Oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Darren Dahlman provides a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgical services for patients in West Kelowna and the surrounding area.
What is Oral Surgery?
Oral and maxillofacial surgery refers a range of surgical procedures that treat infections, injuries and defects in the head, neck, face, jaw and oral and maxillofacial region.
Problems in the maxillofacial region can come about due to trauma, illness, infection, poor oral hygiene, or a combination of these factors.
Dr. Darren Dahlman offers a complete range of oral and maxillofacial surgery treatment options to help improve your oral function and as a result, your quality of life.
Extractions
While it is always preferable to save a natural tooth, sometimes it isn't possible. If a tooth is too badly damaged to save, as a result of injury of decay, it will need to be removed.
- Simple vs. Complex Extractions
A simple tooth extraction removes teeth that are visible over the gumline. Complex extractions involve teeth that are broken below the surface, or impacted, as well as the removal of residual roots and supernumerary teeth.
- Full Mouth Extractions
If you are suffering from advanced periodontal disease, chronic gum infections, or your teeth are severely decayed your dentist may recommend a full mouth extraction to help restore your oral health.
- Wisdom Tooth Extractions
Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars that grow in some people between the ages of 17 and 25. These teeth are not always functional, and can crowd the mouth or create problems for your oral hygiene. In these cases, we may recommend having the wisdom teeth extracted to help preserve the overall health of your mouth.
Oral Cancer Services
At Dr. Darren Dahlman, we offer screening and biopsy services for oral cancer.
- Screening
During an oral cancer screening, your dentist will closely examine the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
- Biopsy
In a biopsy, a small piece of tissue is removed to be examined under a microscope. A biopsy is the only way to know for sure that oral cancer is present.
- Diagnosis
After diagnostic tests are done, your doctor will review all of the results with you, and provide a diagnosis and treatment options.
Frenectomy
A frenectomy is an oral surgical procedure to remove the frenum (a small flap of skin) in the mouth. A frenectomy may be needed to prevent gum disease, recession, spacing of your teeth or to ensure proper denture fit.
Tori / Torus Removal
Tori are bony growths which can occur in the roof of the mouth, inside of the lower jaw or on the cheek side of the upper molars. Although generally harmless, tori removal may be recommended if the growth is causing difficulties with oral hygiene or when fitting dentures.
Dental Implants
If you have missing teeth, dental implants can help to prevent the shifting of surrounding teeth which often leads to further tooth loss or jaw deterioration. Dental implants can help to restore the appearance and function of your smile.
Orthodontic Surgery
Orthodontic surgery can help to correct your bite and change your facial profile if you have a prominent lower jaw, or a small setback lower jaw. This type of oral surgery can be beneficial for patients experiencing difficulty with chewing or temporomandibular joint problems (TMJ).
Hard & Soft Tissue Grafting
- Bone Grafting
A bone graft is a minor surgical procedure during which your oral and maxillofacial surgeon adds additional bone tissue to your jaw bone. This is done to strengthen the existing jaw bone, to hinder bone loss, and sometimes to prepare for another dental procedure, such as placing a dental implant.
- Sinus Lifts
A sinus lift is a type of bone graft during which the surgeon will add bone material to your upper back jaw in preparation for a dental implant. This procedure helps to raise and increase the amount of bone in the sinus area so that the implant can be placed.
- Socket Preservation
Missing teeth leave behind a small hole in the jaw bone where the tooth root once was. Leaving the socket open can in many cases cause teeth to shift out of place (causing loose teeth and gaps), or even bone deterioration. A socket preservation procedure involves placing a bone graft into the socket, to help preserve your oral health.
- Gum Grafts
A gum graft is an oral surgery procedure involving the transplant of gum tissue from the roof of your mouth to another area. Gum grafts can be done to prevent tooth roots from becoming exposed and more susceptible to decay, or to help improve the appearance of your smile.
Cyst Removal
A cyst is a sac of tissue containing either fluid or soft material. Oral cysts can form in a wide range of tissues including in the face, mouth and jaw bone. Some cysts can form next to or around teeth, and these are called dental cysts. The treatment your oral and maxillofacial surgeon will recommend for your cyst will depend on its location, type. Ideally, dentists or oral and maxillofacial surgeons want to remove the cyst tissue to examine it, help the tissues to repair themselves, and to prevent another cyst from forming.
Mild, Moderate & Deep Sedation
Dr. Dahlman is dedicated to providing patients with the highest quality of anesthesia services. Our dental clinic is a registered non-hospital facility providing anesthesia services and is approved by the College of Dental Surgeons of BC.