Our care is delivered with humility and compassion. We recognize that our patients bring many emotions and feelings to the office ranging from severe pain to fear and anxiety as well as being embarrassed by their oral condition.
Our doctors and staff anticipate the needs of our patients to ensure the best possible experience in our office.
Wisdom Tooth Removal
Tooth Extractions
Sedation for Procedures
Advanced Technology
Impacted Canines
Dental Trauma
Oral Pathology
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom Teeth Removal Madison, WI
Wisdom teeth, or technically, third molars, are the last teeth to develop in your mouth. They are behind the upper and lower second molars, 12-year molars. They are called "wisdom teeth" because they typically appear in a person's late teens or early twenties, which has been called the "age of wisdom."
WHY ARE WISDOM TEETH A PROBLEM?
Wisdom teeth erupt in the mouth to varying degrees for each individual. When a tooth fails to erupt normally into the mouth, it is called "impacted." Most people have either impacted wisdom teeth or an inadequate space for their wisdom teeth to be healthy, cleansable, and functional.
Wisdom teeth, whether under the surface of the gum, partly through the gum, or erupted into the mouth, are prone to overgrowth of bacteria and the development of dental disease. These conditions include:
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Inflammation and infection of the gum (pericoronitis). A wisdom tooth that partially erupts through the gum tissue can accumulate food and bacteria under the flap of gum tissue, causing pain and swelling. These infections, in rare instances, become very serious.
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Cyst development. Cysts and tumors can develop from the follicle that the wisdom teeth form in. These cysts and tumors can destroy jawbone and teeth.
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Gum disease (periodontitis). Studies show gum disease often starts around wisdom teeth and then progresses throughout the mouth. This is a painless condition that you are unlikely to be aware of as it is developing. Gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults, and having wisdom teeth removed gives you a head-start at preventing it.
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Tooth decay. A wisdom tooth may be hard to clean due to partial gum tissue coverage or lack of space, causing it or the second molar to become decayed.
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Poor position. A poorly positioned wisdom tooth may rub on the cheeks, causing irritation and pain.
Only 2% of adults at retirement age have a healthy wisdom tooth that has not been affected by disease. In addition, waiting for pain or other issues to set in may leave you with permanent or serious dental disease.
Not everyone needs his/her wisdom teeth removed. Removal may not be recommended for patients who have adequate space in their mouth for teeth to erupt properly and allow access for cleaning. In general, surgical risks increase with age. Your oral surgeon may recommend scheduled periodic clinical and radiographic examinations if the risks of removing the wisdom teeth outweigh the risks of monitoring.
WHEN SHOULD WISDOM TEETH BE REMOVED?
There is "no one answer" to the correct age of having wisdom teeth removed, as everyone's situation is different. In general, patients without symptoms should be screened by their dentist between the ages of 17 to 21 to discuss the risks of developing disease and to consider wisdom tooth removal. Studies have shown that having wisdom teeth removed prior to your mid-20's helps ensure complete healing and a smooth recovery. Anyone experiencing pain or swelling should be seen immediately for consultation. Only a consultation with your oral surgeon can determine if the timing is right for you.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING MY WISDOM TOOTH CONSULTATION?
At Madison Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, we specialize in the removal of wisdom teeth. We will provide you with an accurate review of your condition and an evidence-based discussion of whether wisdom teeth removal is right for you. We will determine the complexity of your case, take into account your needs, and work with you to develop an anesthesia plan to ensure your comfort. Our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons have advanced training in sedation and anesthesia. We will ensure that your experience will be comfortable and safe.
Tooth Extractions
Tooth Extractions Madison, WI
The extraction, or removal, of teeth, is sometimes necessary for the health of the patient. Extraction is never the first option but is only done when restoration is not an option; this is because the extraction of teeth complicates and adjusts so many other parts of your mouth. Our staff at Madison Oral Surgery & Dental Implants can examine your teeth, and help you understand all of your options, which may include extraction. Together, we can develop a treatment plan, which may include restoring teeth and gums, the placement of a dental implant, all on 4 implants, or other prosthetic options.
Why are teeth extracted?
Teeth are extracted for a variety of reasons, but always when it improves the patient’s health. At Madison Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, we may recommend the removal of a tooth when:
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Severe Decay: Decaying teeth can be very problematic. If a tooth is decayed, and not treated, the decay can then spread into the tooth pulp. Infected pulp is painful, and has the potential for infection to spread to neighboring teeth. In many cases, root canal therapy can be performed to treat the infection, but the extensive damage will require extraction. Never ignore the signs of infection or pericoronitis.
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Periodontal Disease: Periodontal disease is an active bacterial infection of your gum tissue. Having healthy gum tissue is important to the support of your teeth. As the infection rages it damages the soft tissue and eventually attacks the hard bone tissue. Patients with the active gum disease often experience a loss of bone mass, which leads to the loss of teeth. We can perform a bone graft to treat bone loss.
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Broken or Fractured Teeth: Teeth that have broken or fractured beyond repair, meaning there is not sufficient tooth to attach a dental crown to, need to be extracted.
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Badly Positioned: In many cases, a tooth needs to be removed because it is badly positioned, affecting the bite. This would also include an extra tooth. In general, an orthodontist will make the recommendation to have a badly positioned tooth removed.
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Non-functional Teeth: We may recommend the removal of a tooth in preparation for a prosthetic device to be placed. This includes preparation before a dental implant, bridge, denture or partial being placed.
Extraction
Tooth extractions are a common procedure performed in our oral surgery office. Typically tooth extractions can be performed using local anesthesia. This will depend on the procedure being done, including if it is a surgical or non-surgical procedure, and how many teeth are being removed. Surgical extractions are performed when cuts need to be made to remove the entire tooth, a non-surgical extraction can quickly turn into a surgical extraction during the procedure. For patients who have complex cases, IV anesthesia/sedation can be used.
Following extraction, patients often need a day or two to recover. We will review post-treatment guidelines with you at time of treatment. In general, this will include being aware of excessive bleeding, swelling, and signs of infection.
For more information on both surgical and non-surgical dental extractions, or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please give us a call at: (608) 960-7650
Sedation for Procedures
Sedation for Procedures Madison, WI
Comfort During Procedures
At Madison Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, our team strives to meet your individual comfort needs to ensure your experience with us goes as smoothly as possible in a relaxed setting. In order to help you be as comfortable as possible, we offer several anesthesia options.
IV Anesthesia
For patients in good health who are undergoing complex procedures or are nervous and anxious about going through a procedure, IV anesthesia is a solution that can help ensure you have a great experience. Intravenous medications are given to induce sleep, making you comfortable and unaware of the procedure. Local anesthetic is given once you are asleep to ensure your comfort after the procedure. There is a period of recovery in our office after IV anesthesia and patients generally feel tired for 1-2 hours after sedation.
The doctors of Madison Oral Surgery & Dental Implants are uniquely qualified and accredited to administer IV anesthesia based on extensive training under the supervision of anesthesiologists as well as ongoing training. We utilize the highest level of patient monitoring for safety and have staff that are specially trained to assist with anesthesia.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is a safe and effective mild sedative agent that will help you relax during your procedure. It is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose. Local anesthetic will also be given to keep you comfortable during and after the procedure. The effect of nitrous oxide wears off soon after the mask is removed, which allows people to drive home without an escort. Talk to us about whether nitrous oxide would be a good option for you at your next appointment.
Local Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is used to numb your mouth for all procedures. This limits any sensations you may feel during your procedure and for several hours after the procedure.
For more information, or if you'd like to schedule an appointment, please give us a call at (608) 960-7650.
We are proud to offer digital x-rays in our office. Digital radiography is a form of x-ray imaging where digital x-ray sensors are used instead of traditional x-ray film. Advantages include instant results, up to 75% less radiation exposure than traditional x-rays, and files that are easily shared with your dentist's office. Click here to learn more about Digital X-Rays
Our practice utilizes state-of-the-art cone-beam CT (computed tomography) scanning technology that provides accurate 3D images for precise diagnosis and planning of your oral surgery needs. We are able to deliver you the highest level of oral surgery treatment by using this advanced technology. Click here to learn more about Dental CT Scans
The doctors of Madison Oral Surgery & Dental Implants have advanced training in reading and using 3D imaging.
Impacted Canines
Impacted Canines Madison, WI
The canine tooth of the upper jaw (also called a cuspid or eye tooth) is the second-most common tooth to become impacted. An impacted tooth is a tooth that fails to erupt completely into the mouth. The canine tooth is a critical tooth for biting into food. Its pointed shape helps you to tear into food such as meat or tough bread.
Normally, the upper canine teeth are the last of the "front teeth" to erupt into place. They usually come into place around age 13 and may cause any space left between the upper front teeth to close tighter together. In cases where the canine is impacted and will not erupt spontaneously, the orthodontist and oral surgeon work together to get these unerupted teeth into the correct position.
In most cases the orthodontist places braces on the teeth (at least the upper teeth) and a space is opened to provide room for the impacted tooth to be moved into its proper position. Once the space is ready, the orthodontist will refer the patient to the oral surgeon for a simple procedure to have the impacted tooth exposed and an orthodontic bracket placed.
The orthodontist can begin work on moving the tooth into position one to two weeks after the oral surgery. This is a carefully controlled, slow process that may take up to a year to complete.
For more information, or if you'd like to schedule an appointment, please give us a call at (608) 960-7650.
Dental Trauma
Dental Trauma Madison, WI
Injuries to the face, by their very nature, impart a high degree of emotional as well as physical trauma to patients. The science and art of treating these injuries requires special training involving "hands-on" experience and an understanding of how the treatment provided will influence the patient's long-term function and appearance.
The doctors of Madison Oral Surgery & Dental Implants are trained, skilled, and uniquely qualified to manage and treat facial trauma. They are on staff at local hospitals and deliver emergency room coverage for facial injuries, which include the following conditions:
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Facial lacerations.
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Lacerations of the mouth.
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Avulsed (knocked out) teeth.
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Fractured jaws (upper and lower jaw).
Oral Pathology
Oral Pathology Madison, WI
The inside of the mouth is normally lined with a special type of tissue called mucosa that is smooth and pink in color. Any alteration in this appearance could be a warning sign of a serious oral health condition. The following can be signs of a serious oral health condition:
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Bumps or lumps that did not exist before.
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White or red patches.
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Sores that do not go away after a week or so.
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Sores that bleed.
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Consistent problems with your throat, including pain and/or hoarseness.
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Difficulty with your jaw, including problems chewing and swallowing.
These changes can be detected on the lips, cheeks, palate, and gum tissue, tongue, face, and/or neck. Any signs mentioned above that are found in your mouth should be brought to the attention of your dentist or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. If appropriate, biopsy (tissue sample) may be performed to help diagnose your condition and plan any treatment you might need. This allows for early diagnosis of any concerns that are developing in your mouth. The doctors of Madison Oral Surgery & Dental Implants are highly experienced to evaluate and treat these lesions within your mouth and jaw.
Oral Surgery | Madison Oral Surgery & Dental Implants Our doctors and staff anticipate the needs of our patients to ensure the best possible experience in our office. Madison Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, 2921 Landmark Place, Suite 100, Madison, WI 53713 / (608) 960-7650 / madisonoralsurgeons.com / 9/11/2023 / Page Terms:oral surgeon Madison WI /
Our practice utilizes state-of-the-art cone-beam CT (computed tomography) scanning technology that provides accurate 3D images for precise diagnosis and planning of your oral surgery needs. We are able to deliver you the highest level of oral surgery treatment by using this advanced technology.
The doctors of Madison Oral Surgery & Dental Implants have advanced training in reading and using 3D imaging.
The canine tooth of the upper jaw (also called a cuspid or eye tooth) is the second-most common tooth to become impacted. 
