- South Coast Oral &
Maxillofacial Surgery -
Dr. Jeffrey A. Elo, D.D.S., M.S., Inc.
diplomate of the american board of oral & Maxillofacial surgery
ORAL SURGERY, SANTA ANA CA
Oral and maxillofacial surgery is the management, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects involving both the functional and aesthetic aspect of the hard and soft tissue of the face, jaw, and mouth.
Dr. Elo's office aspires for compassion. Their commitment to patient care from the moment of first contact throughout the patient's treatment is high priority.
Often the health concerns of oral and maxillofacial surgery patients are both physical and mental. Dr. Elo's treatment approach spans disciplines so that referring dentists, medical doctors, and allied health care professionals focus on the appropriate care and treatment for every individual patient.
Patient concerns are addressed with understanding and prompt answers.
/patient information
Navigation Menu
Oral and maxillofacial surgery requires up to 6 additional years of hospital based surgical and anesthesia training. As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Elo manages a wide variety of problems relating to the mouth, teeth and facial regions. Dr. Elo practices a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery with expertise ranging from facial trauma surgery to corrective jaw surgery and wisdom tooth removal. He can also diagnose and treat facial pain, facial injuries and TMJ disorders, and performs a full range of dental implant procedures.
Dr. Elo's staff is trained in assisting with I.V. sedation within our state of the art office setting. Patients are continuously monitored during and after surgery.
Surgical Staff
The surgical staff at South Coast Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery are all experienced and certified oral and maxillofacial assistants, who assist in the administration of I.V. Sedation and surgery.
/surgical procedures
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is the management, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects involving both the functional and aesthetic aspect of the hard and soft tissue of the face, jaw, and mouth. Please use the links to the right to find out more about the oral and maxillofacial procedures that Dr. Elo performs in Santa Ana, CA. Environment of Care:Dr. Elo's office aspires for compassion. Their commitment to patient care from the moment of first contact throughout the patients treatment is high priority. Often the health concerns of oral and maxillofacial surgery patients are both physical and mental. Dr. Elo's treatment approach spans disciplines so that referring dentists, medical doctors, and allied health care professionals focus on the appropriate care and treatment for every individual patient. Patient concerns are addressed with understanding and prompt answers.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is the management, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects involving both the functional and aesthetic aspect of the hard and soft tissue of the face, jaw, and mouth.
Please use the links to the right to find out more about the oral and maxillofacial procedures that Dr. Elo performs in Santa Ana, CA.
Environment of Care:
Dr. Elo's office aspires for compassion. Their commitment to patient care from the moment of first contact throughout the patients treatment is high priority. Often the health concerns of oral and maxillofacial surgery patients are both physical and mental. Dr. Elo's treatment approach spans disciplines so that referring dentists, medical doctors, and allied health care professionals focus on the appropriate care and treatment for every individual patient. Patient concerns are addressed with understanding and prompt answers.
/meet us
Our staff aspires to provide quality customer care in a
comfortable and caring environment. At South Coast Oral
and Maxillofacial Surgery, our mission is to provide
excellent service to each of our patients, all at an
affordable cost. Our certified team is completely
dedicated to making sure that your overall experience at
our office excels your expectations in every way.
/surgery instructions
Please use the links to the right to browse through our important surgical instructions. We recommend you read these instructions before you come in for surgery. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 714.556.7000.
/contact
There are a variety of ways to contact our office.
South Coast Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
2740 S. Bristol St. Suite #107
Santa Ana, CA 92704
Phone: (714) 556-7000
Fax: (714) 556-6828
Mon. - Fri.: 9 - 5 pm. Closed on weekends.
Message Form
You may use the form to the right for general purposes only. Please do not send any personal medical information through this form.
Due to our high volume of messages, please allow up to 48 hours for a response on regular business days.
/request appointment
If you'd like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Elo,
please call our office at (714) 556-7000 during regular business
hours from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday.
We look forward to hearing from you.
/online forms
You may pre-register with our office by filling out our patient application forms that may be printed by clicking on the icons below. You may bring in the completed registration forms with you at your first visit to our office.
If you have any questions or technical difficulties, feel free to contact our office by phone at 714.556.7000.
Registration Form 1B
Registration Form 2
Registration Form 1
Registration Form 4B
Registration Form 4
Registration Form 3
/wisdom teeth
By the age of eighteen, the average adult has 32 teeth; 16 teeth on the top and 16 teeth on the bottom. Each tooth in the mouth has a specific name and function. The teeth in the front of the mouth (incisors, canine and bicuspid teeth) are ideal for grasping and biting food into smaller pieces. The back teeth or molar teeth are used to grind food up into a consistency suitable for swallowing.
The average mouth is made to hold only 28 teeth. It can be painful when 32 teeth try to fit in a mouth that holds only 28 teeth. These four other teeth are your Third Molars, also known as "wisdom teeth."
Why Should I Remove My Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt within the mouth. When they align properly and gum tissue is healthy, wisdom teeth do not have to be removed. Unfortunately, this does not generally happen. The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when they are prevented from properly erupting within the mouth. They may grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum and even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. Impacted teeth can take many positions in the bone as they attempt to find a pathway that will allow them to erupt successfully.
These poorly-positioned impacted teeth can cause many problems. When they are partially erupted, the opening around the tooth allows bacteria to grow and will eventually cause an infection. The result: swelling, stiffness, pain and illness. The pressure from the erupting wisdom tooth may move other teeth and disrupt the orthodontic or natural alignment of teeth. The most serious problem occurs when tumors or cysts form around the impacted wisdom tooth, resulting in the destruction of the jawbone and healthy teeth. Removal of the offending impacted tooth or teeth usually resolves these problems. Early removal is recommended to avoid such future problems and to decrease the surgical risk involved with the procedure.
Oral Examination
With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Dr. Elo can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict if there may be present or future problems. Studies have shown that early evaluation and treatment result in a superior outcome for the patient. Patients are generally first evaluated in the mid- teenage years by their dentist, orthodontist, or by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize patient comfort. Dr. Elo has the training, license, and experience to provide various types of anesthesia for patients to select the best alternative.
Removal
In most cases, the removal of wisdom teeth is performed under local anesthesia or intravenous general anesthesia. These options as well, as the surgical risks (i.e. sensory nerve damage, sinus complications), will be discussed with you before the procedure is performed. Once the teeth are removed, the gum is sutured. To help control bleeding, bite down on the gauze placed in your mouth. You will rest under our supervision in the office until you are ready to be taken home. Upon discharge, your post-operative kit will include postoperative instructions, a prescription for pain medication, antibiotics, and a follow-up appointment in one week. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us at 714-556-7000.
Our services are provided in an environment of optimum safety that utilizes modern monitoring equipment and staff that are experienced in anesthesia techniques.
Feel free to give us a call at 714-556-7000 if you want to know more about wisdom teeth removal in the
Santa Ana, CA area.
/dental implants
Dental Implants are the most predictable and natural form of tooth replacement. Dental implants are changing the way people live. They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth which look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. Patients with dental implants can smile with confidence. They are the standard of care.
What are Dental Implants?
The implants themselves are small titanium posts, which are inserted into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts are then attached to the implant, which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.
Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.
The Surgical Procedure
For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your dentist is forming new replacement teeth.
After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Dr. Elo will uncover the implants and attach small posts, which will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. These posts protrude through the gums. When the artificial teeth are placed, these posts will not be seen. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.
Surgical Advances
There are situations where the implants can be placed at the same time as a tooth extraction - further minimizing the number of surgical procedures. Advances in dental implant technology have made it possible, in select cases, to extract teeth and place implants with crowns at one visit. This procedure, called immediate loading, greatly simplifies the surgical process.
Who actually performs the implant placement?
Implants are a team effort between an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and a Restorative Dentist. While Dr. Elo performs the actual implant surgery, the initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting (if necessary), the restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.
What types of prostheses are available?
A single prosthesis (crown) is used to replace one missing tooth each prosthetic tooth attaches to its own implant. A partial prosthesis (fixed bridge) can replace two or more teeth and may require only two or three implants. A complete dental prosthesis (fixed bridge) replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. The number of implants varies depending upon which type of complete prosthesis (removable or fixed) is recommended. A removable prosthesis (over denture) attaches to a bar or ball-in-socket attachments, whereas a fixed prosthesis is permanent and removable only by the dentist.
Dr. Elo performs in-office implant surgery. Inpatient hospital implant surgery is for patients who have special medical or anesthetic needs, or for those who need extensive bone grafting from the jaw, hip, or tibia.
Why dental implants?
Once you learn about dental implants, you finally realize there is a way to improve your life. When you lose several teeth whether its a new situation or something you have lived with for years chances are you have never become fully accustomed to losing such a vital part of yourself.
Dental implants can be your doorway to renewed self-confidence and peace of mind.
Why would you select dental implants over more traditional types of restorations?
There are several reasons: Why sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge a space? In addition, removing a denture or a partial at night may be inconvenient, not to mention that dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and rather embarrassing.
Are you a candidate for implants?
If you are considering implants, your mouth must be examined thoroughly and your medical and dental history reviewed. If your mouth is not ideal for implants, ways of improving outcome, such as bone grafting, may be recommended.
What type of anesthesia is used?
The majority of dental implants and bone grafts can be performed in the office under local anesthesia, with or without intravenous general anesthesia.
Do Implants need special care?
Once the implants are in place, they will serve you well for many years if you take care of them and keep your mouth healthy. This means taking the time for good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and keeping regular appointments with your dental specialists.
/introduction
/first visit
Your appointment time is reserved for you with Dr. Elo and staff. Your initial appointment will consist of a consultation explaining your diagnosis and treatment options. Occasionally, surgery can be performed the same day as the consultation. However, a complex medical history or treatment plan will require an evaluation and a second appointment to provide treatment on another day.
Please assist us by providing the following information at the time of your consultation:
1) Your surgical referral slip and any X-rays, if applicable
2) A list of medications you are presently taking
If you have medical or dental insurance, bring the necessary completed forms. This will save time and allow us to help you process any claims.
IMPORTANT:
All patients under the age of 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at the consultation visit.
A pre-operative consultation and physical examination is mandatory for patients undergoing intravenous (IV) anesthesia for surgery. Please have nothing to eat or drink 8 hours prior to your surgery. You will also need an adult to drive you home. Please alert the office if you have a medical condition that may be of concern prior to surgery (i.e. diabetes, high blood pressure, artificial heart valves and joints, rheumatic fever, etc.) or if you are currently taking any medication (i.e. heart medications, aspirin, anticoagulant therapy, etc.).
/insurance
At South Coast Oral, we make every effort to provide you with the finest surgical care and the most convenient financial options. We accept most insurance carriers. If you have any problems or questions, please ask our staff who are always well informed and up-to-date. They can be reached by phone at (714) 556-7000. Please call if you have any questions or concerns regarding your initial visit.We ask that you bring your insurance information with you to the consultation.Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office at (714) 556-7000.
At South Coast Oral, we make every effort to provide you with the finest surgical care and the most convenient financial options. We accept most insurance carriers. If you have any problems or questions, please ask our staff who are always well informed and up-to-date. They can be reached by phone at (714) 556-7000. Please call if you have any questions or concerns regarding your initial visit.
We ask that you bring your insurance information with you to the consultation.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office at
(714) 556-7000.
/scheduling
Dr. Elo's office is open Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Friday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. We will schedule your appointment as promptly as possible. If you have pain or an urgent situation, every attempt will be made to see you promptly.We try our best to stay on schedule to minimize your waiting. Due to the fact that Jeffrey A. Elo, DDS, MS, Inc. provides surgical services, various circumstances may lengthen the time allocated for a procedure. Emergency cases can also arise and cause delays. We appreciate your understanding and patience should these events occur.Please call 714.556.7000 with any questions or to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Elo's office is open Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Friday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. We will schedule your appointment as promptly as possible. If you have pain or an urgent situation, every attempt will be made to see you promptly.
We try our best to stay on schedule to minimize your waiting. Due to the fact that Jeffrey A. Elo, DDS, MS, Inc. provides surgical services, various circumstances may lengthen the time allocated for a procedure. Emergency cases can also arise and cause delays. We appreciate your understanding and patience should these events occur.
Please call 714.556.7000 with any questions or to schedule an appointment.
/financial policy
For your convenience, we accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. We deliver the finest care at the most reasonable cost to our patients, therefore payment is due at the time service is rendered unless other arrangements have been made in advance. If you have questions regarding your account, please contact us at 714.556.7000. Many times, a simple telephone call will clear any misunderstandings.Please remember you are fully responsible for all fees charged by this office regardless of your insurance coverage. We will send you a monthly statement.Most insurance companies will respond within four to six weeks. Please call our office if your statement does not reflect your insurance payment within that time frame. Any remaining balance after your insurance has paid is your responsibility. Your prompt remittance is appreciated. We can make arrangements for a monthly payment plan but that must be implemented prior to the actual procedure. We appreciate the importance of your care.We offer financing by Care Credit, a health care 3rd party financier.
For your convenience, we accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. We deliver the finest care at the most reasonable cost to our patients, therefore payment is due at the time service is rendered unless other arrangements have been made in advance. If you have questions regarding your account, please contact us at 714.556.7000. Many times, a simple telephone call will clear any misunderstandings.
Please remember you are fully responsible for all fees charged by this office regardless of your insurance coverage. We will send you a monthly statement.
Most insurance companies will respond within four to six weeks. Please call our office if your statement does not reflect your insurance payment within that time frame. Any remaining balance after your insurance has paid is your responsibility. Your prompt remittance is appreciated. We can make arrangements for a monthly payment plan but that must be implemented prior to the actual procedure. We appreciate the importance of your care.
We offer financing by Care Credit, a health care 3rd party financier.
/facial deformities
Please contact our office for information regarding surgical services on facial deformities.You may contact our office at 714.556-7000 or you may use our contact form located under our "Contact" tab to request further information.
Please contact our office for information regarding surgical services on facial deformities.
You may contact our office at 714.556-7000 or you may use our contact form located under our "Contact" tab to request further information.
/facial trauma
There are a number of possible causes of facial trauma such as motor vehicle accidents, accidental falls, sports injuries, interpersonal violence and work related injuries. Types of facial injuries can range from injuries of teeth to extremely severe injuries of the skin and bones of the face. Typically, facial injuries are classified as either soft tissue injuries (skin and gums), bone injuries (fractures), or injuries to special regions (such as the eyes, facial nerves or the salivary glands).
Soft Tissue Injuries of the Maxillofacial Region
When soft tissue injuries such as lacerations occur on the face, they are repaired by suturing. In addition to the obvious concern of providing a repair that yields the best cosmetic result possible, care is taken to inspect for and treat injuries to structures such as facial nerves, salivary glands and salivary ducts (or outflow channels). Dr. Thiede is a well-trained oral and maxillofacial surgeon and is proficient at diagnosing and treating all types of facial lacerations.
Bone Injuries of the Maxillofacial Region
Fractures of the bones of the face are treated in a manner similar to the fractures in other parts of the body. The specific form of treatment is determined by various factors, which include the location of the fracture, the severity of the fracture, the age and general health of the patient. When an arm or a leg is fractured, a cast is often applied to stabilize the bone to allow for proper healing. Since a cast cannot be placed on the face, other means have been developed to stabilize facial fractures.
One of these options involves wiring the jaws together for certain fractures of the upper and/or lower jaw. Certain other types of fractures of the jaw are best treated and stabilized by the surgical placement of small plates and screws at the involved site. This technique of treatment can often allow for healing and obviates the necessity of having the jaws wired together. This technique is called "rigid fixation" of a fracture. The relatively recent development and use of rigid fixation has profoundly improved the recovery period for many patients, allowing them to return to normal function more quickly.
The treatment of facial fractures should be accomplished in a thorough and predictable manner. More importantly, the patient's facial appearance should be minimally affected. An attempt at accessing the facial bones through the fewest incisions necessary is always made. At the same time, the incisions that become necessary, are designed to be small and, whenever possible, are placed so that the resultant scar is hidden.
Injuries to the Teeth and Surrounding Dental Structures
Isolated injuries to teeth are quite common and may require the expertise of various dental specialists. Oral surgeons usually are involved in treating fractures in the supporting bone or in replanting teeth that have been displaced or knocked out. These types of injuries are treated by one of a number of forms of splinting (stabilizing by wiring or bonding teeth together). If a tooth is knocked out, it should be placed in salt water or milk. The sooner the tooth is re-inserted into the dental socket, the better chance it will survive. Therefore, the patient should see a dentist or oral surgeon as soon as possible. Never attempt to wipe the tooth off, since remnants of the ligament that hold the tooth in the jaw are attached and are vital to the success of replanting the tooth. Other dental specialists may be called upon such as endodontists, who may be asked to perform root canal therapy, and/or restorative dentists who may need to repair or rebuild fractured teeth. In the event that injured teeth cannot be saved or repaired, dental implants are often now utilized as replacements for missing teeth.
The proper treatment of facial injuries is now the realm of specialists who are well versed in emergency care, acute treatment, long term reconstruction and rehabilitation of the patient. Dr. Elo meets and exceeds these modern standards. He is trained, skilled and uniquely qualified to manage and treat facial trauma. He is on staff at local hospitals and deliver emergency room coverage for facial injuries.
/bone graft
Major and Minor bone grafting
Over a period of time, the jawbone associated with missing teeth atrophies or is reabsorbed. This often leaves a condition in which there is poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for placement of dental implants. In these situations, most patients are not candidates for placement of dental implants.
Today, we have the ability to grow bone where needed. This not only gives us the opportunity to place implants of proper length and width, it also gives us a chance to restore functionality and esthetic appearance.
Major Bone Grafting
Bone grafting can repair implant sites with inadequate bone structure due to previous extractions, gum disease or injuries. The bone is either obtained from a tissue bank or your own bone is taken from the jaw, hip or tibia (below the knee.) Sinus bone grafts are also performed to replace bone in the posterior upper jaw. In addition, special membranes may be utilized that dissolve under the gum and protect the bone graft and encourage bone regeneration. This is called guided bone regeneration or guided tissue regeneration.
Major bone grafts are typically performed to repair defects of the jaws. These defects may arise as a result of traumatic injuries, tumor surgery, or congenital defects. Large defects are repaired using the patients own bone. This bone is harvested from a number of different sites depending on the size of the defect. The skull (cranium), hip (iliac crest), and lateral knee (tibia), are common donor sites. These procedures are routinely performed in an operating room and require a hospital stay.
/sinus lift
Sinus lift procedure
The maxillary sinuses are behind your cheeks and on top of the upper teeth. Sinuses are like empty rooms that have nothing in them. Some of the roots of the natural upper teeth extend up into the maxillary sinuses. When these upper teeth are removed, there is often just a thin wall of bone separating the maxillary sinus and the mouth. Dental implants need bone to hold them in place. When the sinus wall is very thin, it is impossible to place dental implants in this bone.
There is a solution and its called a sinus graft or sinus lift graft. The dental implant surgeon enters the sinus from where the upper teeth used to be. The sinus membrane is then lifted upward and donor bone is inserted into the floor of the sinus. Keep in mind that the floor of the sinus is the roof of the upper jaw. After several months of healing, the bone becomes part of the patients jaw and dental implants can be inserted and stabilized in this new sinus bone.
The sinus graft makes it possible for many patients to have dental implants when years ago there was no other option other than wearing loose dentures.
If enough bone between the upper jaw ridge and the bottom of the sinus is available to stabilize the implant well, sinus augmentations and implant placement can sometimes be performed as a single procedure. If not enough bone is available, the Sinus Augmentation will have to be performed first, then the graft will have to mature for several months, depending upon the type of graft material used. Once the graft has matured, the implants can be placed.
/snoring & sleep apnea
People with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have disrupted sleep and low blood oxygen levels. When obstructive sleep apnea occurs, the tongue is sucked against the back of the throat. This blocks the upper airway and air flow stops. When the oxygen level in the brain becomes low enough, the sleeper partially awakens, the obstruction in the throat clears and the flow of air starts again, usually with a loud gasp.
Repeated cycles of decreased oxygenation lead to very serious cardiovascular problems. Additionally, these individuals suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness, depression, and loss of concentration.
Some patients have obstructions that are less sever called Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS). In either case, the individuals suffer many of the same symptoms.
The first step in treatment resides in recognition of the symptoms and seeking appropriate consultation. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons offer consultation and treatment options.
In addition to a detailed history, the doctors will assess the anatomic relationships in the maxillofacial region. With cephalometic (skull x-ray) analysis, the doctors can ascertain the level of obstruction. Sometimes a naso-pharyngeal exam is done with a flexible fiber-optic camera. To confirm the amount of cardiovascular compromise and decreased oxygenation levels, a sleep study may be recommended to monitor individuals overnight.
There are several treatment options available. An initial treatment may consist of using a nasal CPAP machine that delivers pressurized oxygen through a nasal mask to limit obstruction at night. One of the surgical options is a uvulo-palato-pharyngo-plasty (UPPP), which is performed in the back of the soft palate and throat. A similar procedure is sometime done with the assistance of a laser and is called a Laser Assisted uvulo-palato-plasty (LAUP). In other cases, a radio-frequency probe is utilized to tighten the soft palate. These are procedure usually performed under light intravenous sedation in the office.
In more complex cases, the bones of the upper and lower jaw may be repositioned to increase the size of the airway (Orthognathic surgery). This procedure is done in the hospital under general anesthesia and requires 1 to 2 days overnight stay in the hospital.
OSA is a very serious condition that needs careful attention and treatment. Most major medical plans offer coverage for diagnosis and treatment.
/preprosthetic surgery
Bone Grafting
Over a period of time the jawbone associated with missing teeth atrophies or is resorbed. This often leaves a condition in which there is poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for placement of dental implants. In these situations, most patients are not candidates for placement of dental implants.
Bone Graft Procedures
Bone grafting can repair dental implant sites with adequate bone structure due to previous extractions, gum disease or injuries. The bone is either obtained from tissue bank or your own bone is taken from jaw, hip, or tibia (below the knee). Sinus bone grafts are also performed to replace bone in the posterior upper jaw. In addition, special membranes may be utilized that dissolve under the gum and protect the bone graft and encourage bone regeneration. This is called guided bone regeneration or guided tissue regeneration.
Major bone grafts are typically performed to repair defects of the jaws. These defects may arise as a result of traumatic injuries, tumor surgery, or congenital defects. Large defects are repaired using the patients own bone. This bone is harvested from a number of different sites depending on the size of the defect. The skull (cranium), hip (iliac crest), and lateral knee (tibia) are common donor sites. These procedures are routinely performed in an operating room and require a hospital stay.
Sinus Lift Procedure
The maxillary sinuses are behind your cheeks and above the upper teeth. Some of the roots of the natural upper teeth may extend up into the maxillary sinuses. When these upper teeth are removed, there is often just a thin wall of bone separating the maxillary sinus and the mouth. Dental implants need bone to hold them in place. When the sinus wall is very thin, it is impossible to place dental implants in this bone.
There is a solution and it is called a sinus graft or sinus lift. The dental implant surgeon enters the sinus from where the upper teeth used to be. The sinus membrane is then lifted upward and the donor bone is inserted into the floor of the sinus. After several months of healing, the bone becomes part of the patients jaw and a dental implant can be inserted and stabilized in this new sinus bone. The sinus graft makes it possible for many patients to have dental implants when years ago there were no other option other than wearing loose dentures.
If enough bone between the upper jaw ridge and the bottom of the sinus is available to stabilize the implant well, sinus augmentations and dental implants placement can sometimes be performed as a single procedure. If not enough bone is available, the sinus augmentation will have to be performed first and allowed to mature for several months, depending upon the type of graft material used. Once the graft has matured, the dental implants can be placed.
Ridge Expansion
In severe cases, the ridge has been resorbed and a bone graft is placed to increase ridge height and/or width. This is a technique used to restore the lost bone dimension when the jaw ridge is too thin to place conventional implants. In this procedure, the boney ridge of the jaw is literally expanded by mechanical means. Bone graft material can be placed and allowed to mature for a few months before placing the implant.
Ridge Preservation refers to a specific application of bone grafting that attempts to prevent the resorption of bone that normally follows the removal of a tooth. At the time of tooth removal, the resulting socket is filled with bone material and covered with a protective dressing. Our doctors typically use processed cow or human donor bone for this purpose, sometimes mixing it with a small amount of bone obtained from a neighboring area of the patients own jaw. Filling the socket with bone in this manner dramatically delays the normal bone resorption process that would occur at an extraction site. It also hastens the process of bone maturation at the site, thus allowing the placement of a dental implant sooner that would be possible if the socket was left to heal without the benefit of the added bone. This procedure is very successful in preserving the ridge of the bone that is necessary for implant placement-hence the term ridge preservation
Postoperative recovery following this procedure is usually no more complicated than that following removal of a tooth without ridge preservation.
/orthognathic surgery
What is Orthognathic Surgery?
Orthognathic surgery has been referred to as surgical orthodontics because the oral and maxillofacial surgeon uses the surgical procedure to reposition the upper and lower jaws. This can be compared to an orthodontist correctly repositioning the teeth. The overall goal for orthognathic surgery is to correct and align minor and major facial and jaw irregularities. This not only improves facial appearance but also ensures that the teeth meet correctly and function properly.
Orthognathic surgery is performed using the team approach in which the patient, the orthodontist, and the oral and maxillofacial surgeon have integral roles.
Who needs Orthognathic Surgery?
People who can benefit from orthognathic surgery include those with an improper bite or jaws that are positioned incorrectly. Jaw growth is a gradual process and in some instances the upper and lower jaws may grow at different rates. The result can be a host of problems that can affect chewing, function, speech, long-term oral health, and appearance. Injury to the jaw and birth defects can also affect jaw alignment and position. Orthodontics alone can correct many bite problems if only the teeth are involved, orthognathic surgery may be required if the jaws also need repositioning.
Difficulty in the following areas also need repositioning:
*Chewing
*Biting or swallowing
*Speech problems
*Open bite
*Protruding jaw
*Unbalanced facial appearance
*Facial injury
*Birth defects
*Receding chin
*Inability to make lips meet without effort
