Dentoalveolar Surgery

What is Dentoalveolar Surgery?

Dentoalveolar surgery is a broad term that includes the surgical treatment of disorders of the teeth and their supporting hard and soft tissues. Dentoalveolar surgery also includes wisdom teeth removal, management of impacted wisdom teeth and surgical extractions.

Exposing Impacted Teeth (Expose and Bond)

It is quite common for teeth other than wisdom teeth to be impacted and blocked from erupting into the mouth to the standard expected position. Fortunately, as part of a Specialist treatment plan these teeth can be brought into the correct position rather than being removed. Dr Webster will locate and expose the impacted tooth and bond an orthodontic bracket and gold chain to the tooth. The bracket and chain will then be connected to the orthodontic braces often with an elastic band and gradually the tooth can be moved into the correct position to provide an aesthetic beautiful smile with optimum occlusion.

Removal of impacted or ectopic teeth

It is quite common for teeth other than wisdom teeth to be impacted and blocked from erupting in the mouth in the standard position. Similarly it is also common for some teeth to erupt into an abnormal position known as an ectopic tooth. In some cases these impacted and ectopic teeth cannot be repositioned as part of a Specialist Orthodontic treatment plan and you will be advised to have them removed. Impacted and ectopic teeth often cause other problems for adjacent healthy teeth. Removal of these teeth is often not straightforward and requires careful assessment and surgical planning to ensure no damage to adjacent teeth and structures occur while removing the impacted and ectopic teeth. Wisdom teeth and canine teeth are the most commonly impacted/ectopic teeth requiring surgical removal.

Apicectomy performed by Dr John Webster

While root canal treatment is often a successful treatment option to prevent the loss of a tooth there are times where the infection from inside the tooth has spread down the tooth to the apex of the root and dispersed into the surrounding bone. In this circumstance your Dentist or Specialist Endodontist may refer you to a Specialist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon for an apicectomy. During this procedure Dr Webster will remove the infected portion of the tooth’s root in order to clear the infection from the tooth and surrounding bone and then fill the remaining root to prevent future infections returning. Although this procedure is very effective, unfortunately the bacteria can return in addition to the signs and symptoms. In a small number of cases the tooth may still need to be removed after an apicectomy. The space created from the removal of the tooth can often be filled by a dental implant if there is sufficient bone available and a new tooth placed to replace the missing tooth.

Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs)

You may be referred to Dr John Webster, Specialist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, to have Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs) placed. TADs are small titanium screws or mini-plates that are placed into the bone under local or general anaesthetic and allow more anchorage into the bone. Dr John Webster can then use the TAD's to help reposition adjacent healthy teeth into a better position. Once they are no longer required the TADs are removed and the site heals quickly in a few days.

Removal of developmental abnormalities in the mouth

In the mouth there are some common conditions such as the development of extra teeth (supernumerary), extra bone in the jaws (palatal, buccal or lingual exostoses or tori) that may require surgical removal with a Specialist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon such as Dr John Webster. Rarer abnormalities of jaw bones and developmental cysts and tumours are also a common source of referrals to the Oral Facial & Implant Centre. If you have been referred for one of these conditions speak to our friendly reception team via calling (07) 4580 4733 as it is likely you will require 3D imaging of your jaw bones prior to your initial consultation. Dr John Webster will review your referral and x-rays before advising if a 3D scan is required as this will save you time and extra visits if it the 3D scan be completed prior to your consultation.

Pre-orthodontic surgery

In many Specialist Orthodontist treatment plans, you can be advised due to dental crowding to have multiple teeth removed prior to commencing orthodontic treatment. In order to make space to align the teeth, often impacted or ectopic teeth will be removed, in addition to 204 premolars, depending on the severity of the crowding. Due to location of teeth and the age of the patient it is often necessary for the patient to be asleep (undergo a general anaesthetic) to facilitate the treatment in an accredited day surgery or private hospital.

If you would like to know how we can help you further, or to book a no obligation initial consultation please phone 07 4580 4733 or alternatively request an appointment now online.