Oral Surgery
PRF is made from a sample of your own blood that’s specially centrifuged to create a membrane full of growth factors that can be placed on the surgical site to encourage the development of new, healthy tissues and blood flow. This means quicker healing and less post-op discomfort, as well.
We can also make use of advanced surgical techniques, such as piezosurgery, which uses ultrasonic microvibrations for delicate work on hard tissues like bone, with no damage to your soft tissues. Its super precision means less post-op discomfort for you, too!
Extractions
The decision to extract can be a difficult one, so our doctors will work with you to ensure you’re aware of all your choices along the way. They will recommend extraction only after all less invasive alternatives have been ruled out.
Situations that may lead to an extraction include deep decay, severe periodontal infection, severe damage to a tooth from an accident or trauma, and impacted wisdom teeth.
When a tooth has become a candidate for extraction, we first take x-rays to assess the location, size, and position of the tooth and create a treatment plan. The doctor will work with you to decide which anesthesia and sedation options will best serve your needs, limiting your pain and anxiety as much as possible.
The tooth and periodontal ligament are carefully removed, and the supporting bone is cleaned to reduce the risk of a cavitation forming. The site is further disinfected with ozone, and PRF is placed to encourage tissue healing. Gauze is placed on top to protect the area during the clotting process.
Recovery typically takes a couple of days. You’ll be sent home with specific instructions for home care, including how soon you’ll be able to brush normally, as well as eat, drink, and return to your regular diet.
When it comes time to replace the extracted teeth, you’ve got a few natural-looking options to choose from: implants, bridges, and partial dentures. The doctor will talk with you about which options may work best in your specific case so you can choose your preferred type of replacement.
Periodontal Surgery
Treatment is critical, as without it, you may wind up losing teeth. More, periodontitis – advanced gum disease – has been linked to a host of other inflammatory conditions and diseases, including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, cancer, and cognitive decline.
While we opt for the least invasive but most effective treatments possible for your specific perio situation, sometimes, surgical interventions are called for to save as many of your natural teeth as possible.
Surgical procedures can help us reduce the depth of the periodontal pockets that are perfect harbors for harmful bacteria. Bone grafts can help restore some of that which has been lost due to the disease. Where there’s gum recession, gum grafts can be done to cover the exposed root surface.
Ischemic Osteonecrosis/NICO Surgery
“Ischemic osteonecrosis – also known as neuralgia inducing cavitational osteomyelitis (NICO) or “dental cavitations” – are areas in the jawbone where lingering infection and reduced circulation have led to the death and decay of the bone. If healthy-looking tissue has grown over the site (which is often the case), these hidden infections can be extremely hard to detect, even on x-ray. There are seldom obvious dental symptoms, which means that the condition can worsen for years, contributing to any number of systemic ills.
This is because toxins produced by cavitations are anything but contained. Bacteria from the necrotic, gangrenous tissue in cavitations can spread through your body through the bloodstream, wreaking havoc in areas far away from your extraction site. Chronic illnesses linked to cavitation include MS, ALS, Alzheimer’s, and more.
While there’s no single cause for cavitations, they often develop following tooth extractions in which the periodontal ligament hasn’t been removed, nor the underlying bone cleaned, preventing bone from filling in properly.
But the site can be cleaned up after the fact. The doctor will surgically open the site so he can remove all dead bone and decaying tissue before thoroughly disinfecting the site with a dental laser and ozone. PRF is placed over the site before suturing to ensure good revascularization of the area and support the growth of healthy new tissue.
Just as importantly, the doctor will collaborate with you – or your integrative physician, naturopath, or other healing professional – on a holistic detoxification program to rid help your body rid itself of pathogens and their toxic metabolic byproducts, and stimulate your body’s immune system and self-regulating mechanisms to support your whole body healing.
Many patients with systemic illness show clear improvement clinically and/or in laboratory testing after receiving cavitation surgery.
You can learn much more about cavitations and the benefits of cavitation surgery in this podcast from the International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology.
Dental Implants
Implants are a safe, permanent, and effective method for replacing missing teeth and restoring a full and natural-looking smile. Not only do implants look and feel natural, they also help maintain your facial structure and integrity.
Placing them requires a minor surgical procedure, in which zirconia (ceramic) posts are placed in your jawbone where teeth used to be. After a period of time, your bone fuses to the implant, after which your tooth-like crown is attached.