately 25% of oral cancer cases occur in patients younger than 55, but the average age of diagnosis is 62. 

You can get oral cancer in almost any part of your mouth. Cancer commonly occurs on the lips, tongue, floor of the mouth, tonsils, and gums. The disease is rarely painful, especially in its early stages. Often, it is only discovered after it has spread, making treatment more challenging and reducing survival rates.

Why Does Oral Cancer Affect Younger Patients?

Oral cancer is well known to be associated with tobacco use. The combined effects of alcohol and tobacco can significantly increase the risk of cancer in patients who consume a lot of alcohol. Oral cancer remains a significant health risk due to tobacco and alcohol use, but doctors are seeing more cases of oral cancer occurring in patients without a history of tobacco use. 

HPV exposure, a common STD, is associated with an increased risk of oral cancer. With more than 200 HPV strains, most of us will contract the virus at least once in our lifetimes due to changes in sexual habits. Most strains of HPV are harmless, but some, including the very common HPV 16, can cause cancer. Several types of cancer are linked to HPV 16, including anal, oral, penile, and cervical. Oral cancer is now the most common HPV-associated cancer, surpassing cervical cancer.

How Can I Prevent Oral Cancer?

Prevention is always better than treatment when it comes to cancer. If you make these lifestyle changes, your risk for oral cancer can be reduced. 

• The use of tobacco should be avoided. The use of tobacco is a major risk factor for many types of cancer, including oral cancer. Do not use tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and snuff. If you already use tobacco, you should think about quitting. Tobacco use increases your health risks. Stopping tobacco use at any age can reduce your risk of cancer. 
• Moderate Alcohol Consumption: Heavy drinking increases the risk of oral cancer. If you choose to drink, the American Cancer Society recommends that you limit yourself to two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women.
• Vaccinate for HPV: HPV 16, a form of the human papillomavirus, increases the risk of many cancers. The virus can also be prevented with vaccines. Consult your doctor about HPV vaccinations. 
• Sunscreen is essential for protecting your lips. If you’re going to be outside, apply a lip protectant that contains SPF. 
• Boost Your Fruit and Vegetable Consumption: Fruits and vegetables have shown a preventative effect on many types of cancer. Fill your plate with fruits and vegetables in abundance. 

Oral cancer screenings are extremely important.

If caught early, oral cancer can be treated before it spreads to other parts of the body. Oral surgeons are trained to look for signs of oral cancer and precancerous changes like erythroplasia and leukoplakia. You should visit your dentist or an oral surgeon regularly for screenings. 

It is also valuable to conduct a self-examination. Patients should examine their mouth, neck, and tongue monthly for changes. If you observe any of these signs, contact our oral surgery office as soon as possible.

• White or red patches around the mouth
• Sores that don’t heal within 14 days
• A lump or thickening of the skin and tissues of the mouth.
• Hoarseness or sore throat.
• You have trouble chewing or swallowing.
• Masses or lumps on the neck

The mouth is one of your body’s most important warning systems. Be familiar with it. Tell us if you notice anything unusual. We’re here to help diagnose and treat problems before they become more serious. Don’t ignore changes in your oral health.

Older people are not the only ones at risk for oral cancer. Make an appointment for an oral cancer screening by contacting our oral surgery office today.

Wisdom teeth are often referred to as third molars and have traditionally been removed to reduce the risk of infection and crowding. Yet, some recent research suggests that these extraction methods may pose more of a risk to patients than a benefit. Our oral and maxillofacial surgery office can help you determine if you should remove your wisdom teeth or if it is safe to leave them in place.

Some say to leave healthy teeth alone.

Even when discussing wisdom teeth removal, the principle of “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it” still applies. If the wisdom teeth are healthy and not causing any problems, we often tell our patients that they don’t need to be extracted. Therefore, your third molars can stay if they are:

• Healthy and show no signs of decay
• The teeth have fully erupted through the gums.
• correctly positioned and fitting into your natural bite
• Brushing and flossing are possible.

It takes time for your wisdom teeth to fully erupt, which is the biggest obstacle to keeping your teeth. Although you may notice these teeth beginning to break through your gums at age 17 or 18, they won’t fully emerge until age 25.

Better safe than sorry.

The majority of the time, the dental community removes wisdom teeth. Their philosophy of “better safe than sorry” has proven effective. Approximately two-thirds of the time, wisdom teeth cause problems in the mouth when left in place. They’re difficult to clean, prone to cavities, and can cause gum disease.

Make sure they do not cause crowding.

The most common problem with letting wisdom teeth fully develop is that there is not enough space for the teeth to erupt fully. In addition to crowding your other teeth, your third molars could affect your overall alignment.

Crowded teeth can not only affect how your teeth align, but they can also cause gum disease and tooth decay. In situations where there is not enough room for wisdom teeth to fully erupt, the teeth may erupt at the wrong angle, creating an opening for germs and bacteria to enter your gums. Furthermore, an impacted wisdom tooth can put you at risk of infection as well as cause issues with crowding.

You should consider wisdom tooth extraction if you experience any of these symptoms.

• Regular pain or discomfort
• Recurring infections
• The development of cysts or tumors
• show signs of gum disease.
• Symptoms of tooth decay

Consult with an oral surgeon.

Schedule a consultation with your dentist or oral surgeon to determine if your wisdom teeth should be removed. They can take X-rays, examine your mouth, and recommend the best course of treatment, weighing the pros and cons of removing your wisdom teeth.

The removal of your wisdom teeth is not without risk, just like any dental procedure. Some conditions may arise, including

• An infection
• Bleeding
• Numbness
• Increased swelling

If you have your wisdom teeth removed and you experience severe swelling or bleeding or see signs of infection, contact your oral surgeon right away.

Contact our oral surgery office for more information about wisdom teeth or to schedule a consultation.