An osteotomy is a precision surgical cut into bone. The word comes from osteo meaning bone and -otomy meaning to cut. This procedure is commonly used in Dentistry to prepare the jaw bone for placing dental implants. Osteoplasty is performed to change the outside shape of bone and does not enter inside the jaw.

          A dental implant osteotomy forms a precision hole in the bone that exactly matches the shape of the implant being inserted. It is done using a slow speed dental hand piece with specially designed bone cutting burs. Several burs are used with increasing diameters so that the hole in gradually enlarged without burning or damaging the surrounding jaw bone. Most dentists use cool saline to irrigate the bone while carefully preparing the site.

          The osteotomy should not cut into the roots of the adjacent teeth and should stay in the bone. Without careful planning and design, the preparation can go through the bottom of the bone out into the soft tissue. This can cause constant aggravating pain. In the maxillary posterior area, the preparation can go into the maxillary sinus. In the maxillary anterior area, the preparation can accidentally go into the base of the nose. Careful planning is essential.

          Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky is an Atlanta implant dentist who practices with the Atlanta Dental Group PC. He has been trained in the area of Implant Dentistry and enjoys helping patients improve their chewing using dental implant reconstruction. In addition to dental implant surgery, including osteotomy preparations, Dr. Padolsky is also able to design, create, and place the dental work. This allows for one dentist to be in control of both phases of the implant reconstruction and often simplifies the decision making process. Patients can enjoy going to one office for all their care. If you would like to consult with Dr. Padolsky, make an appointment at 404-874-7428