Services | Family Dentistry | Cosmetic Dentistry |
Prosthetic Dentistry | Dental Implants / Oral Surgery |

Dental Implants and Oral Surgery

Oral surgery is required to treat disease, injury and defects effecting the functionality and aesthetics of the hard and soft tissue of the mouth, teeth and gums. We perform services such as extractions, removal of impacted wisdom teeth, and endodontic and periodontal surgery, in addition to cosmetic surgical procedures, biopsies and dental implants. Laser surgical procedures and treatments are also utilized when necessary.

Dental implants are an effective way to replace missing teeth. Doctors of Dental Medicine has been placing and restoring dental implants for over 20 years. Teeth can be replaced individually, or an entire dental arch (lower or upper) can be replaced with permanent porcelain restorations. Implants can also be used to support and retain removable replacements such as full or partial dentures.

We find that most patients are good candidates for this surprisingly gentle procedure. Dental implants provide long-lasting results with a minimal amount of post-operative discomfort. Normally discomfort lasts only one day and is treated with over-the-counter analgesics.

Within a 3-4 month period the implants are ready for restoration with porcelain crowns, bridges or overdentures.

TMD (temperomandibular dysfunction)
Many people suffer from varying degrees of discomfort involving the TMJ (temperomandibular joint) and the muscles of mastication (chewing muscles).

Often, parafunctional habits like clenching and grinding of teeth, nail biting, and excessive gum chewing can cause a variety of symptoms ranging from difficulty chewing, clicking and popping sounds in the jaw joint, chronic pain and headaches, and even hypersensitive teeth. In many cases, people unconsciously clench or grind while they sleep.

Proper diagnosis is important to identify the cause of the problem. A custom made and fit occlusal (bite) appliance, which is worn like a retainer while you sleep, is predictably effective at relieving discomfort. A simple bite adjustment may also be beneficial.

Your comfort is important to us. We want your dental experience to be as easy and comfortable as possible. Most patients find that our caring, gentle technique, and the compassion of both doctor and staff have guided them through the anxiety sometimes associated with oral surgery and implant procedures. For patients requiring additional assistance, we can administer nitrous oxide analgesia 'laughing gas / sweet air' to create a relaxed, sedate feeling to help make the experience as stress-free as possible.