Galen Oral Surgery
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Surgical Services

Comprehensive Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Dr. Galen practices a full scope of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, managing a variety of problems relating to the mouth, teeth and face — from complex tooth removal and bone preservation to dental implants, corrective jaw surgery, and TMJ disorders.

Surgical Procedures

Wisdom Tooth Removal

Third molars, also called wisdom teeth, are the last teeth in the mouth to form. The jaws are usually not large enough to accommodate these teeth and one or more fail to erupt into proper alignment, or are unable to erupt fully into the mouth and remain impacted.

Key Details

  • Serious problems can develop from impacted wisdom teeth such as pain, swelling, infection and possible crowding of and damage to adjacent teeth.
  • Tissue that surrounds a developing impacted tooth can enlarge to form a cyst, causing destruction of the surrounding bone and adjacent teeth.
  • Dr. Galen has taken a special interest in advanced surgical procedures in complex removal of teeth and bone preservation.
  • Surgery can be performed under local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia for your comfort.

Am I a Candidate?

Patients experiencing pain, swelling, infection, or crowding from impacted wisdom teeth, or those whose dentist has identified impacted third molars on X-ray, are candidates for evaluation.

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Extraction of Teeth

An oral surgeon has special training in the extraction of teeth. Dentists will usually refer patients for the removal of damaged, impacted, or severely decayed teeth, including wisdom teeth.

Key Details

  • Patients considering dental implant replacement are referred to Dr. Galen so that teeth can be removed with techniques that create a better site for implant placement.
  • Patients who would be more comfortable receiving sedation or general anesthesia during surgical procedures are typically referred to an oral surgeon.
  • Dr. Galen uses bone-preserving extraction techniques to optimize future implant placement outcomes.
  • All extractions are performed in our state-of-the-art Beverly Hills surgical facility with full anesthesia capabilities.

Am I a Candidate?

Patients with damaged, impacted, or severely decayed teeth, or those planning dental implant replacement, are candidates. Referrals from general dentists are welcome.

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Dental Implants

Dental implants represent the state-of-the-art in dental technology, making it possible to restore the mouth as closely as possible to its natural state with replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth.

Key Details

  • Implants are substitute or replacement for tooth roots that preserve the integrity of facial structures by preventing deterioration of the jawbone that occurs when teeth are missing.
  • Implant treatment does not compromise the long-term health of adjacent teeth, unlike traditional bridgework.
  • Dr. Galen offers 3D diagnostic dental implant treatment planning that visualizes the patient's anatomy with unparalleled precision, allowing him to virtually prepare and perform treatment to the greatest detail.
  • Replacement teeth supported by dental implants are a permanent solution with over 90% success rates in long-term function.

Am I a Candidate?

Patients missing one or more teeth who have adequate bone volume and good general health are typically candidates. Dr. Galen will evaluate your anatomy using 3D imaging to determine the ideal treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Oral Pathology

Dr. Galen treats infections of the mouth, jaw and neck. Cancer screening and biopsy of questionable tissue is also a routine part of the practice.

Key Details

  • A biopsy is performed by removing a piece of the lesion and sending it to an oral pathologist for microscopic examination and diagnosis.
  • In most cases, the damage to the jaws and soft tissues caused by oral cancer can be repaired or reconstructed surgically.
  • Early detection through routine cancer screening is a core part of Dr. Galen's practice.
  • Dr. Galen treats infections of the mouth, jaw and neck with the full resources of a hospital-trained oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Am I a Candidate?

Patients with suspicious lesions, non-healing sores, lumps, or discoloration in the mouth or jaw area should be evaluated promptly. Referrals from general dentists and physicians are welcome.

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Soft Tissue Surgery

Dr. Galen performs a range of soft tissue procedures including orthodontic tooth exposure and frenectomy to create a balanced soft tissue environment for the developing teeth and jaws.

Key Details

  • Exposure of teeth for orthodontics: It is not uncommon for teeth other than wisdom teeth to be blocked from entering the mouth. Dr. Galen and your orthodontist can bring the impacted tooth through the gum and into the correct position.
  • Frenectomy: Frenum are restrictive bands of tissue located under the tongue and inside the upper and lower lip. A frenectomy loosens the frenum's connection and extends the range of motion.
  • The frenum under the tongue may restrict tongue movement (tongue tie), affect the ability for a newborn to breastfeed, impair speech, and affect jaw development.
  • The prime outcome of a frenectomy procedure is creating a balanced soft tissue environment for the developing teeth and jaws.

Am I a Candidate?

Patients with impacted teeth requiring orthodontic exposure, or those with tongue tie or lip tie affecting speech, feeding, or jaw development, are candidates for soft tissue surgery.

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TMJ & Jaw Dysfunction

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a small joint located in front of the ear where the skull and lower jaw meet. It permits the lower jaw to move. Individuals with a TMJ disorder may experience symptoms such as earaches, headaches and limited ability to open their mouth.

Key Details

  • Diagnosing TMJ disorders can be complex, requiring special imaging studies to accurately assess the joint.
  • Treatment may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain and muscle relaxation, bite splint therapy, and stress management therapy.
  • Conservative surgical treatment such as arthrocentesis (TMJ lavage) may be indicated for appropriate cases.
  • In more severe cases, extensive surgical repair of damaged tissue by a direct surgical approach may be necessary.

Am I a Candidate?

Patients experiencing earaches, headaches, jaw pain, clicking or popping of the jaw, or limited ability to open the mouth should be evaluated for TMJ dysfunction.

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Corrective Jaw Surgery

Orthodontics can straighten the teeth and correct many bite problems. However, if the upper and lower jaws do not grow properly, jaw surgery may be required to reposition the jaws to correct problems with chewing function, speech, jaw and muscle pain and long-term oral health.

Key Details

  • The teeth are straightened with orthodontics and then corrective jaw surgery is performed to reposition the misaligned jaws.
  • This not only improves facial appearance, but also ensures that teeth meet correctly and function properly.
  • Dr. Galen has extensive experience in the correction of skeletal facial deformities and functional and cosmetic jaw and bite abnormalities.
  • Corrective jaw surgery is typically performed in coordination with your orthodontist as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Am I a Candidate?

Patients with jaw discrepancies causing difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing, or those with significant facial asymmetry or bite problems that cannot be corrected with orthodontics alone, may be candidates.

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Anesthesia & Comfort

Safe, Comfortable Anesthesia for Every Patient

For your comfort, surgery can be performed under local anesthesia, fully awake; under general anesthesia, fully asleep; or with light sedation combined with local anesthesia. Our staff is highly trained and certified in outpatient anesthesia.

Our Anesthesia Safety Standards

  • Our office adheres to the California Dental Anesthesia guidelines.
  • The facility, equipment and staff are examined by state-certified examiners per California state requirements.
  • Patients are continuously monitored during and after surgery.
  • Modern operating rooms with state-of-the-art monitoring equipment.
  • General anesthesia provided by a Board Certified Anesthesiologist.
  • Staff trained and certified in outpatient anesthesia.
Oral surgery team at Galen Oral Surgery, Beverly Hills

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