Facial Trauma: Soft Tissue Injuries

oral surgery

Sometimes, an accidental injury to the head, face, or mouth can be absolutely devastating. In other instances, it can be as simple as a cut that bleeds uncontrollably. When such an injury involves the teeth, it is natural to seek the help of an oral surgeon. What you may not realize is that an oral surgeon is also the correct choice when the injury involves the soft tissues of the face, mouth, lips, or tongue. Due to an oral surgeon’s in-depth education and experience, you can expect to receive an exceptional level of combined medical and dental care. When it comes to a region as delicate and highly visible as the face and mouth, these skills become more valuable than ever. In addition to a wealth of knowledge about the teeth, gums, and bone, an oral surgeon’s education includes extensive hands-on experience in several related fields of study. Pain management,…

Crown Lengthening: Purpose and Procedure

oral surgery

Crown lengthening is a type of oral surgery that reduces the amount of a patient’s gum tissue and exposes more of the patient’s tooth material. This procedure can be used in a number of circumstances. Some patients pursue crown lengthening for purely aesthetic reasons, such as eliminating a “gummy smile,” while others may need the surgery to uncover enough tooth material to support a restoration, such as a crown or filling. Crown lengthening may also be needed in cases of broken or severely decayed teeth in which there is minimal remaining tooth material below the gumline.  In performing oral surgery, such as crown lengthening, small incisions are made in the gums to pull tissue away from the tooth’s roots. Sometimes, it will be necessary for the surgeon to remove bone material surrounding the roots, as well, in order to achieve the desired appearance. After all the necessary tissue has been…