Oral Services
Wisdom Teeth
Oral Examination
Dental Implants
The Surgical Procedure
Major and Minor Bone Grafting
Pathology
Orthognathic Surgery
Cosmetic Services
Botox
Collagen Fillers
Facial Implants
Oral Services
Wisdom Teeth (3rd Molar)
The average adult has thirty-two teeth by age eighteen: sixteen teeth on the top and sixteen teeth on the bottom. Each tooth in the mouth has a specific name and function. The teeth in the front of the mouth (incisors, canine and bicuspid teeth) are ideal for grasping and biting food into smaller pieces while the back teeth, or molar teeth, are used to grind food up into a consistency suitable for swallowing. However, the average mouth is made to hold only 28 teeth. It can be painful when 32 teeth try to fit in a mouth that holds only 28 teeth. These four other teeth are your Third Molars, also known as "wisdom teeth."
Why Should My Wisdom Teeth Be Removed? Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt within the mouth. When they align properly, and gum tissue is healthy, wisdom teeth do not have to be removed. Unfortunately, this does not generally happen. The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when they are prevented from properly erupting within the mouth. They may grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum, even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. Impacted teeth can take many positions in the bone as they attempt to find a pathway that will allow them to erupt successfully.
These poorly positioned impacted teeth can cause many problems. When they are partially erupted, the opening around the tooth allows bacteria to grow and will eventually cause an infection. The result - swelling, stiffness, pain and illness. The pressure from the erupting wisdom tooth may move other teeth and disrupt the orthodontic or natural alignment of teeth. The most serious problem occurs when tumors or cysts form around the impacted wisdom tooth, resulting in the destruction of the jaw bone and healthy teeth. Removal of the offending impacted tooth or teeth usually resolves these problems. Early removal is recommended to avoid such future problems and to decrease the surgical risk involved with the procedure.
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Oral Examination
With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, the position of the wisdom teeth can be evaluated and a prediction can be made as to present or future problems. Studies have shown that early evaluation and treatment result in a superior outcome for the patient. Patients are generally first evaluated in the mid- teenage years by their dentist, orthodontist or by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize patient comfort. Our surgeons have the training, licensing and experience to provide various types of anesthesia to allow patients to select the best alternative. These services are provided in an environment of optimum safety, utilizing modern monitoring equipment and staff experienced in anesthesia techniques.
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Dental Implants
Dental implants are changing the way people live! They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth which look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved.
What are Dental Implants? The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts which are inserted into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jaw bone. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts are then attached to the implant which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.
Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration which occurs when teeth are missing.
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The Surgical Procedure
For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants integrate with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your dentist is forming new replacement teeth.
After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. We will uncover the implants and attach small posts which will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. These posts protrude through the gums. When the artificial teeth are placed these posts will not be seen. The entire procedure usually takes four to eight months. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.
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Major and Minor Bone Grafting
Over a period of time, the jaw bone associated with missing teeth atrophies or is reabsorbed. This often leaves a condition in which there is poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for placement of dental implants. In these situations, most patients are not candidates for placement of dental implants.
We now have the ability to grow bone where needed. This not only gives us the opportunity to place implants of proper length and width, it also gives us a chance to restore functionality and esthetic appearance. The bone graft procedures are referred to as:
- Sinus lift procedure
This procedure involves elevating the sinus membrane and placing the bone graft onto the sinus floor, allowing implants to be placed in the back part of the upper jaw
- Ridge-augmentation
In severe cases the ridge has been reabsorbed and a bone graft is placed to increase the ridge height and/or width.
These procedures may be performed separately or together, depending upon the individual's condition. There are several areas of the body which are suitable for attaining bone grafts. In the maxillofacial region, bone grafts can be taken from inside the mouth, in the area of the chin or third molar region or in the upper jaw behind the last tooth. In more extensive situations, a greater quantity of bone can be attained from the hip.
These surgeries are performed in the our office surgical suite under I.V. sedation or general anesthesia. After discharge, bed rest is recommended for one day and limited physical activity for one week.
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Pathology
The inside of the mouth is normally lined with a special type of skin (mucosa) that is smooth and coral pink in color. Any alteration in this appearance could be a warning sign for a pathological process. The most serious of these is oral cancer. The following can be signs at the beginning of a pathologic process or cancerous growth:
- Reddish patches (erythroplasia) or whitish patches (leukoplakia) in the mouth
- A sore that fails to heal and bleeds easily
- A lump or thickening on the skin lining the inside of the mouth
- Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
- Difficulty in chewing or swallowing
These changes can be detected on the lips, cheeks, palate, gum tissue around the teeth, tongue, face, and/or neck. Pain does not always occur with pathology and, curiously, is not often associated with oral cancer. However, any patient with facial and/or oral pain without an obvious cause or reason may also be at risk for oral cancer.
We would recommend performing an oral cancer self-examination monthly and remember that your mouth is one of your body's most important warning systems. Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores, please contact us so we may help you.If you feel that you or someone you know has any of the symptoms that have been discussed, or if you have any questions and/or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Kentucky Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery so we may be of some assistance to you.
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Orthognathic Surgery
Occasionally, conditions of the jaw and face require surgical intervention to alleviate symptoms related to structure,
growth, sleep apnea, TMJ disorders and correct malocclusion problems. Bones can be cut and re-aligned, held in place
with either screws or plates and screws.
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Cosmetic Services
Botox
Botox is a simple, non-surgical, physician administered treatment that can temporarily smooth moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in people from 18 to 65 years of age. One 10-minute treatment-a few tiny injections-and within a few days there is a noticeable improvement of these lines, which can last up to 4 months. Results may vary.
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Collagen Fillers
Collagen is the main protein found in the connective tissue. It helps to support the skin, bone, cartilage and blood vessels. Collagen can break down with advancing age. This break down can lead to lines, folds, and wrinkles. Collagen injections may help erase “crow’s feet,” smile and frown lines. These injections can also replenish the skin’s natural collagen.
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Facial Implants
Facial Implants are specially formed biocompatible solid materials designed to enhance or augment the physical structure of the face. The goal of all facial implants is to create balance and proportion. Chin Implants can increase the size and projection of a chin that does not project in proportion with the forehead and mid-face. Chin implants correct a weak chin due to age-related bone resorption, facial trauma, or a congenital deficiency. Chin implants can bring balance to the over all facial structure. Cheek Implants can increase the projection of cheekbones. They add volume to areas which may be recessed or flat. A deficient cheek structure can make your face appear drawn in or gaunt. Cheek implants can create more prominent, full cheeks to give a more youthful, healthy appearance.
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