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Oral Surgery in Houston, Texas

After completing dental school, our oral and maxillofacial surgeon spent an additional four years gaining surgical experience in an accredited hospital residency program. Our specialists have spent time in otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat), plastic surgery, emergency medicine, as well as internal medicine, general surgery, and anesthesiology residency programs. Your oral surgery is in the hands of highly qualified experts.

The bone, skin, and muscle of the face, mouth, and jaw can be affected by a variety of functional and aesthetic issues, and our oral surgery has the knowledge and expertise to diagnose and treat these issues. Not limited to, these are also examples of:

  • Wisdom teeth removal
  • Tooth extractions from impacted teeth
  • Dental implants
  • Bone grafting
  • Exposure-impacted tooth
  • Oral pathology
  • Treatment of tongue-tie and diastemas
  • Pre-prosthetic surgery

Learn more about our specialist services.

Our Anesthesia Services

Local anesthetic, oral sedation, intravenous sedation, and general anesthesia are just some of the methods of relieving dental anxiety that our surgeons are trained to administer.

Our doctors also know how to handle difficulties and emergencies that may develop during the administration of anesthesia, including airway management, endotracheal intubation, and maintaining intravenous lines.

Wisdom Teeth or Third Molars Extraction

Wisdom teeth are the final molars to erupt into the mouth. In most people, this process occurs between the ages of 17 and 25, when the four corners of the mouth have finished growing in. Although most people get four wisdom teeth, some people get fewer and others get more.

Given the unpredictable nature of their development, regular dental checkups are recommended. If your dentist notices that you're developing molars, he or she can recommend you to one of our oral surgeons for extraction.

Why Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Third molar extraction is something many people question about, but the answer varies from person to person. Since each person's wisdom teeth develop uniquely, some will need to be removed while others won't.

Having a consultation with one of our dental surgeons is the best approach to determine if your molars need to be extracted. The most common causes of third molar extraction are as follows:

  • They don't have enough room in their mouths for wisdom teeth. Crowding and angular development of wisdom teeth result when there is not enough space for them to develop normally.
  • The molars are stuck together. Infection, cysts, and even tumors can form on the gums and jawbone around impacted teeth.
  • Pain or discomfort in the back of the jaw and persistent foul breath are common signs that may alert you to the aforementioned concerns. The sooner the teeth are pulled, the less likely it is that they will cause difficulties for the surrounding teeth or your oral health. Moreover, the operation and recovery time are reduced if therapy begins early.

The Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure

Every patient requires a unique approach to tooth extraction. Treatment planning is affected by variables such as the number of teeth to be extracted, their stage of development, their position, and whether or not they are impacted. Visit our office for a consultation with an oral surgeon, and they'll assess your problem while also considering the aforementioned issues.

You'll have time to read over your pre- and post-operative instructions between your consultation and surgery. All of our patients are given these to help them relax and be ready for their procedures.

Anesthesia for oral surgery will be given by your oral surgeon during your scheduled appointment. Patients often choose IV sedation to help them sleep through their surgery.

After the anesthesia has taken effect, the surgeon will make an incision in the gums, clear the area of any bone or other obstruction, and pull the wisdom teeth. The doctor will then sew your gums back together so they can heal. After the effects of the anesthesia have worn off, you can go home and rest up in accordance with your postoperative instructions.

Tooth Extraction Services

The primary goal of oral surgery is to keep your teeth and gums healthy. But, there are times when it's beneficial for your health to have a tooth out.

When other treatments, such as fillings, root canals, or apicoectomies, have failed, tooth extraction may be the only option left. Your dentist may advise tooth removal if he or she believes it is necessary to save your gums, jawbone, or other teeth.

Why Do Teeth Need to Be Extracted?

Inadequate dental hygiene is a major contributor to dental health issues. Extraction of a problematic tooth is sometimes necessary after other treatments have failed. The following are some more medical issues that may necessitate an extraction during oral surgery:

  • Tooth or gum infections
  • Injuries that result in cracked or broken teeth
  • Dental crowding
  • Extensive tooth decay
  • Loose teeth caused by jaw bone deterioration

Teeth that are damaged or infected might be a threat to your health and quality of life. Tooth extraction can relieve discomfort and stop issues from spreading.

Dental Implants

Even while many of us may preserve our natural teeth for life with diligent oral hygiene practices like brushing, flossing, and checkups, our teeth eventually wear out and need to be replaced because the average lifespan is growing longer. Dental implants can restore your smile and oral health if you have lost a tooth (or teeth) due to injury or disease.

An implant is a titanium post that is surgically implanted into the jawbone to act as a replacement tooth root. Titanium, also utilized in many artificial hips and knees, is commonly used for the "root" because it is a metal that is compatible with human bone.

The post is then used to secure a replacement tooth in place. There are two distinct outcomes depending on whether the tooth is fixed or detachable. Humans prefer the stability and familiarity of natural teeth in permanent dentition.

Nonsmokers in good oral health (with enough jaw bone and no signs of gum disease) are the best candidates for implants.

Call our Houston area office at 832-804-7427 today for a free dental implant consultation if you're missing teeth or have damaged teeth.

Lost teeth affect more than just your appearance and ability to eat and speak normally; they can also weaken your jaw and compromise your health. The jaw bone needs regular stimulation from the teeth to stay healthy.

The jaw is at danger for deterioration when there are no teeth to protect it and the person cannot chew. We provide bone grafting treatments for the treatment and prevention of jaw bone atrophy in such circumstances.

Bone Grafting Procedures

We consider a lot of criteria while deciding which oral surgery method is ideal for you. Consider factors including how long you've been toothless, where your teeth went missing, and how much jawbone is still present. When we have settled on oral surgery, you will be informed of all the specifics. Read on for some high-level details regarding each category:

The socket preservation procedure prevents further bone loss in the jaw in preparation for dental implant installation. Patients who need teeth extracted often receive advice to undergo the treatment at the same time. Once the extraction site has healed, you can return to the dentist without having to delay dental implants because of a lack of bone support because the oral surgeon will have placed a bone graft.

When the upper jaw needs to be implanted with dental fixtures, a sinus lift, also known as sinus augmentation, is often essential. Sinuses can be found above the upper teeth and behind the cheekbones. 

Dental implant placement is complicated because of the air within them and the thin jawbone that separates the teeth. A sinus lift is performed to augment this bone and provide the anchor for the implant. The sinus membrane, which produces and drains mucus, can be penetrated by your oral surgeon, who will then implant the bone graft beneath it. 

The graft will eventually merge with the sinus bone, making a stronger base upon which to set implants. After you have dental implants, your new teeth won't be able to make their way into your sinuses.

The purpose of ridge augmentation, sometimes called ridge expansion, is to strengthen the alveolar ridges so that implants can be placed with greater success. Both the upper and lower dental arches rely on the alveolar ridges for support. Sometimes they aren't strong enough on their own to hold implants. These bones' ability to support the body is ensured by a ridge expansion.

If you want dental implants but aren't sure you have enough bone to sustain them, bone grafting could be the answer. Please call our office at your earliest convenience to set up a consultation. The best bone grafting method can be determined after a consultation with an oral surgeon.

Impacted Teeth

Impaction occurs when a tooth fails to erupt normally and becomes trapped beneath the gums. There are a number of potential causes of an impacted tooth, including the failure of an adult tooth to erupt, the presence of bone or a growth in the way of the eruption path, or the sheer size of the oncoming tooth.

Both wisdom teeth and canine teeth are prone to being impacted, but fortunately, wisdom teeth extraction is a simple procedure. In contrast, your canines are essential to your bite's growth.

Our clinics in Houston, Conroe, Beaumont, and Corpus Christi are equipped to treat impacted teeth. We recommend seeing an oral surgeon if you have any concerns that you may be having this issue.

What Causes Impacted Teeth?

It takes canines another few years after the age of 10 to finish developing fully. The most common causes of impacted canine teeth are:

  • An overcrowded dental arch
  • Bone or a growth blocking the eruption path
  • Dental crowding blocking the canine’s spot in the arch
  • Baby teeth not falling out

At your appointment, your oral surgeon will investigate what caused your impacted teeth and utilize that information to craft a personalized treatment plan.

Exposure of Impacted Teeth

In most cases, the best way to treat affected canines is through exposure and bonding. Both your oral surgeon and your orthodontist will be involved in the process of repositioning your teeth.

In most cases, braces are first used in the expose-and-bond procedure. Your canines will have room to come in since your braces will shift the other teeth into place.

When the patient's teeth have been adjusted to provide space for the canine teeth, the oral surgeon will take over. The dentist will make a small incision in the gums to access the tooth, at which point a bracket and chain will be attached. The chain can be used by an orthodontist to lower the tooth into its correct place within the dental arch.

Impaction of a tooth requires extraction only in extreme cases. We'll talk to you about your tooth replacement choices, like dental implants, if this happens to you.

Please give us a call if you or your child has impacted canines or delayed eruption of permanent teeth. After a thorough evaluation, our specialists will recommend either an extraction or an expose-and-bond procedure, depending on the severity of your issue.

Oral Pathology Services

The mucosa, or inside lining of the mouth, is pink and silky when it is in good health. Both the mucosa's texture and color should be closely monitored, as they frequently reveal the earliest signs of oral pathology or disease.

Diseases and infections affecting the mouth, jaws, salivary glands, and facial muscles are together known as "oral pathology." Even while oral pathologies are usually harmless and won't spread or worsen, it's still smart to get checked out by a surgeon just in case.

Symptoms of an Oral Pathology

Due to their frequent use, our mouths are constantly exposed to microorganisms. Because of this, they are highly susceptible to illness.

The best way to monitor any changes or concerns with your dental health is to visit your dentist regularly. Yet, it is equally crucial to keep an eye on your own health and look out for warning signs, such as:

  • Lumps in the mouth or on the neck
  • Bleeding sores that don’t heal
  • Change in color, texture, or shape of the mucosa
  • Swelling that doesn’t go down or keeps coming back
  • Red or white patches on the gums, tongue, or cheeks
  • Changes in the mucosa are often the first sign of oral pathology. 

If you experience any of these signs, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our office. After a thorough evaluation of your situation, we can recommend treatment and, if necessary, oral surgery.

Types of Oral Pathology

The most common cause of oral pathology is improper oral hygiene. Keeping the mouth free of germs and other pathogens is essential for staying healthy. Most often seen oral diseases are:

  • Chronic ulcers
  • Infections
  • Herpes
  • Oral fungal infections
  • Oral cysts and tumors
  • Salivary gland diseases
  • Oral cancers

We recommend making an appointment at one of our clinics if you experience any of the aforementioned signs and symptoms or have been informed about the emergence of oral pathology.

In-depth evaluation of your health and tailoring of a treatment plan to your specific needs is the specialty of our highly educated oral surgeons. The diagnosis and necessary course of treatment can be established with a simple biopsy. common occurrence

Sedation Options for Oral Surgery

Our oral surgery procedures are designed to be as painless as they are efficient. That's why we treat dental phobia with a range of sedative options. You and your oral surgeon will work together to create a sedation strategy that is right for you. It will provide the medical attention you require without compromising your ease or security in any manner.

Local Anesthetic

The most popular local anesthetic, lignocaine, is given as an injection into the surgical site. Only minor surgical operations, such gum treatments and teeth extractions, should be performed under local anesthesia alone. No matter what kind of sedation you need, a local anesthetic will always be utilized with it.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation with Local Anesthetic

A mix of local anesthetic and nitrous oxide is sometimes indicated for minor oral surgical procedures such tooth extractions, wisdom tooth removal, and implant insertion.

To inhale nitrous oxide, sometimes known as laughing gas, a tiny mask is placed over the nose. It reduces stress and improves tolerance to pain. When the procedure is through, you'll be able to breathe normally again, and the nitrous oxide will be gone. As a result, you can go back to business as usual right away.

IV Sedation

Patients who are sedated through an IV experience a gradual loss of awareness throughout their operation. Patients frequently report having no memory of their treatment. They may be conscious of some of it, but they won't be able to follow instructions.

Those undergoing profound sedation should have a parent, spouse, or friend present. Sedation following oral surgical procedures often lasts for several hours. As a result, driving could be risky.

Oral surgeons guarantee the necessary treatment because they are certified to give intravenous sedation by the state. IV sedation is an option for patients who suffer from dental anxiety, and it can be used for everything from simple procedures like wisdom teeth removal and implant implantation to more involved ones like full-mouth extractions.

Oral surgery consultations are available by calling 832-804-7427 in the Greater Houston Region, Beaumont, or Corpus Christi. For a consultation with board-approved oral surgeons, please contact us.

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