The average adult has thirty-two teeth by age eighteen; sixteen teeth on the top and sixteen teeth on the bottom. Each tooth in the mouth has a specific name and function. The teeth in the front of the mouth (incisors, canine and bicuspid teeth) are ideal for grasping and biting food into smaller pieces. The back teeth, or molar teeth, are used to grind food up into a consistency suitable for swallowing. However, the average mouth is only large enough to hold only 28 teeth. It can be extremely painful when 32 teeth try to fit in a mouth that holds only 28 teeth. These four other teeth are your Third Molars, also known as wisdom teeth.

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to develop. When they align properly, and the gum tissue is healthy, wisdom teeth do not have to be removed. Unfortunately, this does not generally happen. The removal of wisdom teeth is necessary when your wisdom teeth are prevented from properly erupting within the mouth. They may grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum, 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 erupt successfully.

These poorly positioned impacted teeth can cause many problems. When they are partially erupted, the opening around the tooth allows bacteria to grow and will eventually cause an infection. The result is swelling, jaw stiffness, pain and illness. The pressure from the erupting wisdom tooth 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 tooth, resulting in the destruction of the jaw bone and healthy teeth. Removal of the offending impacted tooth or teeth usually resolves these problems. Early removal is recommended to avoid future problems and to greatly reduce the surgical risk involved with the procedure.

With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Dr. Beaty can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict if there may be future or present 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 or orthodontist. You may also go directly to your oral and maxillofacial surgeon for evaluation.

For minor procedures, local anesthesia is all that is usually necessary. When more extensive procedures are planned or when a patient is very anxious, sedation or general anesthesia is often indicated. Dr. Beaty has the training, licensure and experience to deliver the best anesthesia techniques for your specific needs. These anesthesia services are provided to you in an environment of optimum safety, utilizing modern, state of the art, monitoring equipment and staff members certified in oral and maxillofacial surgery/anesthesia assisting.

Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth which look, feel and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat normal foods and smile with confidence, knowing that their teeth appear natural and that their facial contours will be preserved. The implants themselves are small titanium posts which are placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. In addition, implants can help preserve jawbone structure, preventing the bone deterioration which occurs when teeth are missing. Dr. Beaty has received extensive training in implantology. He has been successfully placing implants since 1989 and through continuing education, is abreast of the most current information on implant dentistry.

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums while the bone heals tightly against the implants. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a fairly normal diet during this time. Recovery from the surgery to place your implants is usually uneventful and requires minimal pain medication. Facial swelling is usually minimal and resolved within several days.

After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Dr. Beaty will uncover the implants. This is a minor procedure and rarely even requires any time off from work or pain medication. After about three weeks your general dentist will be able to start making your new teeth. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily life.

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Orthognathic surgery is needed when jaws don't meet correctly and/or teeth don't seem to fit in the jaws. Teeth are straightened within the jawbone with orthodontics, and corrective jaw surgery repositions misaligned jaws. This not only improves facial appearance, but also ensures that teeth meet correctly and function properly.

People who can benefit from orthognathic surgery include those with an improper bite or whose jaws 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. While, orthodontics alone can correct many bite problems when only the teeth are involved, orthognathic surgery may be required if there is a skeletal discrepancy.

Before any treatment begins, a consultation will be done to perform a complete examination with x-rays. During the pre-treatment consultation process, feel free to ask any questions that you have regarding your treatment. When you are fully informed about all aspects of your care, you and your dental team will make the decision to proceed with treatment together.

Dr. Beaty uses modern computer techniques and three dimensional models to show you exactly how your surgery will be approached. Using comprehensive facial x-rays and video stills, he can show you how your bite will be improved and even give you an idea of how you will look after surgery. This helps you understand the surgical process, the extent of the treatment prescribed, and to see the benefits of orthognathic surgery.

If you are a candidate for corrective jaw surgery, Dr. Beaty will work closely with your 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.