Oral & Maxillofacial surgery

Oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS or OMS) specializes in surgery of the face, mouth, and jaws. It is an internationally recognized surgical specialty.

Wisdom Teeth

Many people’s jaws are too small to comfortably allow for the presence of wisdom teeth. When inadequate space prevents these teeth from erupting, they are referred to as impacted wisdom teeth, which means they will not attain a normal position. To avoid complications it is best to remove crowded or unerupted wisdom teeth.

Tooth Extractions

A tooth may need to be extracted for several reasons including decay, gum disease, trauma, infection, or dental crowding. Sometimes teeth are removed prior to orthodontic treatment to decrease crowding and allow room for proper alignment.

Impacted Canines

Canine teeth play an important role in our mouths. Not only are these strong teeth important for chewing, but these teeth are critical in the establishment of your bite. Due to their position in the dental arch, these teeth are critical in establishing the proper alignment of the rest of your teeth and serve to guide your bite during proper chewing.

Pre-prosthetic Surgery

This type of oral and maxillofacial surgery consists of procedures necessary to prepare your jaw for complete or partial dentures. Oftentimes these procedures can be done at the same time as the extraction of teeth, but may at times be done at a later time if required. Following these procedures, a healing period may be required prior to fabrication of your prosthesis.

Oral Pathology

A visit to your oral surgeon is recommended when you notice a change in the lining of your mouth. Normally this lining is smooth and pink, so if you develop red or white patches, a sore that fails to heal, or a strange lump or growth, it is best to have it examined. Other symptoms to have checked are a chronic sore throat or hoarseness, and any difficulty in chewing or swallowing.

Corrective Jaw Surgery

This procedure is recommended when the jaws don’t align properly, either because of natural growth, environmental influences, or trauma to the face. Corrective jaw surgery will help save teeth from abnormal wear, improve facial appearance, and allow for proper alignment so you can bite and chew comfortably. This may also be useful in addressing sleep apnea and breathing problems, TMJ, speech problems, or a protruding jaw.