Oral surgery is used to correct a wide spectrum of diseases, injuries, and defects in the head, neck, face, jaws, and the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region.
Dentists like Dr. Ferguson undergo intensive education and training for their oral surgery specialization. With more than 20 years of experience in performing oral surgery in North Vancouver, Dr. Ferguson is a dentist you can trust.
Wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth to develop. Sometimes they emerge from the gum line, and the jaw is large enough to allow room for them, but more often than not, they fail to emerge and become impacted.
When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it may need to be removed. Impacted wisdom teeth that are partially or fully erupted tend to be quite difficult to clean and are susceptible to tooth decay, recurring infections and even gum disease.
The Canadian Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons strongly recommends that wisdom teeth be removed by the time the patient is a young adult, in order to prevent future problems and to ensure optimal healing.
Facial Trauma
Facial trauma encompasses any injury to the mouth, face, or jaw. One of the most common types of serious injury to the face occurs when bones are broken. Fractures can involve the lower jaw, upper jaw, palate, cheekbones, eye sockets, or combinations of these bones.
These injuries can affect sight and the ability to breathe, speak, and swallow. Because of this, Dr. Ferguson’s expertise is indispensable. Avoiding injury is always best, so it is crucial to use seat belts, protective mouthguards, and appropriate masks and helmets for anyone who participates in athletics at any level.
Oral cancer
Dentists recommend that everyone perform an oral cancer self-exam each month. If you notice white or red patches, an abnormal lump, chronic sore throat or hoarseness or difficulty chewing or swallowing, you should contact us immediately.
Dr. Ferguson may recommend the removal of a section of tissue to perform a biopsy and accurately diagnose the problem.
Implants
Dental implants are long-term replacements for missing teeth that a dentist surgically places in the jawbone. Composed of titanium metal that fuses with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration, dental implants do not slip or decay. Because they fuse with the jawbone, bone loss is generally not a problem.