The Range Of Procedures Included In Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Phoenix, AZ

Posted byPaola Nadeau on Dec 2020 in Dental | 0 comments

A number of patients may require surgery for the repair of conditions affecting their exterior facial features, jaw bones, teeth and gums. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Phoenix AZ includes an array of procedures used for such purposes. These surgeries range from simple, in-office procedures to complicated and tedious facial reconstruction.

Perhaps the most commonly performed oral procedure is tooth extraction. A tooth in the early stages of decay or with slight damage can easily be pulled; however, a severely damaged tooth would require surgical extraction. Teeth that have virtually disintegrated may offer little or no material above the gum line to work with, so they must be removed by making incisions in the gum tissue for easier extraction.

Slightly more complicated is the process receiving dental implants. In this procedure, small titanium posts are inserted into the gum tissue. Over time, the jaw bone grows around these posts, providing a sturdy anchor for the abutment and false tooth to be added after the area has healed.

Patients with tumors or cysts developing on the skin or muscles of the face, the jaw bone or within the gums should have them diagnosed as soon as possible, followed by removal of the growth. This often leaves the patient with a need for reconstruction of the area affected by the growth as well as its removal. This is a fairly common procedure and repair is often imperceptible following surgery.

Many patients who have suffered severe facial trauma as the result of a violent altercation, a sports injury or vehicle accident require realignment of the facial bones. Some are simply born with misaligned jaw bones. Surgery can correct this problem as well.

Injuries to the joint that connects the lower jaw to the upper portion of the skull can result in TMJ, a condition characterized by severe pain in the jaw, swelling, difficulty chewing and limited ability to open the mouth. This condition can usually be treated with heat and cold therapy, laser therapy or medication. In extreme cases, surgery may be required to repair or replace the small disc within the jaw joint.

Advances in medical procedures and equipment have given physicians the ability to treat any number of oral and facial complications, regardless of their nature or severity. Though surgery may not be appropriate for all patients, a simple consultation can allow a doctor to make the determination.

Your general service dentist can tell you if you need any of the specalized services to get your great smile back. If you do, make an appointment right away. It is never to soon to get your smile back. Visit Dental Specialty Associates of Arizona.