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Missing teeth over a period of time can cause your jaw bone to atrophy, or resorb. This often results in poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for the placement of dental implants as well as long term shifting of remaining teeth and changes to facial structure. Most patients, in these situations, are not candidates for dental implants.

Fortunately, today we have the ability to grow bone where it is needed. This not only gives us the opportunity to place implants of proper length and width, but it also gives us a chance to restore functionality and aesthetic appearance.

Bone grafting can repair implant sites with inadequate bone structure due to previous extractions, gum disease, or injuries. The bone is either obtained from a tissue bank or your own bone is taken from the jaw, hip or tibia (below the knee).

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. Their development is usually completed between the middle teenage years and early twenties, a time traditionally associated with the onset of maturity and the attainment of wisdom.

You and Dr. Esposito may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; others may have advanced periodontal disease, or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.

When there is not enough bone to place an implant into the posterior upper jaw, a sinus lift is performed to raise the floor of the sinus and create a foundation for an implant to be placed. In addition, special membranes may be utilized that dissolve under the gum to protect the bone graft, as well as encourage bone regeneration.

Orthognathic surgery is needed when the top and bottom jaws don’t meet correctly and/or teeth don’t adequately fit within the jaw. Teeth are straightened with orthodontics, and corrective jaw surgery repositions a misaligned jaw. This not only improves facial appearance, but also ensures that teeth meet correctly and function properly. Dr. Esposito uses modern computer-aided techniques and three-dimensional models to show you exactly how your surgery will be approached. If you are a candidate for corrective jaw surgery, Dr. Esposito will work closely with your dentist and 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.

The inside of the mouth is normally lined with a special type of skin (mucosa) that is smooth and coral pink in color. Any alteration in this appearance could be a warning sign for a pathological process. The most serious of these is oral cancer. The following can be signs at the beginning of a pathological process or cancerous growth: Reddish patches (erythroplasia) or whitish patches (leukoplakia) in the mouth. A sore that fails to heal and bleeds easily. A lump or thickening on the skin lining the inside of the mouth Chronic sore throat or hoarseness and/or difficulty in chewing or swallowing. These changes can be detected on the lips, cheeks, palate, and gum tissue around the teeth, tongue, face, and/or neck. Pain does not always occur with pathology, and curiously, is not often associated with oral cancer. However, any patient with facial and/or oral pain without an obvious cause or reason may also be at risk for oral cancer.

Dr. Esposito is trained, skilled, and uniquely qualified to manage and treat facial trauma. He is on staff at local hospitals and delivers emergency room coverage for facial injuries, which include the following conditions:

Facial lacerations

Intraoral lacerations

Avulsed (knocked out) teeth

Fractured facial bones (cheek, nose, or eye socket)

Fractured jaws (upper and lower jaw).

There are a number of possible causes of facial traumas, such as motor vehicle accidents, accidental falls, sports injuries, interpersonal violence, and work-related injuries. Types of facial injuries can range from injuries to teeth to extremely severe injuries to the skin and bones of the face.  Dr.Esposito is highly trained to treat the full spectrum of facial trauma and reconstruction.