Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Dental implants are the gold standard for teeth replacement, providing a long-term, reliable solution. However, if the bone in your jaw is degenerative or genetically thin, the dental implant may fail. An oral surgery specialist can perform bone grafting in the area so that the dental implant has a strong support.

Bone needs stimulation to grow, and if a tooth is missing, the body begins to reabsorb bone in the empty space. This process can result in facial hollowness, changes to your gum line, and even misalignment of other teeth.

When wisdom teeth don’t grow in correctly, they can cause problems such as misalignment of other teeth, infection, cavities, pain, and other oral problems. Oral surgery specialists routinely perform wisdom teeth extractions to prevent or treat these issues.

Studies show that young adults who have their wisdom teeth extracted heal faster and have fewer complications than adults over 35. Extracting the molars in your teens or early 20’s can prevent a number of problems later on.  

Here’s what you need to know about the wisdom teeth extraction process:

• At your wisdom teeth exam, your oral surgery specialist will take x-rays, create your treatment plan, and answer your questions. The length of the procedure varies based on how many teeth the doctor is extracting and whether they’re impacted. Your doctor will also review your medical history to determine whether you’re a good candidate for sedation.
• Wisdom teeth extraction is an outpatient procedure, so you can go home the same day.
• Your oral surgery specialist will numb the entire area with local anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure.
• Most people have soreness and swelling for two to three days. Your oral surgery specialist will give you specific instructions for ensuring a healthy recovery, including eating, brushing, and managing pain.

Oral pathology involves identifying and diagnosing unusual changes in your mouth, including lumps, sores, or other tissue abnormalities. Early detection is key, as some conditions can be serious if left untreated. Dr. Smith will carefully examine your mouth, often using advanced imaging, and provide a clear explanation of any findings. If needed, we’ll guide you through the next steps, whether it’s treatment, monitoring, or referral to a specialist. Regular oral pathology evaluations help protect your overall oral health and give you peace of mind.

Pre-prosthetic surgery prepares your mouth for dentures, implants, or other restorative dental work. This can include reshaping the jawbone, removing excess tissue, or performing minor bone grafting to create the ideal foundation for your new smile. The goal is to make sure your future dental restorations fit comfortably, look natural, and function properly. Dr. Smith works closely with your dentist or prosthodontist to plan the surgery and ensure the best long-term results.

Surgery is recommended to assist orthodontic treatment when a patient's jaw discrepancy or skeletal imbalance is too significant to be corrected with braces or aligners alone. While orthodontics can effectively move teeth into better positions, it cannot fundamentally reshape the jawbones themselves.

Ultimately, the decision is made collaboratively between the orthodontist and an oral surgeon after a thorough evaluation of x-rays, 3-D scans, and clinical examination. Our priority is always achieving a healthy, functional, and lasting result.