Oral Surgery
Find Comfort in Our Compassionate Care
At Abilene Family Dentistry, our compassionate and gentle approach is designed to supports a comfortable patient experience. We know that if you’re requiring any type of oral surgery, those are very important qualities to find, and we’d want just the same. Our investment in advanced technology helps us plan treatments based on detailed imaging and evaluation, and our goal to support your comfort throughout treatment and recovery. Additionally, we offer sedation dentistry to help our patients relax in the chair.
We’re Here to Support Your Care
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Extractions
As you may have gathered by now, we’re geared toward helping our patients keep their natural teeth healthy and in their mouth. But, there are times when extraction is advised, and we will discuss your options and recommend treatment based on your individual needs. The circumstances that may call for extraction include:
- Excessive decay
- Cracked or broken tooth
- Severe infection
- Overcrowding
- Impacted wisdom teeth
If extraction is deemed necessary for you, our team will take steps to support your comfort during the procedure.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Third molars, commonly called wisdom teeth, can be quite puzzling. Some people have them erupt with no issue, and others may not even be born with them. Each year in the United States, five million people have one or more wisdom teeth removed. Why is there so much variation? Well, most jaws just don’t have the space to welcome them. Some sets are stubborn though, and as a result of trying to fit where there isn’t enough room, they become impacted.
Wisdom teeth impaction can present with your third molars moving upward at an angle toward your second molars or pushing at them in a completely horizontal position. This pressure can cause your teeth to shift, and may affect your bite over time. This process can cause discomfort, and if they erupt partially it can be an invitation for bacteria to enter and cause an infection.
To help reduce the risk of these outcomes, many dentists and oral surgeons may recommend their removal. Third molar removal is a procedure may be recommended between the ages of 17-25, the age range when they tend to reveal their position and haven’t gotten the chance to grow a more extensive root system. It’s also recommended during these years because as we age, our healing processes slow down. We want you (or your teenagers) to recover as comfortably as possible.
Crown Lengthening
If you have excess gum tissue or are in need of treatment that requires you to have more healthy tooth structure to serve as a base for restorative or cosmetic services, Dr. Webb and Dr. Awtrey can perform crown lengthening. We use a diode laser for tissue removal in some cases without traditional surgical tools. An added benefit to using the laser for crown lengthening is its ability to assist in periodontal treatment. That’s right, diode lasers can be used to treat gum disease, too.
Bone Grafting
If you read our Dental Implants page, you know that one of the potential consequences of missing teeth is how it causes your jawbone to deteriorate. Studies show that without the natural stimulation created by the force of chewing food, the bone not only stops growing, but can reduce in width by 25% in the first year after you’ve lost a tooth. This causes a decrease in gum tissue as well, which further limits your options for tooth replacement.
Bone grafting is done to help support bone structure and may allow for placement of dental implants. Each bone grafting procedure will vary based on the bone being used (whether it’s from another part of your body, a donor’s, made of synthetic materials, or from a non-human donor) to the degree of bone loss, the location its needed in your mouth, and how long after tooth loss the grafting is taking place.
The benefits of bone grafting include its ability to support facial structure, stimulate new bone growth, support dental implants, and stabilize dentures. Dr. Webb and Dr. Awtrey will answer any questions or concerns you have about the procedure and make you as comfortable as possible throughout the process if it’s part of your treatment plan.
Full Mouth Reconstruction
There are two types of smile makeovers that may involve multiple different types of treatments, customized according to your goals and budget. The first, Smile Design, is achieved through cosmetic dentistry, and the other, which restores function to your smile as well, is called Full Mouth Reconstruction or Rehabilitation.
Maybe genetics, a factor beyond your control, have made your teeth a source of pain since childhood, or you’ve suffered an illness or traumatic injury. Even habits like teeth grinding over the years can make you a candidate for full mouth rehabilitation. What we love about our role as your oral healthcare providers is our ability to provide treatment options for a wide range of dental concerns. We have a range of services and technology to support your oral health needs.
Full mouth reconstructions begin with thorough consultations. You’ll sit one-on-one with Dr. Webb or Dr. Awtrey to come up with a plan that works for you. Our discussion will take a look at underlying issues as well, because we want to create an environment that helps your healing process along and keeps your renewed smile strong. We can combine surgical and restorative techniques based on what you need to create a functional and natural-looking result, based on your treatment plan.
Schedule Your Visit Today
If you have any questions about oral surgery or you’re ready to schedule a consultation with your Abilene dentists, Dr. Webb and Dr. Awtrey at Abilene Family Dentistry, give us a call today or request an appointment online. We are here to support your oral health and care.
Disclaimer: The content of this page is not intended to be a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified dental professional with any questions you may have regarding your oral health. Individual results may vary.
