AboutJoel S. Teig, DMD, FABOMS Expertise I am a board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon and I am available to answer questions related to tooth extractions, implant insertion, facial recontruction, facial and oral tumor removal, TMJ dysfunction and various successful treatments, including surgery if all else fails, and occlusal discrepancy requiring orthognathic or jaw surgery.
Experience Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon practicine for over 20 years. Assistant Clincal Professor and State University School of Dentistry.
Organizations American Dental Association, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Education/Credentials BA
DMD
Awards and Honors National Honor Society (OKU), Philadelphia County Dental Society, Mosby Book Award, Oral Surgery Honors, Summa Cum Laude
Question I've just been told that due to decay and gum disease I need to have what teeth I do have left pulled and be fitted for dentures. I have had two major jaw reconstructions and the dentist I saw is not comfortable doing the work. He has recomended a prosthodontist. He is worried that pulling to many teeth at once may destabilize my jaw and create problems. He also felt, given my past jaw surgeries, that I would probably need implant based dentures. But then he went on to say that placing implants may be tricky as there are multiple screws in place where implants would likely go. I currently have a badly broken tooth. How long can that go without treatment? I have no insurance to cover any of this, I am hoping the dentistry school at the state university will have some kind of program but if they don't they work just won't be done. How much do I have to worry that past jaw surgeries will create issues now?
Answer Janice - First of all, the dental school may be the best solution, but you need to have the implants, if they are used, placed only by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. The surgeon is familiar with the past jaw surgeries and knows how to place implants around the screws used. A prosthodontist should work together with the surgeon to plan and create a solution for your problems.
I wish you well. If you have additional questions, feel free to contact me again.
