News & Updates
Peri-implantitis refers to an infection of the tissues around a dental implant.
Dental implants have an excellent success rate, making them a highly effective and popular option when it comes to replacing missing and damaged teeth.
That said, there are some potential complications that can affect the success of the treatment, one of which is a condition known as peri-implantitis. This issue refers to an inflammatory process in which the tissues surrounding a dental implant become inflamed, causing bone loss over time. This can then lead to dental implant failure.
Read on to find out what causes this problem, and what you can do to prevent it from occurring…
What causes peri-implantitis?
Dental implants are designed to replace missing teeth and are made from a number of components that are made to last for many years.
Although dental implants are made from extremely strong and durable materials, they are just as vulnerable to plaque build-up as natural teeth. When plaque is left to accumulate around the base of a dental implant, peri-implantitis can occur.
This causes inflammation of the gum tissue surrounding the dental implant, which causes the soft tissue and underlying bone to gradually deteriorate over time. Because these tissues provide support to the dental implant, this inflammation and damage can cause the implant to fail.
How can you prevent the issue?
The best way to prevent peri-implantitis altogether is to make sure that plaque does not build up around your implant. To do so, it is important that you commit to proper oral hygiene habits on a daily basis. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily.
It is also advisable that you see your dentist for regular check-ups and cleans. At these routine appointments, your dentist will check that your gums and bone remain healthy. If any signs of gum disease are detected, they will recommend a treatment plan as gum disease can put you at greater risk of developing peri-implantitis.
If you smoke, it is advisable that you take steps to quit the habit before you have a dental implant placed. Smoking is likely to increase your risk of dental implant failure.
What are the possible signs of peri-implantitis?
If the tissue around your dental implant is infected, you may notice that your gums feel sensitive or tender to the touch. They might also appear swollen. Another possible symptom of peri-implantitis is gums that bleed easily, especially when you floss or brush your teeth.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is possible that the tissue around your implant is inflamed or infected. It is very important that you see your dentist as soon as possible so that they can check for potential issues and recommend a way forward.
Can it be treated?
If you notice any of the signs of peri-implantitis, you should see your dentist immediately so that they can treat the infection and avoid implant failure. The treatment that they recommend will depend on the severity of the issue, as well as the type of implant that you have.
Some of the possible treatments include antibiotics, which are often suitable for the treatment of moderate infections; laser therapy, in which bacteria is destroyed around the affected implant; and surgery, which involves cutting the gum tissue to remove plaque and bacteria. Bone regeneration, which sometimes involves grafting, may also be an option in some cases.
How can we help?
At OMFS, our team of experts offers a comprehensive range of implant and grafting services, as well as advice and information to help our patients maintain optimal oral health after their treatment is complete. If you have a question about how to best take care of a dental implant, please don’t hesitate to raise it with your surgeon.
Our team of oral and maxillofacial surgeons offers a range of procedures — these include oral surgery; implants and grafting; face and jaw surgery; treatments for facial trauma; oral and maxillofacial pathology; and TMJ management and surgery. To find out more about our services, please have a look here.
Abutments are attached to the jawbone and allow your replacement teeth to look and feel just like natural teeth.
If you need to replace one or more of your teeth and have decided to go ahead with dental implant surgery, you can expect to enjoy improved oral health and a beautiful smile once your treatment is complete. It is important to understand, however, that you will need to take proper care of your replacement teeth in order to maintain a healthy smile in the long-term. As part of the process of having a dental implant placed, a component known as an abutment will be attached to the top of the implant. The abutment will hold your crown securely in place and ensure that your replacement tooth looks and functions like a natural tooth. Read on to find out why it is so important that you take proper care of this component and how to keep your new teeth in perfect condition…
What are implants and abutments?
A dental implant is a biocompatible titanium post surgically placed in the jawbone. Used to replace a missing tooth, a dental implant is designed to fuse with the jawbone over time. It means that it will become a permanent fixture in the mouth.
When the implant has fused with the jawbone and the implant site has completely healed, an abutment is attached to the top of the implant. This component will hold the crown securely in the correct position.
How should you care for your abutment tooth?
Once you have had your dental implant, abutment and crown placed, it is very important that you practice proper oral hygiene just as you would for your natural teeth. It includes brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and flossing daily. It is also advisable that you see your dentist for regular check-ups and cleans. During these appointments, your dentist will check that your crown is in good condition and that the gum tissue surrounding your implant is healthy.
As long as you practice proper oral hygiene and see your dentist on a regular basis, you can expect your dental implants to last for many years. If, however, you do not take proper care of your replacement teeth, you run the risk of developing an issue known as peri-implantitis. Peri-implantitis refers to an infection that can be caused by bacteria and plaque that builds up around a dental implant. If left untreated, the infection can lead to some serious problems, including bone loss around the implant. In time, this can even cause implant failure.
Why consider implants?
Everyone would like to maintain healthy natural teeth for life, but the reality is that teeth can be lost or damaged for a number of reasons. Problems like injury, severe tooth decay and infection can all lead to tooth loss, but the good news is that it is possible to replace missing teeth and improve overall oral health. In fact, if you have a gap left by a missing tooth, it is highly beneficial that you address the issue before other oral health problems occur. Gaps left by missing teeth can cause the nearby teeth to shift, which can lead to bite-related problems down the line. Missing teeth can also increase one’s risk of issues like gum disease, plus they often cause cosmetic concerns.
How can we help?
At OMFS, we offer a range of implant and grafting services, including dental implants. If you are missing one or more teeth or are looking for a change from ill-fitting dentures, you might consider dental implant surgery. Implants look, feel and function just like natural teeth and help maintain bone structure and support the facial tissues. In fact, dental implants can reduce or eliminate bone atrophy, which can cause cosmetic changes to the face.
If you would like to find out more about dental implants, how they work, and the benefits they offer, please have a look here.
To arrange an appointment, please get in touch here or give us a call at (03) 9347 3788.
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause an improper bite, which may lead to jaw pain and headaches.
If you are struggling with frequent headaches, there are a number of possible factors that could be contributing to your discomfort. In some cases, wisdom teeth that are impacted or emerging can cause headaches — read on to find out why this happens and what you can do to resolve the issue…
How do wisdom teeth cause headaches?
Most people notice their wisdom teeth coming through somewhere between the ages of 17 and 25 years old. Also known as the third molars, wisdom teeth are located right at the back of the mouth. When the wisdom teeth emerge, they begin by moving through the jawbone before breaking through the gum line. This process can cause some pain and discomfort and may even lead to headaches.
It is fairly common for wisdom teeth to become impacted, an issue that occurs when they do not grow in as they should. Impacted wisdom teeth usually occur when there is not enough room for them in the jaw, in which case they may get stuck beneath the gums, emerge at an angle, or push against the other surrounding teeth. Impacted teeth often cause bite-related problems, which can then lead to pain and headaches.
How can you resolve the issue?
If your wisdom teeth are causing you headaches, it is likely that you will benefit from an extraction. Besides headaches, impacted wisdom teeth can also cause pain in the mouth, which may radiate to the ear or throat; facial swelling; oral infection; and swelling of the gum line at the back of the mouth.
If your dentist or oral surgeon recommends having your wisdom teeth removed, you can expect the whole procedure to take between 30 and 60 minutes. It can be done under local anaesthetic, a general anaesthetic, or IV sedation. During the procedure, your oral surgeon will remove each tooth in one piece, or it will be sectioned before removal to make the process easier. In some cases, a bone will also need to be removed to aid the extraction process.
Will oral surgery alleviate headaches?
If impacted wisdom teeth are causing your headaches, having these teeth extracted can help alleviate your problem by improving your bite and relieving some pressure from your jaw. It is important to understand, however, that headaches can be caused by a number of factors. For this reason, it is worth consulting with your dentist or oral surgeon, as they will be able to let you know what course of action is most suitable for you.
If you do go ahead with oral surgery, you may experience some uncomfortable but temporary side effects, including jaw stiffness that can cause headaches. Let your surgeon know if you are struggling, and they will recommend some over-the-counter medication to help ease your pain. You may also find it helpful to apply a cold compress to your cheeks to minimise inflammation and pain.
How can we help?
At OMFS, we offer a number of oral surgeries designed to improve our patients’ oral health, including wisdom teeth surgery. If you are struggling with some of the uncomfortable symptoms associated with impacted wisdom teeth, we encourage you to come in and see us. One of our specialists will perform a thorough oral examination and determine whether an extraction is appropriate for you.
If you would like to find out more about wisdom teeth surgery and what the procedure and recovery process involves, please have a look here.
Our team of specialists also offers a comprehensive range of oral and maxillofacial procedures — if you would like to find out more about our services, please have a look here.
To arrange an appointment, please get in touch here or give us a call at (03) 9347 3788. Our team is highly experienced and will help to address your concern as effectively and efficiently as possible.
Recovery from a surgical tooth extraction usually takes between seven and 10 days.
If your dentist has recommended that you have a tooth surgically extracted, you may be wondering what you can expect from the process. The surgery is often performed in cases of severe tooth infection, decay or trauma, or when the teeth are crowded or impacted.
Your surgeon will explain the process to you before your treatment begins, and let you know how to take care of your mouth once the surgery is complete.
Although each person is different, you can usually expect healing to take place over the course of around a week to 10 days — here’s what you can do to make this time as comfortable as possible…
1. Manage your pain
Although you won’t feel any pain during the surgery itself, you are likely to feel some discomfort once the effects of the anaesthetic have worn off. Your surgeon will prescribe or recommend some medications to help alleviate your pain — be sure to take these as instructed.
You may also find it helpful to apply an ice pack to the site of treatment. This can help to relieve pain and swelling. Try to get as much rest as you can for at least the first 24 hours after your surgery. When you sleep or lie down, elevate your head with some pillows to reduce swelling. You can continue to brush and floss your teeth, but be sure to do so gently and avoid the site of extraction.
2. Stick to soft foods
You are likely to experience some discomfort when eating, so it is best to choose soft foods that don’t require much chewing. Some good options include nutrient-rich soups and broths, as well as yoghurt, smoothies and mashed fruits and vegetables.
As your mouth heals, you will be able to gradually add more solid foods to your diet, but you can expect to eat soft and liquid foods for around a week after your treatment.
3. Be patient
You may want to resume your normal diet as soon as possible, but it is important that you take enough time to ease back into your usual eating habits. After a week or two, you will begin to notice that side effects like pain and swelling have subsided, and you will be able to enjoy all your favourite foods again. Over time, new gum tissue and bone will grow over the site of extraction, and your mouth will start to feel more comfortable again.
It is important to understand, however, that having a missing tooth can cause some oral health issues, including shifting teeth and bite misalignment. For this reason, it is advisable that you speak to your oral surgeon about ways in which your extracted tooth can be replaced — fortunately, there are a number of effective options available, including dental implants, which are the gold-standard of tooth replacement.
How can we help?
At OMFS, we offer a range of oral surgeries, including the removal of teeth. If you have been referred for this procedure, we encourage you to get in touch to arrange a consultation with one of our experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Our surgeons understand that each patient is unique, and you will be guided through the process from beginning to end. It is important that you follow the post-operative instructions that your surgeon gives you to ensure that you enjoy a smooth recovery.
If you would like to find out more about surgical tooth removal and what it involves, as well as what to expect from the recovery period, please have a look here.
We also offer dental implants; bone and soft tissue grafting; and implant-supported dentures for those who would like to replace a missing tooth following a surgical extraction. To find out more about these procedures, please have a look here.
To arrange an appointment, please get in touch here or give us a call on (03) 9347 3788.
The teeth and bones have some important functional differences.
Although your teeth look a lot like your bones — they are both white in colour and very strong — there are, in fact, some key differences between the two. Bones and teeth are made from different materials and function quite differently to each other. Read on to learn about what the teeth and bones are made of, and what sets them apart…
What are bones made of?
The bones in your body are largely made up of a type of protein known as collagen, as well as a mineral called calcium phosphate. While the calcium phosphate gives the bones their strength and hardness, the collagen gives them their soft framework. Interestingly, bones are made up of various living tissues which allows then to continuously change and renew over time. Throughout the course of your life, old bone tissue breaks down and is removed from the body; and new bone tissue is produced in its place. Thanks to this constant cycle, your bones are able to maintain their strength.
What are teeth made from?
Your teeth consist of a number of layers. Some of these layers, such as the enamel, dentin and cementum, are hard, while some are made from soft tissue, such as the pulp. The hardest layer of the teeth is the enamel, which is made of minerals like calcium phosphate. In fact, the enamel of the teeth is the hardest substance in the body and is even harder than your bones. The enamel differs from your bones in that it does not contain living tissues.
The dentin, which is located underneath the enamel is a bone-like substance. Most of the teeth’s structure is made from this substance. The next layer is known as known as cementum and is also bone-like in its structure. Cementum is located around the tooth roots and plays a role in attaching the tooth to the surrounding bone.
Inside the tooth is a soft, living tissue called pulp. The pulp is made up of blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue.
What are the differences between teeth and bones?
Although the teeth and bones both store calcium and are made from strong substances, there are a few key differences in the way that they function. One of the biggest differences between teeth and bones is that bones have the ability to heal, while teeth do not. If you fracture a bone, the body naturally begins to heal by forming an area of collagen on the damaged tissue. As the body keeps healing, this collagen hardens and new bone tissue is formed.
If you break a tooth, however, it is not capable of healing itself. This is because the enamel does not contain any living tissue that can regenerate.
How can you protect your teeth?
Because your teeth do not have the ability to heal and regenerate, it is very important that you take proper care of them and protect them from damage. One of the best ways to do this is to practice proper oral hygiene every day to keep harmful bacteria at bay. By brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily, it is possible to protect your teeth from issues like tooth decay and gum disease. It is also advisable that you see your dentist for regular check-ups. If you have any serious concerns, your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon who will help to resolve the issue.
How can we help?
At OMFS, our team of surgeons is dedicated to ensuring the very best care for each and every patient. We want our patients to enjoy healthy smiles for life, and offer a range of treatments designed to improve oral function.
Some of the treatments that we offer include oral surgeries such as exposure of teeth, surgical removal of teeth, and wisdom teeth surgery; dental implants; bone and soft-tissue grafting; implant-supported dentures; All-on-4; and zygomatic dental implants. As oral and maxillofacial specialists, we treat the bones, as well as the teeth and offer procedures for the face and jaw, as well as procedures for the treatment of facial trauma.
To arrange an appointment, please get in touch here or give us a call on (03) 9347 3788.
Your dentist may refer you for oral surgery for a number of reasons.
If you have been suffering from severe discomfort in your tooth or jaw, you may be wondering what you can do to resolve the issue. The first thing you should do if you experience pain that is affecting your mouth or face is to see your dentist — they will be able to determine the cause of the problem, and in most cases, will recommend a suitable treatment. If necessary, your dentist will refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Read on to find out when you might need oral surgery, and what a maxillofacial specialist can do for you.
What does an oral and maxillofacial surgeon do?
Maxillofacial surgery is a speciality of dentistry that focuses on issues related to the face and jaws. This type of surgery may be recommended for the treatment of oral diseases and injures beyond the scope of your dentist.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons undergo additional training and education beyond general dentistry so that they can specialise in the diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the maxillofacial region. This advanced training allows them to address a wide range of issues, including impacted teeth; jaw-joint problems; bite-related concerns; facial trauma; and implants and grafting.
Do I need oral surgery?
There are a number of reasons your dentist may refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for oral surgery, but some of the most common include:
Exposure of teeth
If one or more of your teeth have failed to erupt, you may be referred for tooth exposure surgery. A tooth can sometimes be blocked from erupting when another tooth is in the way, especially in the case of dental crowding. This can cause issues, such as the formation of a cyst and infection.
During tooth exposure surgery, your surgeon will carefully move the gum to expose the tooth before stitching it in position. A special ‘putty’ material will be placed to protect the tooth and prevent the gum from growing back.
Surgical removal of teeth
Your dentist will always try to save a tooth from extraction, but unfortunately, this is not always possible. They may refer you for oral surgery if one or more of your teeth need to be removed because of decay, disease, trauma, crowding, or impaction.
During the procedure, your surgeon will make an incision in the gum and remove the bone around the tooth to allow better access. Often, the tooth will need to be sectioned into smaller pieces before it can be elevated and extracted. Any remaining sharp bone edges will be smoothed to ensure that you don’t experience any discomfort or complications after your surgery.
Wisdom tooth surgery
Wisdom tooth surgery is most often performed when the wisdom teeth have become impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause severe pain, as well as a range of oral health issues such as tooth decay, infection and damage to the surrounding teeth and gums.
In some cases, your orthodontist may recommend that you have wisdom teeth surgery before your orthodontic treatment can begin.
How can we help?
At OMFS, our team of specialists provides a comprehensive range of services designed to address oral and maxillofacial issues. If you have been referred for oral surgery, we encourage you to come in and see us so that we can discuss your treatment plan in detail and address any concerns or questions that you might have about the procedure that has been recommended to you.
Each of our specialists is fully qualified and highly experienced in the field. Each surgeon has their own special interest in certain conditions and procedures, so we will make sure that you receive the care that you need from the specialist best suited to your case.
To find out more about our services, please have a look at our range of procedures.
To arrange an appointment, please get in touch or give us a call on (03) 9347 3788.
Correct treatment of facial trauma is very important in facilitating recovery and avoiding post-traumatic deformity.
Facial trauma surgery is performed in order to minimse the functional or aesthetic (cosmetic) defects in the future and reduce the risk of requiring further surgery. Your surgeon may recommend a procedure in order to repair broken bones, soft tissues, or both. If you have been in an accident and have been referred for surgery, your surgeon will let you know if your injuries should be treated as soon as possible, or if you need time to “settle” or heal before your injuries can be surgically repaired. Usually, bone repairs are required within 10 to 14 days, and as such it is vital to attend for consultation early.
Read on to find out how to adequately prepare for your procedure, and what to expect from the process…
Prepare for your procedure
The prospect of undergoing surgery may feel daunting and it is completely normal to feel some nervousness about your upcoming treatment. There are, however, a few things you can do to prepare so that you feel more informed and confident about your procedure.
First, it is important that you understand what procedure your surgeon will be performing, along with any potential risks that are associated with the surgery. During your initial consultation, your surgeon will address any questions that you have, and this is a good time to raise any concerns that are on your mind.
It is also important that you tell your surgeon about any medications that you take or any health conditions with which you have been diagnosed — these factors may affect your surgery and/or the instructions that your surgeon gives you.
In preparing for the day of your surgery, you need to arrange someone to drive you home from the hospital after your procedure is complete. You won’t be able to drive yourself your home because of the effects of the anaesthetic used during your surgery. Usually, however, facial trauma patients stay in hospital for at least one night.
You should consider ways in which you can prepare your home for your recovery — make sure that you have a comfortable space to rest; chat to your surgeon about what you will need to clean your surgical incisions as you heal, and stock your fridge with food so that you don’t have to go shopping; Some facial trauma requires a non-chew diet for at least 6 weeks post-operatively. Nutrition advice is usually provided by the surgeon and by the hospital team. A dietician review can also be arranged.
Know what to expect
Before you undergo surgery, your surgeon will give you very specific instructions about when to stop eating and drinking. Your surgeon will also let you know if you should stop taking any medications on the day of your procedure. Be sure to adhere to these instructions.
On the day of surgery, you can be expected to take off all of your jewellery and piercings, as well as your contact lenses if you wear them. You should not wear any make-up or nail polish before going for surgery.
Be ready for follow-up care
After your surgery is complete, you will need to attend some follow-up appointments so that your surgeon can check that your recovery is on track. Skin stitches may need to be removed. Make sure that you don’t miss these appointments as they are a very important part of the recovery process.
These appointments are also a great opportunity to speak to your surgeon about any concerns that you have, and to ask questions regarding your expected results and/or any side-effects that you experience.
How can we help?
At OMFS, we understand that the treatment of facial trauma is very important when it comes to facilitating an effective and smooth recovery from injury. Our surgical team is highly experienced in treating and managing facial fractures and trauma, no matter how complex the case may be. The team are often involved in the facial trauma management of our AFL, ALFW, rugby other sporting teams, and in major trauma patients in our Victorian hospital trauma units, including the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
Some of the facial trauma procedures that we perform at OMFS include treatments for broken cheekbones, eye sockets and jaws. If you would like to find out more about these procedures and what they involve, please have a look here.
Our team includes seven highly experienced surgeons, all of whom perform the full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery. Each surgeon has their own special interest in certain conditions and procedures. To find out more about our specialists and their special interests and expertise, please have a look here.
To arrange an appointment, please get in touch here or give us a call on (03) 9347 3788.
Cheekbone injuries such as fractures can be treated with surgery.
If you have a broken cheekbone, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Treatment will vary depending on the severity of the break, but typically involves a combination of rest, ice, and pain medication. Surgery may also be necessary to correct any damage to the bone or surrounding tissue. Here we will discuss how a broken cheekbone can be treated surgically, as well as what to expect from the recovery process following your procedure.
What are facial fractures?
Facial fractures refer to broken bones in any area of the face, including the cheekbones, nose, upper and lower jaw and the area surrounding the eyes. In most cases, facial fractures occur as the result of trauma to the face — some of the most common causes of these injuries include car accidents, sports injuries, assault, and hard knocks or falls.
Most facial fractures cause some level of pain and discomfort. When it comes to cheekbone fractures specifically, some of the most common symptoms include pain, particularly associated with the movement of the jaw; flattening of the affected cheek; and problems with vision.
In many cases, cheekbone and eye socket injuries occur together — in this case, symptoms may include a black eye; blurry vision numbness in the cheek, eyelids and/or forehead; and swelling in the cheek and forehead.
What are the treatment options?
The severity of your injury will determine the treatment that is most appropriate for you. If your doctor recommends surgery, their goal will be to reposition the damaged bones in order to improve function and prevent further damage.
If cheekbone surgery is an option for you, your surgeon will explain the procedure in detail to you before beginning treatment. When you see your surgeon for a consultation, it is advisable that you raise any questions or concerns that you have.
During cheekbone surgery, your surgeon will make one or more small incisions through the hairline through which the cheekbone can be accessed and repositioned. These incisions will be hidden to ensure that you are not left with any visible scarring.
What does the recovery involve?
You will need to stay in hospital for a short period following cheekbone surgery. It is completely normal to experience some pain and discomfort when the effects of the anaesthetic have worn off, and your surgeon will prescribe the appropriate medications to help alleviate these side effects. In some cases, antibiotics will be prescribed in order to prevent infection.
Other side effects of cheekbone surgery include bruising and swelling, which are most evident in the first 48 hours or so following the procedure. These side effects will gradually resolve with time, and your surgeon will explain how to best take care of your site of surgery during the recovery period.
How can we help?
If you have a cheekbone injury as a result of an accident, assault, sporting incident or fall, we can help. At OMFS in Melbourne, we offer a range of procedures for the treatment of facial trauma, including cheekbone surgery.
If you decide to go ahead with cheekbone surgery, the procedure will be performed under general anaesthetic. Your surgeon will make a small incision through the hairline in the temple so that they can access the cheekbone and place it in back in the correct position. Sometimes, small plates and screws are used to hold the cheekbone and eye socket in place.
If you would like to find out more about cheekbone surgery, what the process involves and what to expect from the recovery period, please have a look here.
We also offer a range of other oral and maxillofacial procedures. If you have an existing concern or need an emergency procedure for the treatment of facial trauma, we can help. To see our full scope of procedures, please have a look here.
To arrange an appointment, please get in touch here or give us a call on (03) 9347 3788.
Cheek implants achieve a fuller, more balanced appearance.
If you are considering cheek augmentation surgery, it is important to understand what implants can do for your face. Implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes with varying results depending on the individual. The best way to find out which implant would be best suited for you is by consulting with a professional and experienced surgeon. Cheek implants are silicone-based prostheses that can be inserted into the cheek to create a fuller appearance. They are made of soft, elastic, and durable material with an average lifespan of 10 years before they need replacing. Read on to find out more about cheek implants, and who benefits from the treatment…
What are cheek implants?
Cheek implants are chosen for a variety of purposes, but are generally used to enhance the volume of the cheeks or to improve the overall facial appearance for patients who have been through some kind of trauma. There are a number of different cheek implant types available, all of which are made with biocompatible materials. The cheek augmentation procedure is a highly individualised treatment, which means that each patient’s implants will differ when it comes to shape and size. During an initial consultation with your surgeon, you will learn about the various options that are available to you, and have the opportunity to discuss your desired outcome in detail.
Why consider cheek implants?
Cheek implants are often an effective option for patients who have suffered trauma to the face and would like to restore and improve their overall appearance. In fact, the treatment can have a range of both functional and aesthetic benefits.
In some cases, cheek augmentation surgery is performed at the same time as corrective jaw surgery, while in other cases, the procedure is simply chosen as a cosmetic treatment to enhance the structure of the face and achieve better balance to the facial features.
What does the procedure involve?
Cheek augmentation surgery is performed under general anaesthetic, which means that you won’t feel anything during the procedure itself. Your surgeon will make an incision inside the upper lip and create a pocket in which the implant is inserted. If you are having a cheek augmentation together with another facial surgery, such as corrective jaw surgery, your surgeon may need to make an incision in another area. Your surgeon will explain the details of your procedure to you before going ahead with the treatment.
Before your procedure begins, your surgeon will choose an implant that is most appropriate for you. They will select an implant best suited to your aesthetic goals in order to achieve a natural-looking result.
After surgery, it is completely normal to experience some discomfort and swelling. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medications to help alleviate these side effects. They will also let you know how to take care of your surgical wound and enjoy a smooth recovery.
How can we help?
If you would like to achieve a more balanced and symmetrical facial structure or have suffered some form of facial trauma, you might consider cheek augmentation surgery. At OMFS, our team of experts are highly experienced when it comes to providing all types of face and jaw surgeries, including cheek augmentation.
If you are interested in undergoing the procedure, we encourage you to come in for a consultation so that we can discuss your medical history with you, as well as any questions and concerns you have about the process. We will also get to know your particular aesthetic goals and select an appropriate implant that suits your unique facial structure. Every patient is different, which is why we customise our treatments and will guide you through the process of selecting implants that are best for you.
If you would like to find out more about cheek augmentation surgery at OMFS in Melbourne, please have a look here.
To arrange an appointment, please get in touch here or give us a call on (03) 9347 3788.
Bone grafts are usually harvested from a patient’s own body.
Dental bone grafts are a healing process that can be performed to help replace teeth that have been lost or damaged. Bone grafting refers to the use of bone from either the patient’s body, a donor, or synthetic material to replace missing bone in order to promote healing and restore function. The type of material used for dental bone grafts will depend on what is available as well as other factors such as cost and source availability. Read on to find out more about the bone grafting process, and how we can help if you are missing one or more teeth…
What materials are used?
Today, dental bone grafting usually uses an autograft material. This is where the patient’s own tissue is used without being taken from another donor body or organ. In most cases, bone and tissue grafts are harvested from the patient’s own jaw, although in more complex and severe cases, tissue may be harvested from other areas of the body, such as the hip.
In addition to autografts, which are generally considered the gold standard for most types of dental bone grafting procedures, there are other materials that can be used as well. This includes allogenic grafted material, which is where bone tissue is obtained from a donor, and sometimes xenograft or synthetic material, which may be used to replace missing jawbone.
What does the process involve?
If you are a candidate for the bone grafting procedure, your dentist will begin by administering a local anaesthetic and the site of treatment will be thoroughly cleaned. An incision will be made in your gum and the bone material will be placed between the two areas of bone that need to fuse together. The bone graft is carefully secured in place and the incision is stitched closed. In most cases, the bone material is held in place with a membrane that acts as a barrier to protect your gums from infection.
In some instances, where there is extensive damage or loss of jawbone and other dental procedures such as implants are required at the same time, more than one session may be necessary to complete the treatment process.
How can we help?
If you’re looking for a solution to the loss of bone, there are three options available. The first is your own body’s natural ability to heal itself with time and without surgery. This process can take anywhere from six months or more depending on how much bone was lost originally. A second option would be a grafting procedure using either one’s own bones, artificial material such as metal prostheses, or donor tissue taken from another person’s body. Speak to your dentist about which type of grafting procedure suits you best so that they can help you decide what course of treatment will work best in order to restore function and stability in your mouth again.
At OMFS, we offer bone and soft tissue grafting procedures for patients who would like dental implants but do not have sufficient supporting bone and tissue. In some cases, we perform the grafting procedure prior to dental implant surgery, although the process can sometimes be completed at the same time. Most commonly, we harvest bone grafts from the patient’s jaw, but it is sometimes necessary to harvest bone from other areas of the body, such as the hip.
If you are interested in finding out more about bone and soft tissue grafting, what the process involves, and what you can expect from the recovery period, please consult our website here. Our team is highly experienced and will guide you through your treatment from start to finish.
To arrange an appointment, please get in touch here or give us a call on (03) 9347 3788. We look forward to welcoming you to our practice in Melbourne and helping to restore your smile.