With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Dr. Brown or Dr. Neuwirth can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict if there are present or future potential problems. Studies have shown that early evaluation and treatment result in a superior outcome for the patient. Patients are generally first evaluated in the mid-teenage years by their dentist, orthodontist, or by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Occasionally, impressions are made at the time the impant is placed. This enables the crown to be reayd when the dental implants have healed. How long your mouth needs to heal is determined by a variety of factors. Follow-up care (one to four appointmnts) is usually needed to ensure that your mouth is healing well and to determine when you are ready for the restorative phase of your treatment.
Bridges
A fixed bridge is a connected set of replacement teeth. For support, it is cemented into position on top of the teeth adjacent to the empty space. The protective outer layer of those teeth is usually removed or ground down prior to attaching the bridge.
Restorative Dentistry
These jaw defects can create major problems in performing restorative dentistry whether your treatment involves dental implants, bridges, or dentures. Jaw deformities from tooth removal can be prevented and repaired by a procedure called socket preservation. Socket preservation can greatly improve your smile’s appearance and increase your chances for successful dental implants.
Other dental specialists may be called upon such as endodontists, who may be asked to perform root canal therapy, and/or restorative dentists who may need to repair or rebuild fractured teeth. In the event that injured teeth cannot be saved or repaired, dental implants are often now utilized as replacements for missing teeth.
Over time, when a tooth is missing, the jaw bone deteriorates. So while a denture or bridge may seem to function similarly to a tooth, underneath the surface damage is being done to the jaw bone and ultimately to the structure of the face. This can result in the distortion of the shape of a person’s face, leading to additional cosmetic costs down the road.
Overdentures
An Implant Supported Overdenture solution also ensures greater stability in the bone, reducing the need for bone graft surgery to increase bone volume. Implant-supported overdentures stay connected with bar and clip attachment methods or use a variety of abutment-based attachments (ball, magnets, and resilient stud attachments such as Locators).
Restore your beautiful and healthy smile with dental implants at Brown & Neuwirth Oral & Cosmetic Surgery. We serve Hickory, Morganton, and Statesville, NC.
The patient remains totally conscious throughout the procedure. A local anesthetic (e.g. lidocaine) is administered in the area where the surgery is to be performed. Local anesthetic is used in conjunction with the other methods of anesthesia in all oral surgery procedures.
Jaw Surgery
If you are a candidate for corrective jaw surgery, Dr. Brown and Dr. Neuwirth will work closely with your dentist and orthodontist during your treatment. The actual surgery can move your teeth and jaws into a new position that results in a more attractive, functional, and healthy dental-facial relationship.
Gum Surgery
Once the tooth is moved into the arch in its final position, the gum around it will be evaluated to make sure it is sufficiently strong and healthy to last for a lifetime of chewing and tooth brushing. In some circumstances, especially those where the tooth had to be moved a long distance, there may be some minor gum surgery required to add bulk to the gum tissue over the relocated tooth so it remains healthy during normal function. Your dentist or orthodontist will explain this situation to you if it applies to your specific situation.
Maxillofacial Surgery
He served a 4 year residency in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Connecticut and subsequently began his career in private practice in North Carolina in the summer of 1990. He began the practice now known as the Brown, Neuwirth & Holt Oral & Cosmetic Surgery Center in 1993. Dr. Brown earned his board certification from the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. In 1994 Dr. Brown began practicing the full scope of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. Dr. Brown has presented and published both on national and international levels.
Tooth Extractions
A ridge augmentation is a common dental procedure often performed following a tooth extraction. This procedure helps recreate the natural contour of the gums and jaw that may have been lost due to bone loss from a tooth extraction, or for another reason.
Ridge Augmentation
A ridge augmentation procedure is typically performed in Dr. Brown & Dr. Neuwirth’s office under local anesthesia. Some patients may also request sedative medication.
Bone Grafting
The following are the most common causes for jaw bone deterioration and loss that may require a bone grafting procedure...
Orthognathic surgery is needed when jaws don’t meet correctly and/or teeth don’t seem to fit with jaws. Teeth are straightened with orthodontics and corrective jaw surgery repositions a misaligned jaw. This not only improves facial appearance, but also ensures that teeth meet correctly and function properly.
Braces
This exam is usually performed by your general dentist or hygienist who will refer you to an orthodontist if a problem is identified. Treating such a problem may involve an orthodontist placing braces to open spaces to allow for proper eruption of the adult teeth.