Oral Surgery

Tooth Extractions

If you are looking for a Springfield oral surgery expert, McKenzie River Dental can help.  Dr. Schilt and Dr. Welch may recommend a tooth extraction, which can occur for a variety of reasons. Some teeth are removed because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), in preparation for orthodontic treatment, or have broken and cannot be repaired. A tooth may also be severely decayed or have advanced periodontal disease.

The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems involving your other teeth shifting, your ability to chew, and problems with your jaw joint. To avoid these complications, Dr. Schilt and Dr. Welch will discuss alternatives to extractions as well as replacement of the extracted tooth.

During a tooth extraction, Dr. Schilt and Dr. Welch will need to numb your tooth, jawbone and surrounding gums with a local anesthetic. During the extraction process, there will be a sensation of pressure but no pain, as the anesthetic has numbed the nerves. Detailed post-operative instructions will be given after the appointment along with any necessary pain prescriptions.

Periodontal Surgery

At McKenzie River Dental, Dr. Schilt and Dr. Welch provides care and treatment for periodontal disease. Also known as gum disease, periodontal disease destroys gum tissue and jaw bone, which support your natural teeth. When bacterial plaque colonizes over time, it can cause gum tissue to turn red, swell, and bleed easily. If left untreated, periodontal disease progresses, which can lead to discomfort, pain and tooth loss.

For patients who are experiencing advanced stages of periodontal disease, Dr. Schilt and Dr. Welch can provide the following periodontal treatment options:

• Pocket Reduction Surgery – This procedure is a common way to eliminate bacteria, resulting in tissue healing and the reduction of inflammation, allowing teeth to be saved.

• Dental Bone Grafting – Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that rebuilds the structure of the jaw, restoring both height and width and strengthening the jaw.

• Crown Lengthening – This is a common surgical procedure to expose more surface area of a tooth by removing gum tissue or bone.

• Frenectomy – A frenectomy is the removal of a frenum, of which there are two in the mouth. The first connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth, and the second joins the inside of the upper lip to the gums just above the upper two front teeth. A frenectomy corrects any problems or pain resulting from these muscular attachments.