A full mouth restoration offers patients who have experienced a variety of dental traumas. From those who grind their teeth (bruxism) to those who have had oral cancer to drug users looking for a fresh start, a full mouth restoration will improve both the aesthetics of your mouth and the function. This helps improve the quality of life and your overall confidence.
No two full mouth restorations are alike. This procedure is completely customized to meet your needs and can rely on a wide variety of sub-procedures. Because the point of a full mouth restoration is to improve the health of your teeth, gums, and bite the procedures required to accomplish the end results can vary. Dental implants, dental crowns, dental bridges, veneers, fillings, and more can all be a part of the process.
Who is eligible for a full mouth restoration?
Because a full mouth restoration is quite invasive, it’s important that whomever is considering the procedure be in good health. Being healthy will make healing and recovering easier, and will also help you get the best results possible.
How long does a full mouth restoration take?
The length of your full mouth restoration will depend on how many procedures are required to accomplish our goals. Generally, however, you can expect multiple visits over several months. This is because each procedure will require recovery time and healing. The benefit is that each procedure will help improve your quality of life and confidence. So each procedure is a step toward a better future.
What is recovery from a full mouth restoration like?
Because the restoration occurs over several months, recovery usually occurs in steps. This allows your body to heal best, so it doesn’t go into shock and reject things like implants. Procedures like fillings require far less healing than something like a dental implant, which requires your bone to heal.
TMJ disorders are complications associated with the temporomandibular joint where the jaw and skull come together. This joint, although small, can cause chronic pain and symptoms that make performing everyday tasks quite painful or difficult. The symptoms of TMJ disorders are different from patient to patient, with some reporting pain that comes and goes and others describing symptoms that persist chronically for many years.
That TMJ disorders can occur at any point in life, but that they are most commonly diagnosed in young adults between the ages of 20 and 40 years old? The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons also reports that TMJ disorders are far more common among women than men. Though there is no way of knowing exactly how many people suffer from TMJ disorders (many go undiagnosed), the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research estimates that approximately 10 million people in the U.S. currently suffer from TMJ conditions.
Is it possible that I could need treatment for TMJ disorder?
Only your dentist can diagnose a TMJ disorder, but there are some signs and symptoms that could indicate the need to visit your doctor:
What should I expect during TMJ treatment?
If you are diagnosed with a TMJ disorder, your treatment experience will vary based on your diagnosis. Your dentist may attempt to treat your disorder first using conservative methods like pain relievers or muscle relaxants. If you require further treatment, bite guards are another option. Joint injections may be used to reduce inflammation and prevent pain. Few people will require surgery for TMJ.
Will I need to make any lifestyle changes to help prevent complications of TMJ?
Yes. TMJ disorders are often worsened by stress and the habits that form as a result of stress. For example, if you have a tendency to clench your jaw or grind your teeth when under stress, you may find that your TMJ symptoms worsen during those times. Your surgeon may recommend taking steps to reduce your stress levels, perhaps using massage or physical exercises. You may also be advised to avoid gum and taking large bites of food during meals.
Oral pathology is the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in and around the mouth. It includes cancer growth along the tongue, cheeks, roof of the mouth, gums and the floor of the mouth.
When a biopsy confirms an oral cancer diagnosis, an oral surgeon will discuss treatment options and recommendations with the patient. In many cases, surgery may be necessary to remove affected tissues, reconstruct facial features, and restore function to the mouth.
Did you know that early diagnosis of oral cancer can drastically improve long term prognosis and treatment outcomes? Since oral cancer causes little or no symptoms in its earliest stages, regular oral health exams play an important role in identifying signs of the disease as soon as possible. In addition, everyone – including those who have never smoked or abused alcohol – should conduct regular at-home self-exams for signs of lumps, lesions or white patches in the mouth between dental checkups.
How common is oral cancer?
More than 45,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer every year – many of them right here and the surrounding area. Historically, it has been most common in people over age 40, though people under age 40 represent the fastest growing population developing the disease.
What are some of the risk factors for developing oral cancer?
Anyone can develop oral cancer. However, some people are at higher risk of developing the disease than others. For example, heavy drinking and tobacco use have been linked to the disease. Another culprit, the human papilloma virus (HPV), is increasingly responsible for oral cancers – especially in young individuals.
How can an oral surgeon treat oral cancer?
When oral surgeons are involved in pathological treatment, it usually means that a tumor or lesion needs to be removed, as well as any other tissues or lymph nodes that may be affected by a cancer. Oral surgery often removes much of the cancer, though additional treatments like radiation and chemotherapy may also be necessary depending on the stage of the disease.
Cone Beam 3D Imaging is an advanced dental imaging technology that allows for an illimitable view of the teeth and supportive structures within the face. With Cone Beam 3D Imaging, a dentist can capture panoramic views of the maxillofacial area in just 10 seconds. Cone Beam 3D images offer an enhanced view of the face that can be examined and evaluated from multiple viewing angles. A single image can reveal the associative relationship between the hard and soft tissues of the mouth, which can aid in treatment planning and administration.
That Cone Beam 3D images are similar to the images available through CT scans? The difference is that there is far less radiation exposure, it takes less time, and the images can easily be obtained in a dental office. Cone Beam 3D images can also be stored digitally for future reference or for easy transfer between providers.
How can Cone Beam and 3D Imaging help me?
Unlike x-rays, which are not detailed and only reveal hard tissues, Cone Beam 3D Imaging reveals the entire craniofacial structure and connective tissues. While your dentist is making plans for oral surgery or dental treatment, the images can be dissected and manipulated to ensure accuracy and precision.
What should I expect from Cone Beam and 3D Imaging?
Your Cone Beam 3D Imaging experience should be quick, taking approximately 10 seconds to do a complete scan. The image produced will differ from traditional two-dimensional imaging, in that it will be a three-dimensional view of your entire head and face.
What should I expect after I’ve had a Cone Beam 3D scan?
Cone Beam scans are completely painless. There is no pre-scan consultation required or after care instructions.
Sleep apnea is a dangerous sleep disorder that interferes with healthy breathing patterns during sleep. It is characterized by snoring, which may be so loud that it affects the sleep quality of bed partners. Having sleep apnea can put a strain on relationships, cause daytime fatigue, and even lead to other secondary conditions like depression. Worse, severe cases of sleep apnea can be life threatening.
Though snoring is a primary symptom of sleep apnea, not all people who snore actually have sleep apnea. As much as 50 percent of Americans snore at some time, whether occasionally or chronically. However, only 20 percent of American adults have sleep apnea. So how do you know the difference? Harmless snoring does not interfere with breathing patterns. Sleep apnea, on the other hand, causes breathing cessations and sometimes ‘gasping’ during sleep.
Do I need treatment for sleep apnea?
You may need to see a doctor if you or your partner have been awakened by your chronic snoring and/or gasping for air. Though this condition can be very dangerous, your doctor can help you discover ways of managing sleep apnea and protecting healthy breathing during sleep.
How will my doctor screen for sleep apnea?
Your doctor’s first goal will be to determine whether your snoring is benign or a symptom of sleep apnea. This may be determined by speaking with you and your partner about your symptoms. If you do not have a partner who can confirm snoring or breathing interruptions, your doctor may request a sleep study.
What types of treatments are available for people with sleep apnea?
There are many ways of treating the symptoms of sleep apnea. This may include conservative approaches, such as a new sleeping position or the use of an oral appliance. If your apnea symptoms are severe or conservative treatments are not working, you may be prescribed a continuous positive airway pressure device (CPAP) to open the airway. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Keep in mind that a diagnosis of sleep apnea is not always permanent. Many patients find that losing weight can be an effective way of opening the airway during sleep.
Tooth extractions are routine dental procedures used to remove decayed, damaged or otherwise problematic teeth. Dentists usually make every effort to preserve natural teeth, although sometimes an extraction is necessary. Although the procedure is performed in a dentist’s or oral surgeon’s office, it is considered surgery. Depending on which teeth are removed, they may be replaced with a dental implant or another oral prosthetic.
The most common cause of tooth extractions is severe tooth decay and cavities. However, many patients also undergo extractions for impacted teeth – particularly wisdom teeth. Other causes for extraction include advanced periodontal disease, cracked teeth, and teeth that are severely malformed. Although many circumstances that require extraction are unavoidable, some could be prevented with regular visits to the dentist for exams and cleanings.
Do I need a tooth extraction?
Only your dentist can tell you if you need a tooth extraction. However, you may be a candidate for the procedure if one or more of your teeth are decayed so severely that a filling or others restoration is not a possibility for treatment.
What should I expect during my tooth extraction appointment?
If you and your dentist decide to extract one or more teeth, you will be scheduled to return for oral surgery at a later date. You will be given a local anesthetic to prevent pain during the procedure, and you may be prescribed medications to help manage pain in the hours following your extraction. Depending on the nature of your extraction and other factors, such as whether your teeth are impacted, you may also be sedated or given general anesthesia during your procedure.
What type of post-treatment care will I need to follow?
Post-operative care following a tooth extraction is essential for healing and preventing complications. You will be instructed to avoid certain foods and also keep the surgical site clean at all times. If you are prescribed an antibiotic, it is important that you complete the course of treatment to prevent infection. Finally, you may be advised to avoid smoking or drinking through a straw, as doing so may delay the healing process and cause a condition known as ‘dry socket.’
Facial traumas are challenging injuries for patients to cope with, particularly because can directly affect a person’s appearance and ability to do otherwise routine activities, such as speak and eat. Anyone with a facial trauma needs the attention and care of a specialist who understands the delicate makeup of the facial bony structures and the soft tissues that surround it. An oral surgeon is uniquely qualified and trained to handle facial traumas of all types, whether caused by a vehicle accident, violence, a sports injury or some other source.
Did you know that facial traumas can cause severe functional, structural and cosmetic damage to the face, jaw and teeth? Our office can treat nearly any trauma, ranging from repairs of small intraoral lacerations to complete facial reconstruction. Examples of commonly treated traumas include:
How will an oral surgeon repair a soft tissue injury?
At our office, we believe that treating the injury is as important as preserving aesthetic results for our patients. We take special care to protect the salivary glands, nerves and any ducts involved in the treatment area while utilizing methods that minimize scarring after recovery.
I lost several of my teeth in an accident. How can an oral surgeon restore my smile?
Cracked, broken and dislodged teeth are very common injuries among people of all ages. With several years of dental training and years of experience under our belt, we can utilize the latest in restorative dental technology to completely repair your smile and return it to its pre-accident appearance. From jawbone reconstruction and bonding to emergency tooth preservation and dental implants, we have had great success in restoring the smiles of patients with tooth and jaw-related injuries.
If I find myself in the emergency room following an accident, how do I ensure I am seen by an oral surgeon?
If you or someone you know has suffered a facial trauma after an accident, seek emergency attention right away. While in the emergency room, request that your attending physicians have a [city] oral and maxillofacial surgeon see you for a consultation. Not only are oral surgeons the most qualified to handle facial traumas, but they may also pinpoint hidden or underlying injuries otherwise undetected by emergency room physicians.
Jaw alignment is an important part of oral health. When the jaw is out of alignment, it can negatively affect the bite, as well as the function of the mouth. Some misaligned jaws are so problematic; they cause abnormal wear on the teeth and other secondary symptoms, such as headaches. Also known as orthognathic surgery, jaw alignment surgery is meant to address irregularities that impair the normal function of the jaws. By undergoing corrective jaw surgery, patients can improve their bite, speech, and appearance – not to mention alleviate other side effects.
Though only an oral surgeon can let you know if jaw surgery is right for you, there are some signs and symptoms that the procedure could be right for you:
Am I a candidate for jaw surgery?
You may be a candidate for corrective jaw surgery if you have a malocclusion (bad bite) that is caused by poorly aligned jaws. Only a complete consultation with an oral surgeon can help you determine whether jaw surgery is right for you.
What should I expect during a jaw surgery?
You’ll be evaluated by an oral surgeon to determine if oral surgery is right for you. In some cases, a bad bite can be treated with orthodontics alone. In others, a combination of orthodontics and jaw surgery, or jaw surgery alone is used to correct alignment issues. If you require orthodontic treatment, treatment will occur prior to jaw surgery.
X-rays will be taken of your teeth in a pre-surgical consultation. On the day of your operation, you’ll be placed under general anesthesia. An incision will be made on the inside of your mouth, through which your surgeon will reposition your jaws. Some jaw surgeries involve bone shaping, which may include shaving some bone away or grafting new bone into the jaw. A combination of plates, screws or wires may be used to hold the jaw in place before your incision is closed.
Will I need to follow any special instructions following my jaw surgery?
Yes. The initial healing phase is usually a few weeks long. During this time, you’ll be placed on a modified diet and instructed to avoid certain activities. It is important to take all medications as prescribed and to keep the incision site clean and free of debris. Your jaw may be swollen and sore for several days after surgery. Be sure to contact your doctor if you experience fever or any discomfort that worsens with time. Keep in mind that your jaw will continue to heal over the course of several months – a process that can take up to one year to complete.
Our priority is to deliver quality care to informed patients in a comfortable and convenient setting.
