Oral Surgery

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Oral Surgery at Denver Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Wisdom teeth extractions, tooth extractions, and dental implants are the most common oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures.

Tooth extraction is the removal of teeth from the dental alveolus (socket) in the alveolar bone. Extractions are performed for a wide variety of reasons, but most commonly to remove teeth which have become unrestorable through tooth decay, periodontal disease or dental trauma, especially when they are associated with a toothache. Sometimes wisdom teeth are impacted (stuck and unable to grow normally into the mouth) and may cause recurrent infections of the gum (pericoronitis). In orthodontics, if the teeth are crowded, sound teeth may be extracted (often bicuspids) to create space so the rest of the teeth can be straightened.

Dental implants are titanium metal cylinders that replace tooth roots. They are placed into the jaw bones where bone grows into them and locks them in place. Dental implants are used very effectively to replace missing teeth. Dental implants may comfortably and permanently replace one or more teeth.

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Please find more information on specific oral surgeries below:

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are placed during a procedure where the roots of a missing tooth are replaced with small metal posts, which resemble screws. Once these posts are placed, new, artificial teeth will be fastened onto the posts. These artificial teeth will provide the same function, feel, and look as your natural teeth.

The surgery to receive dental implants will be performed in several different stages. For this reason, you’ll need to be able to dedicate several months to the dental implant process. But, if you talk to anyone who’s received dental implants in the past, they’ll assure you that the time investment will be worth it. Dental implants provide the most solid support for the new tooth and the bone and soft tissue surrounding the missing tooth. In fact, the titanium implant will actually fuse with your jawbone. This means that your dental implants won’t slip, make noise, or cause bone damage like dentures have been known to do.

Dental Implants Are For Those Who:

  • Have one or multiple missing teeth
  • Have otherwise healthy oral tissue
  • Want to improve their speech
  • Are unable or unwilling to wear dentures
  • Are willing and able to dedicate several months to the process
  • Have a jawbone that has reached its full growth

Dental Implant Dentist

Dental implants are currently the best option for those who wish to replace a missing tooth, but it’s important to keep in mind the difference between dental implant experts and dentists who do implants. Dental implant surgery is, of course, surgery! This is why it’s so important to make sure a trained surgeon is performing your implant surgery. Dr. Matthew Schacht has the specialized training and education in the complicated structures of the bone, skin, muscles and nerves, which will guarantee that you get the best possible results. In fact, during his residency, Dr. Schacht was even nominated for and given an award for his excellent surgical skills!

Numerous studies have found that, after more than 20 years of service, the vast majority of dental implants placed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons continue to function better and longer than those placed by general dentists.

Dental Implant Cost

Because no two patients or their unique dental implant needs are alike, the cost of your dental implants will vary depending on the number of appointments and procedures you’ll require. You’ll receive an initial assessment, and then Dr. Matthew Schacht will discuss with you your treatment plan. This plan will include the estimated cost and number of appointments.

For more information on dental implant surgery, or to set up an appointment, please contact us at Denver Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

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All-on-4All-on-4®
The All-on-4 technique is a dental implantation option. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are anchored to the jawbone in order to hold a replacement tooth or a bridge in place. Dental implants are for those who have lost teeth or had teeth pulled as a result of an injury, periodontal disease, or any other reason.

How Is The All-On-4® Method Different
Conventional dental implants will require multiple appointments spanning over several months, six to eight (or even more) implants per arch, and bone grafting or sinus augmentation. The All-on-4 method won’t require any of these! Below are a few more ways in which the All-on-4 method differs from conventional dental implant methods:

  • Healing time is significantly reduced
  • Eliminates or reduces bone atrophy
  • Costs less than conventional implants
  • Is permanent, meaning that your smile will last a lifetime
  • Allow you to receive new artificial teeth in just one day

The All-on-4 technique will only require four implants per arch instead of six to eight. In addition, the All-on-4 implants are placed at an angle, which will use the natural support of your bone to allow for increased contact. In addition, the All-on-4 method will not require bone grafting for most patients.

Benefits Of All-On-4®
The benefits of All-on-4 are many. Below are just a few of the many benefits this procedure will offer you:

  • Improve your smile and appearance
  • Care easily for your new teeth – care for them the same way you would your natural teeth
  • Eat the foods you want without worrying about slipping or noises like you would with dentures
  • Eliminate chronic dental health problems
  • Eat and speak more easily
  • Your beautiful smile will last a lifetime

Here at Denver Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we understand that tooth loss affects not only your dental health, but also your appearance, self-esteem, and quality of life. Luckily, with the All-on-4® method, you can regain all that you’ve lost!

Contact us today to see if the All-on-4® method may benefit you.

Wisdom Teeth Extractions
Wisdom teeth extraction is the removal of one or more of the four adult molars located at the back corners of your mouth on the top and bottom. Many people suffer from impacted wisdom teeth, which can occur because there usually isn’t a lot of room for the wisdom teeth to erupt into the mouth or develop normally. This can be both painful and detrimental to your appearance, as your other teeth may shift in order to accommodate the larger teeth trying to grow in.

Wisdom tooth extractions are the removal of one or more of the four wisdom teeth, which are adult molars located in the back corners of your mouth on the top and the bottom. Many of our patients suffer from impacted wisdom teeth, which occurs when there isn’t enough room for the wisdom teeth to come through or develop correctly. Wisdom teeth impaction can be incredibly painful and can cause your other teeth to shift around and become crooked as the wisdom teeth attempt to erupt.

Before Your Wisdom Teeth Are Removed

If your dentist has recommended that you have your wisdom teeth removed, he or she will take an X-Ray of your mouth. Depending on what this X-Ray shows, you may be referred to our office. Before the procedure, we will discuss many things with you, including the method we’ll be using to remove the wisdom teeth, any possible complications, our sedation options, and any questions or concerns you may have.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure – What To Expect

If the tooth hasn’t yet erupted, Dr. Matthew Schacht will make a small incision into the gum in order to gain access to the tooth. He may also need to remove a small piece of bone that covers the tooth. Your wisdom tooth will sometimes be cut into smaller pieces to make them easier to remove through the incision. If the tooth has broken through the gum already, we won’t likely need to make an incision. However, the action of removing the tooth will require us to firmly rock the tooth back and forth, meaning you may feel some pressure, but no pain.

The amount of time it takes to remove wisdom teeth with vary from person to person. Some people will only need one tooth removed, while others will need all four. Additionally, some cases are much more straightforward while others present with a few complications. We’ll give you an estimate of how long your particular procedure should take.

After Wisdom Teeth Surgery
If you needed to have incisions made in your gums, we will use dissolving stitches to close the wound. These stitches usually take around 7-10 days to dissolve completely. Sterile gauze will be placed over the wound and gentle pressure will be applied to control bleeding. This will also allow a blood clot to form in the socket, which is very important in protecting and healing the sockets. We know it’s difficult, but try to leave the blood clots alone. This means that for the next 24 hours, you should avoid:

  • Smoking
  • Drinking alcohol
  • Sucking through a straw
  • Rinsing your mouth out
  • Drinking hot beverages like coffee, tea, or soup
  • Strenuous physical activity

For more information on how to care for your extraction wounds, or to make an appointment for a wisdom tooth evaluation, please contact Denver Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery today.

Tooth Extractions
A tooth extraction, or the pulling of teeth, is usually relatively straightforward and can most often be performed quickly and while the patient is awake. Local anesthetic injections and sedation can be utilized to help manage pain.

Before Your Tooth Extraction
Before your tooth is removed, we must properly assess the shape and status of the affected tooth and its roots. A routine dental X-Ray will allow us to find and prepare for any possible issues before the extraction. In addition, we’ll run through a brief medical history to make sure you’re an ideal candidate. We want to ensure a smooth and simple experience for you.

Process Of Extraction
At the time of your extraction, Dr. Schacht will thoroughly numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic, making sure to numb the tooth itself, the surrounding gums, and your jawbone.

During the extraction, you will most likely feel some pressure. In order to loosen the tooth for removal, it will be gently rocked back and forth. Because of the anesthetic, you should not feel any pain during this process.

Possible Complications
When reviewing your X-Rays, we may find a few issues that can cause complications during your extraction. For example, if the tooth roots are crooked or twisted, or if the root is brittle. However, we will make sure to discuss any of these issues with you and how we plan to work around them. In some cases, surrounding bone tissue may need to be removed in order to more easily access and remove the tooth. This may sound like a major complication, but it is actually quite minor. Our experienced oral surgeon will be able to easily plan for such a complication.

After Your Tooth Extraction
Sterile gauze will be held over the empty tooth sockets for 15-20 minutes after extraction. Gentle pressure will be applied in order to control bleeding, and we’ll be sure a clot forms over the socket. In some cases, stitches may be utilized to help control the bleeding. You will be provided with after-care instructions for the cleaning and care of your socket. Depending on your individual circumstances, we may also provide you with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, or pain control medication.

It’s important that you discuss any questions or concerns regarding your tooth extraction with Dr. Matthew Schacht so that you know exactly what to expect from your procedure. Please contact Denver Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery to learn more.

Anesthetic / IV Dental Sedation / Anesthesia

Here at Denver Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we offer a few different options for anesthetic, dental sedation or anesthesia during your procedure or surgery. Dr. Matthew Schacht will help you make the decision regarding which of these types of anesthetic options would be best for you based on your individual circumstances as well as the surgery you’re undergoing.

Options Below are the types of dental sedation we offer in our office and a brief description of each.

Local Anesthetic

A local anesthetic will allow you to remain conscious and aware during your procedure. Lidocaine, a numbing medication, will be injected directly into the area that needs work, ensuring that you won’t feel any pain. This is an option for those receiving more simple procedures such as tooth extractions or minor gum surgeries.

Local Anesthetic With Nitrous Oxide
In this scenario, you would be given the local anesthetic, lidocaine, as described above. However, you would also be administered a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide, also known as ‘laughing gas.’ This medication would be given to you through a mask or a nosepiece. During this dental sedation option, you would remain conscious, but in an incredibly relaxed state. This can be used for the simple procedures or for more involved procedures like dental implants or the removal or your wisdom teeth.

IV Conscious Sedation
IV conscious sedation ("intravenous conscious sedation") is sometimes also known as “twilight sedation.” It’s used mainly to help control anxiety and discomfort regarding your surgical procedure. The medicine is introduced into your system via a small IV, and it will help you be comfortable and calm throughout your procedure. You may not be asleep the entire time, but you will be in a “twilight state,” essentially drifting in and out of sleep but conscious. However, just because you’re conscious doesn’t mean you know exactly what’s happening. In fact, you probably won’t remember anything from the procedure. You’ll feel sleepy and relaxed; in some cases, this type of sedation may also make you feel euphoric.

How Is IV Conscious Sedation Different?
This type of sedation is similar to general anesthesia because the same type of medication is used. However, during IV conscious sedation the doses are much smaller. In the higher doses, this medicine will cause sleep and paralysis. For conscious sedation, the goal is to calm the patient and reduce anxiety using the smallest amount of medication possible. This is a safer option than anesthesia.

The duration of sedation will depend upon the drugs and doses being administered. Recovery is quick and most people won’t experience the side effects associated with general anesthesia. Your vital signs will still be monitored throughout the procedure to make sure that you don’t experience a deeper sedation.

Local Anesthetic With IV Anesthesia
This level of sedation can still be done in our office. Medication would be administered through an IV and you would fall asleep shortly afterward. Your vital signs would be monitored throughout the procedure and you will stay asleep the entire time. This type of sedation can be used for every kind of dental procedure, even the simple ones depending on the level of your anxiety about your procedure. Please talk to Dr. Schacht about any fears you may have about your surgery.

Hospital Or Surgical Center Anesthesia
Depending on the surgery you’re having, you may be admitted to a surgical center or a hospital. This will happen for those receiving surgeries like facial or jaw reconstructions, TMJ surgery, or for patients with certain medical conditions. In this scenario, an anesthesiologist would be the one administering the anesthesia and monitoring you throughout the surgery.

Please note that those receiving any kind of IV sedation will need to have a ride to and from our office, and avoid eating or drinking anything for at least six hours prior to surgery. We will provide you with any additional instructions before your surgery.

It’s very important to us that you’re comfortable and pain-free during your surgery. Please inform us of any medications you’re taking, any medical issues you have, or any anxiety you may be feeling about your procedure, so that we can help you decide which dental sedation option is right for you.

Why Choose Us?
Denver oral surgeon, Dr. Matthew Schacht has been well trained in dental implants, wisdom teeth removal, bone grafting, orthognathic (corrective jaw) surgery, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surgery, maxillofacial trauma, jaw reconstruction and oral pathology.

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