Third molars are commonly referred to as “wisdom teeth”. They are usually the last teeth to develop and are located in the back of your mouth, behind your second molars. A special x – ray of your jaw is taken to assess the position of your wisdom teeth, and to determine whether they need to be removed. Reasons to get your wisdom teeth evaluated are: pain, swelling, crowding, abnormal x – ray, and impaction, among others. Dr. Lee will usually draw your blood (usually during IV placement) in order to make platelet rich fibrin (PRF), which are placed back into the extraction sockets to promote better healing and minimizing your chance of getting a dry socket.

A dental implant is made of titanium, and it is used to replace a tooth is missing or extracted. It can be used to replace a single tooth, or multiple teeth, or even the entire arch. There are 2 components of a dental implant. Dr. Lee will perform the surgical extraction, placement of the dental implant into the bone, and additional bone grafting as needed. After a period of healing (usually 3 months), your restorative dentist will fabricate a crown that gets fitted to your dental implant. This procedure is less invasive than most patients think, and it is the gold standard of treatment for replacing missing teeth. Dr. Lee uses advanced imaging (CBCT) and technology (3D printed surgical guides) to achieve the best possible outcome for our patients.

After a tooth is extracted, the walls of the extraction socket usually shrinks unpredictably. To minimize this shrinkage of bone, Dr. Lee places bone graft material into the extraction socket at the same time as your extraction. After a period of healing (usually 3 months), the socket bone is preserved, and a dental implant can be placed with high degree of success. If you had the tooth extracted a long time ago, you may need a separate bone grafting procedure to build up the bone back to adequate width and height. Occasionally, you may also need a sinus lift procedure on the upper jaw, in order to build back the bone height lost over time.

An impacted tooth cannot erupt into the arch, and it is “stuck” in the bone. The canines are one of the most common teeth in the mouth to be impacted. Your orthodontist could recommend exposure and bracket of the impacted canine, in order to facilitate your overall orthodontic treatment. During this procedure, Dr. Lee will uncover any tissue or bone overlying the impacted canine, and place a gold bracket and chain on the tooth. After a short period of healing, your orthodontist can start “pulling” in the tooth using the gold chain.

Patients with severe clenching and grinding habits can develop temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) over time. Symptoms can include jaw pain, limited mouth opening, severe clicking, and headaches. If the problem is within the joint itself, you may need a procedure called “arthrocentesis”, which is a minimally invasive procedure to wash out the inflamed joint, and decrease swelling and pain in the joint. If the problem is within the jaw muscles, a procedure called Botox could alleviate jaw pain related to muscle inflammation and spasm.

The mouth is normally lined with healthy mucosa (oral skin) that appears smooth and pink in color. Any changes in color or shape raises concern for an oral pathology. If you have a red ulcer or a white spot that doesn’t go away on its own, please have it evaluated. If you have swelling or a lump in your head and neck region, please have it evaluated. High risk factors for oral cancer includes smoking and drinking alcohol. Dr. Lee will evaluate your mouth, and may recommend a biopsy to obtain a definitive diagnosis.

Any type of surgery could bring anxiety to the patient. Dr. Lee offers multiple levels of anesthesia to help you get through the procedure as comfortable as possible. Dr. Lee has had extensive training in anesthesia, and he specializes in providing anesthesia of many different types: Local anesthesia is used for minor procedures where only the surgical area is numbed. It involves an injection with a needle directly into the surgical site.

• Exparel: Exparel is is a long-acting local anesthesia that could keep you comfortable for up to 2 days. For patients who cannot take strong pain meds, or for procedures that are more involved, Dr. Lee will offer Exparel as an adjunctive postoperative pain management.
• Nitrous Oxide: Nitrous oxide is most commonly known as “laughing gas”. It is used for minor procedures when the patient is mildly anxious. The patient will remain conscious in the relaxed condition. It involves breathing through a nasal mask.
• Oral Sedation: Oral sedation is usually provided for children who cannot tolerate the placement of an IV. A combination of medications is given in liquid form, and the sedative effects are seen after about 15 minutes.
• IV Sedation: IV sedation is the highest level of anesthesia provided in the office setting. Dr. Lee will place an IV in the arm, and medications are given to help you fall asleep. Most common medications used are versed, Ketamine and Propofol. Dr. Lee does not use any opioids. Your vitals and breathing are monitored very closely by Dr. Lee and his anesthesia trained surgical assistants.