Overview of Dental Procedures

Dental Cleanings
Performed by the dental hygienist.

• Adult and child regular dental cleanings, deep cleanings to control periodontal disease
• Oral Hygiene instructions
• Application of fluoride in office or to take home and apply with customized trays

Dental Examinations and X-rays
Comprehensive Oral Exams, Oral Pathology, Periodontal Disease and caries detector X-rays. Complete treatment plan presentations.

Dental Extractions
Diseased conditions of the teeth vary greatly. The range extends from the well-known "cavity", to advanced periodontal disease. Diseases of the teeth also include the common impacted teeth or "wisdom teeth." These conditions, besides causing intense pain in the jaws, can also have associated infections and may produce cysts or tumors. Oral surgeons are specifically trained to perform these types of procedures in the office.

Dental Implants
Dental implants are titanium metal cylinders that replace tooth roots. They are placed into your jaw bones where bone grows into them and locks them in place. This process called osseointegration takes about 4 to 6 months. After that, the dental implants can be used to replace your missing teeth. If a single tooth in missing one tooth can be placed on the implant and will give the best fit and appearance available today. If many teeth are missing, two replacement teeth can be placed on each implant. Hence, if all the teeth are missing, a complete denture may be made on just four to six implants. In these cases, the denture is clipped to the implant and can be removed by the individual patient for cleaning. In certain cases, the denture can be screwed down into the implants so that they can only be removed by the dentist. In some cases, all the teeth can be replaced by dental implants with cemented bridgework.

Complex Dental Rehabilitation
In individuals whose teeth have been damaged by injury, tooth grinding, extensive decay, or gum disease rebuilding of their broken down or worn teeth can be accomplished with modern day techniques. Missing teeth can be replaced with either bridgework, removable partial dentures, or dental implants as needed. Regardless of the condition of the teeth, improvements can be made that can improve eating and speaking abilities as well as the individuals appearance.

IV Sedation
Conscious sedation is a form "twilight sleep" that can be given safely in an office setting. Administration of sedation given through an intravenous line (IV) and titrated until the patient achieves a state of complete relaxation and semi-sleep. These medications help to prevent anxiety and nervousness in the dental setting. All patients undergoing sedation are monitored with the same equipment, as one would for general anesthesia in a hospital. Oral Surgeons are qualified to admit general anesthesia because they have trained for six months with hospital based anesthesiologist.

Management of Individuals with Mouth Cancers, Tumors and other Pathologic Conditions of the Mouth and Head Areas
The Division of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery has an active service devoted to the removal of benign and malignant tumors of the mouth, face and neck. In fact, these procedures have elevated our Division's reputation in international circles. Moreover, the reconstruction of the mouth and face following the removal of tumors represents our ability to return patients to optimum levels of appearance and function.

Maxillofacial Trauma
The direct management and definitive care of facial injuries is the hallmark of the Division of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. Direct bone, nerve, skin injuries are cared for with an expertise to achieve an optimum result.

Expertise in the restoration of facial form and jaw function following facial trauma is the hallmark of the Division of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. Patients with complex medical problems can have their dental problems solved within the University's hospital environment.

Orthognathic Surgery
Orthognathic surgery is performed to correct developmental growth abnormalities of the jaws and facial bones. These individuals usually present with a malocclusion (bad-bite, either an over-bite or an under-bite). These problems can effect not only chewing but speech in the overall health of the individual. The treatment is usually in combination with orthodontics (braces). The surgery is performed in a hospital under general anesthesia. During the surgery, the jaws are moved to the correct position, not only to improve the patient's occlusion (bite), but to restore normal facial appearance as well.

Restorative Dentistry
Restorative dentistry includes the traditional silver fillings and the newer tooth color matched composite filling are available. Fillings (silver and bonded tooth shade), porcelain and bonded veneers, root canal therapy for anterior and premolar teeth. Complete and partial dentures, advanced dental chorus, cosmetic dentistry, dental implant crowns partial and complete dentures are routinely provided.

Sleep Apnea and Snoring Management
Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition. Individuals who suffer from sleep apnea (loss of breath during sleep) have multiple episodes of arrested breathing and/or loud snoring during the night. These individuals, also due to poor sleep, are tired during the day, and have difficulty completing their daily chores. Several forms of treatment are available to correct this condition including surgery to increase the space in the throat. The Division or Oral & Maxillofacial has the latest equipment (radio frequency and lasers) to treat these conditions in an office setting. The patient may also require a sleep study to confirm the diagnosis of sleep apnea.

Temporomandibular Joint
Temporomandibular (TMJ) is a small joint located in the front of the ear where the skull and lower jaw meet. This joint allows the lower jaw (mandible) to move and function and is constantly used during speech, chewing and swallowing. The TMJ is a complex joint that has (disc) interposed inside. The muscles and ligaments that surround the joint can also be affected when patients present with Temporomandibular joint problems. These conditions are sometimes called TMJ syndrome.

The treatment of this condition varies, depending on the specific problem. Internal joint problems can be treated with surgical correction either by arthroscopy, closed surgery, or open joint surgery. Conservative therapy is usually initiated first using of splints (night guards), medications, and physical therapy. Dentists and oral surgeons in particular, are extremely knowledgeable about the problems and treatment options regarding the Temporomandibular joint and its dysfunction.