COMPLEX OCCLUSION ISSUES & ADJUSTMENTS

If you have serious issues with your dental occlusion (bite), Dr. Dennis Lee is here to help with corrective jaw surgery, also known as “orthognathic surgery.” By performing surgery and altering the position of the jawbones, Dr. Lee can correct issues like overbites, underbites, open bites, and other “malocclusions” (bite issues). The type of surgery required depends on the specifics of your condition, so schedule a consultation in McKinney today.

BONE GRAFTS

A bone graft is typically required if you’re interested in dental implants in McKinney, but your underlying jaw bone is not strong enough to support the implant. Bone resorption after tooth loss can make it impossible to place the implant.
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In this case, a bone graft is used. An opening is made in the gums and jaw, and bone powder or granules are packed into the area, which is then cleaned and sutured shut. Over time, natural bone will regrow over the bone material, strengthening the area, and preparing it for an implant.

SINUS LIFTS

Sinus lifts are a type of bone graft that must be performed on the upper teeth. The roots of the teeth are very close to the sinuses, so if you have experienced bone loss in this area, the sinus lining must be “lifted” out of the way to make room for the bone material placed during a bone graft.
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This procedure is similar to a bone graft. An opening is made in the gums and jaw bone, and the sinus lining is gently lifted up and away from the area to make room for the bone material. Then, the bone graft proceeds normally.

ALVEOLOPLASTY

This procedure is also called “bone ridge smoothing,” and is sometimes required before you get dental implants or a set of dentures. After you lose a tooth, there are often bony “ridges” near the socket where the tooth used to be. If they are especially sharp or prominent, they may need to be smoothed in order to ensure a proper fit for your dental restoration.
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In alveoloplasty, the gums are opened to provide access to the ridges. Then, Dr. Lee will use a special tool to gently remove the bone ridges and prepare your mouth for your implant or dentures.

TORI REMOVAL

Dental “tori” are benign (harmless) bone growths that commonly occur in the roof of the mouth or below the tongue. Typically, these tori are not a problem, and can simply be left in place.
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But if you’re getting dentures, they can block the proper fit of a set of dentures and will need to be removed. Using specialized dental tools and techniques, Dr. Lee will expose the tori and remove each one to ensure a proper fit for your new teeth.

WHAT DENTAL ISSUES CAN BE TREATED WITH ORAL SURGERY?

• Impacted wisdom teeth
• Decayed or damaged teeth
• Gum disease
• Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
• Sleep Apnea
• Cosmetic or reconstructive changes to the face or jaw
• Improper bite
• Missing teeth (dental implants)
• Oral cancer
• Ill-fitting dental restorations

WHAT IS THE RECOVERY PROCESS LIKE?

You can expect some minor bleeding, swelling, soreness, and pain following oral surgery. Your mouth will be numb for several hours following surgery and it is crucial that you wait until it wears off completely before eating or consuming hot liquids so you do not injure yourself.
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Swelling typically peaks 24 hours after surgery and will go down with each passing day. This can be minimized by elevating your head, applying a cold compress, and taking anti-inflammatory pain medication which will also help relieve soreness.
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In cases of tooth extraction, gauze will be placed in the socket to stop the bleeding. A blood clot needs to form for proper healing. If this clot does not form or becomes dislodged, you can get a dry socket which is painful and prolongs your recovery. If bleeding is not stopping, try biting down on a wet caffeinated tea bag.

Do not smoke, suck through a straw, engage in strenuous exercise for 24 hours, consume hot foods or liquids, and make sure you stick to a diet of soft foods until your dentist in McKinney says you can introduce harder foods. Stay hydrated and keep your mouth clean to prevent infection but do not rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours.