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Dr. Patrick A. Abbey, D.M.D

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Dr. Patrick A Abbey D.M.D is a top Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon in , . With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Dr. Patrick A Abbey D.M.D is an expert in changing the lives of their patients for the better. Through their designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. Patrick A Abbey D.M.D is a prime example of a true leader in healthcare. As a leader and expert in their field, Dr. Patrick A Abbey D.M.D is passionate about enhancing patient quality of life. They embody the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patients. In , , Dr. Patrick A Abbey D.M.D is a true asset to their field and dedicated to the profession of medicine.
Dr. Patrick A. Abbey, D.M.D
  • TAMPA, FL
  • Accepting new patients

How does smoking affect oral surgery?

it can delay healing and lead to complications, most typically a "dry socket"

How many teeth can be extracted at the same time?

If it was appropriate and indicated, you could have all of your teeth extracted at a single surgery. This would most typically be done with you asleep.

What should I do to permanently resolve my TMJ issues?

Your next step would likely be an occlusal splint (special type of night guard appliance). Your goal with most TMJ issues is not to "cure" it, but to do the minimal intervention READ MORE
Your next step would likely be an occlusal splint (special type of night guard appliance). Your goal with most TMJ issues is not to "cure" it, but to do the minimal intervention necessary to relieve symptoms and make it "livable".

How deep are wisdom teeth in the gums?

That varies from person to person, you would be able to visualize that on the appropriate x-ray.

How long does it take to recover from a wisdom tooth surgery?

Typically within 2-3 days, but that depends on the tooth position, degree of impaction and difficulty of the surgery

What causes a cyst under a tooth?

The most common "cyst" is from infection within the tooth. However, these can also be developmental cysts, certain types of benign tumors or even cancer. They need to therefore READ MORE
The most common "cyst" is from infection within the tooth. However, these can also be developmental cysts, certain types of benign tumors or even cancer. They need to therefore be treated and if appropriate biopsied.

How are dental cysts removed?

Either via the socket of the extracted tooth or directly from the bone from under the tooth/teeth if the teeth are able to be saved.

At what age should an underbite be corrected?

After completion of your growth. You should be close to that if not already done at your age. Your lower jaw can keep growing even after your skeletal growth is completed. You READ MORE
After completion of your growth. You should be close to that if not already done at your age. Your lower jaw can keep growing even after your skeletal growth is completed. You should have 2 x-rays to compare that are a year apart to be absolutely sure.

Is jaw surgery necessary for overbite?

If the overbite is too extreme to be able to be corrected with orthodontics alone. You should have a consult with an orthodontist AND an OMFS to get enough information on your READ MORE
If the overbite is too extreme to be able to be corrected with orthodontics alone. You should have a consult with an orthodontist AND an OMFS to get enough information on your particular diagnosis and make an educated decision on what to do.

Can you brush your teeth after jaw surgery?

Absolutely. That is the best defense against infection, keeping your mouth clean. Your surgical team should show you how to maintain your oral hygiene safely after surgery.

Do you look different after jaw surgery?

The changes in your facial appearance will vary with the type and degree of your jaw deformity to start. Some patients will have very subtle changes while others will be more READ MORE
The changes in your facial appearance will vary with the type and degree of your jaw deformity to start. Some patients will have very subtle changes while others will be more dramatic. This is also partially up to your desires with your outcome. There are ways to either accentuate or diminish the changes that will happen and those should be ones to match YOUR esthetic ideals. This should be a lengthy discussion with your surgeon that you feel appropriately addresses that very important issue, and if you got an abrupt response or felt "brushed off" I would recommend getting a second opinion.

How long do you have to sleep upright after jaw surgery?

Try to keep your head elevated above your heart for the first week or so to minimize the swelling.

Can an oral surgeon help with TMJ?

Some OMFS treat TMJ issues and some do not. You should be able to ask the office when calling for an appointment whether they have expertise in that area before going in for an READ MORE
Some OMFS treat TMJ issues and some do not. You should be able to ask the office when calling for an appointment whether they have expertise in that area before going in for an exam. I would stay away from general dentists that advertise as "TMJ specialists". There is no such recognized specialty from the ADA and no specific residency training they go through. They could literally go for a weekend course and advertise themselves as experts!

What can I expect after TMJ surgery?

That depends on the type of surgery. You will recover more quickly with less swelling from an arthroscopy than from a total joint replacement.

Should I get surgery for TMJ?

That depends on your specific diagnosis and symptoms. Your condition would need to be one that surgery would be able to fix, and your symptoms to the point of interfering with READ MORE
That depends on your specific diagnosis and symptoms. Your condition would need to be one that surgery would be able to fix, and your symptoms to the point of interfering with your life on a daily basis. Someone should have gone through a full evaluation with you and gotten an MRI of the TMJ to be able to diagnose you appropriately. You should have tried and failed all non-surgical management options before having surgery.

Will TMJ show up on MRI?

The MRI will show the position and movement of the meniscus (disc) in the TMJ. Displacement of the disc and inflammation (effusion) that can be visualized can be the source of READ MORE
The MRI will show the position and movement of the meniscus (disc) in the TMJ. Displacement of the disc and inflammation (effusion) that can be visualized can be the source of your pain, but not the only one. It will often point someone in the right direction for your treatment.

How long does jaw alignment surgery take?

If you only require surgery in one jaw, typically 60-90 minutes. If surgery is needed in both jaws, 2-3 hours.

How do they wire a jaw shut?

The traditional method is to pass wires between the teeth in the space you would floss to secure an arch bar to upper and lower teeth then wire the arch bars together to hold the READ MORE
The traditional method is to pass wires between the teeth in the space you would floss to secure an arch bar to upper and lower teeth then wire the arch bars together to hold the jaw still. More modern way is to use bone screws that go in between tooth roots and wires passed around the screws hold the jaw shut.

What imaging is needed for jaw realignment surgery?

A modern cone beam CT can be taken in the office with minimal radiation exposure.

How many hours is jaw surgery?

That depends if having surgery in just one jaw or both. Single jaw 60-90 minutes while double jaw up to 3 hours.