expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Medhi Matin

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Dr. Medhi Matin is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon practicing in San Diego, CA. Dr. Matin specializes in the treatment of problems related to the face, mouth and jaws. As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Matin 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. Matin 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.
Dr. Medhi Matin
  • Accepting new patients

How long is the recovery after gum graft surgery?

The recovery time after a gum graft can vary depending on the individual and the specifics of the procedure and type of the graft, but generally, it takes about 1 to 2 weeks for READ MORE
The recovery time after a gum graft can vary depending on the individual and the specifics of the procedure and type of the graft, but generally, it takes about 1 to 2 weeks for the initial healing. Complete recovery, including the full integration of the graft, can take several weeks.

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants are designed to be a long-lasting solution for missing teeth, and with proper care, they can last many years, often several decades and if well-maintained it can READ MORE
Dental implants are designed to be a long-lasting solution for missing teeth, and with proper care, they can last many years, often several decades and if
well-maintained it can last a lifetime.
Here are some factors that influence the longevity of dental implants: Oral Hygiene, Regular Dental Check-ups, Quality of the Implant and Procedure, Bone Health, Lifestyle Factors (smoking for example is a risk for implant failure), Medical Conditions (some medical condition such as uncontrol diabetes can affect long-term success of implant) and Mechanical Factors (for example grinding or clenching is a risk factor).

Do you get CT scan before implant surgery?

As a surgeon I always obtain CBCT prior to implant surgery. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is a great diagnostic tool because of detailed information it provides. It gives READ MORE
As a surgeon I always obtain CBCT prior to implant surgery. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is a great diagnostic tool because of detailed information it provides.
It gives the surgeon three-dimensional view of the patient's jawbone, teeth, and surrounding structures. It helps in determining the exact location for implant placement, ensuring optimal positioning and angulation which minimizes the risk of complications and improves the long-term success of the implant.
CBCT allows the visualization of important anatomical structures such as the maxillary sinuses, nasal cavity, and the inferior alveolar nerve. This helps in avoiding these areas during surgery, reducing the risk of nerve damage or sinus perforation.
For patients who may require bone grafting or sinus lifts, CBCT is a great tool in planning these procedures by providing accurate measurements and visualization of the bone defects.
CBCT can reveal hidden dental pathologies such as cysts, tumors, or infections that may need to be addressed before implant placement.
And lastly, the detailed information from a CBCT scan allows for better treatment planning, enabling the creation of surgical guides that facilitate precise implant placement.

How long after the dental implant will I get a crown?

The timeline for getting a crown after a dental implant placement can vary, but usually, it ranges from 3 to 6 months. This period is called osseointegration, where the implant READ MORE
The timeline for getting a crown after a dental implant placement can vary, but usually, it ranges from 3 to 6 months. This period is called osseointegration, where the implant fuses with the jawbone, providing a stable foundation for the crown.

How long is recovery after a gum graft?

The recovery time after a gum graft can vary depending on the individual and the specifics of the procedure and type of the gum graft, but generally, it takes about 1 to 2 weeks READ MORE
The recovery time after a gum graft can vary depending on the individual and the specifics of the procedure and type of the gum graft, but generally, it takes about 1 to 2 weeks for the initial healing. Complete recovery, including the full integration of the graft, can take a several weeks.

What are the risks of jaw alignment surgery?

Risks include general risks associated with surgery, such as pain, swelling, infection, bleeding, and anesthesia risks. Additionally, there are specific risks for orthognathic READ MORE
Risks include general risks associated with surgery, such as pain, swelling, infection, bleeding, and anesthesia risks. Additionally, there are specific risks for orthognathic surgery (jaw alignment surgery), including nerve damage, which can cause temporary or permanent numbness in the face, lips, chin, gums, or tongue due to nerve injury.

Relapse of the surgery is possible; however, with new techniques and proper planning, it is very unlikely.

For jaw surgery, sometimes a small incision (~5mm) is made on the face. Scarring is possible, although incisions inside the mouth usually result in scarring that is not a concern since it is internal.

Damage to teeth adjacent to the surgical site is another risk for this surgery. Some patients may experience temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems after surgery, including pain, clicking, or difficulty in jaw movement. Generally speaking, orthognathic surgery improves TMJ symptoms.

Non-healing bone or healing problems are rare but possible. In rare cases, the jawbones may not heal properly, potentially requiring additional surgery.

Malocclusion is another risk, where the teeth may not align perfectly after surgery, sometimes necessitating further orthodontic treatment or surgery.

Sinus problems are another risk. If the surgery involves the upper jaw, there can be complications related to the sinuses, including infection or sinusitis.

These risks are uncommon and can be rare with proper treatment planning and surgical techniques. Also surgeon's experience play a huge role.

Can I eat hard food after a bone graft?

There are different types nd techniques for bone grafting. But generally speaking for the first 1-2 week you are advised to be on soft diet.