Our Services

Dental Implants

Missing teeth can affect more than just your smile — they can impact your ability to chew, speak clearly, and maintain a healthy jawbone. At South Mississippi Oral Surgery & Implant Center, we offer state-of-the-art dental implants to help you regain a complete, functional, and natural-looking smile.

With the expertise of our skilled oral surgeons, you can trust that your implant procedure will be handled with precision, care, and long-term success in mind.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a small, titanium post that replaces the root of a missing tooth. Once placed into the jawbone, the implant fuses with the bone through a natural process called osseointegration. This creates a strong, stable foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture.

Benefits of Dental Implants:

• Look and function like natural teeth
• Help preserve bone and prevent facial sagging
• Improve chewing and speech
• Don’t rely on neighboring teeth for support
• Long-lasting with proper care

Whether you’re missing one tooth or several, implants are a durable and effective solution for restoring your oral health and self-confidence.

Why Choose Us for Dental Implants?

At South Mississippi Oral Surgery & Implant Center, we combine cutting-edge technology with personalized care to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. Our in-office CBCT 3D imaging allows us to evaluate bone structure in detail and plan implant placement with unmatched accuracy. We also offer sedation options to make your procedure as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

From your initial consultation through follow-up care, our team is here to support you every step of the way.

All-On-X Dental Implants

A Full Smile with Fewer Implants

For patients missing most or all of their teeth, All-On-X dental implants offer a revolutionary full-mouth restoration with fewer implants and less downtime. Using just four to six implants per arch, we can securely anchor a full set of teeth, often without the need for bone grafting.

Benefits of All-On-X:

• Immediate improvement in function and appearance
• More cost-effective than replacing individual teeth
• Helps prevent further bone loss in the jaw

This treatment is ideal for patients seeking a permanent alternative to removable dentures. Our team will assess your oral health, bone structure, and goals to determine if All-On-X is right for you.

Bone Grafting

Do You Need a Dental Bone Graft?

Missing teeth over a period of time can cause your jawbone 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 can 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.

Sinus Lift

The maxillary sinuses are behind your cheeks and on top of the upper teeth. These sinuses are empty, air-filled spaces. Some of the roots of the natural upper teeth extend up into the maxillary sinuses. When these upper teeth are removed, there is often just a thin wall of bone separating the maxillary sinus and the mouth. Dental implants need bone to hold them in place. When the sinus wall is very thin, it is impossible to place dental implants in this bone.

The key to a successful and long-lasting dental implant is the quality and quantity of jaw bone to which the implant will be attached. If bone loss has occurred due to injury or periodontal disease, a sinus augmentation can raise the sinus floor and allow for new bone formation. A sinus lift is one of the most common bone grafting procedures for patients with bone loss in the upper jaw. The procedure seeks to grow bone in the floor of the maxillary sinus above the bony ridge of the gum line that anchors the teeth in the upper jaw. This enables dental implants to be placed and secured in the new bone growth.

Am I a candidate for a sinus lift procedure?

A sinus lift may be necessary if you:

• Are missing more than one tooth in the back of your jaw
• Are missing a significant amount of bone in the back of your jaw
• Are missing teeth due to a birth defect or condition
• Are missing most of the maxillary teeth and require support for dental implants

How is a sinus lift accomplished?

Most commonly, a small incision is made on the premolar or molar region to expose the jawbone. A small opening is cut into the bone, and the membrane lining the sinus is pushed upward. The underlying space is filled with bone grafting material, either from your own body or from other sources. Sometimes, synthetic materials that imitate bone formation are used. After the bone is implanted, the incision is sutured, and the healing process begins. After several months of healing, the bone becomes part of the patient’s jaw, and dental implants can be inserted and stabilized in the newly formed sinus bone.

If enough bone between the upper jaw ridge and the bottom of the sinus is available to sufficiently stabilize the implant, sinus augmentations and implant placement can sometimes be performed as a single procedure. If not enough bone is available, the sinus augmentation will have to be performed first, then the graft will have to mature for up to several months, depending upon the type of graft material used. Once the graft has matured, the implants can be placed.

The sinus graft makes it possible for many patients to have dental implants that previously had no other option besides wearing loose dentures.

A sinus augmentation is generally performed at our office under local anesthesia. Some patients may request oral or intravenous sedative medication as well.

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. For many people, these late-arriving teeth can cause more harm than good. At South Mississippi Oral Surgery & Implant Center, our experienced surgeons specialize in the safe, effective removal of wisdom teeth to protect your long-term oral health.

Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?

While some patients have enough space for their wisdom teeth to come in normally, most experience issues that make removal necessary. Common problems include:

• Impaction: Wisdom teeth often grow in at an angle or remain trapped under the gumline.
• Crowding: Even if they partially erupt, wisdom teeth can push against surrounding teeth, causing misalignment.
• Infection and Decay: Their location makes them hard to clean, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Cysts and Damage to Nearby Teeth: In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to cysts or damage the roots of neighboring teeth.

Removing these teeth early, typically in the late teens or early twenties, can help you avoid pain, infection, and more complex dental issues down the road.

What to Expect from the Procedure

At South Mississippi Oral Surgery & Implant Center, we make wisdom teeth removal as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Here’s what you can expect:

• Comprehensive Evaluation: We’ll use advanced digital X-rays or CBCT 3D imaging to assess the position of your wisdom teeth and plan your surgery.
• Comfort Options: We offer several anesthesia and sedation options tailored to your needs, ensuring a calm and care-free experience.
• Supportive Aftercare: Our team will provide detailed recovery instructions and be available to answer any questions after your procedure.

We understand that surgery can feel overwhelming, which is why we take the time to explain every step, address your concerns, and follow up with you after your visit.

Corrective Jaw Surgery

At South Mississippi Oral Surgery & Implant Center, we understand how much jaw alignment can impact your daily life — from the way you eat and speak to how you feel about your appearance. If you’re living with chronic jaw discomfort, bite issues, or facial imbalance, corrective jaw surgery may offer lasting relief and improved function.

When Is Corrective Jaw Surgery Needed?

Corrective jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, may be recommended when the upper and lower jaws don’t align properly. This misalignment can result from uneven jaw growth, injury, congenital conditions, or the effects of long-term bite problems. While orthodontics can correct the position of your teeth, surgery is often required to reposition the jaws themselves for a more functional and harmonious result.

You may be a candidate for corrective jaw surgery if you experience:

• Difficulty biting, chewing, or swallowing
• Chronic jaw pain or TMJ-related discomfort
• Speech difficulties
• An open bite or underbite
• A noticeably protruding or recessed jaw
• Breathing problems, including sleep apnea

If these issues are interfering with your quality of life or oral health, our team can help you explore surgical options tailored to your unique anatomy and goals.

Personalized Evaluation & Planning

Before any treatment begins, your doctor will conduct a thorough evaluation, including digital X-rays and 3D imaging, to assess your jaw structure and determine the best course of action. We take time to explain your condition, answer your questions, and ensure you fully understand the proposed treatment plan.

Using advanced computer-guided technology and 3D facial models, we can visually demonstrate how your bite and facial profile will change after surgery. This level of planning ensures precision and gives you confidence in the process and expected outcomes.

Coordinated Care with Your Orthodontist

Corrective jaw surgery is a team effort. Our oral surgeons work closely with your general dentist and orthodontist throughout the treatment process to ensure seamless care. Braces are typically worn before and after surgery to align the teeth for the best results.

What to Expect from the Surgery & Recovery

Jaw surgery is typically performed in a hospital setting under general anesthesia and may take between one to four hours, depending on complexity. Most patients stay in the hospital for one to three days post-surgery.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Braces remain in place during surgery and are usually removed 6 to 12 months afterward.
• Initial recovery often requires 2 to 4 weeks off from work or school.
• Chewing function gradually returns over 2 months, with full recovery potentially taking up to a year.
• Follow-up care is essential. We’ll schedule weekly appointments for the first two months post-surgery to monitor your healing and support your progress.

Our team is committed to your comfort, healing, and long-term results every step of the way.

Facial Trauma

Facial injuries can be both physically painful and emotionally distressing. At South Mississippi Oral Surgery & Implant Center, we understand how trauma to the face impacts not only your health but also your confidence and quality of life. That’s why our surgeons provide expert care for oral and maxillofacial injuries with a focus on compassionate treatment, functional recovery, and cosmetic results.

Our team is specially trained in handling a wide range of facial trauma, from emergency room care to complex surgical reconstruction. Whether your injury is the result of an accident, sports incident, or other trauma, we’re here to restore your health and appearance with precision and care.

Types of Facial Trauma We Treat

Our doctors are on staff at local hospitals and provide ER coverage for patients with a wide range of injuries, including:

• Facial lacerations
• Intraoral (inside the mouth) lacerations
• Knocked-out (avulsed) teeth
• Fractured facial bones (cheekbones, nose, or eye sockets)
• Jaw fractures (upper or lower)

Facial trauma may result from car accidents, falls, sports injuries, workplace incidents, or physical altercations. Injuries can range from soft tissue damage to complex fractures involving the facial bones and jaw. Each case is unique and requires a thoughtful, customized approach.

Soft Tissue Injuries: Precise Repair with Cosmetic Consideration

Cuts or lacerations to the face and mouth are not only painful — they require skilled treatment to ensure proper healing and minimal scarring. Our surgeons carefully close these wounds using techniques that preserve facial function and appearance. We also assess for injuries to critical structures such as facial nerves, salivary glands, and ducts to ensure a complete and thorough repair.

Bone Injuries: Restoring Structure & Stability

Facial bone fractures require special consideration, since casts cannot be applied to the face. Depending on the type and severity of the fracture, we may use:

• Wiring of the jaws for stabilization in specific jaw fractures
• Rigid fixation, involving small plates and screws, to hold bones in place and promote healing

This approach allows for faster recovery, more stable results, and often eliminates the need to wire the jaw shut. Whenever surgery is required, we use discreet incisions placed in hidden or minimally visible areas to reduce scarring and preserve natural facial contours.

Dental Injuries: Saving & Replacing Teeth

Dental trauma, such as displaced, fractured, or knocked-out teeth, is common in facial injuries. Our surgeons treat supporting bone fractures, stabilize damaged teeth through splinting, and replant knocked-out teeth when possible. If a tooth is avulsed (knocked out), it should be gently placed in milk or saline and brought to our office or a dentist immediately for the best chance of successful reinsertion.

In cases where teeth cannot be saved, we may recommend dental implants as a long-term solution to restore both appearance and function.

Total Care from Emergency to Recovery

Facial trauma treatment is about more than physical repair — it’s about helping you heal fully, inside and out. Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons combine years of specialized training with state-of-the-art tools to deliver comprehensive care, whether you’re seen in the ER or referred to us by another provider.

We focus on:

• Immediate and effective treatment
• Minimizing pain, downtime, and visible scarring
• Preserving and restoring facial function and aesthetics
• Supporting your recovery with clear communication and ongoing care

When facial trauma occurs, trust the team at South Mississippi Oral Surgery & Implant Center for timely, expert care. We are here to guide you through every step — from emergency stabilization to long-term healing — with compassion and clinical excellence.

Frenectomy

A frenectomy is a simple surgical procedure that removes or releases a tight band of tissue, called a frenum, located under the tongue or upper lip. When this tissue is overly restrictive, it can interfere with speaking, eating, oral hygiene, or even proper growth and development in infants and children.

At South Mississippi Oral Surgery & Implant Center, our expert surgeons provide safe, minimally invasive frenectomies for patients of all ages. Whether it’s improving an infant’s ability to nurse or helping an adult correct long-standing discomfort, we are here to provide relief and restore normal oral function.

What Is a Frenectomy?

There are two main types of frenectomies:

• Lingual Frenectomy: Involves the tissue under the tongue (commonly referred to as tongue-tie).
• Labial Frenectomy: Involves the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums (often referred to as lip-tie).

These issues may be present at birth and can affect everything from breastfeeding and speech to orthodontic treatment outcomes.

Signs A Frenectomy is Needed

• Difficulty nursing or bottle-feeding (in infants)
• Speech difficulties or delays
• Limited tongue or lip movement
• Gum recession or spacing between front teeth
• Difficulty eating or swallowing
• Persistent discomfort when speaking or brushing teeth

If a restrictive frenum is affecting your or your child’s quality of life, a frenectomy may be the solution.

A Safe & Simple Procedure

Frenectomies at our Gulfport office are typically quick and well-tolerated. Depending on the age and needs of the patient, the procedure may be performed with local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia. Our surgeons use precise techniques to ensure minimal discomfort and a fast recovery.

In most cases, patients can resume normal activities within a day, and infants often show immediate improvement in feeding.

Tooth Extractions

You and your doctor 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.

The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health.

To avoid these complications, in most cases, your doctor will discuss alternatives to extractions as well as replacement of the extracted tooth.­

Sectioning a Tooth

Some teeth require sectioning. This is a very common procedure done when a tooth is so firmly anchored in its socket, or the root is curved, and the socket can’t expand enough to remove it. The doctor simply cuts the tooth into sections, then removes each section one at a time.

Pre-Prosthetic Surgery

The preparation of your mouth before the placement of a prosthesis is referred to as pre-prosthetic surgery.

Some patients require minor oral surgical procedures before receiving a partial or complete denture in order to ensure the maximum level of comfort. A denture sits on the bone ridge, so the bone must be the proper shape and size. If a tooth needs to be extracted, the underlying bone might be sharp and uneven. For the best fit of a denture, the bone might need to be smoothed or reshaped. Occasionally, excess bone may need to be removed prior to denture insertion.

One or more of the following procedures might need to be performed in order to prepare your mouth for a denture:

• Bone smoothing and reshaping
• Removal of excess bone
• Bone ridge reduction
• Removal of excess gum tissue
• Exposure of impacted teeth

We will review your particular needs with you during your appointment.

Distraction Osteogenesis

Distraction osteogenesis is a cutting-edge surgical technique used to correct certain jaw and facial deformities by gradually growing new bone. While the method was first introduced in orthopedic medicine over a century ago, it wasn’t until the 1990s that it gained traction in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Since then, it has become a safe, reliable alternative to traditional bone grafting in select cases.

At South Mississippi Oral Surgery & Implant Center, our skilled surgeons use this technique to improve jaw alignment, restore lost bone, and create strong, stable foundations for dental implants.

How Distraction Osteogenesis Works

The term “distraction osteogenesis” refers to the gradual movement (distraction) of two bone segments, encouraging new bone to form in the space between them. This process allows surgeons to lengthen bones or increase bone volume without harvesting grafts from other areas of the body.

The procedure involves:

• Surgically placing a distraction device
• Allowing a brief healing period
• Gradually activating the device over time to encourage new bone growth
• Monitoring progress through regular follow-up appointments
• Once the desired bone length or volume is achieved, the device is removed, and the new bone solidifies into place.

Benefits of Distraction Osteogenesis

Distraction osteogenesis offers several advantages over traditional reconstructive surgeries:

• Minimally invasive with reduced need for bone grafts
• Less postoperative pain and swelling
• Improved bone stability for significant structural changes
• No external facial scars, as all procedures are performed inside the mouth
• Ideal for dental implant preparation, particularly in cases of jawbone loss

It’s especially beneficial in treating severe deformities, congenital conditions, or trauma-related bone loss in the jaw and facial region.

What to Expect During Treatment

Most distraction osteogenesis procedures are performed under general anesthesia and may be completed on an outpatient basis. Patients typically experience less discomfort compared to traditional bone surgeries, with postoperative pain managed through medications.

The device used to stimulate bone growth remains inside the mouth and is activated gradually over a period of days or weeks. While mild discomfort is expected during this phase, it’s generally similar to the sensation of tightening braces.

Patients will need to return to our office regularly during the initial healing phase so we can monitor bone development and ensure everything is progressing as planned. In some cases, a minor follow-up procedure is required to remove the device.

Long-Term Success & Flexibility

Distraction osteogenesis is effective for patients of all ages. Younger patients often heal faster due to higher bone regeneration rates, while adults can expect a slightly longer treatment and recovery timeline.

This technique is also a viable alternative to bone grafting for increasing jawbone volume before dental implant placement, giving patients who previously had limited options a second chance at restoring their smile.

Distraction osteogenesis has transformed how we approach bone reconstruction in oral and facial surgery. If you’ve been told you’re not a candidate for dental implants due to bone loss, or if you need correction for a jaw deformity, this innovative treatment may be right for you.

Oral Pathology

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.

We would recommend performing an oral cancer self-examination monthly. Remember that your mouth is one of your body’s most important warning systems. Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores. Please contact us so we can assist you with any questions or concerns.

TMJ

TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders are a family of problems related to your jaw joint. If you have had symptoms like pain or a “clicking” sound, you’ll be glad to know that these problems are more easily diagnosed and treated than they were in the past. These symptoms occur when the joints of the jaw and the chewing muscles do not work together correctly. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the name for each joint (right and left) that connects your jaw to your skull. Since some types of TMJ problems can lead to more serious conditions, early detection and treatment are important.

No one treatment can resolve TMJ disorders completely, and treatment takes time to become effective. Our doctors can help you have a healthier, more comfortable jaw.

Trouble with your jaw?

TMJ disorders develop for many reasons. You might clench or grind your teeth, tightening your jaw muscles and stressing your TM joint. You may have a damaged jaw joint due to injury or disease. Injuries and arthritis can damage the joint directly or stretch or tear the muscle ligaments. As a result, the disk, which is made of cartilage and functions as the “cushion” of the jaw joint, can slip out of position. Whatever the cause, the results may include a misaligned bite, pain, clicking, or grating noise when you open your mouth, or trouble opening your mouth wide.

Do You Have a TMJ Disorder?

• Are you aware of grinding or clenching your teeth?
• Do you wake up with sore, stiff muscles around your jaws?
• Do you have frequent headaches or neck aches?
• Does the pain get worse when you clench your teeth?
• Does stress make your clenching and pain worse?
• Does your jaw click, pop, grate, catch, or lock when you open your mouth?
• Is it difficult or painful to open your mouth, eat, or yawn?
• Have you ever injured your neck, head, or jaws?
• Have you had problems (such as arthritis) with other joints?
• Do you have teeth that no longer touch when you bite?
• Do your teeth meet differently from time to time?
• Is it hard to use your front teeth to bite or tear food?
• Are your teeth sensitive, loose, broken, or worn?

The more times you answered “yes”, the more likely it is that you have a TMJ disorder. Understanding TMJ disorders will also help you understand how they are treated.

TMJ Treatment

There are various treatment options for TMJ that our doctors can utilize to improve the harmony and function of your jaw. Once an evaluation confirms a diagnosis of TMJ disorder, your doctor will determine the proper course of treatment. It is important to note that treatment always works best with a team approach of self-care combined with professional care.

The initial goals are to relieve the muscle spasms and joint pain. This is usually accomplished with a pain reliever, anti-inflammatory, or muscle relaxant. Steroids can be injected directly into the joints to reduce pain and inflammation. Self-care treatments can often be effective as well and include:

• Resting your jaw
• Keeping your teeth apart when you are not swallowing or eating
• Eating soft foods
• Applying ice and heat
• Exercising your jaw
• Practicing good posture

Stress management techniques such as biofeedback or physical therapy may also be recommended, as well as a temporary, clear plastic appliance known as a splint. A splint (or nightguard) fits over your top or bottom teeth and helps keep your teeth apart, thereby relaxing the muscles and reducing pain. There are different types of appliances used for different purposes.

• A nightguard helps you stop clenching or grinding your teeth and reduces muscle tension at night. It also helps to protect the cartilage and joint surfaces.
• An anterior positioning appliance moves your jaw forward, relieves pressure on parts of your jaw, and aids in disk repositioning. It may be worn 24 hours/day to help your jaw heal.
• An orthotic stabilization appliance is worn 24 hours/day, or just at night, to move your jaw into the proper position. Appliances also help protect tooth wear.

If your TMJ disorder has caused problems with how your teeth fit together, you may need treatment such as bite adjustment (equilibration), orthodontics with or without jaw reconstruction, or restorative dental work. Surgical options, such as arthroscopy and open joint repair restructuring, are sometimes needed, but are reserved for severe cases. Our doctors do not consider TMJ surgery unless the jaw can’t open, is dislocated and non-reducible, has severe degeneration, or the patient has undergone appliance treatment unsuccessfully.

Exposure of Impacted Teeth

An impacted tooth simply means that it is “stuck” and cannot erupt into function. Patients frequently develop problems with impacted third molar (wisdom) teeth. These teeth get “stuck” in the back of the jaw and can develop painful infections, among a host of other problems. Since there is rarely a functional need for wisdom teeth, they are usually extracted if they develop problems. The maxillary cuspid (upper eyetooth) is the second most common tooth to become impacted. The cuspid tooth is a critical tooth and plays an important role in your “bite”. The cuspid teeth are very strong biting teeth and have the longest roots of any human teeth. They are designed to be the first teeth that touch when your jaws close together, so they guide the rest of the teeth into the proper bite.

Normally, the maxillary cuspid teeth are the last of the “front” teeth to erupt into place. They usually come into place around age 13 and cause any space left between the upper front teeth to close tightly together. If a cuspid tooth gets impacted, every effort is made to get it to erupt into its proper position. The techniques involved to aid eruption can be applied to any impacted tooth in the upper or lower jaw, but most commonly they are applied to the maxillary cuspid (upper eye) teeth. Sixty percent of these impacted eyeteeth are located on the palatal (roof of the mouth) side of the dental arch. The remaining impacted eye teeth are found in the middle of the supporting bone, but are stuck in an elevated position above the roots of the adjacent teeth, or are out to the facial side of the dental arch.

Early Recognition Is the Key to Successful Treatment

The older the patient, the more likely an impacted eyetooth will not erupt by natural forces alone, even if the space is available for the tooth to fit in the dental arch. A panoramic x-ray, along with a dental examination, will help determine whether all the adult teeth are present or if some adult teeth are missing.

Treatment may require referral to an oral surgeon for extraction of over-retained baby teeth and/or selected adult teeth that are blocking the eruption of the all-important eyeteeth. The oral surgeon will also need to remove any extra teeth (supernumerary teeth) or growths that are blocking the eruption of any adult teeth.

Impacted tooth success by patient’s age:

• 11-12 Years Old: With space opened for eruption, good chance for success.
• 13-14 Years Old: The impacted eyetooth will not erupt by itself, even with the space cleared for its eruption.
• Over 40 Years Old: Much higher chance that the tooth will be fused in position. The only option is to extract the impacted tooth and replace it with a crown on a dental implant or a fixed bridge.

In cases where the eyeteeth will not erupt spontaneously, the orthodontist and oral surgeon will work together to get these teeth to erupt. Each case must be evaluated on an individual basis, but treatment will usually involve a combined effort between the orthodontist and the oral surgeon. The oral surgeon will expose and bracket the impacted eyetooth.

The goal is to erupt the impacted tooth and not to extract it. Once the tooth has moved into its final position, the gum around it will be evaluated. In some circumstances, there may be some minor “gum surgery” required.

What to expect from surgery

The surgery to expose and bracket an impacted tooth is a very straightforward surgical procedure that is performed in the oral surgeon’s office. For most patients, it is performed using local anesthesia. In selected cases, it will be performed under IV sedation if the patient desires to be asleep, but this is generally not necessary for this procedure. If the procedure only requires exposing the tooth with no bracketing, the time required will be shortened by about one-half. These issues will be discussed in detail at your preoperative consultation with your doctor.

Anesthesia

At South Mississippi Oral Surgery & Implant Center, your safety and comfort are our top priorities. We understand that undergoing oral surgery can cause anxiety for many patients, which is why we offer a full range of anesthesia options tailored to your medical needs and comfort level.

The type of anesthesia selected depends on the complexity of your procedure and your personal preferences. During your consultation, our team will guide you through your options to ensure a calm, safe, and stress-free experience.

Types of Anesthesia We Offer

Local Anesthesia

Local anesthesia numbs a specific area of the mouth while you remain fully awake. Used for simple procedures like minor soft tissue work or single tooth extractions. Often combined with other forms of anesthesia for enhanced comfort.

IV Sedation (Twilight Sedation)

Administered through a vein in your arm or hand, IV sedation helps you relax deeply, often allowing you to drift in and out of sleep during the procedure. You may not remember much of the experience, and discomfort is minimized. IV sedation is ideal for patients with moderate anxiety or for more involved procedures such as wisdom teeth removal or implant placement.

Office-Based General Anesthesia with Local Anesthesia

A deeper form of sedation where you’re completely asleep and unaware of the procedure. Administered through IV medication along with supplemental oxygen, your vital signs are closely monitored throughout. Commonly used for complex procedures or for patients who prefer not to be awake during treatment.

Hospital or Surgery Center-Based General Anesthesia

Recommended for patients with certain medical conditions or those undergoing extensive surgeries like jaw reconstruction or TMJ treatment. Performed in a hospital or surgery center and overseen by an anesthesiologist.

Advanced Training & Patient Safety

To safely administer general anesthesia in-office, oral surgeons must complete rigorous hospital-based anesthesia training and pass a thorough state dental board evaluation. Our surgeons are licensed and experienced in providing anesthesia care, and all procedures are performed with the highest safety standards, including continuous monitoring and emergency preparedness.

What to Expect with IV Sedation

IV sedation, often referred to as “twilight sleep,” offers a calm, relaxed state that helps you undergo treatment with little to no memory of the procedure. A thin needle is placed in your arm or hand, allowing medications to be administered and adjusted in real time. The sedation is gentle, effective, and much safer than oral sedation, with the added benefit of quick reversal if needed.

This method allows you to receive the care you need in the comfort of our office, avoiding the added costs of hospital-based surgery for many treatments.

Your Comfort Comes First

If you have concerns about anesthesia or dental anxiety, we encourage you to share them with us during your consultation. Our team is here to answer your questions, explain every step, and ensure you feel confident and cared for throughout your visit.

Botox

At South Mississippi Oral Surgery & Implant Center, we are proud to offer advanced cosmetic treatments to enhance your natural beauty and boost your confidence. Our Botox services are designed to provide you with a youthful, rejuvenated appearance, all within the comfort of our state-of-the-art dental office.

Botox Treatments

Botox is a non-surgical, minimally invasive treatment that effectively reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. At South Mississippi Oral Surgery & Implant Center, our skilled professionals use Botox to target areas such as:

• Forehead lines
• Crow’s feet around the eyes
• Frown lines between the eyebrows

Benefits of Botox include:

• Quick and virtually painless procedure
• No downtime required; resume normal activities immediately
• Results visible within a few days, lasting up to four months
• Prevents the formation of new wrinkles with regular treatments

Why Choose South Mississippi Oral Surgery & Implant Center for Your Cosmetic Treatments?

At South Mississippi Oral Surgery & Implant Center, we understand that your appearance is a vital part of your overall confidence and well-being. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized care and exceptional results. Here’s why you should choose us:

• Experienced Professionals: Our team is trained and certified in administering Botox, ensuring you receive the safest and most effective treatments.
• Customized Treatment Plans: We tailor each treatment plan to meet your unique needs and aesthetic goals, providing you with the best possible outcomes.
• Comfortable Environment: Our office is equipped with the latest technology and designed to make your experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
• Comprehensive Care: In addition to Botox, we offer a wide range of dental and cosmetic services to enhance your smile and appearance.