DOUGLAS M. GALEN, D.D.S.

ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY

(310) 855-1000

8920 Wilshire Boulevard, #442

Beverly HIlls, CA 90211

SURGICAL SERVICES

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery requires four to six additional years of hospital based surgical and anesthesia training.  Dr. Galen practices a full scope of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.  Dr. Galen manages a variety of problems relating to the mouth, teeth and face.  He can also diagnose and treat facial pain, facial injuries and TMJ disorders, and perform a full range of general oral surgical procedures.  Dr. Galen has taken a special interest in advanced surgical procedures in complex removal of teeth, bone preservation and tooth replacement with dental implants.

Dr. Galen's staff is trained in assisting with IV Anesthesia within our state of the art office setting. Patients are continuously monitored during and after surgery. In addition, general anesthesia provided by a Board Certified Anesthesiologist is also available within our surgical facility.


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. 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. 


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. Patients who are considering dental implant replacemet are also referred to an oral surgeon so that the teeth can be removed with techniques that creates a better site for implant placement. In addition, patients who would be more comfortable receiving sedation or general anesthesia during surgical procedures are usually referred to an oral surgeon.


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. A biopsy is performed by removing a piece of the lesion and sending it to an oral pathologist for a 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. 


SOFT TISSUE SURGERY

Exposure of teeth for orthodontics

It is not uncommon for teeth other than wisdom teeth to be blocked from entering the mouth. Fortunately, your Orthodontist and Oral Surgeon can bring the impacted tooth through the gum and into the correct position – giving you a beautiful healthy smile.

Frenectomy

Frenum are restrictive bands of tissue located under the tongue and inside the upper and lower lip. A frenectomy is a simple procedure to loosen the frenum’s connection and extend the range of motion in that part of the mouth. The frenum under the tongue may restrict tongue movement (tongue tie), affect the ability for a newborn to breast feed, may impair speech and may affect jaw development. The prime outcome of a frenectomy procedure is creating a balanced soft tissue environment for the developing teeth and jaws. 


ANESTHESIA

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 and our offices have modern operating rooms with state of the art monitoring equipment to allow for safe anesthesia delivery.

Our office adheres to the California Dental Anesthesia guidlines and the facility, equipment and staff are examined by the state certified examiners per the Califonia state requirements.


TECHNOLOGY

Dr. Galen is able to offer his patients the option of a 3D diagnostic dental implant treatment planning tool that visualizes the patient’s anatomy with unparalleled precision in 3D. With this precise information, Dr. Galen can take into account complex anatomical considerations to obtain the ideal treatment plan. Dr. Galen can virtually prepare your treatment to the greatist detail.

DENTAL IMPLANTS

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. Implants have enhanced the quality of life for thousands of people throughout the world, improving overall health and well-being and restoring the confidence that comes from a natural smile and appearance.

Dental implants are substitute or a replacement for tooth roots that preserve the integrity of facial structures by preventing the deterioration of the jawbone that occurs when teeth are missing. In addition, implant treatment does not compromise the long term health of the adjacent teeth.

Dr. Galen is able to offer his patients the option of a 3D diagnostic dental implant treatment planning tool that visualizes the patient’s anatomy with unparalleled precision in 3D. With this precise information, he can take into account complex anatomical considerations to obtain the ideal treatment plan. Dr. Galen can virtually prepare and perform your treatment to the greatist detail.

FAQ ABOUT DENTAL IMPLANTS

How long do implants last?

Dental implants are considered to be the preferred method of tooth replacement by many dentists. Replacement teeth supported by dental implants are a permanent solution and have over 90% success rates in long-term function.

Will I be able to eat normally during the healing process?

Yes. You may eat what you like. You may be asked to avoid chewing in the area where the implants are placed for a short period after surgery, but once that time has passed, you can chew your food as usual.

Can I get a temporary tooth to fill the gap during healing?

Yes. You can be provided with a temporary tooth to fill the area of the missing crown while the implant is healing. Your dentist and Dr. Galen will recommend the option for a temporary that is best suited for your situation.

Is dental implantation a common surgical procedure?

Yes. This procedure has been performed for decades on millions of patients and Dr. Galen has extensive experience.

Is the procedure relatively pain-free?

Many patients report that having a tooth extracted is much more traumatic than having an implant placed. The procedure is usually performed in the dental office under local anesthesia or intravenous sedation. Medications for the relief of any discomfort are usually obtained over the counter without a prescription.