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Oral Surgery • Denton, TX

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are specialists trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of head, neck, jaw, and oral conditions. Training typically includes dental school plus several additional years focused on the craniomaxillofacial complex. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Whether you were referred, you’re in pain, or you just have questions, our team is here to guide you with clarity and confidence—starting with an exam and a plan tailored to your needs. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Request an appointment Explore services Call (940) 891-0663
Common areas include extractions (including impacted teeth), wisdom teeth, TMJ support, oral pathology evaluation, and bone grafting for restorative planning. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Precision-focused care—designed around comfort, safety, and a clear plan.

Services Included

This section includes the same topics covered across your Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery subpages—now organized into one clean, scannable pillar page. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Extractions

Simple and surgical extractions, including impacted teeth and pre-orthodontic extractions when needed. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Wisdom Teeth

Evaluation and removal planning for impacted or problematic wisdom teeth. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

Bone Grafting

Foundation support and preservation to help create stability for restorative planning (like implants/bridges). :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

TMJ Support

Diagnosis and treatment planning for jaw pain, grinding, headaches, and bite-related dysfunction. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

Oral Pathology

Evaluation of soft-tissue changes; biopsy and next-step planning when clinically indicated. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

Sleep Apnea Support

Evaluation and dentist-directed options for obstructive sleep apnea, including oral appliances and planning. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

Tooth Extractions → Simple Tooth Extractions → Wisdom Teeth Extractions → Bone Grafting → Oral Pathology → TMJ → Botox® for TMJ → Sleep Apnea →

Tooth Extractions

Extractions are typically used as a last resort when a tooth can’t be predictably saved. Common reasons include deep decay, orthodontic space needs, periodontal instability, extra teeth, or fractures that can’t be restored. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

Simple vs. Surgical

Fully erupted teeth may be removed with a simple approach; impacted or inaccessible teeth may require a surgical approach. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}

What to expect

Planning often includes X-rays, local anesthesia, and careful removal; some cases require sectioning a tooth for safe removal. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}

  • Simple tooth extractions: may involve gently loosening ligaments and removing the tooth with controlled motion. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
  • Surgical extractions: may involve a gum incision and removal of small bone areas or tooth sectioning in complex cases. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
  • Replacing the tooth matters: leaving gaps can allow drifting and bite changes over time. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}

Wisdom Teeth Extractions

When there isn’t enough room for wisdom teeth to erupt normally, they can become impacted and contribute to infection, damage to nearby teeth, and in some cases cysts or tumors. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}

Why early evaluation helps

Mid-teen evaluation is commonly recommended to identify risks early and improve outcomes if removal is needed. :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}

Procedure overview

Removal may be performed with local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia depending on the case and comfort needs. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}

  • Possible issues include infection, damage to second molars, and soft tissue trapping food/bacteria. :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}
  • Your exam typically includes X-rays to assess position and risk factors. :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}

Bone Grafting

Bone grafting is often used to improve jawbone height/width or fill defects—supporting stability for restorations such as implants and bridgework when bone volume has receded. :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}

Why bone loss happens

Factors can include periodontal disease, post-extraction bone changes, and injuries or infections. :contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}

Planning & imaging

Evaluation may include panoramic X-rays and, in some cases, additional imaging to assess bone volume and needs. :contentReference[oaicite:31]{index=31}

  • Stabilization: rebuilds foundation support for future restorative or implant planning. :contentReference[oaicite:32]{index=32}
  • Preservation: may help limit or prevent bone recession after extraction or disease processes. :contentReference[oaicite:33]{index=33}

Oral Pathology

Oral exams routinely include checking soft tissue. Changes in color/texture of oral mucosa can signal a pathologic process—ranging from benign conditions to concerns that may require biopsy and lab evaluation. :contentReference[oaicite:34]{index=34}

What we look for

Changes across lips, tongue, gums, palate, and surrounding tissues; some conditions can be uncomfortable or disfiguring, and a few require urgent evaluation. :contentReference[oaicite:35]{index=35}

Biopsy when indicated

If concerning cell changes are present, a biopsy may be taken and sent to a lab to guide next steps. :contentReference[oaicite:36]{index=36}

  • Examples discussed on your site include geographic tongue, palatal cysts, and “hairy tongue,” each with different causes and management approaches. :contentReference[oaicite:37]{index=37}
  • Oral cancer screening is painless and typically takes only minutes; follow-up steps depend on findings. :contentReference[oaicite:38]{index=38}

TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction)

TMJ dysfunction can present as headaches, jaw pain, grinding, and ear-related symptoms. Your site emphasizes that many people don’t realize a dentist can diagnose and treat the underlying causes—often starting with bite evaluation and imaging. :contentReference[oaicite:39]{index=39}

Common contributors

Misaligned bite is a common cause; stress can worsen episodes, and nighttime grinding can lead to tooth wear over time. :contentReference[oaicite:40]{index=40}

Care options

Bite guards for grinding, bite analysis, stress/relaxation guidance, and in some cases muscle relaxants or bite realignment planning. :contentReference[oaicite:41]{index=41}

Botox® is also described on your site as a non-surgical option that can relax jaw muscles and reduce grinding-related pain for certain patients, with typical effects lasting up to a few months. :contentReference[oaicite:42]{index=42}

Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea involves breathing interruptions during sleep and can be associated with loud snoring, choking sensations, morning headaches, and daytime sleepiness. Your site notes that evaluation and diagnosis are essential before choosing treatment. :contentReference[oaicite:43]{index=43}

Conservative options

Oral appliances that gently guide the lower jaw forward can help prevent airway blockage in many cases. :contentReference[oaicite:44]{index=44}

Other pathways

Some patients may need additional medical evaluation; your site also describes surgical approaches as a more permanent option in select cases. :contentReference[oaicite:45]{index=45}

After Tooth Extractions

Aftercare is critical for comfort and reducing infection risk. Your site emphasizes pressure with gauze, elevated head position, salt-water rinses after a period of healing, careful brushing around the site, ice for swelling, and following prescribed medications. :contentReference[oaicite:46]{index=46}

  • Gauze pressure: bite gently and change as needed until bleeding slows. :contentReference[oaicite:47]{index=47}
  • Swelling control: use ice packs on facial areas near the extraction site. :contentReference[oaicite:48]{index=48}
  • Oral hygiene: keep the mouth clean but avoid disturbing sutures/wound area. :contentReference[oaicite:49]{index=49}
  • Rinsing timing: begin warm salt-water rinses after the initial healing window described on your page. :contentReference[oaicite:50]{index=50}
Full aftercare instructions →

FAQs

How do I know if I need an extraction?
Extractions are generally considered when a tooth can’t be predictably saved due to issues like severe decay, fracture, periodontal instability, or space needs for orthodontics. :contentReference[oaicite:51]{index=51}
What’s the difference between simple and surgical extractions?
Simple extractions are typically for fully erupted teeth; surgical extractions are used when teeth are impacted or difficult to access and may involve an incision and careful bone/tooth management. :contentReference[oaicite:52]{index=52}
When should wisdom teeth be evaluated?
Early evaluation is often recommended in the mid-teen years to identify risks and improve outcomes if removal is needed. :contentReference[oaicite:53]{index=53}
What is bone grafting used for?
Bone grafting can increase jawbone height/width or fill defects, supporting stability for restorations like implants—especially when bone has receded due to extraction, disease, injury, or infection. :contentReference[oaicite:54]{index=54}
What should I do right after an extraction?
Follow your aftercare guidance closely—pressure with gauze, reduced activity, swelling control with ice, careful cleaning, and take medications as prescribed. :contentReference[oaicite:55]{index=55}
Have pain, swelling, or questions?
We’ll assess what’s going on and walk you through your best options.

Credible Sources

• ADA – Dental specialties overview: ada.org
• AAOMS (professional association): aaoms.org
• NIH MedlinePlus – Sleep apnea overview: medlineplus.gov