Oral surgery is a specialized branch of dentistry. It focuses on diagnosing and surgically treating diseases, injuries, and defects of the mouth, jaw, and face—the maxillofacial region. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons have extensive training in both dentistry and surgery.
Here at Penn Dental Family Practice (PDFP), some of the top Philadelphia oral surgeons provide specialized surgical care for a variety of issues: routine dental extractions, complicated bone grafting, reconstructive surgery, and more.
Our highly qualified and deeply experienced team will give you advanced, personalized, and compassionate care designed to deliver optimal results.
Common Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical Procedures
Oral and maxillofacial surgery plays a vital role in maintaining many patients’ oral health and improving their overall quality of life.
Oral surgery in Philadelphia, as elsewhere, commonly includes such procedures as:
Wisdom Teeth and Other Tooth Extractions
Saving a damaged or diseased natural tooth is preferable whenever possible. Sometimes, however, extractions are necessary.
In cases of advanced gum disease, for example, loose teeth that can’t be repaired may need to come out. Additionally, orthodontic treatment often requires removing one or more teeth to create enough space for proper alignment.
In particular, wisdom teeth often require extraction.
Also called third molars, wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth to emerge, typically in a person’s late teens or early 20s. Due to limited space in the jaw, these teeth often become impacted or partially erupted. This situation can lead to a range of problems, including pain, infection, damage to surrounding teeth, and even cyst formation.
Oral surgeons skillfully remove wisdom and other teeth to alleviate pain and discomfort; prevent potential problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and damage to adjacent teeth; and improve overall oral hygiene and health.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a common replacement for missing teeth. A dental implant is a titanium post surgically implanted into the jawbone. This post acts as a sturdy foundation for a replacement tooth or crown.
When placed by an experienced oral surgeon, dental implants can last for years to come.
Orthognathic Surgery
Orthognathic surgery (jaw surgery) is corrective surgery performed to realign the jaw and facial bones. By bringing the jaws into proper alignment, orthognathic surgery can enhance a patient’s ability to chew, speak, and breathe. It can also have a dramatic impact on facial appearance and self-confidence.
Oral surgeons are highly trained to perform such complex procedures such as jaw repositioning and jaw joint replacements.
Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgery
Reconstructive surgery is often needed to repair or restore damaged oral and facial structures resulting from accidents, trauma, or birth defects. Whether reconstructing a broken jaw or replacing missing facial bones, oral surgeons have the skills and knowledge to restore both function and aesthetics.
Do You Need to Consult With an Oral Surgeon?
You may need to consult with an oral surgeon If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms:
- Pain, swelling, or discomfort in your back teeth, which may indicate impacted wisdom teeth.
- Popping and clicking of the jaw, chronic jaw pain, and/or difficulty opening or closing your mouth, all of which can be signs of a temporomandibular disorder (TMD), including disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) itself.
- Chronic facial pain.
- Facial trauma from an accident, injury, or a sports-related incident.
- Pain, swelling, redness, and pus surrounding a tooth or in the gums, which may indicate an oral infection or abscess.
- A suspicious lump or mass in your mouth or facial region.
- Missing teeth for which you are considering dental implants as a replacement option.
Only a qualified oral surgeon can provide an accurate assessment of your specific oral-health needs and recommend appropriate treatment options.
PDFP Has Three of the Best Oral Surgeons in Philadelphia
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are highly trained specialists who have undergone extensive education and training beyond dental school. They’ve completed a residency program in oral and maxillofacial surgery, including advanced surgical training and rotations in various areas of medicine. This comprehensive training equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to perform a wide range of procedures.
At PDFP, all of our oral surgeons are not only licensed dentists but also medical doctors. You won’t find many Philadelphia oral surgeons who are also M.D.s. The PDFP team has three: Dr. Lee Carrasco, Dr. Brian Ford, and Dr. Steven Wang.
These M.D.s completed at least eight additional years of training. Their deep knowledge of medical conditions lets them handle even the most complex of cases, and plan and provide care addressing all aspects of a patient’s overall health.
Our team also uses state-of-the-art technology and equipment to ensure the highest level of precision, efficiency, and safety during Philadelphia oral and maxillofacial surgery. And we prioritize personalized care. We’ll take time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and ensure you feel well-informed and comfortable.
Should you or someone in your family talk with a Philadelphia oral surgeon? Trust the team at PDFP to evaluate your conditions and determine the best possible treatment.
Make your appointment online now or call us at 215-898-PDFP (7337).
