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Dr. Spiro C. Karras, D.D.S.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Dr. Spiro Karras is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon practicing in Lincolnwood, IL. Dr. Karras specializes in the treatment of problems related to the face, mouth and jaws. As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Karras is a unique dental specialist who can provide emergency medicine, perform general surgery and give anesthesia. These medical doctors are the only type of medical care specialist who can administer anesthesia, besides anesthesiologists. Typical procedures performed by Dr. Karras are tooth extractions, especially wisdom teeth, corrective jaw surgery, cleft palate surgery and reconstructive surgery after an injury. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons can also perform dental work including placing dental implants. These surgeons might also deal with conditions of sleep apnea, oral cancers and more.
Learn More About Me
35 years Experience
Dr. Spiro C. Karras, D.D.S.
  • Morton Grove, IL
  • UIC College of Dentistry
  • Accepting new patients

Do you get CT scan before implant surgery?

Yes, a CT scan should be acquired before any implant placement.

How long will my cheeks be swollen after wisdom teeth removal?

The swelling usually peaks 48 hours after surgery, and you'll want to apply ice during this time. It will typically take 3-4 days after that for most of the swelling to resolve. Spiro READ MORE
The swelling usually peaks 48 hours after surgery, and you'll want to apply ice during this time. It will typically take 3-4 days after that for most of the swelling to resolve.

Spiro C. Karras, DDS

Can wisdom teeth surgery go wrong?

Complications can occur with any surgery, even with something as routine as wisdom teeth. Generally, the risk of complications is very low, but it can vary depending on the position READ MORE
Complications can occur with any surgery, even with something as routine as wisdom teeth. Generally, the risk of complications is very low, but it can vary depending on the position of the teeth and their difficulty. This is something you should review with your oral surgeon.

Dr. Spiro Karras

How many days should you rest after wisdom teeth surgery?

In most cases, for impacted wisdom teeth, the day of surgery and 2 more days should be sufficient. Check with your surgeon for recommendations in your specific circumstances. Dr. READ MORE
In most cases, for impacted wisdom teeth, the day of surgery and 2 more days should be sufficient. Check with your surgeon for recommendations in your specific circumstances.

Dr. Spiro Karras

Can dental implants affect your sinuses?

If an implant is placed into the sinus, yes, it can, however, this does not always happen, and some implants are designed to go through the sinuses.

Spiro C. Karras, DDS

How bad does a tooth need to be to be extracted?

Generally, in order for an extraction to be recommended, a tooth has to be beyond a reasonable hope of repairing it predictably.

Spiro C. Karras, DDS

Are antibiotics necessary after dental bone graft?

Greetings, In my opinion, as an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, you should take a large dose of antibiotics 1 hour before your surgery and then continue for 5-7 days afterward. Dr. READ MORE
Greetings,

In my opinion, as an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, you should take a large dose of antibiotics 1 hour before your surgery and then continue for 5-7 days afterward.

Dr. Spiro Karras

What x-rays do you need before jaw reduction surgery?

At the very least, you will need a cephalometric X-ray as well as a panoramic X-ray. Most surgeons will also want a 3-D CT scan.

Spiro C. Karras, DDS

How can I smoke and not get a dry socket?

Smoking significantly increases the risk of dry socket as well as infection and poor healing. There is no "safe" way to smoke and avoid complications. Spiro C. Karras, DDS READ MORE
Smoking significantly increases the risk of dry socket as well as infection and poor healing. There is no "safe" way to smoke and avoid complications.

Spiro C. Karras, DDS

Does jaw surgery change your face?

If the "jaw surgery" you are referring to is Orthognathic Surgery to correct your bite, then yes, it usually changes facial appearance. The change is normally for the better because READ MORE
If the "jaw surgery" you are referring to is Orthognathic Surgery to correct your bite, then yes, it usually changes facial appearance. The change is normally for the better because the jaws become better aligned to each other and facial harmony is restored. Your surgeon can explain the changes that would be expected.

Spiro C. Karras, DDS

What's the difference between a tooth extraction and a surgical tooth extraction?

There are various classifications for extractions. Think of a simple extraction as a tooth that can be "wiggled out." A surgical extraction requires opening the gum and cutting READ MORE
There are various classifications for extractions. Think of a simple extraction as a tooth that can be "wiggled out." A surgical extraction requires opening the gum and cutting the tooth into pieces or removing bone to free up the tooth. Stitches will typically be needed afterward and you may experience some swelling and soreness for a dew days.

Dr. Spiro Karras

How long does it take to remove 4 wisdom teeth?

It depends on the difficulty and complexity of the teeth, but generally it may take 30 to 45 minutes.

Spiro C. Karras, DDS

How can I get rid of oral thrush fast?

For oral thrush, which is a yeast infection, you will have to be seen by a dentist or physician and get prescription medication.

When should I see a doctor about jaw pain?

You should call and speak to the doctor who did your cleaning right away. Sometimes the jaw joints, like any other joint in the body, can get strained. It is possible your jaw READ MORE
You should call and speak to the doctor who did your cleaning right away. Sometimes the jaw joints, like any other joint in the body, can get strained. It is possible your jaw muscles and tendons became irritated form holding your mouth open during your cleaning. Like any joint it should respond to rest and medication. Please consult with your dentist right away.

Spiro C. Karras, DDS

What is the best painkiller for tooth extraction?

A combination of Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen taken before the anesthetic wears off and on a regular schedule thereafter for 1 or 2 days works very well. Just be sure you don't READ MORE
A combination of Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen taken before the anesthetic wears off and on a regular schedule thereafter for 1 or 2 days works very well. Just be sure you don't have any allergies or other reason that would keep you from using these and consult your doctor regarding dosage.

Dr. Spiro Karras

What is the best pain relief after tooth extraction?

The best thing you can do to be comfortable after an extraction is to begin taking pain medication before the local anesthetic (Novocaine) wears off, and then to take it on a regular READ MORE
The best thing you can do to be comfortable after an extraction is to begin taking pain medication before the local anesthetic (Novocaine) wears off, and then to take it on a regular schedule for the first 2 days. Most people will be comfortable with over the counter medications like Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen but please make sure you do not have any health conditions and you are not taking any other medications that may interact.

Dr. Spiro Karras

What makes you loopy after wisdom teeth removal?

If you were sedated (put to sleep) for the procedure, that would certainly make you loopy for the rest of the day. Also, if you are taking strong pain relievers (Hydrocodone), READ MORE
If you were sedated (put to sleep) for the procedure, that would certainly make you loopy for the rest of the day. Also, if you are taking strong pain relievers (Hydrocodone), that could be the reason.

Spiro C. Karras, DDS

Is numbness normal after wisdom teeth removal?

Hello, Numbness after wisdom tooth removal is not "normal," however, it is a known risk of surgery and it is something your surgeon should have discussed with you prior to READ MORE
Hello,

Numbness after wisdom tooth removal is not "normal," however, it is a known risk of surgery and it is something your surgeon should have discussed with you prior to your procedure. When prolonged numbness does occur, it is almost always temporary but may last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. You should inform your surgeon and have a follow up
examination to objectively "measure" and map out the numbness. This should be checked again after 2-3 weeks to determine if the numbness is improving and whether or not additional steps need to be taken.

Dr. Spiro Karras

How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?

How long the recovery takes really depends on how difficult the tooth turns out to be. If it is a simple extraction (tooth just needs to be "wiggled" out), then you can resume READ MORE
How long the recovery takes really depends on how difficult the tooth turns out to be. If it is a simple extraction (tooth just needs to be "wiggled" out), then you can resume normal activities right away. In some cases, the extraction may require surgery, in which case you can expect to have some swelling, stiffness, and soreness for a couple of days.

Spiro C. Karras, DDS

How can I treat mouth ulcers?

It depends on the cause of the ulcers. If they aphthous ulcers (canker sores) no treatment is required. They will heal in 10-14 days. You may want to avoid sour, spicy or very READ MORE
It depends on the cause of the ulcers. If they aphthous ulcers (canker sores) no treatment is required. They will heal in 10-14 days. You may want to avoid sour, spicy or very salty foods because they will "sting." If they are herpes ulcers, they may require treatment with anti-viral medications depending on how severe the symptoms are. You will want to avoid sharing foods, drinks, utensils, and kissing other people until the ulcers heal.