Diagnostic

• Dental Examination
  Your first visit will be a consultation ONLY. Unless otherwise noted directly by one of our surgeons, please DO NOT expect to have surgery during your first visit. Your first visit will be a comprehensive examination and assessment of your case, including a review of the information provided by your dentist. If necessary, diagnostic x-rays will be taken to thoroughly evaluate your situation and determine the ideal treatment plan. Your doctor will discuss your diagnosis, explain procedures and sedation options, and create a treatment plan that addresses your individual needs.
• X-rays
  We utilize digital flat screen monitors chairside to allow Patients the opportunity to view their dental x-rays when speaking to the doctor about the findings for a better understanding of surgical procedures.

Preventive

• Teeth Cleaning
  Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are removed only if they are deemed potentially problematic. There are several reasons a wisdom tooth might be labeled as problematic. Factors that determine whether or not wisdom teeth must be removed include jaw size, crowding, proper occlusion, and impaction. Often, radiographs taken at regular dental cleaning appointments will show when wisdom teeth extraction is recommended.

Restorative

• Fillings
• Crowns
  A traditional bridge uses teeth on either side of the missing tooth space for support, and preparing teeth for crowns can weaken them. Because these teeth serve as attachments, they are subject to additional forces that can damage both healthy and compromised teeth or bone tissues.
• Bridges

Prosthodontics

• Dentures
  Once a tooth is lost, several things begin to happen that are not immediately noticeable to a patient and can have a significant negative effect on both health and appearance. Tooth roots help hold teeth in place, but they are also critical in maintaining health in the surrounding gums and supporting bone structures. Bone loss in the jawbone is one significant problem that naturally occurs once a tooth is lost. This bone loss can compromise the integrity of neighboring tooth roots and tooth stability, and it is also a large part of what causes the “sunken” look that is seen in people who have lost several or all of their teeth. It is the reason patients who wear dentures find that over time their dentures are harder and harder to fit and keep in place.

Implants

• Dental Implants
  Although having a beautiful smile and the confidence that comes with it are important, there are also important health reasons to have dental implants. Whether replacing one tooth or several, implants are an important solution to restoring and maintaining dental health.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

• Oral Surgery
  “We’re always solving a problem for the patient–whether that’s pain, a spatial problem, or form and function issues. Oral surgery is very satisfying because we’re developing and executing a solution to a problem.” -Dr. Meg Bradley
• Jaw Surgery
  Orthognathic surgery is done to correct misalignments or other abnormalities in the upper and/or lower jaw. The surgery is performed to improve function and can specifically address problems with breathing, occlusion (bite) and chewing ability, and/or speaking that are due to poor jaw or tooth alignment. The surgery often dramatically affects appearance as well, although this is usually not the primary reason the surgery is performed.
• Maxillofacial Surgery
  With over fifty years of dedication to our community, Southern Maine Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (SMOMS) sets the standard for the highest level of compassionate care offered to every one of our patients. We understand that our patients may be hesitant to step into a surgery space, but our surgeons and staff are always excited to meet them! Our comfortable, clean, and inviting office spaces provide a relaxed environment, while our welcoming and friendly team set our patients at ease.
• Osseous Surgery
  Using a virtual 3-D or physical model, implant placements and other complementary procedures, such as osseous surgery, can be simulated to create an ideal surgical treatment plan. These virtual plans allow the surgeon to consider multiple aspects of the procedure, resulting in optimal aesthetics, function, and longevity for the patient’s final restoration. Access to a 3-D model also helps patients understand the procedure better and visualize the end result.
• Tooth Extractions
  Wisdom teeth extraction is generally an effective means of preventing crowding of the teeth, impaction of wisdom teeth, red, swollen, or painful gums caused by a partially erupted wisdom tooth, and gum disease and tooth decay.
• Bone Grafting
  Bone grafting may be required to address defects in a patient’s jaw. Bone grafting is a form of reconstructive surgery that helps to generate and rebuild bone and increase bone density.

Orthodontics

• Orthodontics
  Using a combination of orthodontics and a surgical approach, our team can treat impacted canines (or other teeth). First, orthodontic treatment can create a space for the tooth to erupt or enter the arch. Then our surgeons can remove any necessary primary (baby) teeth that may be in the way and place a small device (often called a button or a bracket) on the impacted tooth. Your orthodontist can then use the device to bring the tooth into the arch through traction.
• Braces
  Orthognathic surgery can involve procedures such as an osteotomy (bone cutting), bone grafts, distraction osteogenesis (stretching of the bone), and orthodontic (braces) care. Orthognathic correction is conducted in stages, and the course of treatment can last from a few months to a year or more.

General

• General Dentistry