An oral surgeon is a dental expert who is trained to undertake surgical procedures on the mouth, jaws, teeth, and face. 

Dentists can undertake minor oral surgeries, but they are not oral surgeons or oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMS), which is the complete name of these specialists. The word “maxillofacial” means pertaining to the face and jaw. 

An OMS receives four years of dental school and then completes a minimum of four to six years of additional surgical training. In addition, these specialists are trained to administer anesthesia and offer care in an office setting. 

Oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Landon D. McLain provides oral surgery to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding communities. 

 

Training and Certification

For an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, the average total length of education and training after secondary school is 12 to 14 years.

In general, training includes two to four years of undergraduate study, four years of dental study (DMD, BDent, DDS, or BDS), and four to six years of residency training (six years include two additional years for attaining a medical degree).

Upon completing surgical training, a majority of oral and maxillofacial surgeons undertake final specialty exams. This certifying body in the US is the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS). Patients can verify that a surgeon is board-certified through the ABOMS.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons with board certifications are expected to maintain current standards through continuing professional endeavors. This ensures that they remain updated in their knowledge and skills as well as practice in a safe and contemporary manner.

 

Procedural Expertise

There are various procedures that oral surgeons are trained and authorized to undertake, such as:

Tooth Extractions

Tooth extraction is the most recognized form of oral surgery. Some reasons for tooth extraction are as follows:

• Teeth beyond repair either from root fracture, tooth decay, or trauma
• Primary teeth that have failed to fall out, preventing the eruption of permanent teeth
• Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth
• Orthodontic treatment plans, which may warrant the removal of some teeth to decrease crowding and accomplish the optimum result

 

Cleft Lip/Palate Surgery

This surgery does not refer to a single procedure, rather a series of surgeries to help maximize the advantage to a child while minimizing the risks involved. 

 

Corrective Jaw Surgery

Orthognathic surgery typically is undertaken to treat:

• Major or minor trauma to the jaw
• TMJ and dysfunction due to trauma or deformation
• Malocclusion or incorrect bite
• Incorrect jaw position, which can cause an out-of-proportion facial appearance

 

Dental Implants

Today, dental procedures are a common procedure to replace missing teeth or offer stability to a new or existing denture. The procedure for fixing a dental implant may differ, depending on the technique used by the surgeon as well as the type of implant used. 

 

Facial Cosmetic Procedures

Their specialized surgical and dental background allows oral and maxillofacial surgeons to undertake a cosmetic procedure that involves the aesthetic and functional aspects of the face, teeth, mouth, and jaws. 

 

Sleep Apnea

Oral surgeons typically serve as a member of the sleep team to help address obstructive sleep apnea. Oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Landon D. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas for oral surgery.

McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here.

Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.

Oral cancer is usually detected during a routine medical or dental examination.

The medical care provider should check for indications of oral cancer during regular exams. The patient should also inform their treatment provider if they have noticed any symptoms.

Dr. Landon D. McLain provides oral surgery to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding locations.

 

Diagnostic Exams and Tests

If the doctor suspects oral cancer, they will order certain exams and tests to be certain. They will ask the patient about their health history, symptoms, risk factors, and family history of the disease.

They will also perform an oral exam, which involves looking at the patient’s head or neck and checking inside the mouth. The healthcare provider may also view the back of the patient’s mouth and throat with small mirrors or with a flexible, lighted tube.

This tube is known as a laryngoscope or a pharyngoscope. On the basis of the outcomes, the medical care provider may decide whether the patient requires a biopsy to check for cancer.

A biopsy is the only definitive way to detect cancer. Tiny pieces of tissue are removed and assessed for cancer cells. The results will come back in around one week.

Following an oral cancer diagnosis, the patient will likely require other tests. These help the doctor understand more about the patient’s cancer.

The stage is determined based on how much and how far cancer has spread (metastasized) in the body. When deciding how to treat cancer, this is one of the most important factors to assess.

After the cancer is assigned a stage, the medical care provider will speak to the patient about what the stage means for their treatment. The patient should ask their medical care provider to explain the stage of their cancer in a manner that they can comprehend.

 

How is Oral Cancer Treated?

The treatment options will depend on the type of oral cancer that the patient has, test results, and the stage of cancer. The objective of the treatment may be to cure the disease, control cancer, or help ease issues caused by cancer.

The patient should discuss their treatment options, the objectives of the treatment, and the risks and side-effects associated with the treatment with their medical care team. Other factors to be assessed are whether cancer can be eliminated with surgery and the patient’s general health condition.

Cancer treatments can be either local or systemic. Local treatments, eliminate, destruct, or control cancer cells in one region. Radiation and surgery are local treatments. Surgery is a common treatment for oral cancer.

Systemic treatment destructs or controls cancer cells that may have spread through the body. Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment when taken by pill or injection. The patient may undergo only one treatment or a combination of treatments.

The treatment of oral cancer may include:

• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Supportive care

Patients should consult their medical care provider regarding their treatment options. They should prepare a list of questions beforehand while thinking about the benefits and potential side effects of each alternative.

 

Coping with Oral Cancer

Many individuals feel depressed, worried, and stressed when trying to cope with cancer. Undergoing cancer treatment can be hard on the mind and body. Patients should keep talking to their medical team about any issues or concerns that they may have.

Dr. Landon D. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas for oral surgery.

McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here.

Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.

The term dental avulsion means the complete removal of a tooth from its sockets following a traumatic injury. Injuries to the front teeth are quite common during childhood. It is a severe injury when the tooth is completely knocked out of its socket (avulsed).

Avulsion injuries have the most impact on the maxillary central incisors. There is less mineralized bone structure in permanent teeth that have not matured yet. Also, the periodontal ligamentum structure in such teeth is looser. This makes these teeth more vulnerable to extrusive forces.

For this reason, children between the ages of seven and nine years usually experience from avulsion due to dental trauma. McLain Surgical Arts, led by Dr. Landon D. McLain, provides oral surgery to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding locations.

 

Replanting the Natural Tooth

The best option is to replant the tooth as soon as possible. Once the tooth is replanted, it can heal in two ways if treated properly. The best case scenario is that the ligament surrounding the tooth reforms and the longevity of the tooth is the same as other teeth. This is known as “periodontal healing.”

If the ligament damage is excessive, the healing will occur with a bony replacement. “Bony healing” means that the bone replaces the tooth and is lost over the next few years.

 

What Your Dentist Will Do

It can sometimes be simple to put the tooth back in place. At other times, it can be complex, such as when the bone or tooth is broken. The dentist will use water to flush debris from the socket.

Subsequently, they will slip the tooth back in position. It is vital to re-plant the tooth as soon as possible. This should ideally take place within the hour of the injury.

The dentist may undertake a root canal simultaneously or may wait. The best treatment course will depend upon how long the tooth remained out of the mouth and other aspects.

The dentist will, in any case, splint the avulsed tooth to the other teeth on either side using a soft wire and/or composite material. This will help hold the tooth in position for several days. The dentist will decide the duration for which the splint should remain in place.

In case the bone around the tooth was not fractured, the root typically will re-attach tightly to the bone in around three to four weeks. A repair time of six to eight weeks may be necessary if there is more damage to the area.

The dentist should re-examine the tooth in three to six months. Unless there are any indications of an infection, the next visit will take place at the annual checkup. The dentist will follow-up for the next two to three years to make sure that the tooth replanting was successful.

If the tooth is replanted before the patient reaches the oral surgeon’s office, the surgeon may do the following:

• Allow the tooth to remain in place
• Cleanse the site with saline, water spray, or chlorhexidine
• Suture gingival lacerations, if necessary
• Evaluate the normal placement of the tooth with an x-ray as well as clinically
• Place a flexible splint for up to two weeks
• The surgeon will also commence root canal treatment between seven to ten days of the replantation and before removing the splint

 

Dr. Landon D. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas for oral surgery.
McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here.

Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.

Mouth cancer treatment depends on the stage and location of cancer, and the general health and personal preferences of the patient.

The patient may undergo only one type of treatment or a combination of cancer treatments. Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are some treatment options. Patients should discuss their options with their doctor.

McLain Surgical Arts, led by Dr. Landon D. McLain, provides oral surgery to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding communities.

 

Surgery

Mouth cancer surgery may include:

 

Surgery to Remove the Tumor

The surgeon may excise the tumor and a margin of healthy tissue surrounding it to make sure that all the cancer cells have been eliminated. Only minor surgery may be necessary to remove smaller cancers.

Larger tumors may need more extensive surgery. For example, excising a larger tumor may involve excising a section of the jawbone and a portion of the tongue.

 

Surgery to Eliminate Cancer that has Spread to the Neck

In case cancer cells have spread to the lymph nodes in the neck or if there is a high risk that this has occurred on the basis of the size and depth of cancer, the surgeon may recommend the patient to undergo a surgical procedure. This will involve removal of the lymph nodes and related tissue in the neck, also known as neck dissection.

This procedure eliminates any cancer cells that may have spread to the lymph nodes. It is also helpful in establishing whether the patient will require additional treatment following surgery.

 

Surgery to Reconstruct the Mouth

Following surgery to remove cancer, the surgeon may recommend reconstructive surgery to the patient to rebuild their mouth and regain the ability to speak and eat.

To reconstruct the mouth, the surgeon may transplant grafts of muscle, skin, or bone from other areas of the body. The patient may also require dental implants to replace natural teeth.

 

Surgery Carries a Risk of Bleeding and Infection

Mouth cancer surgery often impacts a person’s appearance and their ability to talk, eat, and swallow.

The patient may require a tube to help them eat, drink, and take medicine. The tube may be inserted through the nose and into the stomach for short-term use. For longer-term use, a tube may be inserted through the skin and into the stomach.

The doctor may refer the patient to specialists who can assist them in coping with these changes.

 

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy makes use of high-energy beams, such as protons and rays, to eliminate cancer cells. While this therapy is usually delivered from a machine outside the body (external beam radiation), it can also come from radioactive seeds and wires that are placed near the cancer (brachytherapy).

Radiation therapy is commonly used after surgery. However, at times, it might be used by itself if the patient has early-stage mouth cancer. Sometimes radiation therapy may be delivered in combination with chemotherapy.

While this combination enhances the effectiveness of radiation therapy, it also increases the side-effects that the patient may experience. Radiation therapy may help relieve cancer signs and symptoms, such as pain, in cases of advanced mouth cancer.

 

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy refers to a treatment technique that makes use of chemicals to eliminate cancer cells. Chemotherapy medications can be given alone, or along with other chemotherapy drugs or combined with other cancer treatments. Since chemotherapy may increase the efficacy of radiation therapy, the two are often given in combination.

 

 

Dr. Landon D. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas for oral surgery.
McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here.

Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.

Oral cancer initiates in the mouth, also known as the oral cavity.

This area of the body includes the lips, the inside lining of the cheeks and lips (buccal mucosa), the gums, the teeth, most of the tongue, the floor of the mouth, and the body roof of the mouth (hard palate).

On top of this, oral cancer can also develop in the oropharynx. This is the area of the throat right behind the mouth. When cancer develops in this region, it is known as oropharyngeal cancer or throat cancer and may include the back of the mouth roof, the back of the tongue, the tonsils, and the walls of the upper throat.  

The oropharynx and the oral cavity are vital for healthy body function. They help us eat, speak, and breathe. The salivary glands in the oral cavity break down the food as a person chews, which is an important part of digestion.

Cancer can occur in any area of the oral cavity. As each region of the oral cavity is distinct, oral cancer refers to a wide range of cancer types that are treated in various different ways.

According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 51,540 people in the US were diagnosed with oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer in 2018.

McLain Surgical Arts, led by Dr. Landon D. McLain, provides oral surgery to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding locations.

 

Symptoms

Mouth cancer may present the following signs and symptoms:

• A mouth or lip sore that does not heal
• A white or red patch within the mouth
• Loose teeth
• A lump or growth inside the mouth
• Pain in the mouth
• Pain in the ear
• Pain or difficulty in swallowing

 

When to Consult a Doctor

A person experiencing persistent signs and symptoms that last for over two weeks should consult their doctor or dentist. The doctor will likely examine for other more common reasons for the signs and symptoms initially, such as an infection.

 

Prevention

While there is no sure shot way to prevent mouth cancer, a person can reduce their risk of developing mouth cancer if they:

• Discontinue or never use tobacco. People using tobacco should stop its use. Individuals who not use tobacco should not start doing so. Tobacco use, whether chewed or smoked, exposes the mouth cells to dangerous cancer-causing chemicals.
• Consume alcohol in moderation, if at all. The chronic excessive use of alcohol can irritate the mouth cells making them more susceptible to developing mouth cancer. If a person drinks alcohol, they should do so in moderation.
• Avoid too much sun exposure to the lips. Protect the skin on the lips from sunlight by remaining in the shade when possible. Use a wide-brimmed hat that effectively shades the whole face, including the mouth. Include applying a sunscreen lip product as a part of the routine sun protection regimen.
• Consult the dentist routinely as well as ask them to inspect the entire mouth for abnormal areas that may indicate mouth cancer or precancerous lesions.

 

Causes

Mouth cancers occur when the cells in the mouth or on the lips develop mutations (changes) in their DNA. The DNA of a cell contains the guidelines that tell a cell how to function. The mutation changes instruct cells to continue growing and proliferating when normal cells would die.

The accumulation of abnormal mouth cancer cells can develop into a tumor. Over time, they may spread within the mouth as well as on to other regions of the neck and head or other body parts.

 

Dr. Landon D. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas for oral surgery.
McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here.

Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.

A dentist will perform an oral cancer screening to check for indications of cancer or precancerous conditions in the mouth. The objective of oral cancer screening is to detect mouth cancer early at a stage where there is a higher chance for a cure.

A majority of dentists perform an exam of the mouth during a routine dental visit to check for oral cancer. Some dentists may also undertake further tests to help in the identification of areas of abnormal cells in the mouth.

Medical organizations dissent on whether healthy individuals without risk factors for mouth cancer require cancer screening. No particular oral exam or oral cancer screening test is proven to reduce the risk of succumbing to oral cancer.

But the patient and their dentist may decide that an oral examination or a special test is appropriate based on the patient’s risk factors. McLain Surgical Arts, led by Dr. Landon D. McLain, provides oral cancer screening to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding communities.

 

Why is Oral Cancer Screening Done?

The objective of oral cancer screening is to diagnose mouth cancer or precancerous lesions that may cause mouth cancer at an initial stage. In the early stages, cancer or lesions are the easiest to remove and cure.

However, no studies indicate that oral cancer screening saves lives. Therefore, not all medical organizations concur on the advantages of an oral examination for oral cancer screening. Some organizations recommend screening while others do not.

Oral cancer screening may be more beneficial for individuals with a high risk of oral cancer.

 

What You Can Expect

At the time of an oral cancer screening examination, the dentist checks the inside of the mouth for red or white patches or mouth sires. The dentist will use gloved hands to feel the tissues in the patient’s mouth to check for lumps or other aberrations.

In case the patient wears removable complete or partial dentures, the dentist or doctor will ask them to remove these so that the tissues beneath can be assessed.  

 

Additional Tests for Oral Cancer Screening

Certain dentists use special tests along with an oral examination to screen for oral cancer. There is no clarity on whether these tests provide any additional advantages over the oral examination. Special oral cancer screening exams may encompass the following:

• Rinsing the mouth with a special blue dye prior to an examination. The abnormal cells in the mouth may take up the dye and turn blue.
• Shining a light within the mouth during an examination. The light enables normal tissue to appear dark while abnormal tissue appears white.

 

Outcomes

In case the dentist detects any indications of mouth cancer or precancerous lesions, they may recommend:

• A follow-up consultation in a few weeks to check if the abnormal region is still present and note if it has changed or grown over time.
• A biopsy to attain a sample of cells for lab testing to evaluate if cancer cells are present. The dentist may perform the biopsy or refer the patient to a doctor who specializes in oral cancer detection and treatment.

Additional tests could be an outcome of oral cancer screening.

In case the dentist detects an unusual sore, the patient may undergo further testing to determine the cause. Oral cancer can only be definitely determined only by removing abnormal cells and testing them for cancer in a procedure known as a biopsy.

 

Dr. Landon D. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas for oral cancer screening.
McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here.

Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.

Dental implant surgery is instrumental in replacing tooth roots with metal, screw-like post as well as restoring damaged or missing teeth with artificial teeth that appear and function much like real ones.

This procedure can offer an effective alternative to dentures or ill-fitting bridgework.

The type of implant and the condition of the jawbone will determine how dental implant surgery is performed. Dental implant surgery may encompass several procedures.

The primary benefit of implants is that they offer solid support to the new teeth. This process necessitates the bone to heal firmly around the implant. As this healing takes time, the entire process can take several months.

McLain Surgical Arts, led by Dr. Landon D. McLain, provides oral surgery to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding locations.

 

Why is dental surgery done?

Dental implants are placed surgically on the jawbone. Here they serve as the roots of the missing teeth. As the titanium in the implants fuses with the jawbone the implants will not slip, make noise, or lead to bone damage in the manner that dentures or fixed bridgework might.

In addition, the materials cannot decay in the way that real teeth that support regular bridgework can.

 

Procedure

Dental implant surgery is typically an outpatient procedure undertaken in stages:

1. The damaged tooth is taken out.
2. The jawbone is prepped for surgery, and this process may involve bone grafting.
3. Once the jawbone heals, the oral surgeon places the dental implant metal post in the jawbone.
4. The patient undergoes the healing period which may take several months.
5. The oral surgeon will place the abutment, which is an extension of the implant metal post. Sometimes when the implant is stable, this can be undertaken at the time of implant placement.
6. Once the soft tissue heals, the dentist will make a mold of the patient’s teeth and jawbone and subsequently place the final teeth or tooth.
7. The complete process can take several months from start to finish. A large part of this duration is devoted to healing as well as waiting for the growth of new bone in the jaw.

 

Placing the Dental Implant

The oral surgeon will make an incision to open the gum and expose the bone during surgery to place the dental implant. They will drill holes into the bone where they will place the dental implant metal post. As the post will serve as the tooth root, it is implanted deep into the bone.

At this juncture, the patient will still have a gap where the tooth is missing. The surgeon may place a partial, temporary denture for appearance, if necessary. The patient can take this denture out for cleaning and when they sleep.

 

Waiting for Bone Growth

After placing the metal implant post in the jawbone, osseointegration (os-e-o-in-tuh-GRAY-shun) initiates. In this process, the jawbone grows into and fuses with the surface of the dental implant. This process can take several months and helps offer a solid base for the new artificial tooth in the same manner as roots do for natural teeth.

 

Placing the Abutment

The patient may need additional surgery to place the abutment when osseointegration is complete. The abutment is the piece where the crown will eventually attach. This is a minor surgical procedure which is usually undertaken with the patient under local anesthesia and on an outpatient basis.

 

Choosing New Artificial Teeth

Following abutment, the gums must heal for one to two weeks before the artificial tooth can be attached.

 

Dr. Landon D. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas for oral surgery.

McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here.

Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.

Wisdom tooth extraction refers to a surgical procedure to excise one or more wisdom tooth. These are the four permanent adult teeth located at the back corners of the mouth on the top and bottom.

Dr. Landon D. McLain of McLain Surgical Arts provides oral surgery to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding communities.

 

When is Wisdom Tooth Surgery Required?

It will become necessary to have a wisdom tooth pulled out if it does not have room to grow (impacted wisdom tooth) which may be causing infection, pain, or other dental issues. A dentist or an oral surgeon can perform a wisdom tooth extraction.

Even if impacted teeth are not presently causing problems, some dentists and oral surgeons recommend wisdom tooth extraction to prevent any potential issues in the future.

Third molars, or wisdom teeth, are the last permanent teeth to emerge (erupt) in the mouth. These teeth typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 25 years. While some individuals never develop wisdom teeth, these teeth erupt in others normally and do not cause any problems.

Many individuals develop impacted wisdom teeth or teeth that do not have sufficient room to erupt in the mouth or develop in a normal manner. Impacted wisdom teeth may emerge partially or not at all.

An impacted wisdom tooth may present the following:

• Develop at an angle toward the next tooth (the second molar)
• Develop at an angle toward the back of the mouth
• Develop at a right angle to the other teeth appearing as if the wisdom tooth is “lying down” within the jawbone
• Develop straight up or down similar to other teeth but remain trapped within the jawbone

 

Issues with Impacted Wisdom Teeth

A person will likely need to have their impacted wisdom tooth pulled if it causes issues such as:

• Pain
• Infection or gum disease (periodontal disease)
• Trapping debris and food behind the wisdom tooth
• Tooth decay in a wisdom tooth that is partially erupted
• Damage to a neighboring tooth or surrounding bone
• Development of a cyst (fluid-filled sac) around the wisdom tooth
• Problems with orthodontic treatments to straighten other teeth

 

Surgery Procedure

The oral surgeon or dentist may use sedation or anesthesia, depending on the anticipated complexity of the wisdom tooth extraction as well as the patient’s comfort level.

The wisdom tooth extraction procedure is as follows:

• Places an incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and bone
• Eliminates the bone that obstructs access to the tooth root
• Divides the tooth into sections if it is easier to eliminate in fragments
• Removes tooth
• Cleans the area of the removed tooth of any debris from the bone or tooth
• Sutures the wound close to encourage healing, but this is not always necessary
• Applies gauze to the extraction area to manage bleeding and help a blood clot develop

 

Post-Operative Healing

The patient should follow the dentist’s instructions on the following as they heal:

Bleeding

The patient may experience some oozing of blood on the first day after the wisdom tooth extraction. They should avoid excessive spitting so as not to dislodge the blood clot from the socket. The patient should replace the gauze over the extraction site as instructed by their dentist or oral surgeon.

Pain Management

The patient may be able to manage pain with OTC pain medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), or a prescription drug from their dentist or oral surgeon.

Prescription pain drugs may be particularly useful if the bone has been excised during the procedure. To relieve pain, the patient can also hold a cold pack against their jaw.  

 

Dr. Landon D. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas for oral surgery.
McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here.

Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.

The treatment of various conditions may involve oral surgery. Your surgeon will share some insights to help you make a suitable decision and help you prepare mentally and physically for the oral surgery.

Dr. Landon D. McLain of McLain Surgical Arts provides oral surgery to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding locations.

 

Types of Oral Surgery

Some of the most common types of oral surgeries and what patients can expect when they visit the surgeon’s office for the procedure are as follows:

 

The Impact on Wisdom Teeth

The last teeth to develop are these third molars, also known as wisdom teeth. For many people, these teeth may grow without causing the patient any problems.

However, these teeth either do not completely erupt or are not properly aligned. This happens all too often. This may lead these teeth to become squeezed between the jawbone and the gums. This condition will also impact the health of the surrounding teeth.

 

Dental Implants

The surgeon will implant a metal post into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth. Over time, this implant will fuse into the gum tissue and bone. This forms a robust foundation to hold a realistic-looking artificial tooth, or crown. Dental implants are a suitable option for people with tooth loss who are seeking a sustainable treatment option.

 

Biopsies

If the patient has a lesion in their mouth that appears suspect, they will need a biopsy to check for oral cancer. The surgeon will excise a tiny piece of tissue and send it to the lab for evaluation.

 

Jaw Surgery

If a person’s jaws are misaligned, it can lead to issues not only with appearance but functional problems as well. The patient will usually require surgery to address this issue and restore function to the jaws.

 

Sleep Apnea

In case conservative therapies do not help patients with serious sleep apnea, the oral surgeon can eliminate excess tissue from the back of the throat to improve the patient’s sleeping situation significantly.

 

Reconstructive Surgery

Facial injuries and missing teeth can make it challenging to perform even normal functions such as eating. These surgical procedures replace knocked-out of damaged teeth, address jawbone and gum damage, and treat jaw joint problems.

 

Pre-Procedure

Prior to the surgery, the oral surgeon will provide the patient with a detailed treatment plan. They will also explain the anesthesia options to them and encourage them to ask any questions that they may have about their surgery. A majority of surgeries are done under general anesthesia to make sure that the patient remains comfortable during the procedure.

 

Post-Procedure

There will be a recovery period with oral surgery, similar to any surgical procedure. If the patient is under general anesthesia, they will not be able to drive themselves home after the procedure.

In these types of cases, the patient should arrange for someone to drive them back home as they will feel tired and groggy. The surgeon may prescribe painkillers to manage the pain associated with the recovery. They will also provide a comprehensive do’s and don’ts for after the procedure.

 

Summing Up

There are many conditions in which the treatment involves oral surgery. While no one relishes undergoing surgery, sometimes it is the only way to ensure optimal oral health.

The patient will receive a comprehensive treatment plan before their oral surgery. The dentist will explain the anesthesia options to make sure that the patient feels little or no discomfort during the surgery.

The patient will have to undergo the recovery period after the surgery. Many of these surgical procedures warrant the use of painkillers after the surgery to reduce recovery-related pain. Therefore, the patient should arrange for someone to drive them home after their oral surgery.

 

Dr. Landon D. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas for oral surgery.
McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here.

Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious, and at times, life-threatening condition. Undiagnosed OSA presents various risks such as stroke, heart attack, irregular heartbeat, heart disease, high blood pressure, and reduced libido.

Moreover, OSA can lead to drowsiness in the daytime which can result in productivity loss, accidents, and relationship issues.  

According to estimates by the National Sleep Foundation, around 18 million adults have OSA. This condition also likely affects around 2 to 3 percent of children. Despite these staggering numbers, people with OSA may not realize that they have a problem.

If a person receives feedback from someone close to them that they snore loudly or wake up abruptly, gasping for air, they should consult an experienced Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon (OMS).

Oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Landon D. McLain provides treatments to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding communities.

 

What is OSA?

The upper airway can be blocked during sleep due to excess tissue, large tonsils, and/or a large tongue. The airway muscles (which relax and contract during sleep), nasal airways, and position of the jaw may also further aggravate the condition.

Breathing cessation, or “apnea,” occurs when these factors trigger impulses in the brain to wake the individual just enough to restart the process of breathing. Sleep apnea is often defined as the presence of over 30 apneas during the course of a seven-hour sleep.

Patients with severe apnea may experience periods of not breathing for as long as 60 to 90 seconds, and these may recur up to 500 times a night.

 

Treatments

The OMS will recommend the most appropriate treatment for the patient depending on whether their OSA is mild, moderate or severe. Treatments range from behaviour modification to oral appliances to air pressure instruments.

While surgery may be an effective solution for some patients, it is vital to remember that no surgical treatment is universally successful. The nose and throat structure of every patient is different.

Therefore, the OMS will measure the airway at various points to check for any irregular air flow from the nose to lungs before recommending surgery.

An OMS has substantial experience and extensive training and skill to undertake the below mentioned surgical procedures:

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)

This surgery involves shortening and stiffening the soft palate by partially eliminating the uvula and reducing the soft palate’s edge.

Hyoid Suspension

The hyoid bone lies above the level of the thyroid cartilage (Adam’s apple). Hyoid Suspension involves securing the hyoid bone to the thyroid cartilage to stabilize this part of the airway.

Genioglossus Advancement (GGA)

GGA involves tightening the front portion of the tongue tendon to reduce the degree of tongue displacement into the throat. In general, this procedure is undertaken with at least one other surgical procedure such as hyoid suspension or UPPP.

Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA)

In this procedure, the OMS surgically moves the upper and lower jaws forward along with the soft tissues of the palate and tongue, opening the upper airway. The MMA may be the only viable technique for some patients to develop the necessary air passageway successfully.

Anti-Snoring Devices

Various oral and nasal anti-snoring devices are available in the market today to help prevent patients from snoring. The treatment provider can recommend the most suitable devices for the patient depending on their condition. Devices such as nasal dilators, chin strips, nasal strips, and vestibular shields can help prevent snoring.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Landon D. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas.

McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here.

Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.