Monroe Township Oral Surgeons
When a problem with the mouth and face cannot be addressed by the routine procedures at a dentist or doctor’s office, patients may be advised to see an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. For those in the Monroe Township, New Jersey area, our experienced oral surgeons at Lanzi Burke Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons can treat complex cases.
A common reason for dentists to send patients to an oral surgeon is wisdom teeth removal. Often done at the end of adolescence or early adulthood, the removal of wisdom teeth is to prevent overcrowding in the mouth, as well as the cysts and gum disease that can accompany wisdom teeth.
Although wisdom teeth removal is a common reason for people to seek an oral surgeon, it is just one of the problems addressed by the skill set of this type of surgical practice.
Services Our Oral Surgeons Provide
In addition to removal of wisdom teeth, our team of experienced oral surgeons perform surgical procedures to address the following issues.
TMJ Pain
Mouth pain may initially be thought of as the result of a bad tooth, but the patient finds out at the dentist that it is the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) that is the cause of the pain. The TMJ is a powerful joint that acts like a hinge for the mouth. Defects in this joint can be extraordinarily painful.
Sometimes, TMJ pain is caused by the person clenching and grinding teeth while asleep, which doctors call bruxism. This can often be addressed by wearing a mouth guard.
Sometimes, the mouth pain from TMJ is a defect that has been diagnosed via MRI. Whatever the reason, the problem needs to be addressed to keep the teeth intact and relieve the pain. In some cases, TMJ surgery can help restore your jaw joint and eliminate the pain and other symptoms of TMJ disorders.
TMJ problems are just one of the many defects that require a skilled surgeon.
Sleep Apnea
Another common problem for adults, sleep apnea can be addressed by an oral surgeon. Like mouth pain, sleep apnea may initially be attributed to a simpler issue than it is, as most of those who have sleep apnea learn about the problem from the complaints of loud snoring from their loved ones. According to the American Heart Association, one in five Americans have some degree of sleep apnea, and it is often undiagnosed.
When a person has obstructive sleep apnea, it is more than an issue of snoring. It involves irregular breathing and/or not breathing for a short period while asleep. Sleep apnea is a serious problem, and it can be deadly. The American Sleep Apnea Association estimates that 38,000 people in the United States die of heart disease, with sleep apnea as a complicating factor. The problems that stem from sleep apnea can be addressed by an oral surgeon.
Dental Implants
When people have missing or failing teeth, there are immediate impacts on the way they bite, chew, and the confidence they have when interacting with others. The problem can be addressed by dental implants, which, although not the person’s real teeth, will look and act like them. These implants are secured by titanium screws, and they heal with the bone tissue, replacing the missing tooth.
Advancements in oral surgery have made this process much easier for the patient. Now, in a procedure popularly called Teeth in a Day, an oral surgeon can provide temporary teeth for the patient at the first visit.
Jaw Surgeries
This is referred to in the medical community as orthognathic surgery. Jaw surgery may be needed to correct an irregular bite or damage from an accident. Jaw problems can impact the way a person chews food, cause misaligned teeth, impact speech, and negatively impact appearance as well.
What to Expect at the First Visit
When someone has been advised to see an oral surgeon, there are natural concerns. However, there are some problems that cannot be addressed in any other way.
Our surgical team has over 60 years of combined experience in the complex procedures involving the mouth and face. Patients should expect the following at the first visit:
- Initial consultation. This will include a mouth examination, focusing on the problem area.
- Review of the patient’s medical history and medicines that the patient is currently taking. It is important to note that supplements should be included in this list, as they too, impact other medicines.
Patients will need to provide:
- Photo identification.
- Medical and dental insurance cards.
- A referral from the dentist.
- Insurance referral.
- Recent X-rays or MRI images.
Monroe Township Oral Surgeons at Lanzi Burke Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons Are Conveniently Located to Serve You
If you need oral surgery, consult with one of our Monroe Township oral surgeons at Lanzi Burke Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Our knowledgeable and experienced team will work with you to help you achieve the results you are seeking. Call us at 856-582-4222 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. With offices in Washington Township, Haddonfield, and Woolwich Township, New Jersey, we are dedicated to helping patients throughout South Jersey.