FAQs

Dental Implants

What is a dental implant procedure like?

Typically, the dental implant process takes several months and multiple steps. The implant is first inserted surgically into the mandible. An abutment is fastened to the implant following a few months of the implant integrating with the bone (a process known as osseointegration). Lastly, the repair is completed by placing a specially manufactured crown on the abutment. Both local anesthetic and, occasionally, sedation are used for the entire procedure.

A dental implant procedure for a single tooth may take about 1-2 hours. The entire implant procedure may take about 3-4 months to complete in cases where bone grafting is not required. For some cases where bone grafting is required the healing duration may exceed upto 9 months.

Both dental implants and dentures are commonly used in dentistry today. However, dental implants are better than dentures in the following ways.
A Permanent, Durable Solution – Dental implants are considered a permanent solution and are secure, durable & built to last a lifetime. Statistics show that dental implants have a 98 percent success rate. The implant is fused to the jawbone so that it is permanently there, just like a natural tooth.
Dentures are removable devices and are not permanent. They can warp under hot water or break. Dentures may need to be adjusted, repaired, or replaced within about 6 to 7 years.
Optimal Function and Performance – Both dental implants and dentures function just like normal teeth. However, dentures may slip or affect speech, which can be embarrassing or uncomfortable. Dental implants on the other hand, are associated with better chewing and speaking ability than dentures because they are embedded in the jaw like normal teeth.
Better Hygiene – Dental implants can be brushed and flossed normally. Dentures, however, must be removed for special cleaning. Not only is this inconvenient & cumbersome, but it leaves more margin for error in cleaning.
Since dental implants require no special cleaning routine, they are a better option for oral hygiene maintenance.
Taste Sensation : As dentures cover the palate, the taste sensation is compromised to an extent. With dental implants, you can eat and chew anything you like, also avoiding any embarrassments caused by use of dentures.

A dental implant can be done right after the tooth extraction on the same day or after 3- 6 months so that the mouth gets enough time to heal after the extraction procedure.

There are no long-term restrictions with dental implants, although caution is needed until the bone is completely healed. When dental implants are successfully restored, it is important to avoid biting hard substances at first.

Initially, a soft diet is best for the first two weeks; after that, you can slowly introduce harder foods. Rest assured, you will soon be able to enjoy all kinds of foods. There is no special way to clean dental implants. It is extremely important to brush and floss twice a day just like you would your natural teeth, and visit your dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings.

Orthogantic Surgery

What is Orthognathic Surgery?

Orthognathic surgery repositions the upper and/or lower jaw to correct misalignment when braces alone aren’t enough. It improves bite function, facial symmetry, and breathing while enhancing appearance and confidence. A maxillofacial surgeon, often with an orthodontist, plans the procedure using X-rays and models before surgery.

Orthognathic surgery is needed when braces or other treatments can’t correct severe jaw misalignment. Common conditions include:

1. Severe Bite Problems (Malocclusion)
– Overbite (Class II): Upper jaw too far forward, causing bite and speech issues.
– Underbite (Class III): Lower jaw protrudes, leading to chewing difficulty and facial imbalance.

2. Jaw Asymmetry
– Uneven jaw development affects function and appearance.
– May result from trauma, congenital conditions, or developmental issues.

3. Sleep Apnea & Breathing Issues
– Jaw misalignment can block airways, leading to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
– Surgery repositions the jaw to improve breathing and sleep quality.

4. Facial Trauma or Injury
– Accidents can cause jaw misalignment, pain, and asymmetry.
– Surgery realigns bones, restores function, and improves appearance.

5. Congenital Jaw Disorders
– Conditions like cleft palate affect jaw growth and function.
– Surgery corrects abnormalities for better chewing, speaking, and appearance.

6. Jaw Pain or Discomfort
– Misalignment can cause chronic pain or TMJ disorders.
– Surgery relieves pain by improving jaw alignment and function.

For severe jaw pain unrelieved by non-surgical treatments, orthognathic surgery can realign the jaw and improve function.

– Immediate Post-Surgery: Swelling and discomfort are common; a liquid or soft-food diet is recommended.

– Healing Period: Full recovery takes months; patients must avoid hard foods and strenuous activities.

– Follow-Up Appointments: Regular visits ensure proper healing and progress monitoring.

Orthognathic surgery can be life-changing for those with severe jaw issues. It enhances function, appearance, and quality of life when other treatments are insufficient. Consult a specialist to determine if it’s right for you.

Sinus Lift & Bone Grafting Surgery

What is a sinus lift, and why is it necessary for dental implants?

Following tooth extraction in the upper jaw the maxillary sinus pneumatized reducing the vertical bone height in the posterior maxilla.   A sinus lift is a surgical procedure that elevates the sinus membrane to create sufficient bone height in the upper jaw, enabling the placement of dental implants. This procedure is essential for patients with inadequate bone structure, ensuring the successful integration and longevity of dental implants.

Bone grafting involves adding bone material which can be from the same person or artificial bone to areas with insufficient bone volume, providing a stable foundation for implants. This enhances jawbone support, ensuring the successful integration and longevity of dental implants.

Direct (External) Sinus Lift: Performed when the jawbone is very thin (as little as 1-2 mm) due to rapid shrinkage after tooth loss. In this procedure a bone window is created to raise the sinus lining and bone graft is placed to augment the sinus floor.

Indirect Sinus Lift: Involves raising the sinus floor through the crest of the alveolar ridge using specialized instruments called osteotomes. Afterward, bone grafting is performed, and the implant is secured in place.

Candidates include individuals with insufficient bone height in the upper jaw, often due to tooth loss or bone resorption, who require dental implants. These procedures are essential for patients with inadequate bone structure, ensuring the successful integration and longevity of dental implants.

Recovery involves managing swelling and discomfort, adhering to a soft-food diet,blowing the nose for a week and avoiding activities that could affect healing. Regular follow-up visits with the surgeon and orthodontist are essential to monitor progress and ensure proper healing of the jaw.

Wisdom Tooth Surgery

What is wisdom tooth surgery, and why is it necessary?

Wisdom tooth surgery involves the removal of one or more third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth, located at the back of the mouth. This procedure becomes necessary when these teeth are impacted, meaning they don’t have enough space to emerge or develop normally, leading to pain, swelling , infection, or other dental issues.

While wisdom tooth extraction is generally safe, potential risks include:

    • Dry socket (Alveolar osteitis): A painful condition where the blood clot at the extraction site dislodges or dissolves before healing.

    • Infection: Bacterial invasion of the extraction site, leading to swelling, pain, and fever.

    • Nerve injury: Damage to the inferior alveolar nerve can result in temporary or, rarely, permanent numbness in the lower lip, chin, or tongue.
    • Injury to adjacent tooth 
    • Rarely jaw fracture

    • Sinus complications: Upper wisdom tooth removal can sometimes lead to sinus exposure or infection.

    • Oroantral communication: fistula formation between the sinus and the oral cavity following upper wisdom tooth extraction 
    • Displacement of tooth into the sinus

Most complications are rare and can be managed effectively with prompt medical attention.

Recovery time varies among individuals but generally follows this timeline:

    • First 24 hours: Blood clot formation and initial healing begin.

    • 2-3 days post-surgery: Swelling and discomfort peak, then start to subside.

    • 1 week: Most soft tissue healing occurs; stitches (if any) may be removed.

    • 2 weeks: Major healing is typically complete; however, full recovery, including bone healing, can take several months.

Following post-operative care instructions is crucial for a smooth recovery.

Post-operative infection signs include:

  • Severe or worsening pain: Especially if it doesn’t improve after a few days.

  • Swelling: Persistent or increasing swelling around the extraction site.

  • Fever: Elevated body temperature indicating systemic infection.

  • Pus discharge: Yellow or white fluid oozing from the extraction site.

  • Unpleasant taste or odor: Indicative of bacterial presence.

If any of these symptoms occur, contact your oral surgeon promptly for evaluation and treatment.

Effective pain and swelling management strategies include:

    • Medications: Use prescribed pain relievers or over-the-counter options like ibuprofen.

    • Cold compress: Apply ice packs to the cheek intermittently during the first 24 hours to reduce swelling.

    • Rest: Avoid strenuous activities for a few days post-surgery.

    • Diet: Consume soft foods and stay hydrated; avoid using straws to prevent dislodging the blood clot.

    • Oral hygiene: Gently rinse with warm salt water after 24 hours to keep the area clean, but avoid vigorous swishing.

Adhering to your surgeon’s post-operative instructions will promote healing and minimize discomfort.

Facial Injury

What are common types of facial injuries, and how are they treated?

Common facial injuries include soft tissue injuries like burns, lacerations, and bruises, as well as fractures of facial bones such as nasal fractures and jaw fractures. Treatment varies based on the injury’s severity and location, ranging from wound cleaning and suturing to surgical intervention for bone realignment and stabilization with mini plates and screws.

A broken nose, or nasal fracture, is identified by symptoms like pain, swelling, bruising, and possible deformity. Diagnosis involves a physical examination and, in severe cases, imaging tests. Management may include ice application, pain relievers, and, if necessary, manual realignment or surgery.

After facial trauma, it’s crucial to ensure the airway is clear. Control any bleeding with gentle pressure and clean visible wounds. Seek medical attention promptly to assess and treat potential fractures or internal injuries.

Untreated facial injuries can lead to complications such as infection, persistent pain, facial deformity, and functional impairments like double vision difficulty breathing or chewing. Timely medical intervention is essential to prevent these outcomes.

Preventive measures include wearing appropriate protective gear, such as helmets and face guards during sports, using seat belts in vehicles, and adhering to safety protocols in workplaces. These practices significantly reduce the risk of facial injuries.

TMJ Disorders

What are the common symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders?

Common symptoms of TMJ disorders include jaw pain or tenderness, clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth, difficulty chewing, jaw locking and limited jaw movement. Some individuals may also experience headaches, earaches, ringing in the ear or facial pain.

TMJ disorders can result from various factors, including physical trauma to the jaw, arthritis, improper jaw alignment, habitual teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism), and stress, which can lead to muscle tension in the jaw.

Diagnosis of TMJ disorders typically involves a physical examination of the jaw, assessment of the range of motion, and listening for joint sounds. Imaging studies like X-rays, MRI, or CT scans may be used to evaluate the joint’s structure and identify any underlying issues.

Treatment for TMJ disorders varies based on severity and may include self-care practices like jaw exercises, stress reduction techniques, and dietary modifications. Other treatments involve the use of oral splints or mouthguards, medications for pain relief, physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgical interventions like arthroscopic (key hole) surgery and even joint replacement.

Yes, stress is a significant contributing factor to TMJ disorders. It can lead to increased muscle tension in the jaw and habits like teeth grinding or clenching, exacerbating TMJ symptoms.

Cleft Lip And Palate

What is the difference between a cleft lip and a cleft palate?

A cleft lip is an opening or split in the upper lip that can extend into the nose, while a cleft palate is an opening in the roof of the mouth (palate) that may involve the hard palate, soft palate, or both.

Cleft lip and palate result from tissues of the face not joining properly during development. The exact cause is often unknown, but risk factors include genetic predisposition, environmental exposures, smoking , folic acid deficiency and certain maternal behaviors during pregnancy.

Cleft lip and palate can often be diagnosed during pregnancy through a prenatal ultrasound, which may reveal facial abnormalities. Further imaging tests might be conducted to assess the extent of the condition.

Treatment typically involves surgical intervention to close the cleft lip within the first 3-6 months of life and repair the cleft palate between 10-12 months of age. Additional treatments may include speech therapy, dental care, and ongoing medical evaluations to address related issues

While not all cases can be prevented, reducing risk factors such as avoiding tobacco use, managing pre-existing health conditions, and ensuring proper prenatal care may decrease the likelihood of cleft lip and palate development.

Maxillofacial Pathology

What is maxillofacial pathology?

Maxillofacial pathology involves the study, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the mouth, jaws, and facial structures.

Common maxillofacial pathologies include cysts of the jaws, benign and malignant tumors, infections,oral cancer and inflammatory conditions affecting jaw bone,oral and facial tissues.

Jaw cysts are typically diagnosed through clinical examination and imaging studies such as X-rays. Treatment often involves surgical removal of the cyst to prevent potential complications like infection or bone damage.

Symptoms can vary but may include persistent facial pain or swelling, difficulty chewing or swallowing, unexplained oral bleeding, or the presence of lumps or sores that do not heal.

If you experience any persistent or unusual symptoms in the oral and facial region, such as pain, swelling, or lesions that do not heal, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional or an oral and maxillofacial specialist for evaluation and appropriate management.

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