Dental Implants themselves are tiny titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts that protrude through the gums are then attached to the implant. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.
Dental Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.
Over a period of time, the jawbone associated with missing teeth atrophies or is reabsorbed. This often leaves a condition in which there is poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for placement of dental implants. In these situations, most patients are not candidates for placement of dental implants.
Bone grafting can repair implant sites with inadequate bone structure due to previous extractions, gum disease or injuries. The bone is either obtained from a tissue bank or your own bone is taken from the jaw, hip or tibia (below the knee). Sinus bone grafts are also performed to replace bone in the posterior upper jaw. In addition, special membranes may be utilized that dissolve under the gum and protect the bone graft and encourage bone regeneration. This is called guided bone regeneration or guided tissue regeneration.
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt within the mouth. When they align properly and gum tissue is healthy, wisdom teeth do not have to be removed. Unfortunately, this does not generally happen. The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when they are prevented from properly erupting within the mouth. They may grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum, and even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. Impacted teeth can take many positions in the bone as they attempt to find a pathway that will allow them to successfully erupt.
These poorly positioned impacted teeth can cause many problems. When they are partially erupted, the opening around the teeth allows bacteria to grow and will eventually cause an infection. The result: swelling, stiffness, pain, and illness. The pressure from the erupting wisdom teeth may move other teeth and disrupt the orthodontic or natural alignment of teeth. The most serious problem occurs when tumors or cysts form around the impacted wisdom teeth, resulting in the destruction of the jawbone and healthy teeth. Removal of the offending impacted teeth usually resolves these problems. Early removal is recommended to avoid such future problems and to decrease the surgical risk involved with the procedure.
People who can benefit from orthognathic surgery include those with an improper bite or jaws that are positioned incorrectly. Jaw growth is a gradual process and in some instances, the upper and lower jaws may grow at different rates. The result can be a host of problems that can affect chewing function, speech, long-term oral health and appearance. Injury to the jaw and birth defects can also affect jaw alignment. Orthodontics alone can correct bite problems when only the teeth are involved. Orthognathic surgery may be required for the jaws when repositioning in necessary.
Buckeye Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM. We will schedule your appointment as promptly as possible. If you have pain or an emergency situation, every attempt will be made to see you that day.
We try our best to stay on schedule to minimize your waiting. Due to the fact Dr. McEwan and Dr. Adamous provide many types of surgical services, various circumstances may lengthen the time allocated for a procedure. Emergency cases can also arise and cause delays. We appreciate your understanding and patience.
Dr. McEwan received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Ohio Wesleyan University and his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Indiana University School of Dentistry. Dr. McEwan then completed advanced training at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton and his surgical residency at the St. John Hospitals in Detroit, where he was awarded chief resident.
Dr. McEwan has received numerous academic honors including the Perry Award and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons' Award, both while attending Indiana University. In addition, Dr. McEwan is a member of several professional organizations including the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the American Dental Association, and is involved locally in the W.D. Miller Dental Society.
Dr. McEwan has been extensively trained to treat a wide variety of oral and facial conditions. He is trained in both adult and pediatric anesthesia to assist in your comfort. Dr. McEwan is pleased to offer dental implants to restore missing teeth and help support dentures.
Dr. McEwan enjoys spending time with his family, reading, playing sports, and cheering for the Buckeyes!
Dr. Adamous joined our practice in December 2012. He received his dental degree in 2006 from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine where he also completed his residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in 2011.
Dr. Adamous is a member of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Harbor Dental Society, American Society of Dental Anesthesiology and Southern California Academy of Oral Pathology.
Dr. Adamous would like to devote his professional career to all aspects of oral and maxillofacial surgery with special interest in dental implantology, pathology and reconstruction, wisdom teeth removal, sleep apnea and orthognathic surgery.
