Maxillofacial Surgery

Tooth extraction involves the removal of a tooth, often considered when:

• The tooth is too diseased or damaged to be salvaged.
• There is a need to create space for other teeth to grow or align properly.
• Another treatment or surgical procedure requires the removal of teeth to minimize complications.

Tooth extraction is generally a last resort, after all other options to save the tooth have been exhausted. When a tooth is damaged or infected, it can be not only uncomfortable but also lead to more extensive oral health issues.

Types of Extractions:

• Simple Extraction: Performed when the tooth is visible above the gumline and can be removed easily.
• Surgical Extraction: Required when the tooth is below the gumline or cannot be removed through a simple extraction.

Typically, tooth extraction helps alleviate pain and prevents future infections.

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 21. If there isn’t sufficient space for these teeth or if they come in misaligned, they can cause significant issues. Impacted wisdom teeth, which are trapped in the jaw or beneath the gums, often require removal.

It is recommended to remove impacted wisdom teeth before adulthood because the roots are not fully developed and the jawbone is less dense. The procedure is typically done in our office on an outpatient basis, allowing you to return home the same day and resume normal activities within 24 hours. A consultation at our office will help determine if wisdom teeth removal is necessary.

Dental implant surgery replaces missing or damaged teeth with artificial ones that closely resemble and function like natural teeth. Implants, usually made of titanium alloy, involve placing metal posts into the jawbone, followed by a healing period of three to four months before the final restoration is placed by your dentist.

Dental implants can offer a solution for those missing one or more teeth, or those with full or partial dentures that are uncomfortable or unsatisfactory. Implants can restore your ability to eat and speak comfortably and improve self-confidence by enhancing your smile. If you are considering dental implants, our team is ready to assess your suitability and guide you through the process.

Maxillofacial surgeons are highly skilled in reconstructive bone grafting, a critical procedure used to address various clinical needs related to bone loss and damage.

Dental implant reconstruction: One of the most common applications for bone grafting is in dental implant procedures. Following the removal of a tooth, the supporting bone may undergo atrophy, leading to resorption (the breakdown and absorption of the bone into the bloodstream). To facilitate the placement of dental implants, it is often necessary to rebuild or support the bone using allograft bone. Allograft bone, sourced from a human donor, is processed and sterilized to ensure there is no living tissue. This graft helps promote new bone formation, providing a foundation for dental implants after a period of healing. This procedure is typically performed immediately following tooth extraction or for smaller defects and can often be completed as an outpatient procedure in the office.

Sinus lift procedures: In the upper jaw, bone grafting may also involve a sinus lift. This procedure is used to create sufficient bone height for implant placement in areas where the bone has resorbed. It allows for the successful installation of dental implants by restoring the necessary bone volume.

Larger grafts: For more complex situations, such as significant injuries or after tumor removal, larger bone grafts may be needed. These grafts are often harvested from the hip or tibia and are used to reconstruct the jaw’s anatomy and function. Once the grafts have healed, implants may be considered to further restore dental function. These surgeries are typically performed in a hospital setting with a short inpatient stay and are conducted in the main operating room due to their complexity.

Orthognathic surgery, commonly known as jaw surgery, addresses severe jaw problems such as underbites, overbites, and crossbites. This surgical intervention is often recommended when orthodontic treatment alone is insufficient to correct significant jaw misalignments.

Jaw dysfunction can lead to a range of issues, including difficulties with eating, speaking, and breathing. Corrective jaw surgery offers the potential to resolve these problems, significantly improving both health and quality of life by alleviating discomfort and enhancing breathing and chewing functions.

You might be a candidate for jaw surgery if you are experiencing:

• An uneven bite.
• Chronic jaw pain.
• Difficulty chewing food.
• Trouble opening or closing your mouth.
• Pain associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction or other jaw-related issues.

Jaw surgery is typically considered once growth has completed, usually around ages 14 to 16 for females and 17 to 21 for males. Your orthodontist will often be the one to refer you to a maxillofacial surgeon to evaluate whether jaw surgery is a suitable option for your condition.

Maxillofacial surgeons specialize in the treatment of facial injuries, addressing both lacerations and fractures of the face, skull, and teeth. These specialists manage complex injuries affecting the forehead, eye sockets, nasal bones, jaws, and teeth, as well as severe soft-tissue damage to the scalp, face, neck, eyelids, nose, ears, and mouth.

A maxillofacial fracture, also known as a midface fracture, involves a break in the bones of the central part of the face. Key bones affected by these fractures include:

• Maxilla: The upper jaw.
• Mandible: The lower jaw.
• Zygomas: The cheekbones.
• Orbits: The eye sockets.
• Nasal Cavity: The space within the nose.

Complex fractures, such as Le Fort fractures, involve multiple facial bones and may cause significant detachment from the skull. These fractures can be severe and even life-threatening, often resulting from intense blunt force trauma to the midface area. Treatment approaches vary depending on the severity and location of the fracture.

For many cases, the treatment involves maxillomandibular fixation, where the upper and lower teeth are wired together to stabilize the fracture while it heals. This method may be sufficient for minor fractures.

For displaced or unstable fractures, surgical intervention may be necessary to realign the bones. This procedure involves repositioning the fractured bones and securing them with plates, screws, or wires. Given that facial injuries often occur alongside other injuries, surgical plans are coordinated with other medical and surgical specialists to ensure comprehensive care.

The primary goal of the maxillofacial surgeon is to restore normal function and appearance as swiftly and effectively as possible.

Maxillofacial surgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating abnormal growths and lesions within the head and neck. This includes:

• Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs that can develop in various areas of the head, neck and oral cavity, often requiring surgical removal if they cause discomfort or potential complications.
• Lesions: Abnormal tissue growths that may be benign or malignant. These lesions can affect the gums, tongue, and other oral tissues, and may need biopsy and removal for further evaluation and treatment.
• Pre-Cancerous Conditions: Changes in oral tissues that may indicate an increased risk of cancer, such as leukoplakia or erythroplakia. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for preventing progression to oral cancer.

The goal of treatment is to accurately diagnose these conditions, perform necessary surgical interventions, and provide follow-up care to ensure optimal outcomes and monitor for any recurrence.

Maxillofacial surgeons are adept at managing complex infections within the oral and maxillofacial regions. This includes:

• Dental Infections: Addressing infections related to the teeth, such as abscesses and periodontal infections, which may require drainage and removal of infected tissue to alleviate pain and prevent further complications.
• Soft Tissue Infections: Treating infections affecting the gums, tongue, and other oral soft tissues, which may involve surgical intervention to remove infected areas and promote healing.
• Jaw Bone Infections: Managing infections of the jawbone, including osteomyelitis, which may necessitate surgical debridement and targeted antibiotic therapy.

Effective treatment often involves surgical procedures to drain abscesses, remove necrotic tissue, and address the underlying infection, ensuring comprehensive care and recovery.

Cleft lip and cleft palate are congenital conditions where a baby's lip or mouth do not fully form during pregnancy, leading to what are collectively known as "orofacial clefts." These birth defects can significantly impact a child’s ability to feed, speak clearly, and may also lead to hearing issues and dental problems.

Our specialized team is equipped with the expertise to address cleft lip and palate, as well as other craniofacial conditions. We utilize a multidisciplinary approach to ensure comprehensive care tailored to each child's unique needs. Working closely with your primary care provider, we coordinate evaluations, perform advanced surgical procedures, and offer thorough follow-up care to support the child’s development and well-being.

Craniofacial anomalies are deformities affecting a child’s head and facial bones, which can arise from birth defects, injuries, or tumors. These conditions can vary greatly in their symptoms and severity. Cleft lip and cleft palate are among the most prevalent of these anomalies.

Children with any craniofacial abnormalities, including head or orbital issues, should be evaluated by a specialized maxillofacial surgeon. Parents or guardians concerned about these conditions should consult with their child’s pediatrician for referrals and further evaluation. Our team is dedicated to providing expert care to address these complex conditions and improve the quality of life for affected children.

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