Dental Surgery

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a popular and effective solution for replacing missing or damaged teeth.

A dental implant is a medical device made of high grade titanium. It acts as a substitute for the root of a tooth and is generally shaped as a screw or cylinder. A successful implant provides a stable and rigid structure for retention or support of a crown, bridge, denture or a maxillofacial prosthesis.

Placed properly, implants have a high success rate and have high patient satisfaction with their use. They have to be placed with dentist who have acquired further competencies. The planning process for placement of implants is highly crucial and needs to be comprehensive for a successful outcome.

Advantages of dental implants:

Improved appearance: Dental implants look like natural teeth, allowing you to find your natural smile again.
Improved speech: Dental implants can improve speech by eliminating the slurring or mumbling often associated with missing or damaged teeth.
Improved comfort: Dental implants are fixed in place, eliminating the discomfort and instability often associated with traditional dental appliances.
Improved oral health: Dental implants can improve oral health by preventing bone loss and preserving healthy teeth.
Durability: Dental implants are designed to last for many years and can be a long-term solution for tooth replacement.

Limitations of dental implants:

Cost: Dental implants are often more expensive than traditional dental appliances, making them less accessible to some patients.
Time: In many cases, dental implants require multiple appointments and a healing period before the replacement tooth can be placed.
Bone quality: Patients with low bone density or particular bone defaults may require bone grafting procedures before dental implant placement. This is not a limitation, but simply an extra step that should be considered.
Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions increase the risk of complications. We will discuss your particular health concerns prior to any treatment, however the vast majority of patients are eligible for dental implants.

What to expect during implant placement

Prior to any surgery at Summit Dental we will ask you to come in for a consult so we can best plan for your specific needs and customize the surgical experience to your needs. This can include many different options to put you at ease, but will always include an examination and a discussion with your dental surgeon about what you are looking to achieve.

During implant surgery, we will first administer local anesthesia to numb the affected area. We will then make a small incision in the gum tissue to access the jawbone and prepare the area for the implant. The implant, which can be thought of as a small titanium screw, is delicately placed and fixed securely into placed. The gum tissue is then closed with sutures, and a protective cap may be placed over the implant to aid in healing. Over the next 2-3 months, the implant will fuse with the surrounding bone tissue in a process called osseointegration, creating a secure foundation for the replacement tooth or teeth. Following the osseointegration phase, your implant will be ready for the final prosthetic treatment!

What is Recovery like after Implant Placement

The recovery period following a dental implant procedure can vary depending on the patient’s individual healing process and the extent of the surgery. Immediately after the procedure, patients may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the affected area.

Pain medication and ice packs can be used to manage any discomfort or swelling during the first few days following the procedure. Patients should also follow any specific post-operative instructions provided by their dentist or oral surgeon, such as avoiding certain foods, refraining from smoking or using tobacco products, and practicing good oral hygiene.

After a dental implant has been placed, the next step is to attach a prosthetic tooth or dental appliance to the implant. This is an important part of the dental implant process, as it is what will ultimately restore the function and appearance of the missing tooth.

The prosthetic aspect of replacing a missing tooth typically involves two main types of dental appliances: crowns and bridges.

Crowns:

A crown is a dental appliance that is used to cover a single tooth. In the case of a dental implant, a crown is attached to the implant, providing a functional and natural-looking replacement tooth. The crown is custom-made to match the shape, size, and color of the surrounding teeth, ensuring that it blends in seamlessly with the rest of the patient’s smile.

Bridges:

A bridge is a dental appliance that is used to replace multiple missing teeth. It is typically composed of one or more artificial teeth that are attached to a metal frame or dental implant. The bridge is then secured to the adjacent teeth or implants, providing a stable and functional replacement for the missing teeth.

The prosthetic aspect of replacing a missing tooth after a dental implant has been placed requires careful planning and coordination between, us your dentist and our partner dental laboratory. We will take impressions of your teeth and gums to ensure that the prosthetic tooth or appliance fits perfectly and looks natural. The dental laboratory will then create the prosthetic tooth or appliance, using the most modern techniques and materials to ensure a precise fit and natural appearance.

Bone Grafting

Bone grafting is a common procedure used in dental surgeries to help rebuild bone that has been lost.

Bone loss occurs as a result of several factors ;

Gum disease: such as periodontitis, is a common cause of bone loss, as bacteria in plaque and tartar can cause inflammation and infection in the gums. Over time, this can lead to the destruction of the bone and connective tissue that supports the teeth.
Tooth loss: results in bone loss, as the jawbone no longer has the stimulation it needs to maintain its density and strength.
Trauma : such as a jaw surgery, injury or fracture, may also cause bone loss if the damage is not properly treated.

When bone loss occurs in the jaw, it can affect a patient’s oral health and make it more difficult to perform certain dental procedures, such as dental implants.

Bone grafting in dental surgery has several advantages, for certain patients. One of the main advantages is that it can help to restore lost bone tissue in the jaw, which can improve a patient’s oral health and make it easier to perform dental procedures.

For example, bone grafting can provide a foundation for dental implants, which can be a more stable and effective tooth replacement option than traditional dentures or bridges. Bone grafting can also help to prevent further bone loss in the jaw, which can lead to more serious oral health issues over time. Additionally, bone grafting is generally a safe and effective procedure that can be performed with minimal risk of complications, especially when performed by an experienced dental professional, like your dental surgeon at Summit Dental.

While bone grafting can be an effective way to restore bone tissue in the jaw, it is not always necessary. Some patients may not require bone grafting before undergoing dental implant surgery, depending on the amount and quality of their existing bone tissue. This is something that we will discuss with you during your consultation, to come up with the best treatment plan that is adapted to your specific needs and wants.

The recovery period for bone grafting can vary depending on the individual and the extent of the procedure. In general, patients can expect some discomfort and swelling in the affected area for a few days after surgery. Pain medication and ice packs can help manage these symptoms. Patients may also need to avoid hard or chewy foods for several days to allow the area to heal properly.

Overall, bone grafting can be an effective way to restore and maintain a patient’s oral health, leading to improved quality of life and confidence in their smile.

Gum Care

Some patients may require surgery on the gingiva or gums, this is referred to as periodontal surgery and is used to treat advanced gum disease, receding gum lines, aesthetic concerns and so much more.

Periodontitis

Gum diseases can cause significant damage to the gums and underlying bone tissue as well as the PDL, the ligament that support the teeth. When gum disease progresses to the advanced stages, non-surgical treatments such as scaling and root planing may no longer be sufficient to remove the buildup of plaque and tartar that contribute to the disease.

In these cases, periodontal surgery may be necessary to remove infected tissue and bacteria from below the gum line, smooth rough areas on the roots of teeth, and reshape the gum tissue to reduce the depth of periodontal pockets. Periodontal surgery can help to reduce inflammation, improve the health of the gums, and prevent further damage to the teeth and surrounding bone tissue.

Guided bone regeneration

Guided bone regeneration is a surgical technique used in periodontal surgery to restore lost bone tissue in the jaw. This technique involves placing a barrier membrane over the affected area, which acts as a scaffold for new bone growth. The membrane is designed to prevent soft tissue from growing into the area where new bone is needed, allowing the body to regenerate bone tissue naturally. In some cases, bone grafting material may be placed under the membrane to provide additional support for new bone growth. Guided bone regeneration can be used to treat a variety of periodontal conditions, including bone loss caused by gum disease or tooth extraction. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and can take several months to achieve the desired results. Guided bone regeneration is a safe and effective technique that can help to restore lost bone tissue and improve a patient’s oral health and quality of life.

Recessions

Periodontal surgery can be used to address aesthetic issues with the gum tissue, such as gum recession, uneven gum lines, or excess gum tissue. Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth, exposing the tooth roots and making them more susceptible to decay and sensitivity. In some cases, periodontal surgery can be used to graft gum tissue onto the affected area, covering the exposed tooth roots and restoring a more natural-looking gum line.

Similarly, gum reshaping surgery can be used to correct an uneven gum line, improving the appearance of the teeth and creating a more symmetrical smile. For patients with excess gum tissue, a periodontal surgery called crown lengtheningcan be used to remove or reshape the gum tissue to expose more of the tooth and create a more balanced, proportionate smile. By addressing aesthetic concerns with the gum tissue, periodontal surgery can help to improve a patient’s confidence in their smile and overall quality of life.

Preparing for Periodontal Surgery

All peridontal surgeries will being with a personalised consultation at Summit Dental to discuss your specific needs and to best understand what you are looking to achieve with your treatment. There are some general things that you can do to help make sure your recovery is as speedy as possible.

First, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene leading up to the surgery. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and using an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce the buildup of plaque and bacteria in your mouth. You should always let us know of any changes medications or supplements you are taking, as these may need to be adjusted or discontinued prior to the surgery.

It is also recommended that you avoid smoking or using any tobacco products leading up to the surgery, as these can impair the healing process and increase the risk of complications.

Lastly, make sure to follow any pre-operative instructions provided to your concerning your specific treatment. By taking these steps to prepare for your periodontal surgery, you can help to ensure a successful outcome and a faster, smoother recovery.

What happens during your Periodontal Surgery

The specific steps involved in periodontal surgery may vary depending on your individual needs, the severity of your condition and exactly what procedures we are preforming that day. Generally speaking, periodontal surgery will last between 1 and 2 hours but this can vary significantly. In any case, there is always time for pauses as we understand leaving your mouth open for some patients may be uncomfortable.

The surgery begins with the administration of a local anesthetic to numb the affected area. We will then make incisions in the gum tissue to access the affected area and remove any damaged or diseased tissue. If necessary, the tooth roots may also be cleaned and smoothed to promote healing and reduce the risk of infection.

Depending on the type of surgery being performed, we may also place a barrier membrane or bone grafting material to promote new bone growth in the affected area. Once the procedure is complete, we will close the incisions with sutures and may place a protective dressing over the area to aid in healing. You will receive post-operative instructions on how to care for the affected area and manage any discomfort or swelling following the procedure. With proper care and follow-up appointments, most patients can expect to recover fully within a few weeks of their periodontal surgery.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom tooth extraction is a procedure to remove one or more wisdom teeth — the four permanent adult teeth located at the back corners of your mouth on the top and bottom.

If a wisdom tooth doesn’t have room to grow (impacted wisdom tooth), resulting in pain, infection or other dental problems, you’ll likely need to have it removed.

To prevent potential future problems, we sometimes recommend prophylactic wisdom tooth extraction. In these cases, you may not be experiencing any pain currently but we can assume that the risk of future problems is significant enough to warrant removing the teeth.

At Summit Dental, we will always reveiw your radiographs with you to allow you to make the most informed decision possible regarding your widom tooth removal.

Impacted wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last permanent teeth to appear (erupt) in the mouth. These teeth usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. Some people never develop wisdom teeth. For others, wisdom teeth erupt normally — just as their other molars did — and cause no problems.

Many people develop impacted wisdom teeth — teeth that don’t have enough room to erupt into the mouth or develop normally. Impacted wisdom teeth may erupt only partially or not at all.

An impacted wisdom tooth may:

Grow at an angle toward the next tooth (second molar)
Grow at an angle toward the back of the mouth
Grow at a right angle to the other teeth, as if the wisdom tooth is “lying down” within the jawbone
Grow straight up or down like other teeth but stay trapped within the jawbone
Problems with impacted wisdom teeth

You’ll likely need your impacted wisdom tooth pulled if it results in problems such as:

Pain
Trapping food and debris behind the wisdom tooth
Infection or gum disease (periodontal disease)
Tooth decay in a partially erupted wisdom tooth
Damage to a nearby tooth or surrounding bone
Development of a fluid-filled sac (cyst) around the wisdom tooth
Complications with orthodontic treatments to straighten other teeth
Preventing future dental problems

Symptom-free wisdom teeth could still harbor disease. If there isn’t enough space for the tooth to erupt, it’s often hard to get to it and clean it properly. Serious complications with wisdom teeth happen less often in younger adults.Older adults may experience difficulty with surgery and complications after surgery.

What to expect during recovery from your wisdom tooth removal

The recovery period following wisdom tooth extraction can vary depending on the patient’s individual healing process and the complexity of the extraction. This really depends on each particular case and the orientation of your wisdom teeth. We will explain all of this to you during your personalised pre-op consutlation.

Immediately after the procedure, patients may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the affected area. Pain medication and ice packs can be used to manage any discomfort or swelling during the first few days following the procedure, and they are usually sufficient. Be sure to follow any specific post-operative instructions, but in general we recommend to avoidcertain foods such as things that are hot or spicy, refraining from smoking or using tobacco products, and practicing good oral hygiene.

Rarely, patients may experience some residual bleeding or discharge, but this should subside over time. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled to monitor the healing process and ensure that there are no complications, such as infection or dry socket. With proper care and follow-up appointments, most patients can expect to recover within a week or so of their wisdom tooth extraction.

Anxiety around wisdom tooth extraction

At Summit Dental, we understand that many patients feel anxious or nervous about undergoing a wisdom tooth extraction procedure. It is normal to feel a little bit nervous about any dental procedure, but we want to assure you that we understand your concerns. Our team is committed to providing all of our patients with the best care possible, and we take the time to listen to your concerns and answer any questions you may have about the procedure. We will do everything we can to help make the procedure as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

We also take steps to ensure that the procedure is performed safely and efficiently, with the latest technology and equipment. Our goal is to provide you with a comfortable and relaxed environment so that you can receive treatment without any undue stress or anxiety. If you have any concerns or questions about your wisdom tooth extraction, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team, and we will be happy to assist you in any way we can. Were more than happy to take the time to put you at ease before any procedure.

Endodontic Surgery

Surgical endodontics, also known as endodontic microsurgery, is a specialized branch of endodontics that involves performing surgical procedures to save teeth that may not be amenable to traditional root canal therapy. Surgical endodontics is typically recommended when a tooth has persistent or recurrent infections, cracks, or fractures that cannot be treated with root canal therapy alone or in the presence of a cyst that is attached to a tooth root. With proper care and attention, patients can expect to make a full recovery and enjoy improved dental health following surgical endodontics.

Apicoectomy

Root apex resection surgery, also known as apicoectomy, is a common endodontic procedure that involves removing the infected or damaged tissue located at the tip of a tooth’s root. This procedure is typically recommended when traditional root canal therapy is not sufficient to treat an infection or when a tooth has developed a cyst or abscess. During the procedure, a small incision is made in the gum tissue to access the root tip, and the affected tissue is carefully removed. We then clean and seal the area to prevent further infection.

This procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, and patients can expect some mild discomfort and swelling for a few days following the procedure. However, most patients can resume their normal activities within a day or two and can expect a full recovery within a few weeks. Root apex resection surgery has a high success rate and can help to preserve the natural tooth, avoiding the need for extraction and replacement with a dental implant or bridge.

We will work with you to assess whether this procedure is right for you and will provide you with detailed information about the procedure and what to expect during and after the surgery.

How to prepare for your upcoming endodontic surgery

If you have been advised to undergo root apex resection surgery, there are a few things you can do to prepare yourself for the procedure in advance. We will provide you with detailed instructions to follow before the surgery, including any necessary medication adjustments. In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection. It is advised to avoid smoking or using tobacco products for at least 24 hours before and after the procedure, as this can slow down the healing process.

Recovering from endodontic surgery

Following the procedure, you may experience some discomfort and swelling in the area, but these symptoms typically subside within a few days. We will prescribe you pain medication such as Ponstan or Paracetamol to manage any discomfort. You should also avoid hot or cold foods and drinks for the first few days after the surgery. It is important to keep the area clean after the procedure, and we will demonstrate for you how to do this prior to your procedure.

Most patients are able to return to work or normal activities within a few days of the procedure, but you should avoid strenuous exercise or activities that could disrupt the surgical site for at least 3 days. We will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions and schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your healing progress. With proper care and attention, you can expect to make a full recovery from root apex resection surgery within a week or so.

Other Dental Surgeries

The dental surgeries mentioned above all just a small number of the many different treatment options available for you at Summit Dental. If you have any further questions don’t hesitate to contact us directly !