• Impacted Wisdom Teeth
• Dental Implants
• Bone Grafting
• Pathology and Infections
• Total Jaw Reconstruction
• Minimally Invasive TMJ Surgery

Impacted wisdom teeth, or third molars, can produce complications such as infections, damage to the adjacent tooth, and cyst formation. It is generally recommended that wisdom teeth be removed ideally in the late teens to mid twenties. Younger patients are commonly asymptomatic, but studies have shown that eventually 85% of wisdom teeth eventually become problematic and require removal. Younger patients have the advantage of better and faster healing potential, and also, surgery is easier and less complicated when the roots of the wisdom teeth are not fully formed.

It is generally recommended that all four wisdom teeth be removed at the same time with the comfort of intravenous sedation. Dr. Jo thoroughly explains the clinical findings, indications for surgery, and anticipated postoperative course during the initial consultation and is happy to answer any questions. For more information on impacted wisdom teeth, click on this LINK (to AAOMS Pamplets on Wisdom Teeth).

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With the advent of dental implants, replacement of a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth can be accomplished without a removable prosthesis or prepping adjacent teeth for a bridge. Dental implants are cylindrical titanium posts that screw into the jaw bones and has an excellent success rate. After a period of healing, the titanium implant fuses (osseointegrates) to the surround bone. The integrated implant now acts as a new root system, on to which a crown or cap is placed for the most natural form and function. Implants can also be utilized to support and anchor a complete denture that would otherwise not be stable or comfortable to wear. In certain situations, a tooth can be removed and an immediate implant can be placed.

Generally, the restorative dentist is the "captain of the ship" and will decide the location and number of implants that need to be placed. Dr. Jo will evaluate the sites to ensure adequate bone and spacing is available to accommodate an implant. Dr. Jo will work closely with the restorative dentist to insure a comprehensive treatment plan to meet the restorative needs of both the patient and referring dentist. For more information on dental implants click on this LINK (to AAOMS Pamplets on Implants).

• For more information, visit American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

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On occasion, bone grafting or "sinus lifting" is required prior to placement of dental implants. After the early loss of a tooth, the surround bone begins to resorb over time. In a traumatic loss of a tooth, the supporting bone is sometimes completely lost along with the tooth or teeth.

When the dentist and oral surgeon plan on restoring the edentulous space(s) with an implant, the quality and quantity of bone must be first assessed. If there is insufficient bone to support an implant, a bone grafting procedure (site development) must be performed either prior to or during the placement of an implant.

Autogenous bone can be harvested from the patients own body (hip, tibia, or mandible) and grafted into the deficient areas with relative ease and patient comfort. Otherwise, synthetic or cadaveric bone can be used as a grafting material. Platelet-Rich-Plasma is used to enhance the bone graft.

Dr. Jo will determine which technique is best suited for each individual clinical situation.

• For more information, visit American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

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Although not exceedingly common, cysts and tumors can develop in the jaw bone. They can be completely asymptomatic and discovered on a routine x-ray. On occasion, the cyst or tumor can reach large sizes, causing pain, discomfort and disfigurement. Benign or malignant lesions can also occur on the soft tissues in the oral cavity. All lesions in the mouth or jaws need to be evaluated and possibly biopsied.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are uniquely trained to diagnose and treat lesions occurring in the oral cavity and jaw bones (maxilla and mandible). Also, large abscesses may form from infected or necrotic teeth. Left untreated, odontogenic infections can become life-threatening and always require prompt treatment. Dr. Jo has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating benign cysts and tumors of the jaws. Dr. Jo will clinically and radiographically evaluate the lesion or infection and discuss the patient's treatment needs during the initial consultation.

• For more information, visit American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

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When a large portion of the upper or lower jaw is removed due to a cyst or tumor, reconstructive surgery is often needed. During the evaluation of a lesion of the jaw bones, Dr. Jo simultaneously anticipates the need for reconstructive surgery. Typically, reconstruction is performed in staged procedures to optimize the outcome. Dr. Jo has utilized 3-D stereolithographic model technology to assist him with during the excision of jaw tumors and immediate stabilization of the jaw bones with a reconstruction plate, which minimizes the deformity from soft tissue collapse and improves the function of the jaws during the initial healing phase. This is followed by a bone grafting procedure to reconstruct the bony defect. Typically, Dr. Jo will harvest bone from the patient's hip and transplant it to the defect, in essence creating a new jaw for the patient.

Also, patients that have been edentulous for most of their life lose bone mass and volume as they age. It becomes uncomfortable and impossible for them to wear dentures. On occasion, their lower jaw (mandible) becomes so thin (atrophic) that a small amount of force can cause it to fracture. In those instances, Dr. Jo uses an innovative technique to simultaneous place implants and build up the lower jaw with a graft to restore size and strength to the lower jaw. He also utilizes Platelet-Rich-Plasma (PRP) to enhance the bone graft.

• For more information, visit American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

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Disorder of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can cause a significant amount of pain and functional limitations. Clicking and popping of the jaw joint can occur in up to a third of healthy patients. If it is not associated with any pain or functional limitations, then treatment is typically not warranted. However, when pain and functional limitations exist, Dr. Jo will perform a thorough clinical examination and may order a MRI based on exam findings. Pain may be associated with a displaced disc, inflammation of the joint, and/or jaw muscles (myofascial pain dysfunction).

Dr. Jo has been trained to perform numerous TMJ procedures, which include arthrocentesis, laser-assisted arthroscopic surgery, open joint surgery, and total joint reconstruction. Not all TMJ disorders need to be treated surgically, and Dr. Jo will discuss the patient's diagnosis and treatment strategies based on the clinical and radiographic findings. The goals of treatment is to alleviate or eliminate the pain and improve the overall jaw function. For more information click on TMJ disorders, click on this LINK (AAOMS pamplet).

• For more information, visit American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.