It may be determined that you need a tooth extracted for any number of reasons. Dr. Patel will do a consultation during which time she will review your health history and look at x-rays and then discuss the anesthesia options with you. If it is possible to do on the same day, she will make that determination and appropriate treatment plan will be finalized. We will provide you with the proper instructions for after the extraction and provide you with any necessary prescriptions.

Often, the soft tissues surrounding the teeth become receded or deficient requiring surgery to reshape or restore tissues around teeth or implants.    Soft tissue surgery can include augmentation, reduction or reshaping.  Soft tissue grafts are often taken from the roof of your mouth and transplanted to the graft site. In some cases, soft tissue graft substitutes may be appropriate for your case.  Dr. Patel will recommend the type of soft tissue graft that is best for your care. Soft tissue grafts may take several weeks to heal. Since the final size and form of the graft cannot be exactly predicted, it may be necessary to do some minor recontouring of the grafted tissue after it heals in order to give the best result.

An impacted tooth is one that has not erupted into the mouth, but instead becomes stuck under the gum and within the bone.  The most common teeth to become impacted are the wisdom teeth followed by the canine teeth.  Canine teeth are important because they are the first teeth to touch when your jaws close and they help guide the remaining teeth into the proper occlusion (bite).  They are important for both esthetic and functional harmony.

Typically, the general dentist or orthodontist will identify the need for treatment of the impacted canine and refer you to our office.  Dr. Patel will do an examination and take any special x-rays to determine the position of the impacted tooth and the adjacent teeth.  Occasionally, a 3D imaging scan may be necessary to further assess the dental development before a definitive treatment plan can be finalized.

The surgical procedure known as an exposure is accomplished by elevating the gum tissue and removing any bone overlying  the tooth in order to “expose” it. Once exposed, Dr. Patel will attach an orthodontic bracket and chain to the tooth.  After the surgical procedure you will be referred to your orthodontist who will then slowly move the exposed tooth into its proper position.

You have several anesthetic options when undergoing the surgical exposure procedure.  During the consultation, Dr. Patel will review all the options with you and together you will decide what is the best option for your particular case.

Dr. Patel is highly trained, skilled and uniquely qualified to manage and treat various types of facial trauma.  Facial trauma can be a result of many different events including motor vehicle accidents, interpersonal violence, accidental falls, sports injuries or work-related injuries to name a few.  Depending on the severity of the injury, treatment  may be delivered in the office, at the local hospital or at a surgical center.   Correcting facial trauma requires special training and an in depth understanding of the functioning and appearance of the face.  Dr. Patel’s training and experience allows her to provide the best care with optimal results.

Oral pathology is a specialty that identifies and treats diseases of the mouth and maxillofacial region.  Healthy gums and tissue appear smooth and pink in color.  If you or your dentist notice a change in the appearance, there is a possibility that there is a pathological process that is starting to develop, the most serious being oral cancer.   Dr. Patel will do a thorough examination and likely perform a biopsy of the area. The biopsy sample will be examined by an oral pathologist who is specially trained to identify the specific disease process.  Based on the findings, Dr. Patel will recommend a treatment plan specifically for your needs.

TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint – this is the hinge joint located in front of the ear that connects your lower jaw to your skull.  It allows the jaw to move in all directions, allowing you to chew, talk and yawn.  Disorders of this joint are called Temporomandibular Disorder which is the condition that occurs when any part of the joint (either its muscles, disc or tendons) is not functioning the way they are supposed to.  Common signs or symptoms include:

• Clicking sound on opening and closing of the mouth
• Discomfort or pain around the ear
• Discomfort of the jaw and/or the muscles of the jaw
• Difficulty chewing
• Difficulty in opening or closing the mouth

Dr. Patel can help determine the cause of your TMJ disorder and recommend the appropriate treatment.  To learn more about TMJ treatment and to schedule your consultation with Dr. Patel, we encourage you to contact us today.

Many patients experience high anxiety and stress in general when having any dental treatment. Having an oral surgery treatment can bring additional stress to the already fearful patient. Several medications are available to create a more relaxed, comfortable dental visit. Dr. Patel offers several anesthesia options and after consulting with Dr. Patel, she will determine the best approach for you.

Local Anesthesia

An anesthetic is injected locally at the site of the procedure that makes the area numb and creates a lack of sensation.

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing gas)

Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective sedative that is inhaled through a small mask that fits over the nose. The gas works to relax the patient to help them feel calm and comfortable.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation comes in the form of a pill or liquid. Like nitrous oxide, it will help alleviate anxiety and stress and help the patient feel calm and comfortable. Often this is used as an adjunct to other methods of sedation such as nitrous oxide. This form of anesthesia requires a responsible adult escort to bring the patient to and from the office.

Intravenous Sedation

Also known as twilight sleep, this technique produces a state of relaxation making you sleepy but still able to respond. You will likely not remember much if anything afterwards.

PRF is increasingly the treatment of choice for patients undergoing oral surgery.  PRF can be used to promote accelerated bone regeneration as well as strengthen current bone structure during bone grafting and sinus lift procedures.

Bone grafting and sinus lift procedures are used to improve jawbone density in some patients before dental implants can be placed.

 What is PRF?

When you suffer a small scrape on your knee, your body reacts by creating a clot to stop the bleeding, form a scab, and then finally regenerate new skin.  PRF is similar. It is a platelet therapy that uses your own blood to help promote healing. It uses your body’s own white blood cells to promote natural bone growth.

PRF is a procedure that results in faster healing after oral surgery and other invasive dental procedures.  It is a three-dimensional, autogenous combination of Platelet Rich Fibrin derived from the patient’s own blood.

Dr. Patel will carry out a simple chairside procedure.  A sample of your blood is collected in a tube, just as it would be for a blood test.  The doctor then uses a dedicated centrifuge to separate and concentrate on certain important cells and active proteins by spinning your own blood.

This results in the production of a thin, compressed layer of platelet-rich fibrin that is strong, pliable and suitable for suturing.  This natural fibrin network is rich in platelets, growth factors, and cytokines, all of which are derived from the blood platelets and leukocytes.  The presence of these proteins promotes quicker healing, especially during the first seven days after the procedure.

How and When is PRF Used?

PRF can be applied in all dental indications to support wound healing.  In addition, PRF can also be used in combination with bone grafts to improve their handling properties and to promote their integration.

PRF provides a concentrated release of healing proteins.  It creates a scaffolding to help direct healing and also forms a more efficient network for cells to communicate with other cells and tissues.  Owing to the rich concentration of platelets and leukocytes within the PRF clot, the fibrin releases growth factors for up to 14 days after placement.  This is a crucial time for healing to take place and PRF allows healing to take place faster and more completely.

Indications for PRF

• Coating of dental implants
• Ridge augmentations
• Bone defects
• Palatal defects
• Maxillary bone atrophy
• Sinus floor elevations
• Extraction sockets
• Recession coverage
• Wound management after surgical interventions

Besides these conditions, patients at risk of surgery, such as smokers, diabetics, patients with poor immune systems, patients with wisdom tooth extraction, and patients with chronic pain can be safely treated with the PRF procedure.

Is PRF Safe and Painless?

PRF is a safe and relatively painless procedure.  It is as painful as a simple blood draw. Because the procedure uses the patient’s own blood to create the fibrin clot, there are no additives needed.  It also reduces the risk of allergy and side effects because your own concentrated platelets, with their own unique healing abilities, are re-introduced at the site of extraction or oral surgery.

There are certain properties of the fibrin clot created by the PRF procedure.  These are:

• It is 100% natural, with no chemical additives or anticoagulants
• It allows for the slow and sustained release of growth factors for more than 7 days after the surgery
• It results in reduced pain and discomfort
• It improves wound healing