Comprehensive Oral Surgery Services in Charleston, WV

Bone Grafting in Oral Surgery

Bone grafting is often required when the jawbone deteriorates due to missing teeth, a condition known as resorption. This procedure allows the successful placement of dental implants or other restorative solutions by replacing lost bone and encouraging new bone growth. Without adequate bone density, placing a dental implant becomes challenging, making bone grafting a crucial preparatory step for many patients.

Types of Bone Grafts for Effective Restoration

Several types of bone grafts are available, each offering distinct advantages. Autogenous bone grafts use the patient’s own bone, typically harvested from the chin, jaw, or hip. This method provides optimal results since the material is live bone, promoting natural regrowth. 

Alternatively, allogeneic bone grafts use donor bone that has been freeze-dried and processed to serve as a framework for new bone development. Xenogeneic bone grafts, sourced from animals like cows, undergo high-temperature processing to ensure safety while providing structural support for new bone formation.

Additional grafting options include demineralized bone matrix (DBM), graft composites, and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), each designed to enhance bone regrowth through specialized biological processes. Advanced techniques like sonic welding utilize resorbable materials to replace missing bone, providing long-term stability for dental restorations.

Emergency Oral Surgery 

Dental emergencies requiring immediate surgical intervention include severe infections, traumatic injuries, and complications from previous treatments. Our practice maintains protocols for handling urgent situations promptly, often accommodating same-day appointments for patients experiencing acute pain or swelling.

Traumatic injuries from accidents or sports may require immediate attention to save damaged teeth or repair soft tissue lacerations. Quick intervention significantly improves the likelihood of successful treatment outcomes. We provide detailed instructions for managing dental trauma until you can reach our office.

Complex Oral Pathology and Specialized Procedures

Beyond routine extractions, we diagnose and treat various oral pathological conditions that require surgical intervention. Jaw cysts often develop around impacted teeth or in areas of previous trauma, creating pressure that can damage surrounding bone and teeth. These fluid-filled sacs require careful removal and thorough cleaning of the affected bone to prevent recurrence.

Oral biopsies help identify suspicious tissue changes early, allowing for prompt treatment when necessary. We perform these procedures using precise techniques that minimize discomfort while providing adequate tissue samples for accurate diagnosis. Early detection of abnormal tissue changes significantly improves treatment outcomes and patient prognosis.

Apicoectomies address persistent infections at tooth roots when traditional root canal therapy proves insufficient. This microsurgical procedure involves accessing the root tip through the gum and bone, removing infected tissue, and sealing the root end to prevent future complications. This approach often saves teeth that might otherwise require extraction.

Caring for Your Oral Health After Surgery

Maintaining good oral hygiene following oral surgery is essential for healing and long-term success. Brushing twice daily with antibacterial mouthwash, using dental floss to clean between teeth, and avoiding excessive pressure on treated areas help prevent complications. Patients should also be cautious of allergic reactions to dental materials, ensuring they discuss any sensitivities with their dentist before undergoing treatment.

Regular dental visits allow for the monitoring of crowns, dental implants, and other restorations, ensuring that they remain functional and aesthetically pleasing. With proper care and attention, restorative dentistry can provide lasting improvements to both oral health and overall well-being.

Age-Specific Surgical Considerations

Pediatric oral surgery requires specialized approaches tailored to young patients’ unique needs. Children’s developing jaw structure affects treatment planning, and we modify our techniques to accommodate ongoing growth patterns. Early intervention for impacted teeth or jaw development issues often prevents more complex problems in adulthood.

Teenage patients benefit from timing surgical procedures around their active lifestyles and school schedules. We coordinate treatment during school breaks when possible, allowing adequate recovery time without missing important activities or academic commitments. Parents receive detailed guidance on supporting their teenager’s recovery at home.

Adult patients may require additional considerations due to medical conditions or medications that affect healing. We carefully review your medical history and coordinate with your physician when necessary to ensure safe treatment. Certain medications may need temporary adjustment before surgery to optimize healing outcomes.

Referral Relationships and Collaborative Care

We maintain strong relationships with medical specialists who may need to clear patients for surgery or manage underlying health conditions. Patients with diabetes, heart conditions, or bleeding disorders receive coordinated care that ensures their safety throughout the surgical process. These partnerships enable us to treat complex cases that require multidisciplinary approaches.

Our collaboration with sleep medicine physicians helps identify patients whose oral anatomy contributes to sleep breathing disorders. Surgical modifications to oral structures can significantly improve airway function and sleep quality for appropriate candidates.

Advanced Surgical Planning and Documentation

Pre-surgical photography and detailed treatment documentation ensure precise execution of complex procedures. We maintain comprehensive records that track healing progress and treatment outcomes, allowing us to refine our techniques continuously and provide the highest standard of care.

Digital treatment planning software enables us to simulate surgical outcomes before beginning treatment, helping patients understand their procedure and expected results. This advanced technology improves communication and helps patients make informed decisions about their oral health care.