Oral surgery is an integral part of treatment when performing dental implantation, prosthetic restoration, and orthodontic treatment.
What surgical procedures are performed at OZO Aesthetic Dentistry and Implantology Clinic?
- Dental implantation: immediate and delayed;
- Tooth extraction;
- Removal of impacted (unerupted) teeth;
- Apical resection of the tooth root (removal);
- Sinus lift procedures: closed or open technique;
- Bone augmentation procedures: using allogeneic (patient’s own bone) or xenogeneic (natural, biologically derived mineralized bone);
- Lip and tongue frenulum plastic surgery.
Why is it necessary to remove impacted teeth?
Impacted teeth are fully developed teeth that have not erupted due to various reasons. Most commonly, impacted teeth are canines and third molars (wisdom teeth).
Human anatomy is changing. Modern human jaws are no longer as large as they once were, therefore they cannot accommodate all wisdom teeth. That is why dentists recommend their removal. Unerupted teeth remaining under the gums may cause pain, infection, pressure, or damage to adjacent teeth.
Untreated impacted teeth may lead to much more serious health problems. The sac surrounding an impacted tooth may fill with fluid and develop into a cyst. If left untreated, a cyst may deform the jaw, damage nearby teeth and nerves, or even develop into a tumor.
Partially impacted teeth—those that have erupted incorrectly or only partially through the gums—should also be removed. The earlier impacted teeth are removed, the easier the procedure and the lower the risk of complications.
When is apical root resection performed?
Apical root resection is required when it is not possible to reach the infected root apex by other means. During the surgical procedure, infection sites are cleaned, the affected root tip is removed, and the root canal is sealed.
This procedure prevents the spread of infection and helps preserve the tooth and its function.
What are the main symptoms of root apex inflammation?
Patients often do not feel chronic inflammation of the tooth root apex. They usually seek help when the condition becomes acute and the pain becomes unbearable. Bleeding and swelling may also indicate possible root apex inflammation.
Is it possible to treat root apex inflammation by other methods?
There are several alternatives to apical resection. These include repeated root canal treatment, extraction of the infected tooth, or the use of antibiotics to manage pain.
Why is lip and tongue frenulum plastic surgery needed?
The length and shape of the tongue frenulum determine the ability to pronounce sounds correctly. A normal frenulum is of sufficient length and does not interfere with tongue movement or touching the palate.
A short tongue frenulum can impair speech and, in infants, proper feeding. It may also cause gaps between the lower front teeth.
A short lip frenulum becomes noticeable when primary teeth begin to erupt. It may cause a gap between the upper front teeth.
The procedure for lip and tongue frenulum correction is usually not painful, not complex, and short—lasting up to 30 minutes. However, in some cases, more complex tissue surgery may be required, which can only be performed by highly experienced oral surgeons.
Jaw and Facial Physiotherapy
Home – Jaw and Facial Physiotherapy
Jaw and facial physiotherapy is an innovative treatment method designed for patients who need to restore the function of facial and jaw muscles. Specialized exercises and therapeutic techniques help improve patients’ health and quality of life. Their goal is not only to reduce pain and discomfort, but also to restore normal chewing, speaking, and breathing functions, as well as to prevent further disorders of the face and jaw. When these procedures are tailored to individual patient needs, long-term and effective results can be achieved.
JAW PHYSIOTHERAPY
Jaw physiotherapy is intended for patients experiencing pain, discomfort, or functional disorders in the jaw area. It is an individually tailored treatment method aimed at restoring jaw joint mobility, reducing pain, and preventing further functional impairments.
This therapy includes specific exercises that help strengthen jaw muscles, improve joint stability, and enhance coordination. Based on a thorough evaluation of the patient’s condition, the physiotherapist creates a personalized exercise program, which may include both in-clinic therapy and home exercises.
Jaw physiotherapy is particularly effective in treating various temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, including dysfunctions and pain associated with improper jaw positioning or habits such as teeth grinding.
Facial Physiotherapy
Facial physiotherapy is focused on strengthening facial muscles and improving their flexibility. It is important both aesthetically and functionally, as facial muscle health directly affects appearance, speech, and even breathing.
During facial physiotherapy, patients are assigned specific exercises that help restore or improve muscle tone, reduce tension and pain, and improve facial symmetry. This therapy can be beneficial for individuals with facial nerve paralysis (Bell’s palsy) or for those seeking to improve overall facial muscle condition.
Exercises are performed according to an individualized plan tailored to the patient’s needs and condition. The physiotherapist continuously monitors progress and adjusts the treatment plan if necessary.
Myofunctional Therapy
During myofunctional therapy, an individualized exercise program is developed. The exercises are designed to train the lips, tongue, chewing muscles, and facial muscles, as well as their functions. Through consistent practice, improper habits (e.g., the tongue resting at the bottom of the mouth) are gradually corrected into proper ones (e.g., the tongue resting against the palate).
Myofunctional therapy typically lasts about one year. During the first two months, visits are required every 1–2 weeks; for the following four months, every 2–3 weeks; and afterward, once per month.
This therapy is suitable for both children (from approximately 5–6 years of age, when they can understand and perform exercises) and adults.
The main conditions for which patients should consult a myofunctional therapy specialist include:
- mouth breathing;
- lips not closed at rest;
- improper tongue resting position;
- short tongue frenulum;
- short lip frenulum;
- atypical swallowing (difficulty swallowing, use of auxiliary muscles);
- chewing disorders;
- facial muscle dysfunction;
- weak masticatory muscles;
- speech disorders;
- temporomandibular joint disorders;
- sleep disturbances;
- teeth grinding (bruxism).
A myofunctional therapist can also help children with harmful habits affecting the maxillofacial system, such as thumb sucking, pacifier use, blanket sucking, or nail biting.
Facial Hemolymphatic Drainage Massage
For patients after jaw surgery, rehabilitation should begin with facial hemolymphatic drainage massage. This is a unique technique that differs from classical lymphatic drainage by incorporating various massage methods that mimic muscle contraction and vascular pulsation, while also affecting both the lymphatic and venous systems.
Effects of hemolymphatic drainage massage:
- strengthening of the immune system;
- activation of diuresis;
- enhanced removal of metabolic waste products;
- reduction of swelling and edema;
- elimination of tissue and muscle stagnation;
- activation of oxidative processes;
- reduction in heart rate and arterial blood pressure.
It has been observed that patients who undergo this massage after surgery experience an easier early postoperative period, shorter-lasting swelling, and more relaxed facial soft tissues. They also often avoid muscle contractures and regain normal movement amplitude more quickly.
Electrostimulation
Electrostimulation is used to activate and strengthen tissue function. It targets affected nerves and muscles. Long-term stimulation increases muscle strength, tone, and endurance. Muscle contraction and relaxation promote peripheral circulation and metabolic processes.
Effects of electrostimulation:
- stimulation of nerves;
- strengthening of muscle strength, tone, and endurance;
- improvement of tissue nutrition and metabolism;
- dilation of blood vessels;
- reduction of swelling around nerves;
- enhancement of sensory function.
Thus, electrostimulation provides multiple therapeutic benefits.
Heat Therapy
In rehabilitation, heat therapy is primarily used to relieve pain, increase the elasticity of soft tissues, improve blood circulation, and promote tissue healing. These therapeutic effects occur because heat influences hemodynamic, neuromuscular, and metabolic processes in the body.
The duration of the procedure may range from a few to several minutes. The patient experiences a pleasant, gentle warmth.
Jaw Muscle Strength and Coordination Stabilization
Very often after jaw surgery or in cases of TMJ disorders, dysfunction of the jaw’s soft tissues—specifically muscles—occurs. Muscles weaken and cannot fully perform their function. An imbalance develops between both sides of the jaw: muscles on one side become weaker, while those on the other side become overworked, tense, and fatigued as they compensate.
In such cases, jaw physiotherapy can help restore normal muscle function and strength. By applying external force and resistance, isometric muscle contraction is induced, improving muscle strength and coordination.
The goal is for all muscles surrounding the jaw to work in coordination without overloading other structures, such as the joint.
Trigger Point Release of Facial, Head, and Neck Muscles
Trigger point massage is a form of therapeutic massage in which pressure is applied to specific sensitive points in muscle tissue to reduce tension and pain.
It is suitable for almost everyone. Muscles with active trigger points are always weaker than normal muscles and cannot move fully. As a result, other muscles often compensate, which may lead to secondary trigger points if the primary muscles are not treated.
Some discomfort may be felt during the procedure, but the physiotherapist will aim to minimize it until the muscle fully relaxes. Home exercises are usually recommended to help restore muscle function more quickly.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Mobilization
Mobilization relaxes the joint capsule, stimulates synovial fluid movement, improves joint surface motion, and reduces pain.
Goals of mobilization:
- restore joint function to the desired position;
- regain range of motion;
- reduce pain.
- Symptoms indicating possible TMJ pathology:
- persistent pain unrelated to jaw movement;
- pain that does not subside at rest (often worse at night);
- radiating or unclear, wandering pain;
- gradual worsening of the condition;
- reduced muscle strength and function;
- clicking or other sounds during jaw movement.
- In such cases, TMJ mobilization may be beneficial.
Neck Muscle Energy Techniques (MET)
Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) are gentle, active manual therapy methods used in the conservative treatment of spinal and musculoskeletal pain syndromes and movement disorders. When applied to the neck region, they can effectively relieve muscle tension and pain in the neck and throughout the body.
This technique helps relax neck muscles and restore normal range of motion.
All these procedures are suitable for both children and adults, aiming to improve quality of life, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent further health disorders. They represent an effective solution for those seeking ways to relax facial muscles and improve overall well-being.