- CrownsIf custom abutments and temporary crowns are required, a precise dental impression will be taken at some point during the healing period. The custom abutments and temporary crowns will be placed at the end of the healing period and be brought into function for a period of time, after which your restorative dentist will complete the permanent dental restoration.
- DenturesA dental implant is a titanium cylinder that is placed in the bone of the jaw, simulating a tooth root, to which a dental crown or retention device for dentures can be attached to.
- Dental ImplantsA variety of techniques are used to obtain adequate bone volume so implants can be placed into the jaws. These include particulate grafts of bone substitutes, combinations of bone substitutes and the patient’s own bone, grafts comprised solely of the patient’s own bone, and distraction osteogenesis. Many of these bone grafting procedures can be performed in the office under IV sedation.
- Oral SurgeryBLEEDING – A certain amount of bleeding is expected following oral surgery, especially with the removal of infected or impacted teeth. Direct biting pressure on gauze placed over the surgical site for 30-45 minutes stops most bleeding. Fresh gauze may be used as needed. If excessive bleeding is noted, pinch off any loose blood clot over the socket with gauze or tissue, then place a gauze roll or moistened tea(black) bag directly over the bleeding area and bite down firmly and continuously for 30 minutes. Repeat this several times as necessary to control the bleeding. Try to avoid spitting or sucking action as this will prolong the bleeding. Contact the office if there is uncontrollable bleeding.
- Jaw SurgeryReconstructive jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) may be required when there is disproportionate growth in the midface or lower jaw, temporomandibular joint problems related to jaw position, or for post trauma or tumor surgery related problems. In many reconstructive surgery cases, a functional dental occlusion can be obtained only with a combination of orthodontic treatment and reconstructive jaw surgery. Additionally, reconstructive jaw surgery may be indicated in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea patients.
- Maxillofacial SurgeryDr. Kotikian is a dual degree(meaning he completed both dental school and medical school) Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon who completed his dental school at UCLA, then went on and did a one year Hospital Dentistry Residency at the Long Beach Veterans Administration Hospital where he dealt with medically complex patients. Following his one year residency at the Long Beach VA he moved to Michigan where he completed his medical degree at Wayne State School of Medicine in Detroit, MI, did two years of general surgery and completed his Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residency at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
- Tooth ExtractionsDue to a tooth extraction, a traumatic injury or surgery for the removal of a jaw tumor or cyst, a defect in the bone of the jaw may occur. When such a defect exists, reconstruction with dental implants becomes problematic without adequate bone.
- Bone GraftingOccasionally, there is not enough bone to support an implant at the desired site of implant treatment. A bone grafting procedure may be necessary prior to (or at the same time as) implant placement. A bone grafting procedure may add to the time required for treatment completion. After a bone graft is placed then you will need to wait three to four month before the implant is placed.