About Oral Surgery
What is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?
An oral surgeon (known formally as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon) is a dental specialist. After spending eight years in college and graduate school earning a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree, oral surgeons are required to complete an additional 4-6 years of hospital-based training alongside medical residents.
As the name implies, oral surgeons focus strictly on performing dental surgical procedures. These procedures include simple and complicated teeth extractions (including wisdom teeth), dental implant placement, repair of broken bones in the jaws and face, removal of cysts and tumors of the jaws, soft tissue biopsies, jaw realignment surgery to correct bite discrepancies, and cosmetic and TMJ surgeries.
Further, oral surgeons, like Dr. Dr. Afshar, are uniquely trained and qualified to offer patients the ability to have their surgeries performed with a variety of anesthesia options right in our office, including general anesthesia (an excellent option for the anxious patient to “go to sleep” for the procedure) and IV sedation for minor procedures.
Oral surgeons also work in facilities specially equipped with state-of-the-art technology dedicated to oral surgery, meaning you’re sure to receive the best, most comfortable care before, during and after your procedure. At Dental Implant Center of Royal Oak we have a cone beam CT scan, CO2 laser, and Trios digital scanning and impressions. We also utilize computers to assist in technology referred to as Virtual Surgical Planning to perform the surgery on the computer prior to actual surgery. This allows Dr. Afshar to perform the surgeries with more precision and accuracy.
Finally, when it comes to dental implants, due to their in-depth familiarity with the bones of the jaw, oral surgeons are better able to accurately assess the likelihood of long-term dental implant success or determine whether an initial bone graft would make the patient a better candidate for the treatment. In fact, the results of a recent survey published in the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) suggest that dental implant survival and success rates in dental surgery practices are higher than the same procedures performed by general dentists.
If you have a diseased or impacted tooth that needs to come out, implants to be placed, a suspicious lesion that needs a biopsy, or any other oral health condition requiring surgical diagnosis or treatment, we can help.
At Dental Implant Center of Royal Oak, we offer the following services:
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth are also known as third molars and usually appear when we are between 17-20 years of old. Wisdom teeth don’t always erupt as they should, and if you have only seen partial impact or eruption of your teeth, chances are you’ll be feeling some or even extreme discomfort. We can assist you if you do need to remove wisdom teeth that are causing you pain. Talk to us today if you’re in need of high-quality wisdom teeth removal services.
Dental Implants
Dental implants provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. With implants, you can rediscover the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh, and enjoy life. Implants are expected to last for a lifetime, don’t decay and won’t affect your surrounding teeth. However, if you feel dental implants are right for you, whom you choose to provide them is extremely important. Our doctors have advanced training in dental implant procedures that ensures less pain, faster recovery time, and a perfect smile. When it comes to your smile, dental implant expertise matters.
Bone Grafting
Many dental procedures, such as dental implant placement, require the bone be as close to its original dimension and position as possible for optimal results. Dr. Afshar's utilize recent advances in medicine, state-of-the-art technology, and minimally invasive techniques to allow patients to undergo dental bone graft procedures and experience quick recovery without complications. If you’re in need of a bone graft for a dental implant, contact our office and come in for a bone graft consultation.
Sedation Dentistry & Anesthesia
We want you to have the most comfortable dental treatment experience possible. That's why we offer sedation to help you relax. Many people prefer to be “asleep” – through anesthesia – during procedures such as wisdom teeth extractions, bone grafting, sinus lifts, and implant surgeries. In some case of dental anxiety, even minor procedures can be comfortably performed under sedation.
Jaw Surgery
Corrective jaw surgery is also known as orthognathic surgery and can be used to solve a range of dental irregularities. It can realign jaws and teeth, helping patients improve their speaking, chewing and breathing. The surgery can enhance the aesthetic appearance of teeth as well as boost efficiency.
Oral Diagnosis & Biopsies
When it comes to detecting certain oral or systemic (whole-body) diseases, a thorough dental exam may be your first line of defense. Dr. Afshar will evaluate what is going on in your mouth and put together a plan of treatment. This will prevent your condition from worsening and treat the underlying cause. In order to do this, the doctor will carry out a full oral examination, taking biopsies if required.
