Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Our clinic provides diagnostic and treatment services for all conditions affecting the soft tissues, teeth, jaws, and jaw joint within the mouth. Depending on the type of procedure and the patient’s needs, planned surgical operations can be performed under local anesthesia, conscious sedation, or general anesthesia.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Treatments at Our Clinic
- Extraction of Impacted or Erupted Teeth with Indication for Removal
- Dental Implant Procedures and Implant Surgery
- Apicoectomy (Root-End Resection)
- Surgical Reconstruction of Oral Soft and Hard Tissues before Prosthetics
- Surgical and Non-Surgical Treatments for Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
- Treatment of Cystic or Tumorous Lesions in Soft and Hard Tissues
- Treatment of Jaw and Facial Infections
- Treatment of Jaw Fractures Caused by Trauma or Other Factors
- Treatment Under General Anesthesia and Sedation for Patients with Dental Phobia
Extraction of Erupted or Impacted Teeth
Tooth extraction becomes necessary when a tooth is too damaged to be saved due to decay, trauma, or infection. This is true not only for teeth that have erupted and are visible in the mouth, but also for impacted teeth, for which extraction is a vital procedure. Wisdom teeth, in particular, may not fully erupt due to a lack of space in the jaw. This can lead to serious problems like pain, infection, and cysts by putting pressure on neighboring teeth, the jawbone, or nerves. The removal of these teeth is critically important to prevent future health problems.
The extraction of impacted teeth is more complex than a standard tooth extraction and requires specialized surgical techniques. These operations are performed in a sterile environment and under local anesthesia, with the goal of causing minimal damage to the surrounding tissues. During the post-extraction recovery period, it is crucial for the patient to take the medication prescribed by their dentist and follow the correct care instructions to minimize pain and swelling. This careful approach ensures a fast and trouble-free recovery.
Dental Implant Procedures and Implant Surgery
Tooth loss can cause serious aesthetic and functional problems. Dental implants offer the most effective and permanent solution in modern dentistry to address these deficiencies. An implant is an artificial tooth root made of titanium that is placed in the jawbone to replace a missing tooth. With the prosthetic tooth placed on this root, the patient regains a look and chewing function that is as close as possible to their natural tooth. Implant surgery is a field that requires both expertise and precision.
Implant treatment is typically a two-stage process. In the first stage, the implant is surgically placed into the jawbone. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and the patient feels no pain. A healing period of 2 to 3 months is then required for the implant to integrate with the bone, a process known as osseointegration. In the second stage, the prosthetic tooth is placed on the implant. For patients with insufficient bone volume, advanced surgical techniques like sinus lifting or bone grafting can make implant treatment possible.
Apicoectomy (Root-End Resection)
Root canal treatment is a great way to save an infected tooth, but sometimes it might not be enough. When an infection at the tip of the tooth root doesn’t fully heal or reappears after a root canal, an apicoectomy is performed. This surgical procedure aims to eliminate the infection without needing to extract the tooth. The operation is carried out by the dentist opening the gum to access the root tip, cutting away a small portion of the root, and removing the infected tissue.
An apicoectomy is one of the last opportunities to save a tooth. During the procedure, the end of the root canal is cleaned and sealed with a special filling material to prevent the infection from recurring. This method allows the tooth to stay in the mouth and continue to function. Post-operative pain and swelling are normal but can be managed with medication prescribed by your dentist and cold compresses.
Surgical Adjustments of Oral Soft and Hard Tissues Before Prosthetics
While dentures are an effective way to replace missing teeth, surgical adjustments are sometimes necessary to ensure a perfect and comfortable fit. These procedures involve reshaping the oral soft and hard tissues—the gums and jawbone—in the pre-prosthetic stage. For example, sharp or protruding areas on the jawbone can cause pain by creating pressure points under the denture, requiring surgical intervention to smooth the bone.
Soft tissue adjustments, on the other hand, involve removing excess or sagging gum tissue that would interfere with the denture’s fit. These procedures ensure the denture fits the mouth perfectly, is more stable, and provides a much more comfortable experience for the patient. In addition to extending the life of the denture, these surgical adjustments also improve the patient’s chewing and speaking functions.
Surgical and Non-Surgical Treatments for Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a complex structure that connects the lower jaw to the skull and enables functions like chewing and speaking. Factors such as stress, teeth grinding (bruxism), or trauma can cause disorders in this joint, leading to symptoms like pain, clicking, locking, and other sounds. In treating TMJ disorders, both surgical and non-surgical methods are used depending on the severity of the condition.
Non-surgical treatments are typically the first choice and include the use of night guards (splints), physical therapy, and Botox injections into the muscles. These methods alleviate pain by reducing muscle tension and help the joint return to its proper position. For more advanced TMJ disorders, surgical methods such as arthrocentesis (joint flushing) or open-joint surgery may be considered. These treatments aim to repair the damage within the joint and restore its normal function.
Treatment of Cystic or Tumorous Lesions in Soft and Hard Tissues
Cysts or tumors can form in the soft and hard tissues of the mouth, jaw, and face. These growths can often develop without initial symptoms and may damage surrounding tissues. For this reason, early diagnosis through detailed examinations and radiological imaging during regular dental check-ups is of great importance. The treatment for cysts and tumors is planned according to the type, size, and location of the growth, and involves their surgical removal.
Following the surgical procedure, the removed tissue is sent for pathological examination to determine if it is benign or malignant. Based on these results, a decision is made as to whether additional treatment is necessary. In this process, reconstructive surgical methods may be used to replace lost tissues and restore both aesthetics and function. Regular patient follow-up after treatment is a crucial step to prevent the growth from recurring.
Treatment of Jaw and Facial Infections
Infections can develop in the jaw and facial region due to causes such as tooth decay, gum disease, or trauma. These infections can spread from the tip of a tooth’s root to surrounding tissues and bone. If left untreated, they can lead to severe pain, swelling, and even life-threatening abscesses. To treat this condition, the source of the infection is first identified, and the necessary medical intervention is performed to stop its spread.
Depending on the severity of the infection, treatment may include the use of antibiotics, drainage of the infection, or extraction of the infected tooth. In advanced cases, surgical intervention may be required. Dentists ensure the complete healing of the infection by eliminating its source and prescribing appropriate medication for the patient. During this process, regular patient follow-up is extremely important to ensure the infection is under control.
Treatment of Jaw Fractures Caused by Trauma or Other Factors
aw fractures can occur as a result of traumatic events such as sports injuries, traffic accidents, or falls. Additionally, pathological conditions like a tumor or cyst in the jawbone can weaken the bone, leading to fractures. The treatment of jaw fractures is a field that requires immediate intervention and great expertise. The treatment plan is determined based on the type, location, and severity of the fracture.
The goal of treatment is to stabilize the jawbone in its correct position. This can be achieved using various methods such as wires, plates, and screws. In some cases, the patient’s jaw is kept closed for a period to ensure the bone heals properly. Depending on the specific fracture, the operation may be performed under general anesthesia. Throughout the treatment process, special precautions regarding the patient’s diet and oral hygiene must be taken.
Treatment for Patients with Dental Phobia Under General Anesthesia and Sedation
For many people, the dentist’s chair can be a source of intense anxiety and fear. This condition is known as dental phobia and can cause patients to postpone or even completely avoid necessary treatments. To overcome this phobia and ensure patients can achieve a healthy mouth, we use sedation and general anesthesia. These methods allow the patient to complete the treatment comfortably and without stress, without being aware of the procedure.
Sedation creates a state where the patient is conscious but deeply relaxed and drowsy. While the patient can respond to the dentist’s simple commands, they feel no anxiety related to the procedure. General anesthesia, on the other hand, is a state where the patient is completely asleep and feels nothing during the procedure. These methods are ideal for particularly long and complex surgical procedures, as well as for pediatric patients and individuals with special needs.
Dentists Providing This Service
Dr. Dt. Ömer Faruk Şarkbay
Dt. Hasan Ülgen
