Tel: 217-366-1246
S E R V I C E S
We provide accurate diagnostic and preoperative evaluations, including consultations with other medical specialists when appropriate.
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Our team is dedicated to excellence in patient care and we use the most advances, proven technologies in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Wisdom Teeth Extractions
Our experienced surgeon is highly proficient at extracting third molars (wisdom teeth). Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to develop in the mouth. They attempt eruption from the gums after all of the other teeth are in place and the jaw has stopped growing. Most wisdom teeth do not erupt, in other words they remain "impacted". When space is limited, 90% of people have at least one impacted wisdom tooth. Typically, wisdom teeth are removed because of periodontal (gum) disease resulting from difficulty to keep this area clean by brushing or flossing. Other times, the impacted wisdom tooth can damae neighboring teeth or even develop cysts or tumors that can lead to further jaw damage and compromise teeth, nerves, or other parts of the jaw bone that may require more complex surgery.
Dental Implants & Pre-Prosthetic Surgery
Dental implants are titanium screws made to replace the root structure of a missing tooth. They serve as the foundation of a crown, replacing a tooth, or to support an implant supported denture. Implants are permanent and when placed by trained surgeons, they have greater than a 95% success rate. Implants avoid unnecessary damage to neighboring teeth in comparison to a conventional bridge that requires alteration of adjacent teeth in order to support the replacement tooth. Implants are often placed in a less traumatic way and require shorter healing times than the extraction itself.
All-on-Four Procedure
The All-on-Four implant procedure, traditionally, is designed to place four implants (can be five or six depending on the individual case) to support a temporary prosthesis that allows the patient to come in, have their dental extractions, placement of the implants, and leave with a new smile all in the same day. Once healing occurs in 3-6 months, a new permanent denture is attached to the implants allowing the patient to function like they did with their natural teeth.
Single/Multiple Tooth Extractions
The process of removing a tooth or teeth is an extraction. Teeth must be extracted when they cannot be repaired with a filling or crown as determined by your dentist whether caused by decay or trauma. Many teeth are removed because there is a risk of infection. The surgeon will determine if the tooth will be a simple extraction or requires advanced surgical removal when assessing both your mouth and the radiographs.
Sinus Lift
A sinus lift is necessary when a tooth is missing or recently extracted close to the maxillary sinus located above your upper jaw (maxilla). Bone is placed at the extraction site or through a small window made into the sinus. Once healed, the bone can support a dental implant to replace a missing tooth or teeth.
Ridge Augmentation
This technique is sometimes referred to as "socket preservation", which is typically performed at the time of extraction. Bone, which is often cadaver, synthetic, or bovine, is placed into the site where the tooth roots were to preserve the bone height and width to allow for an implant to be placed. If bone is not placed at time of extraction, additional procedures can be done to help you re-gain that necessary bone so that an implant may be possible in the future.
ICAT/Cone Beam CT Technology
This is a state-of-the-art, in-office, 3 dimensional CT scan of the head and jaws that allows for surgical planning for wisdom teeth extraction, dental implants, assessment of the jaws for pathology, evaluation of temporomandibular joints (TMJ), facial fractures, and more. This scan gives a more detailed evaluation beyond what a typical 2-dimensional panoramic or bitewing radiograph will show allowing for a more complete diagnosis. The radiation is much less and is more focused than traditional hospital CT scans.
Orthognathic Surgery
Also known as corrective jaw surgery, orthognathic surgery is the planned repositioning of the upper and lower jaws so that the face and bite are more in harmony. Through this procedure, chewing, speaking, breathing, and smiling are improved. 3D CT-guided surgical planning, models, and photographs allow for accurate planning and preparation for surgery even before entering the operating room. We work closely with your dentist and orthodontist to give you the most stable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing result possible.
Sleep Apnea & Sleep Disorders
Our surgeon works closely with dentists, pulmonologists, and sleep specialists to help correct for sleep habits like snoring and sleep apnea (cessation of breathing) which affects up to 18 million Americans and 2-3% of children. The disruption or blockage of airflow while asleep from the relaxed tissues of your tongue, throat, and airway can lead to many health problems including heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, and decreased libido. Long-term undiagnosed sleep apnea can be life threatening. We offer both non-surgical options like jaw positioning appliances ("splints") and surgical options for more advanced cases which can include corrective jaw surgery to position the jaws forward to help open the airway and reduce snoring or apnea.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ)
The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the small joint just in front of your ear that is where the lower jaw meets the skull. This joint is what allows you to open and close your mouth, chew food , and talk. There is a small disc in the joint that cushions your jaw during these functions. Over time, this disc can become loose and malpositioned, creating a popping, clicking, or grinding noise and may even lock open or closed ("temporomandibular disorder", or TMD). Often, this becomes debilitating to the patient's daily life, usually due to pain. We offer conservative therapy including joint injections, irrigation of the joint, and if needed, surgery. We do work closely with other specialists in the community whom may include dentists and physical therapists to help create a well-rounded treatment of this condition.
Biopsies & Treatment of Oral/Facial Lesions
Oral and facial lesions that may be suspicious to your dentist or physician should be evaluated by an OMS who specializes in head and neck pathology. Most lesions are harmless (benign) but a few may have undergone changes that can lead to cancer. The only way to determine this is for the surgeon to take a biopsy, or sample of the tissue, and send it to the laboratory for microscopic examination. Depending on what the results are, close observation or further surgical and medical intervention may be necessary. Early detection and careful self- and professional evaluation are important.
Facial Cosmetic Surgery
As oral and maxillofacial surgeons we are uniquely qualified to change or rejuvenate the appearance of the face or neck via forehead lifts, facelifts, blepharoplasties, chemical peels, laser rejuvenation, and more. Also, we complete facial reconstruction, and oral defects secondary to facial tumors, skin cancer, or other trauma via grafts, flaps, and other methods. Our surgeon has specialty training in these procedures.
