Anesthesia

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons train extensively in the pursuit of their degrees, including working side-by-side with anesthesiologists, to offer a range of anesthesia options in their practices. Different procedures might require different levels of anesthesia, from local anesthesia to general anesthesia. Patients should learn about each of these types and discuss anesthesia options with their OMS before surgery.

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Frenectomy

Frena are small folds (also called “bands”) of tissue located in the mouth: under the tongue, inside the upper lip, inside the lower lip and connecting the cheeks to the gums. A frenectomy is a simple surgical procedure to loosen or release these bands. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) typically performs a frenectomy to increase the range of motion of the tongue (removing the lingual frenum) or to close a gap in a patient’s upper front teeth (removing the labial frenum). Frenectomies can be performed via scalpel, electrosurgery or laser surgery.

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Apicoectomy

While most root canals are successful, there are times when a root canal alone isn’t sufficient. If the infection from the dead nerve inside a tooth spreads beyond the tooth root and into the surrounding bone, your dentist may refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for an apicoectomy. During an apicoectomy, the surgeon removes the infected portion of the tooth’s root in order to clean the infection from the tooth and surrounding bone and then fills the root to prevent future infections.

Wisdom Teeth Extractions

Third molars, commonly referred to as wisdom teeth, are usually the last four of 32 teeth to erupt (surface) in the mouth, generally making their appearance between the ages of 17 to 25. They are located at the back of the mouth (top and bottom), near the entrance to the throat. The term “wisdom” stems from the idea that the molars surface at a time typically associated with increased maturity or “wisdom”.

What to eat after Wisdom Teeth Removal

tooth extractions

You may need to have a tooth extracted for a number of reasons such as decay, injury, or as part of orthodontic treatment. Whatever the reason, you will most likely be referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who will remove your tooth in the office using an anesthetic that is appropriate for your procedure.

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expose and bond for impacted teeth

While wisdom teeth are often impacted, other teeth can be impacted as well. An impacted tooth is simply one that has been blocked from entering the mouth. Because of the placement and difficulties of caring for wisdom teeth, many oral and maxillofacial surgeons recommend their removal. Other impacted teeth can be brought into proper position through an expose-and-bond procedure – a process combined with orthodontic treatment that can bring the impacted tooth into its proper position.

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Dental Implants

More and more people are getting dental implants to replace missing teeth. They're a long-term solution that is imbedded in your jawbone, just like your natural teeth. Plus, unlike fixed bridges or removable dentures, dental implants will not affect neighboring healthy teeth or lead to bone loss in the jaw. If properly cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime.

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oral, head, & neck Pathology

Your oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) is the expert for diagnosing and surgically treating cancer of the head, neck and mouth. Oral cancer’s mortality is particularly high, not because it is hard to detect or diagnose, but because the cancer is often discovered late in its development. Your family dentist or OMS is in the best position to detect oral cancer during your routine dental examinations. 

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temporary anchorage devices (tads)

Temporary anchorage devices (TADs) are occasionally used for a short time during orthodontic treatment. TADs are small titanium screws that orthodontists use to help reposition teeth. TADs are usually placed by the oral and maxillofacial surgeon in their office. When the TADs are no longer needed, they are removed and the site is usually fully healed in a couple of days.