VCU Oral and Facial Surgery

Services

Our oral and facial surgeons are specialists who treat conditions, defects, injuries and aesthetic aspects of the mouth, teeth, jaws and face. Our services include:

Dental extractions: Teeth are extracted for reasons including alleviation of pain from tooth decay, an abscess, periodontal disease and preparation for placement of implants, dentures or a bridge.

Wisdom tooth removal: If a wisdom tooth is blocked from emerging normally into the mouth, it is considered “impacted” and can cause pain, infection or damage. Removal surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis in most cases, and normal activities can usually be resumed within a few days of surgery.

Dental implants: Dental implants are a proven, long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing alternative to conventional dentures or crowns and bridges. They are usually placed in the dental office while the patient is under local anesthesia. The implant consists of a small titanium cylinder or screw, which is surgically implanted and serves as a “root” for the crown that will replace the tooth. A discussion with your oral and facial surgeon and your restorative dentist will determine if you are a candidate for dental implants.

Orthognathic surgery: Orthognathic surgery is performed on patients who have an abnormal bite (malocclusion) because their jaws and facial bones are uneven. Our doctors can help you address whether or not this type of surgery is right for you, and if so, when it should be done. They can refer you to an orthodontist or work with your orthodontist to achieve the best result for treatment of your condition.

Facial trauma and oral injuries: Facial injuries can be sustained to the dental structures or oral tissues, or to facial soft tissues and bones. Our oral and facial surgeons have extensive experience in treating these conditions. Treatment may include immediate surgery or later reconstruction of the bones, dental implants or scar revision.

Facial and oral tumors: Treatment for facial and oral tumors usually consists initially of a biopsy to determine the nature of the lesion. If indicated, surgery to remove the tumor is usually done at a later time. Our ultimate goal is always the restoration of function (chewing, eating and speech) and the cosmetic correction of any defects resulting from removal of the tumor. Toward that goal, a final phase of the treatment may involve soft tissue and/or bony reconstruction of the defects and placement of dental implants, if necessary.

Laser surgery: Laser surgery eliminates bleeding and helps control the threat of infection because it sterilizes as it works. Laser surgery also is less painful than conventional surgical treatments. Patients make a quicker recovery and experience virtually no post-operative pain or swelling.

Snoring and sleep apnea: Habitual snoring might indicate a disorder called Obstructive Sleep Apnea, which involves difficulty in breathing through the nose and mouth that is caused by obstruction related to abnormalities of the soft palate, uvula, nose, tonsils, adenoids or base of the tongue. There are several courses of treatment for snoring and sleep apnea, ranging from reshaping of the soft palate through laser surgery to the jaw or jaw and chin advancement surgery, which will help you get back on track for a good night’s sleep.

Cosmetic surgery: We offer procedures including facelifts, brow lifts, eyelid surgery, nasal recontouring, liposuction, laser skin resurfacing and Botox injections. The use of endoscopic surgery (small incision surgery) and lasers can shorten the healing time and improve the results of many of these surgeries. In addition, most of these procedures can be done in the morning with the patient going home that same afternoon. We provide most facial cosmetic procedures at a much lower cost than the typical cost associated with cosmetic surgery when done elsewhere. Please feel free to ask for a free consultation with one of our doctors.

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