Facial trauma and pathology can result in a significant loss of bone and soft tissue in the mouth, jaws and sinuses. Structural damage in the oral region can impact every major system of your body, especially the respiratory, sinus and digestive systems. Significant facial trauma or pathology requires a surgeon who specializes in diagnosing and treating maxillofacial damage.
The systems that comprise the mouth and face are intricate and intertwined. Oral maxillofacial surgeons are trained to understand the complex structures in and around the mouth and jaw, so they best know what course of treatment a patient needs and how to do it.
What is a Maxillofacial Dental Surgeon?
You might be wondering how maxillofacial surgery is different than some of the procedures that a nearby oral surgeon offers. Simply put, a maxillofacial dental doctor is a surgeon who treats facial trauma—and a whole lot of other cases. The main differentiator is that where a dental surgeon is skillfully trained in dentistry, maxillofacial surgical practitioners are dual-trained and also possess a medical degree.
With their extra degree, they have an advanced understanding of the anatomy and how everything around the facial area connects and functions. While their area of focus lies in facial trauma, an expert in maxillofacial surgery is also fully capable of performing more standard oral surgery procedures like wisdom tooth removal.
They also specialize in full mouth reconstruction—these cases come up when a patient presents with extensive tooth loss from an accident or other traumatic means. Not only are they tasked with reconstructing entire parts of the mouth, but maxillofacial surgeons also have to have a caring and empathic touch.
Who Needs a Full Mouth Reconstruction?
There are several reasons an adult may experience extensive tooth loss. While a solid daily dental hygiene routine can go a long way in preventing catastrophic tooth, gum and bone loss, not everyone is blessed with the health circumstances for that to be enough. The most common reasons a person may experience extensive mouth damage that requires full oral reconstruction include:
- A lifetime of poor oral hygiene
- Diabetes (chronic elevated blood sugar)
- Eating disorders (especially bulimia and anorexia)
- Facial trauma (accident, assault, etc)
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Health conditions that inhibit the immune system (Crohn’s, HIV/AIDS, lupus, etc)
- Mineral deficiencies in childhood (low calcium, vitamin C, D, etc)
- Substance use disorders (including alcoholism and tobacco addiction)
Even complicated cases are treatable with the right oral and maxillofacial surgeon, so don’t lose hope of a beautiful smile after suffering extensive oral damage. Wilmington Oral Surgery can get you to your best possible state of dental health, restoring your appearance and quality of life.
What’s a Full Mouth Reconstruction Procedure Like?
Dental surgeons who reconstruct entire mouths from scratch have their work cut out for them. Full mouth reconstructions don’t happen overnight, and like any other would-be surgery, the first step is a consultation.
Your surgeon will provide a thorough examination of your mouth and teeth, hear your case, take x-rays and 3D imaging of your mouth, and they’ll get to work on developing a treatment plan for you.
Based on your diagnosis, the maxillofacial surgeon will likely create models or digital imagery of what your new smile will look like. This lets you easily see what it will look like, and you’re able to offer feedback and suggest changes. After all, this is your new smile.
Before the surgery happens, the surgeon will treat any remaining dental issues. This includes:
- Tooth extractions
- Root canal therapy
- Bone grafting
- Orthodontics
Once your mouth is as healthy as possible, it’s time to place the permanent restorations. This part of the process comes with the most work, but it’s where patients really start to see results. Experienced surgeons who deal in maxillofacial procedures use the following types of tooth replacement options:
- Dental implants
- Dental crowns
- Dental bridges
- Veneers
- Fillings
- Permanent dentures
Depending on the specifics of the case and what a patient wants, surgeons make use of a variety of techniques. Once everything is placed and some time has passed, the dentist will bring you back in to make any necessary adjustments for the bite and—of course—your comfort.
Once adjustments are made, you’re pretty much set with your new smile. The entire process takes multiple appointments and is completed over the course of several months. While it might seem long, it’s a small price to pay for a beautiful set of new teeth.
An Experienced Oral Reconstruction Surgeon Serving Cincinnati Patients with Gentle Care
Looking for a top-notch maxillofacial surgeon who serves the Cincinnati area? Look no further than us here at Wilmington Oral Surgery. Our resident surgeon, Dr. Puckett, is an experienced dental surgeon specializing in maxillofacial cases.
Dr. Puckett has extensive training and experience diagnosing and treating cases of orofacial damage, from the simple repairs to complex reconstruction. Minor procedures are performed in the office with IV anesthesia, and might include tooth extraction, dental bone grafting and tooth replacement.
More complex cases are routinely performed at Clinton Memorial Hospital in Cincinnati, where he maintains surgical privileges, performing everything from pediatric maxillofacial surgeries to emergency facial trauma reconstructions.
Patients requiring extensive orofacial rebuilding might need the expertise of more than just a facial trauma surgeon. Often, these cases require teams of specialists to work together, such as ophthalmologists and otolaryngologists. Dr. Puckett is experienced and adept at working in tandem with other orofacial and ENS specialists in cases of facial trauma.
Full Mouth Reconstruction with the Most Holistic Surgical Methods
Dr. Puckett specializes in whole mouth reconstruction, which includes both bone and soft tissue restoration. Frequently, dental implants are an integral part of the reconstruction, because they provide the most comprehensive, permanent form of tooth replacement while preserving the long-term health of your jaw. Prosthetic teeth are a slower process than having dentures or bridges made, but their benefits are more than worth it:
- The most permanent form of mouth reconstruction
- Natural options for ceramic dental implants
- Only require the standard oral care you perform daily
- Mimic the look and bite power of natural tooth tissue
- Stabilize the rest of your teeth/alignment
- Restore proper tooth function above and below the gum line
Dental implant surgery is a fairly simple procedure, but does require healing time, and patience on the part of both the oral reconstruction surgeon and the patient is key. Dental implants, once healed, can last a lifetime if you care for them properly, offering permanent and holistic mouth reconstruction.
A team approach is important for facial reconstruction cases, especially in cases of advanced pathology or acute facial trauma. Dr. Puckett and his staff understand and embrace the need for all parties to be involved for the best surgical and restorative outcome. With an emphasis on patient-focused, gentle care and comprehensive cosmetic and restorative dentistry, Dr. Puckett can help recover the function, appearance and health of your mouth and jaw.
