Oral Surgery
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Oral Surgery
When a tooth can no longer be saved due to extensive decay, trauma, or advanced gum disease, extraction may be the best option to protect your overall oral health. At Potomac Periodontics and Implant Center, we perform tooth removals using precise, minimally invasive methods designed to minimize discomfort and support swift recovery. In many cases, we combine extractions with techniques that preserve the surrounding bone and soft tissue, creating an ideal environment for future treatments such as dental implants that restore both function and aesthetics.
Wisdom Teeth
As periodontists, we often see patients with bone loss around their second molars, and in many cases, it’s the result of poorly managed wisdom tooth extractions performed earlier in life. When third molars are removed without proper site management, the surrounding bone—especially near the second molars—can deteriorate over time, compromising long-term gum health and tooth stability. At Potomac Periodontics and Implant Center, we take a proactive, preventive approach. When performing wisdom tooth extractions, we routinely assess the area for potential bone defects and, when indicated, place a bone graft at the time of surgery. This helps preserve the bone structure, protect adjacent teeth, and support overall oral health in the long term. By integrating our periodontal expertise with advanced regenerative techniques, we not only remove problematic wisdom teeth but also help prevent future bone loss before it begins.
Uncovering Impacted Teeth for Orthodontics
When a permanent tooth fails to erupt properly—often due to lack of space or obstruction—it may become impacted beneath the gums. This is especially common with canines, which play a critical role in both function and aesthetics. At Potomac Periodontics and Implant Center, we frequently work in collaboration with your orthodontist to perform a procedure called expose and bond. Using a minimally invasive approach, we gently uncover the impacted tooth and bond a small orthodontic bracket to it. This allows the orthodontist to gradually guide the tooth into its correct position as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Our role in this process is to ensure healthy gum tissue, precise surgical access, and optimal healing conditions—helping to support successful eruption and long-term stability of the tooth.
Pre-Prosthetic Surgery
Before starting implant or periodontal treatments, it’s important to make sure the mouth has a healthy, supportive foundation. Sometimes, we encounter conditions that need to be corrected first—such as a shallow space between the lips and gums (called a shallow vestibule), uneven areas of the jawbone, or excess bone growth (known as tori). These issues can interfere with proper healing, the fit of a restoration, or the long-term success of treatment. At Potomac Periodontics and Implant Center, we routinely perform pre-prosthetic surgeries to create the ideal environment for procedures like gum grafting, dental implant placement, or full arch restorations. These may include techniques like vestibuloplasty (to deepen the gum area), alveoloplasty (to smooth the jawbone), or tori removal (to eliminate excess bone). By addressing these conditions early, we help ensure better comfort, function, and long-lasting results from your periodontal or implant therapy.
FAQ's
What is oral surgery?
Oral surgery involves surgical treatments for teeth, gums, and jaw issues, including extractions and corrective procedures.
When is oral surgery necessary?
It’s needed for impacted teeth, severe decay, jaw correction, or preparation for implants.
How long is recovery after oral surgery?
Recovery ranges from a few days to two weeks, depending on the procedure.
Is oral surgery safe?
Yes, when performed by experienced professionals using modern techniques and anesthesia.