Other Procedures

Emergency Care / Facial Trauma

The surgeons at Oral & Maxillofacial Surgical Consultants are experienced in the management of facial and dental trauma. We are trained and uniquely qualified to manage and repair injuries to the mouth, face, and jaws. Many dental and facial injuries result from sporting events, auto accidents, work-related accidents, home-related accidents, or acts of violence. 

Our surgeons work with local hospitals and emergency rooms to treat facial injuries. Skilled treatment can lead to better outcomes in healing, eating, speaking, chewing, swallowing, breathing, and vision.

Drs. Haas, Stich, Kurtzman, Pearson, Sundick, Neuner, McMahon, Spanel, Omlie and Ziegler recommend taking precautions to avoid any type of facial trauma, particularly in relation to sporting events and rigorous travel activities. It is always recommended for an individual to use a mouth guard and appropriate protection such as a helmet or facial shield when participating in any sporting activities that could cause injury to the face or teeth.

If a facial or dental injury does occur, seek medical attention immediately. Facial and dental injuries most often have the best prognosis when treated early and without delay. Request that the emergency room physician enlist the consultation of a local oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Oral & Maxillofacial Surgical Consultants will help manage acute emergency situations and help with additional treatments and patient rehabilitation when needed.

Soft Tissue Grafting

Soft tissue treatments are simple procedures designed to improve oral health, and often smile esthetics. Frenectomy and gingivectomy are two common soft tissue services routinely performed by our talented team at Oral & Maxillofacial Surgical Consultants. As highly skilled surgeons, our doctors utilize precision technique to deliver the best possible results for your family. We place comfort at the crest of each patient experience and offer minimally invasive laser treatments in many cases. Laser therapy with our LightScalpel® laser replaces scalpels and reduces the need for anesthetic and incisions. We also offer a range of anesthesia options, to ensure a pleasant positive treatment experience if anxiety or fear is a concern. No matter the needs or age of your family member, you can expect a caring chairside manner and exceptional quality care when undergoing frenectomy or gingivectomy treatment with one of our expert oral surgeons.

Gingival Grafting / Soft Tissue Graft:

Gingival grafts:

The gingival tissues are critical to a person’s overall oral health and help maintain healthy teeth, underlying bone, and create an aesthetic smile.  Often a patient’s gingival tissues can be damaged from gingivitis, periodontal disease, trauma, and even too much tooth brushing.  This gingival damage can result in recession (gum loss), leading to tooth sensitivity, bone loss, or even tooth decay.  With gingival grafting, a soft tissue graft can be used to cover the exposed tooth roots or improve existing gingival tissues.

Soft tissue grafts and dental implants:

In addition to gingival grafts being used around existing teeth, these grafts can be used to optimize the success of a patient’s dental implant. Grafts may be put in place prior to an implant placement to improve the tissue or placed after to improve the esthetics of an existing implant. The timing of graft placement depends upon each patient’s unique needs.

There are four common types of soft tissue grafts:

  • Free gingival graft: A portion of tissue is removed from the roof the mouth and transferred to another area of the mouth.
  • Pedicle graft: A small flap of tissue is moved laterally to an affected area.
  • Subepithelial connective tissue graft: Commonly used to cover exposed roots.  This is taken from small flap of tissue from the roof of the mouth.
  • Allograft matrix: This is donated human tissue that has been specially processed to be used as grafting material.

Your surgeon will discuss the best options for your unique circumstance.

TMJ Disorders

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) allows a patient to open and close his or her mouth and aids with chewing, eating, speaking, and facial expression.

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) can develop from trauma or injury, jaw clenching, parafunctional habits, or certain medical conditions. Disorders of the TMJ can result in pain or discomfort causing a decreased ability to open the mouth, pain when opening and closing the mouth, joint clicking/popping noises, earaches, and headaches. If a patient were to experience TMD symptoms, please contact Oral & Maxillofacial Surgical Consultants to set up an exam and consultation.

Drs. Haas, Stich, Kurtzman, Pearson, Sundick, Neuner, McMahon, Spanel, Omlie and Ziegler are experienced in identifying and diagnosing a patient’s specific TMJ disorder. They will work with each patient to develop a treatment plan, which could include home care exercises, oral splints, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory or muscle relaxants, steroid injections, surgery, or a combination of treatments. 

Through every step of treatment, the surgeons will work to ensure safe and effective care for each unique individual.

Platelet-Rich Plasma

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a safe, convenient procedure that can be completed in an office setting and used in conjunction with various oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures. Plasma is the liquid portion of the blood that transports red and white blood cells and platelets through the blood stream in a patient’s body. It is obtained from a patient’s own blood and placed into the patient’s oral surgical site to help increase the rate of healing.

Drs. Haas, Stich, Kurtzman, Pearson, Sundick, Neuner, McMahon, Spanel, Omlie and Ziegler can use PRP in numerous clinical applications, including:

  • Bone grafting procedures prior to dental implants
  • Bone defect repairs
  • Fistula repair between the nasal sinus cavity and the mouth

Although most insurance companies do not cover PRP therapy, research studies indicate that about 70% of patients receiving PRP therapy show surgical site improvement. It is not always necessary, but your surgeon at Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Consultants will provide you with a thorough list of safe and effective treatment options depending on your surgical needs to help provide safe and effective treatment.