Oral Maxillofacial Surgery & Hospital Dentistry

What To Expect

Whether you need a simple tooth extraction or reconstructive surgery after serious trauma, dental and oral surgery eliminate your pain and restore your ability to eat and talk. Treatments include wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, surgery for facial deformities, treatment for trauma to the head, neck, jaws and face, craniofacial surgery, and treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

Dentistry and oral surgery services include:

Anesthesia

Depending on your dental procedure, your oral and maxillofacial surgeon can help you determine the most appropriate anesthesia option for your pain or anxiety. If you receive anesthesia, you’ll be monitored continuously during your procedure and into recovery to ensure your safety.

Craniofacial Surgery

Craniofacial surgery is any type of surgery involving the head and face to correct congenital conditions of the skull, face and jaw.

Implants

Dental implants may be needed if you were born missing teeth, or if you’ve lost teeth due to gum disease, trauma or oral disease. Dental implants complete your smile, preserve your facial structure and improve your ability to eat. Implants generally require two procedures: one in which the base of the implant is placed within the jaw bone and a second procedure a few months later when the artificial tooth or denture is attached to the implant. You may also need a bone graft if there is not enough bone for the implant.

Maxillofacial Trauma

If you’ve experienced trauma to your upper jaw and face, surgery can help repair the function of your injured area and restore your natural appearance. the Oral Maxillofacial Surgery & Hospital Dentistry team will also treat other symptoms of the trauma, like pain and swelling, to keep you as comfortable as possible.

Orthognathic Surgery

Orthognathic surgery is a treatment option to correct jaw alignment to treat an improper bite and correct skeletal deformities. Orthognathic surgery can also improve your facial aesthetics and your ability to open up your airway.

Pathology of the Head and Neck

If you have an oral lesion, your dental and oral surgery team will attempt to remove the lesion, reconstruct the area and develop any further treatment plan if necessary. If the lesion is cancerous, the Oral Maxillofacial Surgery & Hospital Dentistry team will coordinate your care with the IU Health Melvin & Bren Simon Cancer Center.

Pediatric Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Because jaws in children and adolescents are still growing, they require specialized dentistry and oral care. Your child can be treated for cleft palate, sleep apnea, face and jaw trauma and many craniofacial anomalies.

Reconstructive Surgery

Reconstructive surgery may be needed to treat conditions like sleep apnea, or as follow up to oral surgery. Your physician will work to restore bone and jaw integrity for an optimal aesthetic and functional result.

Temporomandibular Joint

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint on either side of the head that connects your jaw to your skull. Serious conditions of this joint can impede everyday activities and may be extremely painful. Treatment for TMJ disorders includes surgery and joint replacement to improve function and decrease pain.

Wisdom Teeth

If your mouth doesn’t have room for your wisdom teeth, they can cause pain, infection or bone loss. Your wisdom teeth extraction will be done as an outpatient procedure. You may have local anesthesia or IV sedation. After removing the teeth, you will be monitored in the office until you are able to go home. If you were sedated, you’ll need to have someone drive you home after the appointment. You’ll receive post-operative instructions and a care kit to help make your return home as comfortable as possible.

Questions to Ask Your Provider About Dentistry and Oral Surgery

• Will I be able to eat and drink normally after my surgery?
• How long will my treatment last?
• What will my recovery be like after surgery?
• What type of anesthesia do you recommend?
• What will my face look like after surgery?