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An oral surgeon is a dentist that specializes in surgery of the mouth and jaw, otherwise known as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. At OMS Associates, our oral surgeons specialize in the following services:
Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the last permanent teeth to develop. They most often erupt (break through the gum) during a person's teenage years or twenties. Because many people's jaws are too small for wisdom teeth to grow in properly, wisdom teeth often become impacted and have difficulty erupting. Early removal of the wisdom teeth are recommended, as wisdom teeth roots become more firmly anchored as you age.
Wisdom teeth, once erupted, can be hard to keep clean. Problems can occur from impacted or erupted wisdom teeth causing pain, infection, decay or crowding of nearby teeth. If your wisdom teeth are causing problems, your dentist may advise having them removed as soon as possible.
Before suggesting your wisdom teeth be removed, your dentist will do a thorough evaluation - which will include an exam and an X-ray of your teeth and jaws. Your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon for further treatment and surgery. An oral surgeon will review your dentist's X-ray and referral and determine if a re-evaluation is necessary. If no re-evaluation is necessary, surgery can be scheduled.
At OMS Associates, surgery is scheduled right in our office in a single procedure. Our Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist puts you to sleep before the surgery begins and helps monitor you during surgery. The oral surgeon will also have an assistant helping him during the procedure and another assistant to monitor your recovery. The procedure can take 45 minutes to two hours - depending on the complexity of the teeth.
Dental implants are a long-lasting replacement remedy for tooth loss. When natural teeth are missing from the mouth, a small cylindrical implant can be placed into the jawbone. The implant replaces the root portion of the teeth, and replacement teeth are later attached. Whether a person is missing one or more natural teeth, dental implants can be used as an alternative to a bridge or a partial denture.
Once you and your dentist have decided that implant treatment is right for you, you will be referred to OMS Associates for an implant consultation. Diagnostic X-rays and scanning may be done to assist in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for you. After a complete review of your medical history, the doctor and staff will provide you with implant information and treatment options. You will also be given a surgical estimate of cost for the proposed treatment planning. If you are a candidate for implant surgery, you will then be scheduled for the first phase of implant surgery.
Dental implant surgery is completed in two stages. Both phases of surgery are performed as outpatient services in our surgical office. In a small percentage of cases, additional surgeries may be necessary to prepare the jaw and tissues for implants.
The first stage of dental implants is done under general anesthesia and involves making an incision in the tissue overlaying the jawbone. The bone is prepared for implant placement, and the dental implant is placed into the bone. The tissue is sutured closed over the top of the implant. The implant will not be visible during osseointegration - the time it takes while bone grows around the implant. The process of healing and bone attachment usually takes six months. After 10-14 days, you will be able to wear your current denture.
The second stage of surgery is also known as the “uncovering” surgery. The procedure is done in our office under local anesthesia. The implants are uncovered, and healing posts are placed into the implants. The tissue will need approximately 3-4 weeks to heal. You will then return to your dentist to have a new denture, crown or bridge fabricated.
Dental implants can be used to support a crown - a very popular way of replacing a single missing tooth without cutting down adjacent teeth. Multiple implants may be used to anchor a fixed bridge, removable overdenture or fixed denture. Post-operative care is done by both your dentist and oral surgeon to assess the stability of the implants and maintenance.
TM (temporomandibular) disorders are a family of problems related to your complex jaw joint. You can have a TM disorder for a long time without realizing it. TM disorders develop for many reasons and may result in a misaligned bite, pain, clicking or grating noises when you open your mouth wide.
Your TM joints are where your upper and lower jaw meet and are made of muscles and jawbones. The TM joint is a sliding joint that allows you to open and close your mouth. When the muscles are relaxed and balanced, the jaw joints are flexible and work smoothly. Your bite is more stable when the muscles and joints are working together. A problem with either one can lead to stiffness, headaches, pain, bite problems, clicking sounds or locked jaws.
Tight muscles, stress, clenching teeth, poor posture and damaged joints can put pressure on your TM joints and sometimes wear down your teeth. Injuries may stretch or tear ligaments and allow the disk inside your jaw joint to slip out of position.
A dental or medical evaluation helps pinpoint the cause of your TM disorder and is the first step in planning a treatment program for you. A TMJ consultation can be scheduled for you at OMS Associates, where Dr. Lindemoen will review your dental and medical history, give a physical exam, run imaging tests and provide dental casting to identify your symptoms and determining the best treatment options available for you.
Corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) treats and corrects abnormalities of the facial bones, specifically the jaws and the teeth. Often, these abnormalities cause difficulty associated with chewing, talking, sleeping and other routine activities. Orthognathic surgery corrects these problems and, in conjunction with orthodontic treatment, will improve the overall appearance of the facial profile.
Using the latest in digital imaging technology, we will demonstrate the overall functional and aesthetic benefits of orthognathic surgery. Computerized treatment planning minimizes treatment times, recovery periods and the overall efficacy of your surgery. State-of-the-art materials such as titanium plates and miniature screws provide stability, strength and predictability to your treatment. These advances in technology, procedures and equipment reduce post-surgical recovery time, thus allowing patients to return to their normal routines soon after the surgery.
Orthognathic surgery may be unnecessary if orthodontic treatment can correct the problem. With the latest advances in orthodontics, this is sometimes the case. We will determine if orthognathic surgery is the correct treatment option for you.
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