Surgical Solutions for Your Oral Health Needs
At Just Smile Dental, Everett, WA, dentist Dr. William Webley and our dental staff understand that oral surgery can be intimidating, but it’s sometimes necessary to help restore and protect your oral health. Oral and maxillofacial surgery encompasses procedures that treat a wide array of diseases, injuries, and defects in the oral cavity.
Our doctors are knowledgeable and have received extensive training and education in oral surgery techniques. We practice the highest standards of care and utilize cutting-edge medical technology for our patients in Everett, WA, and surrounding areas.
Why Choose Dr. William Webley for Oral Surgery
Dr. Webley is an esteemed oral surgeon in Everett with a distinguished background. After earning his DDS degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, he served as a Lieutenant in the Navy for two years. During this time, he received specialized training in endodontics, oral surgery, and restorative dentistry.
This hands-on experience, coupled with his exceptional education, solidifies Dr. Webley’s status as a highly skilled and dedicated professional in the field of oral surgery. His dedication to providing exceptional care is evident in his commitment to advanced techniques designed to facilitate faster recovery.
When It’s Time for Oral Surgery: Signs and Symptoms
Oral surgery becomes a necessary consideration when specific signs and symptoms indicate the need for more advanced dental intervention. Here are some key indicators that may signal it’s time to consult with an oral surgeon:
- Impacted Teeth: Pain or discomfort in the back of the mouth, especially when chewing or opening the jaw. Swelling or tenderness in the gums at the back of the mouth.
- Chronic Jaw Pain or Dysfunction: Persistent jaw pain, which may be accompanied by clicking or popping sounds. Limited range of motion in the jaw, making it difficult to open or close the mouth fully.
- Severe Tooth Decay or Damage: Teeth with extensive decay, fractures, or damage that can’t be effectively treated with conventional dental procedures. Visible signs of infection or abscess around a tooth.
- Facial Trauma or Deformities: Facial injuries from accidents, falls, or other traumas, resulting in fractures, dislocations, or deformities. Asymmetry in facial features due to congenital conditions or previous injuries.
- Malocclusion (Misaligned Bite): Bite irregularities causing difficulty in chewing, speech problems, or noticeable jaw misalignment. Chronic headaches or jaw pain attributed to malocclusion.
- Persistent Oral Lesions or Tumors: Non-healing sores, growths, or tumors in the mouth, which may be indicative of more serious underlying issues. Any oral abnormality that persists for an extended period without improvement.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Severe cases of sleep apnea that don’t respond to non-surgical treatments like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. Oral surgery procedures may be recommended to address specific anatomical issues contributing to the condition.
- Orthodontic Preparation: When preparing for orthodontic treatment, certain cases may require oral surgery to correct structural issues or facilitate the movement of teeth.
Our Oral Surgery Services at Just Smile Dental
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, often pose challenges due to their late eruption and limited space in modern mouths. When impacted or fully emerged, they can lead to infections, decay, and misalignment. Our dental team performs precise removal procedures, relieving pain and preventing future complications.
Full Mouth Extractions
In cases where teeth are severely damaged or infected beyond restoration, Dr. Webley may recommend a full mouth extraction. This procedure involves the removal of all teeth, ensuring that no compromised teeth remain.
Following the extraction, Dr. Webley offers restorative options, such as dental implants or dentures, to restore your smile and oral function.
Removal of Small Soft Tissue Lesions
Soft tissue lesions, potentially premalignant or precancerous, may develop in various areas of the oral cavity. They’re commonly known as lumps or bumps by patients. Dr. Webley conducts thorough examinations to assess their nature. If identified as potentially harmful, he skillfully removes them before they progress to a more serious stage.
Torus/Tori Removal
The torus (tori), benign bone growths in the mouth, can occasionally cause discomfort and disrupt oral function as they enlarge. Dr. Webley will evaluate your mouth and the condition of the torus growth and, if necessary, perform a precise removal to restore comfort and function.
Partial Extraction Therapy
For patients considering dental implants who want to preserve the tooth ridge, Dr. Webley offers partial extraction therapy (PET). This surgical treatment involves partially extracting the crown of a non-restorable tooth while leaving the main root intact. This helps maintain the ridge’s shape and strength, reducing the risk of bone density loss.
Dentin Grafting
Utilizing your own extracted teeth, dentin grafting involves processing and disinfecting the tooth material for use in repairing bony defects. Instead of using cadaver bone, Dr. Webley employs this technique to enhance the effectiveness of bone replacement, ensuring a more efficient healing process since it’s your body’s own tissue.
Post-Operative Aftercare and Recovery
After undergoing oral and maxillofacial surgery, it’s essential to follow proper post-operative care guidelines to facilitate a smooth and successful recovery. Here are some important steps to consider:
- Follow Medical Advice: Adhere strictly to the instructions provided by your oral surgeon or dentist. Take prescribed medications and antibiotics as directed.
- Monitor for Bleeding: Some initial bleeding is normal, but if it persists, contact your oral surgeon immediately. Avoid activities that may exacerbate bleeding, such as vigorous rinsing.
- Manage Swelling and Discomfort: Apply cold packs to the affected area to reduce swelling during the initial hours post-surgery. Take pain relievers as recommended by your oral surgeon.
- Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene: Follow specific instructions provided by your oral surgeon for cleaning the surgical site. Be gentle to avoid disturbing the healing process.
- Dietary Considerations: Stick to soft foods that don’t require excessive chewing during the initial recovery period. Avoid hot or spicy foods that may irritate the surgical site.
- Avoid Strenuous Activities: Refrain from vigorous exercise or activities that may strain the surgical area. Allow your body ample time to heal and recover.
- Attend Follow-Up Appointments: Attend all scheduled post-operative check-ups with your oral surgeon. Address any concerns or questions you may have during these visits.
Advanced Techniques for Faster Recovery
Platelet Rich Plasma & Steroid Injections
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a healing treatment performed after your procedure, to aid in faster healing and recovery time. PRP uses your own blood cells to create blood clots to promote faster recovery.
Steroid injections (corticosteroids) can help decrease jaw stiffness and inflammation in the surgical area, giving you an easier and more comfortable recovery after the surgical procedure. After your procedure, we’ll inject the surgical site to control the pain, swelling, and inflammation so you can easily heal.
Piezotome Cube – UltraSonic Surgery
Piezotome ultrasonics is an atraumatic surgery that minimizes damage to surrounding hard and soft tissues. When you undergo UltraSonic surgery, you’ll receive benefits such as:
- Hard and soft tissue preservation
- Better tissue recovery
- Shortened recovery time
- Less postoperative pain and swelling
- Increased chances of dental implant success
- Eliminates the need for forceps and excessive force
Dry Socket Treatment
In the event of a dry socket after extraction, Dr. Webley provides dry socket treatments. This condition occurs when a blood clot fails to form or breaks down prematurely. Depending on the severity, he can provide medicated dressings to ease the pain and protect the exposed site from infections and harmful bacteria. He may also provide PRP treatment to aid in faster healing time, prevent bleeding, and shorten post-op pain.
Benefits of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Oral and maxillofacial surgery offers a range of significant benefits for patients. Here are some key advantages:
- Improved Oral Health and Functionality: These specialized procedures address complex dental issues that may not be treatable through traditional dentistry, ensuring a higher level of oral health. This includes resolving problems like impacted teeth, infections, and structural abnormalities.
- Pain Relief and Increased Comfort: By addressing issues such as impacted wisdom teeth or jaw misalignment, oral surgery provides relief from chronic pain, leading to increased comfort and an improved quality of life.
- Enhanced Facial Aesthetics and Confidence: Correcting facial deformities, enhancing symmetry, and restoring natural appearance not only boosts confidence but also positively impacts one’s overall quality of life.
- Corrective and Reconstructive Procedures: Oral and maxillofacial surgery can restore functionality and aesthetics after accidents, injuries, or congenital conditions. This results in improved speech, chewing ability, and overall well-being.
- Facilitation of Orthodontic Treatment: For those in need of orthodontic treatment, oral surgery can assist in preparing the mouth by addressing structural issues. This ensures a solid foundation for long-term orthodontic success, ultimately improving the effectiveness of treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Oral surgery refers to any surgical procedure on your teeth, gums, jaw, or surrounding oral and facial structures. Some of the procedures that fall under the category of oral surgery are the removal of impacted teeth, insertion of dental implants, and cosmetic oral surgeries. Your dentist can also diagnose and treat certain conditions through oral surgery.
After your oral surgery procedure, your dentist or oral surgeon will provide aftercare instructions to promote proper healing and faster recovery time. While it’s important to practice good oral hygiene, remember to be gentle around the surgical site. To ensure your surgical site stays clear of infections, they offer the following instructions:
- Rinse with warm salt water after every meal
- Avoid exercise and strenuous activity for a few days post-procedure
- Don’t spit, chew, or suck on a straw
- Stick to a liquid-based and soft diet
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco
- Stay hydrated
- Use cold compresses to reduce swelling
- Take medications as prescribed
The signs and symptoms of a torus include:
- Sore jaw
- Loose teeth
- Throat pain
- Gums inflammations
- Slurred speech
- Irritated tonsils
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, call your dentist or oral surgeon to schedule an appointment.
The type of anesthesia used will depend on the complexity of the procedure and your comfort level. Your oral surgeon will discuss the options with you and ensure you’re at ease before proceeding.
Protect Your Oral Health
Oral surgery can be intimidating, but it can be vital for protecting your oral health. Undergoing an oral surgery procedure can help keep your oral health healthy in the long run. Call our Everett, WA office at (425) 341-1111 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Webley. You can also request an appointment by clicking the “Get Started” button below.
The team at Just Smile Dental proudly offers its services to patients in Everett, and surrounding areas such as Edmonds, Marysville, Lynnwood, and Silver Firs, WA. We look forward to helping you enhance and protect your smile!