Oral Surgery in Racine

What Is Oral Surgery?

What most people call dental surgery is actually oral and maxillofacial surgery. While oral refers to surgery within the mouth, maxillofacial refers to surgery of the jaw or face. When treatment is needed to correct an irregularity or misalignment, this is known as orthognathic surgery. All of these procedures are part of a highly specialized branch of dentistry that allows practitioners to diagnose and treat a wide range of issues affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions. You may need to see a surgery specialist for the treatment of:

• Injuries
• Diseases
• Defects
• Disfigurements

There are countless reasons why a person might need to see an oral and maxillofacial specialist. In most cases, your dentist will make a referral to you after noticing something that needs attention during a routine cleaning or checkup. You may also receive a referral after visiting your dentist for help with pain or noticeable changes in your mouth or jaw.

Where can I go for dental surgery near me? Keep reading to learn why our office is highly recommended for oral surgery in Racine.

Oral Surgery Services

Here's a look at the popular surgery services offered here at our office.

Tooth Extractions

A tooth extraction is the most common form of oral maxillofacial surgery. While dental providers do everything possible to preserve natural teeth, there are situations when a tooth is too severely decayed or damaged to be saved. Keeping the tooth would actually compromise the health of surrounding teeth. In some cases, pulling teeth is used to solve crowding issues or prepare the mouth for a larger corrective plan consisting of maxillofacial surgery and subsequent orthodontic treatments. Tooth extraction cost is often covered by insurance when a tooth is broken or severely compromised by decay. The cost can vary based on the condition and location of the tooth.

Oral Cancer Diagnosis

During your routine dental cleanings and checkups, your general dentist will conduct a standard oral cancer screening. If oral cancer symptoms are detected, you may be referred to a specialist for further screening that may include a biopsy. A surgical biopsy involves removing tissue from a lump or mass in order to test it for disease markers. Symptoms that often precede oral cancer detection include:

• Lumps or thickened oral tissues
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Trouble moving the jaw or tongue
• Jaw swelling
• Ear pain 

Tobacco use increases your risk for oral cancer. However, anyone can be at risk. That's why screening is a universal part of dental checkups. Early oral cancer diagnosis can lead to a much brighter oral cancer prognosis.

Oral Pathology

There are many illnesses that can affect the mouth. In fact, oral and maxillofacial specialists are trained to diagnose and treat diseases of the mouth, jaw, salivary glands, facial muscles, and more. Just think of how many different functions your mouth and jaw perform! Some common pathological dental conditions that may require surgical interventions can include patchwork tongue, palatal cysts, and hairy tongue.

Sedation

Of course, no conversation about oral or jaw surgery is complete without discussing patient comfort. That's why our office is proud to be a leader in IV sedation. If you request IV sedation during extractions, implants, or other procedures, you can rest assured that you'll be in capable hands here at our office.

Sinus Lift

Also known as a sinus augmentation, a sinus lift procedure is a common surgical procedure used for patients undergoing dental implant placement. The upper jaw's sinuses are air-filled spaces situated near the nose, premolars, and molars. The purpose of a sinus lift is to create sufficient bone support beneath the upper jaw sinus when placing a dental implant. Sinus lifts are intended to be performed either before or in conjunction with your implant placement. During the procedure, the bone within the sinus is lifted by a membrane to create more space for the bone and implant.

Sinus lifts are necessary when someone has lost their back teeth or doesn't have the bone volume needed to support new implants. A lift procedure can greatly increase the chances of a successful implant by providing sufficient bone support between the jaw and the sinuses.

Platelet Rich Plasma

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is one of the more exciting developments in dentistry in recent years. PRP is actually widely used by doctors in all fields to help heal injured muscles, ligaments, and other tissues. PRP activates the body's natural healing mechanisms using plasma taken from a patient's own blood. This helps to reduce complication rates dramatically. In dentistry, PRP is used during periodontal therapy, jaw surgery, and tooth extractions to reduce bleeding. It can also help to support tissue restoration and healing.

Schedule an Oral Surgery Consultation

Where can I find an office offering dental surgery near me? Our practice is a leader in oral surgery in Racine. Our state-of-the-art office and friendly staff make it easy to learn about your options. Whether you've been living with pain and discomfort for a while, or you're seeking answers about an ailment that came out of the blue, our team will help you find the right procedure for restoring your oral health. Contact us today!