Category Archives: Oral & Maxillofacial

Oral, Head, And Neck Pathology Experts | Huntsville | ScottsboroAn oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) specializes in diagnosing and surgically treating cancer of the neck, head, and mouth.

According to estimates by the Oral Cancer Foundation, around 42,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer this year. The mortality rates of oral cancer are especially high.

This type of cancer is not hard to diagnose or detect, but it is typically discovered in its later stages of development. The family dentist or OMS is most likely to detect oral cancer at the time of routine dental exams.

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

 

How to Perform an Oral Cancer Self-Exam

Everybody should perform an oral cancer self-exam on a monthly basis. Bright light and a mirror are required for an oral examination.

  • Take out any dentures
  • See and feel inside the lips and front of the gums
  • Tilt the head back to view and feel the roof of the mouth
  • Pull the cheek out to view its inside surface and the back of the gums
  • Pull the tongue out and examine all of its surfaces
  • Feel both sides of the neck, including under the lower jaw, for enlarged lymph nodes (glands) or lumps

Look for the following when performing a self-examination:

  • Red patches (erythroplakia)
  • White patches of the oral tissues (leukoplakia)
  • Red and white patches (erythroleukoplakia)
  • A sore that does not heal and bleeds easily
  • Thickening of the mouth tissues or an abnormal lump
  • Chronic hoarseness or a sore throat
  • Hard to chew or swallow
  • A lump or mass in the neck

The mouth represents one of the body’s primary early warning systems. Pay close attention to any suspicious sores or lumps. Upon discovering something, make a prompt appointment with the dentist or OMS. Early treatment may facilitate complete recovery.

 

How is Oral Cancer Treated?

The treatment for oral cancer varies based on the location, stage, and type of cancer at diagnosis.

 

Surgery

Early stage cancer treatment typically involves surgery to eliminate the tumor and cancerous lymph nodes. Furthermore, the surgeon may need to take out other tissue around the neck and mouth.

 

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy is another treatment option for oral cancer. In this procedure, a doctor aims radiation beams at the tumor one or two times a day, five days a week, for between two to eight weeks. Advanced stage cancer treatment often involves a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

 

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy involves the use of medication to eliminate cancer cells. The patient is given drugs either by mouth or through an intravenous (IV) line. While most patients receive chemotherapy on an outpatient basis, some may require a hospital stay.

 

Targeted Therapy

Another form of treatment is known as targeted therapy. This treatment can be effective in the early as well as advanced stages of cancer. The drugs used in targeted therapy will attach to certain proteins on cancer cells and inhibit their growth.

 

Nutrition

Nutrition also comprises an integral part of oral cancer treatment. Patients commonly experience difficulty or pain while eating and swallowing after many treatments. Therefore, poor appetite and weight loss are a common side effect. The patient should ensure that they discuss their diet with their doctor.

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.

Intra Oral Laceration Treatments | Hunstville | Scottsboro | DecaturIntra-oral lacerations form a small percentage of lacerations. However, in comparison to skin laceration repair, the repair of intra-oral lacerations has some significant differences.

After ensuring that the patient does not have any serious airway damage, the surgeon will evaluate the concurrent oral injuries. The cause of intra oral lacerations is typically the impact of the teeth on oral mucosa because of accidents, car crashes, contact sports, personal violence, and industrial accidents.

In general, lacerations that do not open up usually heal properly without medical intervention. However, lacerations that are gaping require wound closure to minimize the chances of infection and complications due to bleeding.

Judicious surgeon Dr. Landon D. McLain provides treatments for intra oral lacerations to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding locations in magnificent Yellowhammer State.

 

Anatomical Considerations

Typically, intra-oral lacerations heal more rapidly than injuries in other parts of the body because of the substantial vascular supply in this region. Oral laceration related dental avulsion and luxation injuries should be treated right away and before sealing the wound.

This is necessary as it allows for prompt reimplantation and access to the injured teeth is not restricted. The chances of tooth survival may reduce due to delays in reimplantation. Fractures in the teeth can be repaired hours after the injury. However, oral lacerations must be treated right away.

Some significant anatomic considerations in the repair of oral lacerations are as follows:

  • Uncontrolled tongue lacerations can cause substantial airway damage and hemorrhage. These should be treated as soon as possible.
  • Tongue and oropharynx inflammation can lead to further airway damage hours after the injury in case the injury occurs in the veins of the tongue or floor of the mouth.
  • Intraoral mucosa lacerations may be related to injuries to the parotid duct, salivary glands, teeth, submandibular duct, lips, and jaw.
  • A clear fluid discharge is seen when the glandular parotid tissue is involved.

 

Wound Repair

Indications for Primary Closure

A majority of buccal mucosa and gingival lacerations are not separated widely and can heal quickly without intervention. These wounds do not require primary closure.

Primary closure or wound repair during the time of presentation is the preferable treatment after intra-oral lacerations:

  • Wounds that are deep enough to entrap food particles
  • Wounds that are larger than two cm in length
  • Wounds with a tissue flap between the chewing (occlusal) surfaces of the teeth

 

Wound Preparation

The patient can be made comfortable with the use of local or regional anesthesia before starting irrigation and cleansing of the wound. Small children, as well as patients with wounds that are significantly contaminated, may also require procedural sedation to tolerate the wound preparation.

 

Procedure

Intraoral laceration closure techniques differ on the basis of the structures involved:

Buccal Mucosa and Gingival Lacerations

After ensuring that there is no significant injury to the facial nerve or buccal mucosa or gingiva, the substantial gaping wounds of the buccal mucosa or gingival can be sealed by the placement of deeply buried sutures in the submucosal area. If necessary, interrupted sutures on the mucosal surface may also be placed.

 

Gingival Avulsion

These wounds occur on the maxillary ridge causing a flap of tissue or the gingiva overlying the mandibular. At times, the flap may seem too small or retracted to approximate. In general, direct pressure with wet gauze can extend the tissue for reapproximation. While less common, sometimes the patient may require blunt dissection to mobilize the flap.

Accomplished surgeon Dr. Landon D. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and other neighborhoods and towns in this part of the southeast for intra oral laceration treatments.


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 Surgery Defined | Huntsville Oral Surgeon | Scottsboro | CullmaSevere trauma to the mouth, jaw deformities, or certain mouth diseases may be successfully addressed with oral surgery.

The dentist will recommend the surgical option where non-invasive treatments are not likely to provide benefit. 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 in this profound and fantastic state that is growing stronger every day.

 

Impacted Teeth

Third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth, often fail to emerge in proper alignment or do not fully emerge through the gum line. In such cases, they become impacted between the gum tissue and the jawbone, which can cause pain and permanent damage to the surrounding teeth, gums, and bone.

The dentist will usually recommend a patient with impacted wisdom teeth to have them surgically removed. In a few cases, some other teeth may also become impacted, which will also require surgical removal.

 

Tooth Loss

Tooth loss due to decay or trauma can be addressed using dental implants. In an implant procedure, the tooth root substitute will be surgically anchored in place in the jawbone and provide stability to the replacement tooth when it is attached.

A candidate for dental implant surgery should have sufficient bone level and density, should not be prone to infection, and should be willing to maintain good oral hygiene practices.

 

Jaw-Related Problems

If the upper or lower jaw fails to grow properly, it can cause cosmetic as well as functional problems. Minor problems of teeth misalignment can be improved with braces, but more severe problems of the jaw will require oral surgery to move all or part of the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both, into a correct position.

In some cases, a first-time denture wearer may require oral surgery to correct any irregularities of the jaws prior to creating the dentures to ensure a better fit. If the bone has deteriorated in a long-term denture wearer, bone graft surgery may be performed to improve the denture fit.

 

Other Conditions Treated with Oral Surgery

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders

TMJ is the small joint in front of the ear where the lower jaw meets the skull. TMJ dysfunction can cause headaches and facial pain. In advanced cases of TMJ disorders, the dentist may recommend joint surgery to correct a specific problem in the joint.

 

Lesion Removal and Biopsy

In case of an abnormal growth in the mouth, the oral surgeon may remove a small sample of the growth or tissue and send it to the lab for testing. If the lesion cannot be managed with medication, the dentist may decide to remove it surgically.

 

Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Repair

Cleft lip and cleft palate may occur when the nasal cavity and mouth do not grow together correctly during fetal development. This may result in a gap in the lip or a split in the roof of the mouth. Oral surgeon, along with other healthcare specialists, can correct this issue through a series of treatments and surgical procedures.

The hardworking and notable Dr. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and other cities and suburbs in the marvelous state of Alabama 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 Maxillofacial Surgery Procedures | Scottsboro Cosmetic SurgeryOral maxillofacial surgery procedures can help restore the oral health as well as natural facial look. Dr. Landon McLain is a cosmetic as well as oral and maxillofacial surgeon providing cutting edge procedures in this segment to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding locations.

 

Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Wisdom teeth should ideally be removed early in order to prevent potential complications in the future. Mid-teens are the best years for the removal of wisdom teeth because the root development is not yet complete. Therefore, the removal at this stage causes less discomfort and the healing is faster.

Dr. McLain performs wisdom teeth extraction procedure on an outpatient basis in his office. The patient will usually be administered IV sedation or anesthesia. Dr. McLain recommends that all wisdom teeth should preferably be removed in a single procedure in order to prevent additional recovery involved in staged extractions.

 

Dental Implants

The hardworking and astute Dr. McLain uses only titanium implants to perform the dental implant procedure for superior results. The implant is surgically placed into the jawbone, where it naturally fuses with the bone and creates an enduring foundation for a replacement tooth.

In terms of both form and function, the results with dental implants can be outstanding, as long as the procedure is performed by a top expert in oral/maxillofacial as well as cosmetic surgery. Dr. McLain prefers a flapless technique wherever possible to enable the gum tissue to remain intact. He will also employ CT 3-D imaging in more complex cases to achieve optimal implant placement.

 

Jaw Surgery

Orthognathic (jaw) surgery is designed to the place the teeth, jawbones and related structures into their ideal anatomical positions. Certain jaw and bite issues may not be corrected with orthodontics alone. Dr. McLain will perform jaw surgery in such cases to correct the position of one or both jaws.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder or TMD, often called TMJ, is a common ailment in the joints or muscles of the jaws. As far as possible, Dr. McLain will avoid jaw surgery to improve TMD unless the patient is experiencing life-altering pain that can be addressed with a more ideal occlusion.

 

Facial Trauma Surgery

The goal of facial trauma surgery is to promote rapid healing of the bone, restore normal function of speech, eye, jaw and nose, and create aesthetically pleasing facial and dental results. Facial trauma surgery may include resetting broken bones, reconstructing facial or oral structure, and replacing missing teeth with dental implants.

The sagacious and reliable Dr. McLain may also perform cosmetic surgery to restore the natural facial appearance. He provides a complete range of care for facial and oral injuries, from tooth and socket fractures to extensive facial lacerations and fractures. His formal training and experience in both dental and cosmetic surgery puts him in an ideal position to treat serious facial trauma cases.  

Patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and other cities and towns in The Yellowhammer State have an opportunity to receive oral and maxillofacial surgery procedures, in addition to various cosmetic surgery procedures, from Dr. McLain.

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.

Cosmetic Surgeon | Decatur, AL

shutterstock_78456502Every year thousands of American women and men benefit from a variety of cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures. When a procedure is performed by a highly trained and qualified cosmetic surgeon, patients can be assured of achieving the look that they have always wanted.

Dr. Landon D. McLain is a leading double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon providing state of the art procedures for the face, body, and breast. Dr. McLain will adopt a customized surgical approach to every procedure to produce conservative yet highly aesthetically attractive and natural looking results. He provides surgical and non-surgical procedures to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding locations.

Personalized Care

Dr. McLain and his trained and compassionate staff will ensure that a new patient feels completely comfortable from the very first visit to their office. Dr. McLain is an experienced cosmetic surgeon providing personalized care and attention to every patient, and carefully addressing their aesthetic and health needs. Patients are encouraged to share their doubts and concerns at every stage, and Dr. McLain will educate the patient on all aspects of the procedure to help them make informed decisions.

From the time of initial consultation to the period of post-operative recovery, Dr. McLain will be accessible to the patient to address their concerns and requirements. Due to his patient-centric focus, he enjoys a stellar rapport and relationship with all patients, which ultimately influences the outcome of the procedure in a positive way.

Outstanding Credentials

Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, which places him in a select category of surgeons with such diverse expertise and training. Dr. McLain lectures and serves as faculty for advanced surgical workshops sponsored by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS), helping to train cosmetic surgeons from around the world.

Dr. McLain is a renowned figure in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery, and has published several scientific articles in this area. He also serves as an examiner for the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS), evaluating potential surgeons who aspire to achieve the distinction of board certification in cosmetic surgery. Dr. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas.

Memberships

Dr. McLain is an active member of various leading professional organizations in the field of plastic surgery as well as oral and maxillofacial surgery. Some of the key organizations where he has an association include the following:

  • American Board of Cosmetic Surgery – Board Examiner
  • American Board of Cosmetic Surgery – Diplomate
  • American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery – Fellow
  • American College of Surgeons – Fellow
  • American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery – Diplomate
  • American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
  • American Medical Association
  • American Dental Association

Publications

Dr. McLain’s recently published articles include “Contemporary Rhytidectomy” in the Atlas of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinics of North America, “Facial Cosmetic Surgery” in Contemporary Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and “Grafting in Cosmetic Rhinoplasty” in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinics of North America.

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.

Cosmetic Surgeon | Madison, Alabama

logoCosmetic surgery procedures can potentially transform an individual’s physical appearance and improve their self-esteem. However, it is important to choose a fully trained and experienced cosmetic surgeon to achieve results that are safe, sustainable, and aesthetically desirable.

Dr. Landon D. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon providing cutting edge procedures for the face, body, and breast. Apart from his expertise in cosmetic surgery, Dr. McLain also specializes in procedures of the mouth and jaws. He provides treatments to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding locations.

Customized Procedures

Customization is probably the most important aspect in any procedure performed by a cosmetic surgeon. The physical characteristics of each individual are unique and their needs and aspirations are also different. If the surgeon disregards these specific elements, and adopts a cookie cutter or one size fits all approach to plastic surgery, the results are not likely to satisfy the patient.

Dr. McLain deeply believes that every surgical procedure must be tailored to suit the specific needs of the patient. Such adjustments require extensive training and experience, which set a surgeon apart from the majority. With customization and innovation in every procedure, Dr. McLain is able to make the surgery less invasive, less pain, involving reduced downtime and a lower risk of complications.

Authoritative Expertise and Leadership

Dr. McLain’s expertise in the field of cosmetic surgery as well as oral and maxillofacial surgery is widely recognized. He serves as faculty delivering lectures and conducting surgical workshops sponsored by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS), helping to train cosmetic surgeons from around the world.

Dr. McLain is a well-known name in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery. He has published several articles on the subject, apart from publishing in the area of cosmetic surgery. Double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon Dr. McLain also serves as an examiner for the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS). He receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas.

Education and Training

Dr. McLain holds a rare distinction in terms of his dual qualifications in the field of dental surgery as well as plastic surgery. He interned in general surgery at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio, and followed it with a residency in oral & maxillofacial surgery. He served as Chief Resident of the oral and maxillofacial department in 2007-2008.

Following the residency, Dr. McLain was chosen for an AACS accredited fellowship program in cosmetic surgery. During this period, he completed about 1,400 major surgical procedures focusing on aesthetic enhancement and rejuvenation of the face, breast, and body.

Hospital Privileges

Being a highly qualified and board certified plastic surgeon as well as oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. McLain enjoys hospital privileges at leading hospitals in Alabama. These include Crestwood Hospital and the eponymous Huntsville Hospital in Huntsville, and Madison Surgical Center in Madison. Patients are assured of the best hospital access if such a need arises.

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 Implants Cost | Oral Surgeon | Huntsville AlabamaThe cost of dental implants depends on the location where they are being done and the condition of the jaw bone below the teeth. When damage or loss of structure to the jaw bones is extensive then oral & maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS will first carry out bone grafting before setting up the implant. The procedure is extensive and costly but the result of this surgery is worthwhile and necessary to allow implant placement.

The cost of dental implants depends on the following factors:

  1. Location and hospital where the treatment is being done
  2. Type of implant placed
  3. Type of prosthetic abutment and crowns required
  4. Additional procedures like bone grafting or installation
  5. Anesthesia requirements

Dental Implants | Oral Surgeon | Huntsville Alabama | MaxillofacialDentistry today has technically advanced to detect and identify dental damages before it goes out of control. But even these advanced methods cannot prevent people from contracting dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease that lead to tooth loss at an early age. While earlier, people had to live with bridges or detachable dentures that had to be replaced every few years, now permanent dental implants can be attached. These are replaced when original teeth fall off due to cavities or gum problems and provide a strong foundation like permanent teeth.

When and Why are Dental Implants Needed?

Implants are fused to the human jawbone like permanent teeth with roots to provide stable support to dentures and bridges. When dentures and bridges are set up to replace natural teeth then these provide a strong foundation. Implants secure crowns and dentures to the jaws and are made of titanium that is lightweight and biocompatible. Titanium and other titanium alloys are most preferred by the dentists as these are also used as bone transplants in other parts of the body.

 

Dental Implant Procedure

The biological ability of titanium to get easily fused to the bone makes it a great success and these implants provide support to gums, cheeks and jaw bone. The dental implants are made specific to a patient’s needs and are prepared by professionals experienced in oral surgery. First part to be designed in the root implant is designed out of titanium in the shape of a tiny post to hold the tooth that is placed inside the bone socket. After the implant is inserted, it is allowed to heal till it is anchored securely to the jaw. Once the healing is complete a small connecter between new tooth and implant is made to securely hold both of them together. This new tooth known as the crown is attached to the abutment to root or implant.

Dental Implants for Missing Teeth

Endosteal implant

These implants can be placed more securely through surgery into the jawbone by double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. After the gum area has healed properly, another surgery is done by connecting an abutment to the implant to hold the crown to root implant.

 

Subperiosteal implant

When the underlying gum and jaw bone are too weak to hold the implant in place then a frame is fitted into the jaw bone area for support. Once the healing is complete and the frame is secure in the jawbone, abutment posts are attached to the frame by oral & maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS on which the artificial teeth or crown are affixed to secure them to the jaw. The crowns are designed based on CT 3-dimensional images of the top and low jaws for optimum bite and functionality.

Dental implants create a positive impact for the individual on whom it is performed as it allows them to smile, eat, chew and speak without feeling self-conscious in Huntsville, Alabama.

 

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.

Dental Implants

big smileDental implants are the most effective and long-term tooth replacement solution available today. Over the last two decades or more, dental implant technique has revolutionized the field of restorative dentistry. Success rate of implants has improved dramatically, making it a very safe and predictable procedure.

In many cases, dental implant procedure is complex and invasive, requiring the expertise of a highly trained oral and maxillofacial surgeon.  Dr. Landon McLain is a board certified in cosmetic surgeon and oral & maxillofacial surgeon providing dental implants to patients in Huntsville, AL and surrounding areas. Notably, Dr. McLain’s cosmetic training enables him to perform procedures from an aesthetic perspective as well.

Advantages of Implants

The biggest benefit of dental implants is that this solution can be used to replace the total structure of the missing tooth from root to crown without compromising the health of surrounding teeth. Once an implant root is placed, it will mimic the role of the natural tooth root and will integrate with the bone. This makes dental implants the next best option after a natural health tooth.

Stability and sustainability of implants is very high, and the patient can use them just like their other healthy teeth. Only minimal maintenance is typically  required for an implant in the long run. In terms of aesthetics and comfort too, implants will prove to be superior to any other tooth replacement alternatives.

How does it Work?

Titanium is an advanced, light material that is well tolerated my almost everyone.  This material has long been used to repair facial fractures, replace joints, and even used in heart valves and stents.  Over a short time, a titanium implant will fuse or integrate with the bone and provide permanence to the replacement tooth structure. In some cases, implants may also be used to add stability to bridgework or dentures.

Procedure

Once the titanium root is placed surgically in the jawbone, it will fuse with the bone over a few months and the site will heal completely. Once fused, Dr. McLain will attach a collar to each implant. Thecollar extends through the gums to hold space and shape the gums until your dentist attaches the replacement tooth. Once the replacement tooth is fitted, the collar will not be visible.

Wherever possible, Dr. McLain will use the ‘flapless’ technique to place the dental implant. This will enable complete preservation of the gums, normal blood flow, and minimal discomfort and risk of complications. In more challenging cases, Dr. McLain will use CT 3-D imaging to achieve a better topography of the lower and upper jaws. This will enable optimal placement of the implants for function and aesthetics.

Finally, the tooth structure will be completed with the fitting of a dental crown over the implant post. Dental crowns are available in various types of materials, and the patient can choose the right material in consultation with the surgeon.

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.

Practice Overview

Dr. Landon D. McLain is a double board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, heading McLain Surgical Arts, a premier plastic surgery and oral and maxillofacial surgery practice. Dr. McLain’s exceptional combination of surgical skills makes him one of the leading cosmetic surgeons in Huntsville, AL and surrounding areas.

Customized Treatments

Dr. McLain believes that the most effective outcomes in any oral and maxillofacial or cosmetic surgery procedure can be achieved when the surgeon customizes the procedure to suit a patient’s specific needs. Rather than following a cookie cutter approach, Dr. McLain carefully evaluates a patient’s unique anatomy and assesses their innate aesthetic needs and aspirations.

Accordingly, he will prepare a customized treatment plan. He engages with the patient at every step and involves them in the treatment planning process. His training as a double board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon allows him to combine the principles of science and art in every procedure in order to achieve most satisfying and sustainable results.

Academic Accomplishments and Training

Dr. McLain acquired an early training in studio art as a part of his undergraduate studies at Birmingham-Southern College. Following his training at dental and medical schools, he completed his internship in general surgery at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio, where he earned exemplary results.

Dr. McLain then went ahead with a residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery. He served as Chief Resident of the oral and maxillofacial department from 2007-2008. He was accepted into an AACS accredited fellowship program in general cosmetic surgery, during which he completed about 1,400 major surgical procedures focusing on aesthetic enhance of the breast, body, and face. This training made one a pre-eminent cosmetic surgeon in Huntsville, AL.

Professional Memberships

Dr. McLain is actively associated with various professional organizations, including:

American Board of Cosmetic Surgery – Board Examiner
American Board of Cosmetic Surgery – Diplomate
American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery – Fellow
American College of Surgeons – Fellow
American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery – Diplomate
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
American Medical Association
American Dental Association

Dr. McLain has also published numerous scientific papers and articles, and delivered lectures and presentations around the country. He was a part of several philanthropic medical missions to Honduras and Peru.

Leadership

Dr. McLain lectures and serves as faculty for multiple live surgical workshops sponsored by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS). He helps to train cosmetic surgeons from different parts of the world. He is well-known in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery as a top authority. He has published extensively on the subject, apart from publishing in areas related to cosmetic surgery of the breast, body, and face.

Dr. McLain also serves as an examiner for the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS). As a part of this responsibility, he evaluates potential surgeons from multiple surgical disciplines who wish to achieve the distinction of board certification in cosmetic surgery. Dr. McLain enjoys an outstanding reputation among his patients in and around Huntsville, AL.