Oral SurgeryBoca Raton, FL

Understanding Oral Surgery

According to the American Dental Association, oral and maxillofacial surgery encapsulates diagnosing and surgically treating the various "diseases, injuries, and defects involving both the functional and esthetic aspects of the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region." "Oral" refers to the mouth, while "maxillofacial" refers to the jaw and face.

Oral and maxillofacial surgery can address both the aesthetic and functional areas of these regions. As such, there are several types of oral and maxillofacial surgeries. Most people need to undergo wisdom teeth removal, one of the most common oral surgeries, at some point in their lives.

Types of Oral Surgeries

• Sinus Lift Procedure: When patients require replacing missing molars in the upper jaw, sometimes there is limited bone due to the size of the sinus. Thomas A. Copulos, DDS, PA have years of experience in growing bone under the sinus. A window is created on the outside wall of the sinus and the delicate membrane coating the sinus is lifted. A bone graft is placed in the newly created space under the sinus and against the bone. This procedure thickens the bone so a dental implant can be placed at some time in the future.
• Combined Dental Implant Placement and Sinus Lift Procedure: Depending on the shape of a patients sinus, it may dip very low and close to the teeth or dip slightly but low enough that there is not enough bone to place a dental implant completely in bone. In these situations, Thomas A. Copulos, DDS, PA can perform a combination procedure. After taking a dental Catscan (CBCT), Thomas A. Copulos, DDS, PA will determine how thick the bone is and if a combined procedure can be performed. During the combined dental implant placement and sinus lift procedure, special burs are used to create air pressure that lifts the membrane coating the sinus, creating space for the bone graft and dental implant. The bone graft is placed into the sinus through the site of the dental implant, then the dental implant is placed sealing off the site. It may take additional time for the dental implant and bone graft to heal but it is completed in one procedure.
• Ridge Augmentation: When a tooth is lost, the bone slowly dissolves away. To place a dental implant, adequate thickness and height of bone is required. If there is not enough bone to place a dental implant, a ridge augmentation procedure is performed. Thomas A. Copulos, DDS,PA will determine the appropriate technique to widen the ridge. Typically it requires a bone graft and a barrier the will form the thicker bone for the future dental implant. Creation of new bone usually takes 3-6 months before a dental implant can be placed.
• Wisdom Teeth Extractions: Wisdom teeth are additional molars that do not come in until late adolescence. If they emerge improperly, crowd against nearby teeth, or fail to fully emerge, then they must be removed. The procedure generally requires light sedation but has a quick recovery time that involves little discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Surgery

Is dental implant placement painful?

It depends on the patient. However, most patients report that it is far less uncomfortable than expected. Many liken the sensation to having a tooth extracted. Most patients can manage any pain after the procedure with over-the-counter painkillers.

Is it always a good idea to get my wisdom teeth removed?

Most people will find that wisdom teeth will pose a problem to their oral health at one point in their lives. However, it may be a good idea to get them removed even if they are not causing any clear problems, as they become more likely to cause damage the longer they are in your mouth. In addition, they become more difficult to remove as time goes by.

Does oral surgery hurt?

Oral surgery should not be painful. Our team will do everything in our power to make your experience as comfortable as possible. This may include administering anesthesia to lessen any discomfort.

Will I be able to drive myself home after my oral surgery?

It depends. If you have received sedatives, you should have someone drive you home and avoid driving for the rest of the day. However, if you have received local anesthesia, it will be fine for you to drive home after your procedure.

Will I need sutures for my oral surgery?

It depends on your procedure. Sutures may be self-dissolving and resorb within a few days. If they are not, we will ask you to come into the office for a return visit so we can remove the sutures.