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Oral Surgery
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Convenient, precision oral surgery at your Cleveland, OH dentist’s office

Downtown Dental Services blends both close, warm relationship-based care with the latest technologies to help you preserve your natural teeth and a complete, healthy smile. However, situations can arise where it is actually unhealthy to hold on to a badly decayed or otherwise traumatized tooth. In these and other cases (such as impacted wisdom teeth), extractions would be recommended to resolve pain and restore health.

Fortunately, Dr. Tony Lu is trained and has the onsite capabilities to offer these and other oral surgery procedures from his Cleveland, OH office. Other dentists must refer surgical procedures out to specialists, such as oral and maxillofacial surgeons. These referrals add to the headaches, costs, and time associated with getting the care you need to feel and look better. Thanks to Dr. Lu’s extensive knowledge and skills, your teeth can be replaced promptly and affordably by the dentist who already knows you and your family.

Extractions

Generally, extracting a tooth is a “last resort” procedure. In many cases, the natural tooth can be “saved” with restorative case, such as fillings, inlays, onlays, and crowns. Root canal therapy is a nonsurgical procedure with a more than 90 percent rate of successfully resolving internal trauma to the tooth. If the deeply inflamed or infected tooth cannot be treated effectively with root canal therapy, other surgical endodontic procedures may be recommended. If inflammation persists, then the trouble tooth must be removed.

Wisdom teeth (third molars) may become partially or fully trapped underneath the gums. Impacted teeth push up against the gums, which produces pressure and pain and may even damage the surrounding teeth. Again, extractions would be recommended.

Simple extractions involve loosening and gently lifting the tooth from its socket. They are appropriate for teeth that are partially or fully visible above the gumline. For very broken or otherwise impacted teeth, surgical extraction may be necessary to access and remove the tooth. We can discuss options for the most comfortable, fast, and precise care with you.

Implant placement

It is important to replace missing teeth promptly. Bone in the jaw can shrink and cause problems with chewing and speech to become worse. It can even “age” the appearance of your face. After tissues have healed, we may recommend either conventional bridges, partial dentures, or complete dentures. Dr. Lu is also experienced at placing dental implants. These cylinders are strategically placed in the jaw. Made from a biocompatible material, the implant joins to the surrounding bone. The part of the tooth seen above the gumline is then restored with a crown, bridge, or denture. So, the implant itself functions as root to securely support the replacement tooth.For patients who have already experienced bone loss, it may be necessary to build up the jaw prior to implants placement. A sufficient amount of bone must be present in the jaw to support the implant. Dr. Lu can discuss options for surgical bone grafting with you during your appointment. Call us to find more about what to expect before, during, and after your extraction, implant, or grafting procedure.

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