Nobody likes the thought of having oral surgery, but modern techniques and technology make most oral surgery procedures quick, safe and effective. At Kris Hamamoto D.D.S & Associates, every oral surgery is uniquely tailored to the individual needs of the patient. Dr. Hamamoto and our Palo Alto oral surgery team evaluate each patient individually before diagnosing the problem and exploring the most appropriate treatment options. If needed, Dr. Hamamoto can coordinate with other dental and medical specialists to deliver the needed care.
Dental Implant Placement
The first step of dental implant placement is to surgically insert the implant posts into the jawbone beneath the gap. This oral surgery procedure involves creating a small opening beneath the surface of the gums in the jawbone. The post or screw is inserted and then left to heal for a period of three to six months or more. Once the post has bonded with the jawbone, the second procedure, which involves mounting an artificial tooth to the post, takes place.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction
The third molars, often referred to as wisdom teeth, are the last teeth to develop in the back of the mouth. Most grow into the mouth between the teenage years and the early twenties. Some jaws are too small to accommodate all four wisdom teeth. If the wisdom teeth are not able to grow or “erupt” into the mouth, they are considered to be impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can affect chewing and oral hygiene. Because wisdom teeth usually do not have a functional need, they can be removed during an oral surgery procedure.
Bone Grafting
Bone tissue needs to be stimulated in order to thrive. The jawbone receives stimulation from the chewing and biting motion of the natural teeth. But when a tooth falls out, the underlying jawbone can start to atrophy. Gum disease and traumatic injuries can also cause the jawbone to deteriorate. When this happens, it can cause problems with the remaining teeth, compromise the ability to chew properly, distort the facial features and cause other complications. One of the biggest potential consequences is that a weak jawbone cannot hold dental implant posts.
Bone grafting is a safe and effective way to build up inadequate jawbone so it can support dental implant posts. Building up the jawbone also restores functionality and aesthetic appearance to the face. The bone grafting process usually involves harvesting the patient’s own bone from an area such as the hip or the tibia, or using bone from a tissue bank if needed.
Facial Trauma
Another area of oral surgery is the treatment of facial injuries and trauma, which may include any of the following:
- Facial lacerations
- Intraoral lacerations
- Knocked-out (avulsed) teeth
- Fractured facial bones, including the cheeks, nose and orbital bones around the eye sockets
- Fractured upper or lower jaws
Facial trauma and injuries can range in severity from mild to serious and be caused by motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, violent acts and workplace accidents. The injuries may affect the teeth, skin, soft tissues, ligaments or bones of the face. Treatment depends on the nature and extent of the injury or trauma.
Corrective Jaw Surgery
Corrective jaw (orthognathic) surgery is designed to treat various irregularities of the upper and/or lower jaw, including misaligned jaws or teeth. Signs that may indicate a problem requiring corrective jaw surgery include difficulty chewing/biting/swallowing, jaw pain or discomfort, badly worn teeth, an open bite and a receding lower jaw or chin. Jaw surgery restores proper function and often enhances appearance.
Oral Pathology
Nearly 50,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer this year, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation. Oral cancer has a high mortality rate largely because it is often detected in its later stages.
Dr. Hamamoto and her team encourage everyone to perform self-exams for cancer on a monthly basis, keeping an eye out for any suspicious white or red patches of tissue, abnormal lumps or growths and sores that do not heal easily. Anyone that discovers a troubling symptom should schedule a prompt examination with our team.
Oral Surgery in Palo Alto
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury to the mouth or face or is experiencing another problematic symptom, we invite you to consult with our team. Please call or email us today to book an appointment.
