Oral Surgery Blog | Oral Surgeons, P.C. – Des Moines, IA

Understanding Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery

Cleft lip and palate surgery repairs an opening or separation that developed in the upper lip, the roof of the mouth, or both. The operation is planned around your child's anatomy, health, feeding needs, and development rather than a single universal schedule. Parents often feel better prepared when they understand what surgery can address and what care continues afterward.

Implant-supported dentures combine the coverage of a traditional denture with the stability of dental implants anchored in the jawbone. Instead of relying only on suction, adhesive, or the shape of the gums, the denture attaches to implants that hold it securely in place. At Oral Surgeons, P.C., serving Des Moines, Ankeny, and Clive, Dr. Scott Johnson, DDS, MD, and our team help patients understand whether this option fits their needs.

Full arch dental implants replace an entire row of missing or failing teeth using a small number of titanium implants anchored in the jawbone, rather than replacing each tooth individually. For patients who are missing most or all of their teeth in one or both arches, this approach can restore chewing function and facial support in a way that traditional dentures cannot always match. At Oral Surgeons, P.C., serving Des Moines, Ankeny, and Clive, Dr. Scott Johnson, DDS, MD, and our team evaluate whether full arch treatment fits a patient's oral health and goals.

Corrective jaw surgery, also called orthognathic surgery, is used to correct misalignment between the upper and lower jaws that affects biting, chewing, breathing, or facial balance. Because the procedure repositions bone, recovery takes longer than most dental surgeries and unfolds in stages rather than all at once. At Oral Surgeons, P.C., serving Des Moines, Ankeny, and Clive, Dr. Scott Johnson, DDS, MD, and our team walk patients through what each phase of healing typically involves.

Facial trauma is an injury affecting the face, mouth, jaw, teeth, or nearby structures. It can involve anything from a deep cut or damaged tooth to a broken jaw or injury around the eye. Some problems are easy to see, while others become clearer only when pain, swelling, numbness, or trouble moving the jaw develops. At Oral Surgeons, P.C., serving Des Moines, Ankeny, and Clive, Dr. Scott Johnson, DDS, MD, and our team provide prompt evaluation to determine how serious an injury really is.

Wisdom teeth removal age can affect how straightforward the procedure is and how recovery feels afterward. Wisdom teeth, or third molars, often develop during the late teenage years and early adulthood, but their timing and position vary from person to person. Some never cause trouble, while others become trapped, crowded, or difficult to clean. At Oral Surgeons, P.C., serving Des Moines, Ankeny, and Clive, our Wisdom Teeth team uses a dental examination and imaging to understand what is happening in your mouth.

Bone grafting for dental implants is a procedure that adds bone or bone-like material to an area where the jaw does not have enough volume to support an implant. The goal is to create a stronger, more stable foundation for the implant and the replacement tooth that will eventually sit on top of it. At Oral Surgeons, P.C. in Des Moines, Ankeny, and Clive, Dr. Scott Johnson and our team evaluate whether a graft is needed based on your jaw's condition, the location of the missing tooth, and your overall treatment plan.

Undergoing a tooth extraction is a standard procedure, but the recovery period requires careful attention to your mouth's healing process. While most patients recover without complications, it's important to stay vigilant for any warning signs that might indicate your body is struggling to heal properly. The team at Oral Surgeons, P.C. in Des Moines helps patients recognize these changes early so they can tell routine post-operative soreness apart from a genuine medical concern.

Dealing with late-stage molars pushing their way into the back of your mouth is rarely a fun experience. For most young adults, it comes with a bit of anxiety and a lot of questions about the budget. Understanding the average wisdom teeth removal cost can help you plan your finances or your insurance claims ahead of time without getting blindsided by the final bill. Here's how the team at Oral Surgeons, P.C. in Des Moines helps patients think through it.

When a permanent tooth fails to emerge through the gum line, it is considered impacted. This condition is particularly significant when it affects the canine teeth, which are essential for biting, tearing food, and maintaining the structural integrity of the jaw. Addressing an impacted canine requires a coordinated effort between dental professionals to safely guide the tooth into its ideal position, and the team at Oral Surgeons, P.C. in Des Moines works closely with orthodontists to make that happen.