Dento-Alveolar Surgery

When teeth are impacted in the jaws, they are unable to erupt into their correct position. If the tooth is important for aesthetics or function, surgery may be able to be performed to uncover these teeth. This is done in conjunction with your orthodontist, who will bring the tooth into position to align your bite. Exposures can be performed as open or closed procedures, which depends on a number of factors.

This is when the tooth is exposed and an opening is made in the bone and soft tissue to show the tooth directly into the mouth. A dressing pack may be placed or a gold chain bonded/glued at the time of surgery, or this chain may be placed later by your orthodontist to bring the tooth into the correct location.

Teeth may require removal for a number of reasons including pain, infection, decay, cracked teeth and gum disease. They may be straightforward extractions or need surgical removal. The latter may require a gum flap to be raised, the tooth sectioned and then removed.

When it comes to dentures, it may be necessary to alter the shape or size of the jaw or soft tissues in order to construct a denture that is comfortable. Sometimes excess gum may need to be removed or bony projections may need recontouring before a new denture can be fitted.