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. Your dentist may refer you for a biopsy of any alteration in the normal appearance of your mouth, including:

  • 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

We also recommend performing regular self-examinations to check for any alterations in appearance.

3D Imaging

The Scanora system gives the Michigan Center for Oral Surgery state-of-the-art technology to help diagnose potential issues more accurately and provide treatment with unprecedented confidence. Unlike a traditional spiral CT scanner, this 3D system utilizes cone beam CT technology and provides precise, crystal-clear digital images while minimizing exposure to radiation.

Our 3D system enables us to perform a wider range of diagnoses and treatments in our office, helping to reduce multiple visits. The Scanora scanner allows us to choose the field of view, or scanning area, that best suits your specific treatment needs. This is the latest 3D technology, providing unmatched visualization of anatomical detail which aids in treatment planning and helps us to better explain the details of your case, as well as address any questions you may have. We can use this innovative technology to quickly and easily share 3D images of the area of concern with your referring doctor – allowing collaboration on your care, improving your experience, and delivering a positive treatment outcome. 

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 it is very important that the bone is the proper shape and size. Some of the procedures that may be performed prior to receiving your prosthesis are:

  • Bone smoothing or reshaping
  • Removal of excess bone
  • Alteration of bone ridge
  • Removal of excess gum tissue

Facial Trauma

Injuries to the face can be extremely damaging – not just physically, but also emotionally. Our surgeons are well-qualified in emergency care, acute treatment, and long-term planning for reconstruction and rehabilitation. They are also on staff at local hospitals, should your injury be so severe as to require hospitalization. We can help treat a variety of facial injuries, including:

  • Intraoral lacerations
  • Avulsed (knocked-out) teeth
  • Fractured facial bones, such as the cheek, nose, or eye socket
  • Fractured jaw bones

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea occurs when the airway is blocked during sleeping, resulting in low oxygen levels or interrupted sleep. An oral surgeon may be part of a team of doctors that treats your sleep apnea. Occasionally, sleep apnea can be severe enough that surgery becomes necessary.

Impacted Canines

After third molars (wisdom teeth), the upper canine is the most commonly impacted (can’t fully erupt). Typically, this can be fixed by your dentist working with an orthodontist and oral surgeon to ensure that the tooth has a path to properly erupt.

Orthognathic Surgery

Orthognathic surgery is needed when the top and bottom jaws don’t meet correctly or teeth don’t adequately fit within the jaw. Teeth are straightened with orthodontics, and corrective jaw surgery re-positions the misaligned jaw. This not only improves facial appearance, but also ensures that teeth meet correctly and function properly.

This is major surgery that requires months of preparation and recovery time, and is usually used to treat:

  • Protruding jaw
  • Open bite
  • Difficulty in chewing, biting, or swallowing
  • Speech or breathing problems
  • Chronic jaw pain