Nature doesn’t always give us perfect mouths; sometimes you need an oral surgeon to lend nature a hand. Many of our patients suffer from misaligned bites, jaw bone abnormalities, or malocclusion. But oral surgery has changed their lives, improved their appearances, given them a better functioning mouth, and made it easier to eat and speak.
Granted, just the term oral surgery can be a little intimidating. But there are many forms of oral surgery, each addressing a specific need, whether cosmetic or functional. Because of recent technological developments, our practice can perform previously invasive and painful oral surgeries, like wisdom tooth extractions and root canals, with alternative techniques that are much gentler on our patients but achieve the same results or better.
The important thing to remember is you are in good hands; our oral surgeon and staff are committed to serving our patients with the utmost care and highest level of surgical skill. Dr. Puckett is a trained and licensed oral and maxillofacial surgeon who prioritizes the comfort and safety of our patients. He is certified to provide all forms of anesthesia and sedation for oral surgeries.
We can help ensure your visit for oral surgery is relaxed and as pain-free as possible. Our practice is known for our comfortable and gentle approach, and Dr. Puckett is experienced in the specifics of neonatal and pediatric oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Types of Oral Surgeries for Orthodontic Pathologies
The most common oral surgery procedures to correct orthodontic concerns include:
- Exposure of impacted teeth, most commonly canines
- Removal of erupted and impacted permanent teeth
- Removal of retained or ankylosed primary teeth
- Removal of extra, or supernumerary, teeth
- Early removal of wisdom teeth interfering with proper eruption of second molar teeth
- Surgical repositioning of improperly positioned teeth
- Temporary anchorage device (TAD) placement
- Routine wisdom teeth extractions
In most cases, these procedures are done for patients under the age of 18. This is ideal, as the formations of the jaw are not yet set and are more malleable for treatment. Another advantage of oral surgical intervention earlier in life is that young people’s bodies are more effective at healing than those of adults.
However, we treat adults with orthodontia issues as well, including patients well into their fourth or fifth decades. You may benefit from orthodontic surgery at any age. Treatment tends to be more complicated the older you are, but our gentle approach to care, and our state-of-the-art techniques for oral surgeries optimize the experience of our older patients. If you have a problem with your bite, visit our office for a consultation with Dr. Puckett, who will examine you and likely take a dental x-ray before discussing your diagnosis and treatment options.
