EXPERT
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.
36 years
Experience
Dr. Spiro C. Karras, D.D.S.
- Morton Grove, IL
- UIC College of Dentistry
- Accepting new patients
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How long does a wisdom tooth removal takes?
Generally, 4 wisdom teeth can be removed in 30-45 minutes by an experienced oral surgeon. If the teeth are straight forward it may take less time; if they are difficult, it may READ MORE
Generally, 4 wisdom teeth can be removed in 30-45 minutes by an experienced oral surgeon. If the teeth are straight forward it may take less time; if they are difficult, it may take more time.
Dr. Spiro Karras
Dr. Spiro Karras
Are hot foods permitted after oral surgery?
You should avoid hot foods for 24-48 hours after surgery. Cold soft foods are best during this time (ice cream, milk shakes, smoothies without seeds, yogurt, pudding, jello, etc.).
Spiro READ MORE
You should avoid hot foods for 24-48 hours after surgery. Cold soft foods are best during this time (ice cream, milk shakes, smoothies without seeds, yogurt, pudding, jello, etc.).
Spiro C. Karras, DDS
Spiro C. Karras, DDS
Can surgery treat TMJ?
Some "TMJ issues" can be treated with surgery, but most will respond to more conservative measures such as bite appliances and physical therapy. Surgery may be a consideration READ MORE
Some "TMJ issues" can be treated with surgery, but most will respond to more conservative measures such as bite appliances and physical therapy. Surgery may be a consideration if conservative measures are not successful.
How long is the recovery time for tooth extraction?
The recovery time after tooth extraction really depends on how difficult and involved the extraction is. If it's a tooth that can simply be "wiggled out" expect minimal down time, READ MORE
The recovery time after tooth extraction really depends on how difficult and involved the extraction is. If it's a tooth that can simply be "wiggled out" expect minimal down time, back to activities the same day. If it is a tooth that requires surgery to remove (opening the gum, drilling around the tooth, cutting the tooth to separate the roots) expect to have some swelling, stiffness and soreness for a couple of days.
Dr. Spiro Karras
Dr. Spiro Karras
Do I need to remove a mouth cyst?
YES! This must be removed and sent for a biopsy. If it is not removed it may continue to enlarge and potentially damage the jaw or the teeth. While true cysts are generally benign, READ MORE
YES! This must be removed and sent for a biopsy. If it is not removed it may continue to enlarge and potentially damage the jaw or the teeth. While true cysts are generally benign, and once removed do not "grow back" some can actually be tumors or have a tendency to re occur. Only a biopsy will detect these things.
Dr. Spiro Karras
Dr. Spiro Karras
Is it normal to get wisdom teeth when you're 14?
14 is a bit young, however, there may be compelling factors. If your friend's daughter is getting braces, the orthodontist may want the wisdom teeth removed to create space to READ MORE
14 is a bit young, however, there may be compelling factors. If your friend's daughter is getting braces, the orthodontist may want the wisdom teeth removed to create space to move other teeth or they may be interfering with the eruption of other teeth.
Dr. Spiro Karras
Dr. Spiro Karras
What foods can I eat after oral surgery?
Avoid hot foods for 24 to 48 hours, nothing warmer than room temperature; cold things are fine. You should also plan to stay on a soft diet for 5 to 7 days in most cases. Think READ MORE
Avoid hot foods for 24 to 48 hours, nothing warmer than room temperature; cold things are fine. You should also plan to stay on a soft diet for 5 to 7 days in most cases. Think foods that you can cut with the side of a fork.
Dr. Spiro Karras
Dr. Spiro Karras
Does having a tooth replaced require an oral surgery follow up?
Yes, if you are talking about getting a dental implant, you will need at least 2 follow-up visits. The first 1-2 weeks after the procedure to check healing and the second several READ MORE
Yes, if you are talking about getting a dental implant, you will need at least 2 follow-up visits. The first 1-2 weeks after the procedure to check healing and the second several weeks later to verify that the implant is ready to have a crown installed. This should be discussed at your consultation appointment.
Dr. Spiro Karras
Dr. Spiro Karras
How long is the recovery from jaw surgery?
It really depends on which procedure you are having. Are you having a SARPE (Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) or are you having a LeForte osteotomy? With a SARPE you READ MORE
It really depends on which procedure you are having. Are you having a SARPE (Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) or are you having a LeForte osteotomy? With a SARPE you can probably go back to work after 4-5 days. With a LeForte osteotomy, more like 7-10 days. This is something you should definitely discuss with your surgeon.
Spiro C. Karras, DDS
Spiro C. Karras, DDS
Are jaw surgeries done in outpatient facilities?
It depends on the surgery that you require. If it is only the lower jaw, it can often be done as an outpatient procedure. Upper jaw or 2 jaw surgery require a hospital stay.
How long does your jaw stay wired shut after surgery?
It would be unusual to have your jaw wired shut in this day and age. That being said, if it must be done 4-6 weeks is typical.
Does TMJ require surgery?
TMJ problems do not always require surgery. In fact, most (but not all) cases can be treated conservatively with bite adjustment, an oral appliance or physical therapy. If the READ MORE
TMJ problems do not always require surgery. In fact, most (but not all) cases can be treated conservatively with bite adjustment, an oral appliance or physical therapy. If the above fail to provide satisfactory results, then surgery can be considered.
Spiro C. Karras, DDS
Spiro C. Karras, DDS
Do you have to be put to sleep to get your wisdom teeth out?
The short answer is no, you do not HAVE to be put to sleep. However, if your wisdom teeth are impacted it may be difficult to remove them comfortably with just a local anesthetic. READ MORE
The short answer is no, you do not HAVE to be put to sleep. However, if your wisdom teeth are impacted it may be difficult to remove them comfortably with just a local anesthetic. Ask your surgeon about a light sedation where you will be relaxed and sleepy, but not truly asleep. Keep in mind that even with light sedation you may not remember anything so it may seem like you were asleep even if you weren't.
How long does novocaine last after wisdom tooth removal?
There are different types of local anesthetics (novocaine) and they each have a different duration. Depending on which is used, you may be numb from 90 minutes to 10 hours. Generally, READ MORE
There are different types of local anesthetics (novocaine) and they each have a different duration. Depending on which is used, you may be numb from 90 minutes to 10 hours. Generally, if the teeth are difficult, it is preferable to be numb as long as possible to minimize pain after surgery. This is something you should discuss with your surgeon.
Is a dental extraction very painful?
Many wisdom teeth can be removed comfortably with a local anesthetic (shots of "Novocaine"). If you are going to have more than 1 wisdom tooth removed, it would be a good idea READ MORE
Many wisdom teeth can be removed comfortably with a local anesthetic (shots of "Novocaine"). If you are going to have more than 1 wisdom tooth removed, it would be a good idea to schedule a consultation with an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, who can examine you, review your x-rays and help you determine what type of anesthesia would be best for you and your particular situation.
Can I replace my silver fillings with a different substance?
Yes, silver fillings can be replaced by tooth-colored materials. This is only necessary if the filling has broken or the tooth is decayed under or around the old filling. Silver READ MORE
Yes, silver fillings can be replaced by tooth-colored materials. This is only necessary if the filling has broken or the tooth is decayed under or around the old filling. Silver fillings are perfectly safe...I have some myself.
How is a tumor removed from the jaw?
Depending on the size and location of the tumor, some tumors can be removed from the mouth (intra-oral), while others may need to be approached through the skin (extra-oral). If READ MORE
Depending on the size and location of the tumor, some tumors can be removed from the mouth (intra-oral), while others may need to be approached through the skin (extra-oral). If it is a large tumor, the surgeon may do a biopsy first to determine what type of tumor it is.
