Exostosis is bony prominence ("nodules") on the jaw bones, which is a feature of the human individual or a consequence of the complex tooth extraction. They can grow increasing pressure on the roots of the teeth. They also virtually eliminate the possibility of wearing dentures. Often you can feel exostosis, held on the tongue or gums or examine the suspicious area with your fingers. But it is not always possible to observe with the eye, since they often appear in the form of small lumps in the gums. Accurate diagnosis is made only by a dentist after the X-rays.
Causes of exostosis
- heredity;
- individual anomalies of jaw structure;
- jaw injuries: professional athletes often have it;
- complications after tooth extraction when the bone was not able to grow together.
Removal of exostosis is a surgical procedure during which bony prominences are eliminated, and the jaw bone is smoothed. Surgery is performed under local anesthesia and does not cause serious postoperative complications. The whole operation takes maximum 2 hours, depending on the location and size exostosis, and extends in four phases:
- the use of local anesthesia;
- incising the place of bone formation;
- sawing exostosis by drill or laser and grinding surface of the bone;
- placing a suture.
In the affected area an artificial bone can be added for the speedy recovery.
Rehabilitation period
After the surgery swelling, pain and difficulties with mouth opening may develop at the operated area and the recovery period may take 1-5 days. During rehabilitation doctor will prescribe a course of drug therapy, which includes receiving analgesics to relieve swelling and slight inflammation after surgery.
It is better to eat soft food warm, giving up hot, cold, hard and viscous products. Also you should give up bad habits as alcohol and cigarettes as they slow the healing process of tissues.
Contraindications for removal of exostosis
This operation has a number of contraindications:
- thyroid disease;
- low blood clotting;
- problems with the endocrine system and adrenal glands;
- diabetes.
Our dentists in “Orisprofi” conduct the surgery under local anesthesia with a minimum of inconvenience. They follow the process of healing during the rehabilitation period. Patients should not be afraid of the operation.