- Dental ExaminationWith an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, the doctors of Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict if there may be present or future problems. Studies have shown that early evaluation and treatment result in a superior outcome for the patient. Patients are generally first evaluated in the mid-teenage years by their dentist, orthodontist or by an oral surgeon. Wisdom teeth surgery, and all other outpatient surgery, is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize patient comfort and safety.
- X-rays
- CrownsFinally, a replacement tooth called a crown will be created for you by your dentist and attached to the abutment. Your confidence in your smile and your ability to chew and speak will be restored.
- BridgesThe other common treatment for the loss of a single tooth, a tooth-supported fixed bridge, requires that adjacent teeth be ground down to support the cemented bridge. Because a dental implant will replace your tooth root, the bone is better preserved. With a bridge, some of the bone that previously surrounded the tooth can begin to melt away (resorb). Dental implants integrate with your jawbone, helping to keep the bone healthy and intact. The stresses on the implant actually strengthen the surrounding bone. Instead of bone atrophy, the bone becomes denser and does not resorb.
- DenturesWear loose fitting clothing with sleeves that can be rolled up. Do not wear high heels. Lipstick, nail polish and excessive make up should be avoided. Contact lenses, jewelry and dentures must be removed.
- Dental ImplantsOver a period of time, the jawbone associated with missing teeth atrophies or is reabsorbed. This often leaves a condition in which there is poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for placement of dental implants making many patients unsuitable candidates for the placement of dental implants. But, today we have the ability to grow bone where needed, giving us the opportunity to place implants of proper length and width. It also gives us a chance to restore functionality and esthetic appearance.
- Oral SurgeryHe also holds memberships in the Academy of Osseointegration, International Congress of Oral Implantologists, American College of Oral Implantology, American Society of Osseointegration, International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Brazos Valley District Dental Society, Southwest Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and the Chalmers Lyons Academy of Oral Surgery. Dr. Repa has been a member of the organizing committee for the E.C. Hinds Symposium on Contemporary Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery from 1994 to the present and has also served as president of the Texas Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
- Jaw SurgeryThrough Dr. Liska’s extensive education, he has significant training in TMJ surgery and reconstruction which is an area of special interest for him. In addition, he has completed research in the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea in the endentulous patient. As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, he is fully trained to perform the entire scope of his specialty including wisdom teeth extractions, the placement of dental implants, bone grafting, orthognathic surgery and benign pathology. Dr. Liska is a member of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and a diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Additionally, he is BLS, ACLS and PALS certified. In March 2019, Dr. Liska successfully passed the certifying exams for his specialty and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.
- Maxillofacial SurgeryDr. Hoffman then completed his six-year residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the University of Kentucky. He earned his medical degree and completed his general surgical internship at the University of Kentucky as well. In March 2018, Dr. Hoffman became a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
- Tooth ExtractionsFirst, the implant is placed into your jaw by your oral surgeon. This procedure is done in the office under intravenous sedation immediately after extraction of the tooth or after the bone at the tooth extraction site has healed. Over the next two to four months, the implant and the bone are allowed to bond together or integrate to form an anchor for your artificial tooth. During this time, a temporary tooth replacement option can be worn over the implant site.
- Bone GraftingBone grafting can repair implant sites with inadequate bone structure due to previous extractions, gum disease or injuries. The bone can be obtained from a tissue bank. Or, your own bone can be taken from your jaw, hip or tibia. Sinus bone grafts are also performed to replace bone in the posterior upper jaw. In addition, special membranes may be dissolved under the gum to protect the bone graft and encourage bone regeneration. This is called guided bone regeneration or guided tissue regeneration.