Oral Surgery in Springfield, MO

When we hear the words “oral surgery,” it is natural to pause and feel uncertain. However, we see it as a beginning rather than a barrier. Oral surgery can lead to a healthier, stronger, and more confident smile while improving comfort and overall quality of life. It often marks the turning point toward better health. Surgery can remove the source of pain, stop problems from progressing, and restore the everyday freedom of having a strong, healthy, dependable smile. The procedure itself is only part of the process. What truly matters is what follows: relief, restored function, and renewed well-being. We believe oral surgery is an opportunity to take control of your oral health and safeguard your future.

When Oral Surgery Is Recommended

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Tooth Extractions

We make every effort to save natural teeth, yet there are times when extraction offers the best solution for protecting your overall oral health.

Extraction is often necessary when a tooth is severely damaged beyond the point where a filling, crown, or root canal can restore it. In these cases, keeping the tooth in place risks further infection and more extensive damage to surrounding tissues. Advanced periodontal disease is another common reason for extraction. When gum disease has caused significant bone loss and loosened a tooth, removal can prevent the spread of infection and protect neighboring teeth.

Previous treatments can sometimes fail. If a root canal or other restorative procedure does not resolve the problem, extraction removes the source of ongoing pain or infection. Severe trauma or fractures may also leave a tooth beyond repair, making removal the only practical solution.

In certain cases, extraction is part of a broader treatment plan. For example, when preparing for dental implant placement or another prosthetic solution, removing an unsalvageable tooth creates a healthy foundation for the restoration. Persistent infections or abscesses that do not respond to treatment may also require extraction to eliminate the source of the problem and allow the surrounding tissues to heal.

Bone Grafts and Sinus Lifts

A dental implant requires strong, stable bone for lasting support. When the jawbone has thinned, softened, or lost volume, we can rebuild it with bone grafting. This procedure adds new bone material to the deficient area, restoring both height and thickness. The graft material may come from your own bone, a donor, or from synthetic materials designed to mimic natural bone.

When we restore lost bone through grafting, we rebuild both the height and the thickness of the bone. This creates a stable foundation for placing a dental implant, helping us reduce the likelihood of future complications.

A sinus lift is a specific type of bone grafting that we perform in the upper back jaw. In this area, the bone is often too shallow to hold an implant securely because the maxillary sinus lies directly above it. During a sinus lift, we carefully raise the sinus membrane and place bone graft material into the space between the sinus floor and your jawbone. By doing this, we increase bone height and density, allowing us to place an implant with the strength and stability it needs to function long-term.

Dental Implants

When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area immediately begins to change. The tooth root once acted as a natural anchor and provided stimulation to the bone every time you chewed. That stimulation signaled the body to maintain bone strength and density. Without the root in place, the body no longer receives that signal and begins to break down the bone tissue in a process called resorption. This loss of bone occurs gradually but continuously. Over time, the jawbone can lose significant height and width, making it more difficult to place a stable restoration and potentially altering the natural contours of the face.

A dental implant is a small titanium post that we place directly into the jawbone. The implant assumes the role of the original root, providing stability for the restoration and helping to preserve the surrounding bone. Once secure, the implant serves as a strong foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture. Because it functions like a natural root, it restores chewing strength, prevents neighboring teeth from shifting out of place, and helps maintain the shape and stability of your jaw.

How Minimally Invasive Dentistry Is Changing Oral Surgery

Minimally invasive dentistry is all about achieving more while taking away less. We focus on completing necessary treatments while preserving as much of your natural tooth, bone, and gum tissue as possible.

By using advanced imaging, precise instruments, and careful techniques, we limit disruption to healthy areas of your mouth. This approach helps you heal more quickly, experience less discomfort, and establish a solid foundation for your long-term oral health.

How Mini Dental Implants Fit the Minimally Invasive Approach

Mini dental implants typically measure less than three millimeters in diameter. We place mini dental implants that measure about three millimeters or less in diameter. Their smaller size allows us to use a simpler placement process. In most cases, we only need to administer a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable during the procedure. We then create a small pilot hole through the gum tissue and into the bone before placing the implant.

Because mini dental implants are narrow, we can place them using a small entry point, rather than making a wide incision in the gum tissue. This approach preserves more of the surrounding tissue and reduces surgical trauma. In contrast, placing larger traditional implants often requires flap surgery. During flap surgery, a longer incision is made in the gums, and the tissue is gently lifted away to expose the underlying bone. This added step provides the visibility and access needed for larger implants, but also extends healing time and post-operative discomfort.

A mini dental implant is considered a one-piece implant. This means the implant post, which we anchor into the jawbone, and the abutment, which connects to the replacement tooth, are fused into a single unit. Traditional implants are usually two separate components that must be placed in stages, with the abutment attached after the implant has healed. Because mini implants are a single piece, the placement process is more straightforward. In many cases, we can attach the replacement tooth or restoration during the same appointment, significantly reducing treatment time.

Is Oral Surgery Part of Your Treatment Plan?

Every smile has a story, and sometimes oral surgery is the chapter that restores health and function. From replacing a single tooth to rebuilding the foundation for a full restoration, these treatments are designed to give lasting results. We combine advanced techniques with a commitment to patient comfort, ensuring that each procedure supports both your immediate needs and your long-term oral health.

Book a free consultation today to explore your treatment options.

Frequently Asked Questions

The cost of oral surgery depends on the details of your treatment. The type of procedure, the number of teeth treated, and the severity of your condition all influence the price. In some cases, additional services such as imaging, bone grafting, or follow-up visits may also add to the overall cost.

At your free consultation, we will examine your oral health, outline your treatment options, and provide a personalized cost estimate. Our team will review your insurance coverage and discuss flexible financing options to help make your treatment as affordable as possible.

Bone grafting is sometimes necessary before placing a dental implant. The procedure adds or rebuilds bone in areas where it is too thin or weak to hold an implant securely. This step is more common with traditional implants because they are larger in diameter and require more bone for stability.
Mini dental implants are different. Their smaller size means they need less bone to anchor securely. We can often place mini implants even when bone density or volume is limited. In most cases, we do not need to perform bone grafting beforehand.

Recovery time after oral surgery depends on several factors. These factors include the type of procedure you receive, your overall health, the complexity of the surgery, and how closely you follow your post-surgery care instructions. Managing discomfort, avoiding strenuous activity, eating soft foods, and attending follow-up visits all help promote a smoother and faster recovery. For most patients, minor procedures such as a simple tooth extraction may require only a few days of downtime. On the other hand, more complex surgeries can take several weeks to fully heal.

When compared to traditional implants, mini implants generally allow for a much quicker recovery. Their smaller size and less invasive placement technique cause less disruption to the bone and surrounding gum tissue. Most patients experience minimal swelling or discomfort and can return to normal activities within a day or two.

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