Tooth Extraction Mismanagement Leads to TMJ Dysfunction and Pain

Case Overview

This case involves an adult patient who sought dental care for a broken tooth. The evaluating dentist recommended a full mouth extraction, alveoloplasty, and subsequent denture placement. However, the extraction was performed without the recommended alveoloplasty, resulting in several retained bone spurs and ill-fitting dentures. Consequently, the patient now suffers from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, experiencing pain in the jaws, ears, and neck. Medical professionals have since recommended a hybrid procedure involving both dentures and dental implants to address the damage and restore functionality.

Questions to the Maxillofacial Surgery expert and their responses

How often do you evaluate and manage patients requiring tooth extraction and alveoloplasty prior to denture fitting?

I evaluate and manage patients requiring tooth extraction and alveoloplasty prior to denture fitting 2-3 times a week.

Briefly, what is the standard of care regarding full mouth tooth extraction and dentures fitting procedures?

Alveoloplasty should be performed during full mouth extractions in order to fit dentures properly.

About the expert

This expert has over 15 years of experience in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery. After obtaining his BA in biological sciences from the University of California in Santa Barbara, he earned his DDS at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. Following the completion of his degrees, this expert pursued a residency in hospital dentistry at the University of California in San Francisco. He subsequently completed both an internship and residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery, as well as a fellowship in tumor and reconstructive surgery, and head and neck microvascular surgery all at Jackson Memorial Hospital at the University of Miami. This expert is board certified in oral and maxillofacial surgery and a member of numerous national and international associations including the American Association of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgeons, the International Association of Dental Research, and the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. As an extremely well-published contributor to academia, this expert conducts extensive research in his field and presents his findings globally. Previously he served as an assistant professor of oral and maxillofacial surgery at both the University of Texas and the University of California, San Francisco. Currently, he serves as an associate professor of oral and maxillofacial surgery and the director of oral and maxillofacial internship at a top university in Texas. Additionally, he serves as a faculty member at an osteosynthesis research group and as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon at multiple hospitals in Texas.

E-824909

Specialties:

Maxillofacial Surgery