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Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are specialists with advanced training and expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of various head and neck conditions and injuries.  After four years of dental school, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon completes four to six years of additional formal training in treating the craniomaxillofacial complex.  This specialty is one of 9 dental specialties recognized internationally and by the American Dental Association (ADA).

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon can diagnose and treat a wide variety conditions.  The following are just some of the many conditions, treatments and procedures oral and maxillofacial surgeon deal with on a daily basis:

  • TMJ, Facial Pain, & Facial Reconstruction

  • Dental Implants

  • Tooth Extractions & Impacted Teeth

  • Wisdom Teeth

  • Misaligned Jaws

  • Cleft Lip & Palate

  • Apicoectomy

  • Oral Cancers , Tumors, Cysts, & Biopsies

  • Sleep Apnea

  • Facial Cosmetic Surgery

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Whether your dentist refers you to our office, you have pain or symptoms causing you concern, or you simply have questions you would like answered, please contact our office today to schedule an appointment. We are here to answer your questions and provide the treatment you deserve!

Simple Tooth Extractions

If you are experiencing extreme sensitivity or are suffering from advanced periodontal disease, you may be required to have a tooth extracted.  With a simple extraction, Dr. Tom Rohdy can safely remove the affected tooth without the need for major surgery.

  • There are numerous situations in which a simple extraction can help alleviate pain or prepare you for another cosmetic or restorative procedure.  Some common reasons for extraction include:

    • Advanced periodontal disease that has loosened the tooth roots

    • Extra teeth or baby teeth that impede adult teeth

    • Preparing a patient for orthodontic treatment

    • Removing a fractured or malformed tooth

    • Severe tooth decay which cannot be remedied with root canal therapy

  • As a precaution, the dentist will first take X-rays of the tooth or teeth in question, to help plan the procedure.  After preparing a method of extraction, you will be given a local anesthetic that will prevent you from feeling pain during the procedure.  Next, the dentist will use a tool called an elevator to lift the tooth and loosen ligaments and gum tissue around the base of the tooth.  Finally, the dentist will use a pair of forceps, to gently rock the tooth back and forth until it breaks free of the ligaments holding it in the gum tissue.  Occasionally, a stubborn tooth will resist the dentist’s soft tug, refusing to come out.  In these and more complex cases, the tooth may need to be broken up into smaller pieces for removal. 

    Once removed, we will pack gauze into the socket and have you place pressure on the area by biting down.  If necessary, the dentist will place stitches to close the socket.

    If you are sick the week prior to your scheduled extraction or on the day of, please contact our office, as alternative arrangements may need to be made.  Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction)

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome (TMJ) is a common condition affecting a wide variety of people. TMJ is characterized by severe headaches, jaw pain of varying degrees, grinding teeth, and an intermittent ringing in the ears. The vast majority of TMJ sufferers are unaware that the root cause of these problems is something that a dentist can effectively treat.

The symptoms of TMJ are debilitating and can greatly interfere with every day life. The comfort and general well being of the patient is at the heart of the dental practice, so pain relief is the first consideration of the dentist. The dentist is able to test, diagnose, and devise an immediate plan to treat the underlying causes of the TMJ disorder.

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    • TMJ sufferers report that their symptoms generally worsen during periods of prolonged or unexpected stress, and that intense outbreaks of the condition can lead to neck pain and dizziness.

    • The most common cause of TMJ is the misalignment of the teeth, often called “bad bite.” It is possible for the dentist to realign or adjust the teeth without the need for painful or expensive surgeries. The realignment/adjustment will stop the pounding headaches, the jaw pain, and the dizziness.

    • The grinding teeth symptom is particularly common and usually occurs at night. The grinding will eventually erode the structure of the teeth and lead to much more severe dental problems in the future. Untreated TMJ is one of the prime underlying factors in eroded jawbones and loose teeth.

    • It is important for anyone experiencing the symptoms of TMJ to visit the dentist for an exact diagnosis.

  • TMJ could be a result of several different problems. Bad bite is the most common, but an injury resulting from a blow to the meniscus cartilage is also a possibility. Initially, the dentist will thoroughly examine the jaw area, the patient’s bite, take X-rays, and review the patient’s history in order to make an accurate diagnosis and recommend necessary treatment.

    Once a firm diagnosis is attained, there are several ways in which relief can be provided. A specially molded bite guard can be created to stop teeth grinding during the night. A bite relationship analysis may be recommended by the dentist. The dentist can also provide advice on relaxation techniques which will lessen the effects of stress. As a last alternative, the dentist is also able to prescribe muscle relaxants.

    A better option is to change the shape of the teeth and get rid of the bad bite completely, often called “realignment.” This is especially useful because it alleviates TMJ symptoms and may improve the aesthetic appearance of the teeth as well. Realignment involves adjusting the relationship between how the upper teeth come together with the lower teeth. This may require new restorations and/or adjusting the natural teeth as well. It is not a painful procedure, and it is one the dentist has performed with great success numerous times. As with any procedure, the dentist will be happy to answer questions and discuss symptoms, options, and treatments.

    If you are experiencing any symptoms of TMJ, we encourage you to contact our office today to schedule an appointment.

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