Impacted Wisdom Teeth and Dental Extractions

The simple or complex removal of teeth are some of the more common procedures performed by our doctors. The term “impacted” describes a tooth that is submerged or embedded partially or totally under the gum or bone tissue. Typically a surgical procedure is required to remove impacted teeth. Dental extractions may be “simple”or “surgical” depending on the condition of the tooth and the size or shape of the dental root(s). These procedures are usually performed in the office/clinic.

Dental Implants and Bone Grafting

Dental implants are devices implanted into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth or several teeth, or used to retain an overdenture. (See expanded section on “Dental Implants”)

Bone Grafting is done to repair areas of bone shrinkage that can occur in the jaw where a permanent tooth has been extracted. If the bone shrinkage is severe, bone grafting may be required to repair the bony defect. Frequently, bone grafting is performed around a dental implant to improve stability. Bone grafting material comes in many forms. It is available as the patient’s own harvested bone, sterilized/biologically prepared animal or human bone, ground coral from the sea, or even synthetic bone manufactured in a laboratory, called Hydroxylapatite.

Our doctors have over twenty years experience with dental implants and bone grafting. They consider these procedures as a favorite subspecialty within their practice.

IV Anesthesia and Other Sedation Techniques

Dr. Gilbert and Dr. Greene provide IV Anesthesia in a state of the art manner, utilizing the latest techniques to reduce your anxiety, eliminate pain and ensure your overall well-being and comfort. Both doctors have received advanced anesthesia training and are licensed by the WV State Board to perform these more complex anesthetic techniques.

Our entire surgical staff is properly trained and certified to handle anesthetized patients during their surgery and recovery period. The offices are inspected and state licensed and properly equipped to manage the anesthetized patient during their surgery and recovery phase. While IV anesthesia is the most effective anesthesia technique the doctors utilize in their offices, other sedative techniques are available for your comfort.

Other Sedation Techniques

Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen (Laughing Gas)

This technique is utilized via a nasal hood placed on the nose and inhaled. Nitrous oxide has a calming, euphoric effect and also produces a significant level of analgesia. This technique works very well in the treatment of children.

Oral Medication (Pill or Liquid Form)

This technique is utilized by selecting the appropriate sedative drug that is administered orally approximately one hour prior to your appointment. It is usually supplemented with nitrous oxide and local anesthetic to enhance the analgesic effect during your surgical procedures.

To determine which technique is best for you, Dr. Gilbert or Dr. Greene will carefully review your health history and complete a brief physical examination. In this manner they can then tailor the anesthetic technique to your exact needs. This evaluation is usually completed during your consultation appointment.

Oral/Facial Biopsies

Lesions, bumps, and slow-healing sores on the face or in the oral cavity, or unusual findings on a dental x-ray, may require a biopsy. A biopsy is a surgical procedure to remove some or all of a suspicious lesion. The lesion is then evaluated under a microscope to determine the exact diagnosis and to determine if it is benign or malignant in nature. Both Doctors are trained to clinically recognize these suspicious lesions and to biopsy them when necessary.

Jaw Surgery for Orthognathic Patients

Jaw surgery to correct “underbites” or “overbites” (malocclusions) is called orthognathic surgery. These highly specialized surgical procedures are coordinated with your orthodontist and are usually performed in a hospital environment. Both doctors have extensive experience with these procedures.

Facial Reconstruction For Injuries and Defects

These specialized procedures are utilized to salvage, rebuild and restore the patient’s oral and facial regions after severe trauma, previous facial/oral tumor surgery and congenital (birth) defects such as cleft palates. These procedures blend the multiple disciplines of orthognathics, skin and bone grafting, and dental implants; and are usually managed in a hospital environment.

Inpatient/Outpatient Hospital Based Surgery

While most surgical procedures are managed by Dr. Gilbert and Dr. Greene in the office/clinic, a small percentage of patients require the facilities and services of a hospital, due to their health problems or the complexity of their surgery. Both doctors are hospital trained and can provide inpatient or outpatient hospital level care as required. They maintains hospital privileges at several of the surrounding area hospitals.

Laser Soft Tissue Surgery

The Nova pulse CO2 laser is utilized by both doctors for multiple surgical procedures in our office. The CO2 laser was one of the first and safest lasers to be developed. The laser produces a beam of focused light that is capable of removing unwanted tissue and/or oral lesions including aphthous ulcers. The CO2 laser provides precise excision capabilities for procedures such as gingival grafting, gingivecomies, frenectomies, biopsies of oral lesions, and the removal of leukoplakia (premalignant tissue) and benign growths such as fibromas. The benefits of the CO2 laser are precision surgery, minimal bleeding, a significant reduction in pain and swelling, fewer post operative infections and quicker healing time.