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Stephen Earl Needle, DDS

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Dr. Stephen Needle is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon practicing in Santa Monica, CA. Dr. Needle specializes in the treatment of problems related to the face, mouth and jaws. As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Needle 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. Needle 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.
Stephen Earl Needle, DDS
  • Santa Monica, CA
  • Accepting new patients

What happens after a sinus lift and bone graft?

After the sinus lift and bone graft, the grafted bone becomes part of your body as it heals. Then there is an increased amount of bone to serve as a foundation for the placement READ MORE
After the sinus lift and bone graft, the grafted bone becomes part of your body as it heals. Then there is an increased amount of bone to serve as a foundation for the placement of the implant. Without the sinus lift and bone graft, there is insufficient bone to support an implant.

Stephen E. Needle, DDS, FACOMS

Can you speak after jaw surgery?

Yes, you will be able to talk after your surgery. Usually, after your surgery, you will not have your jaws wired together, but even if you have your jaws wired together, you will READ MORE
Yes, you will be able to talk after your surgery. Usually, after your surgery, you will not have your jaws wired together, but even if you have your jaws wired together, you will still be able to speak.

Stephen E. Needle, DDS, FACOMS

Is it safe to remove all 4 wisdom teeth at once?

Yes, it definitely safe. The recovery should be the same if one or two are removed or all four. By having all four removed at one procedure, you will eliminate having to have READ MORE
Yes, it definitely safe. The recovery should be the same if one or two are removed or all four. By having all four removed at one procedure, you will eliminate having to have multiple surgeries.

How do you sleep after jaw surgery?

It is best to sleep with her head semi-elevated. This helps with breathing and reducing swelling.

Stephen E. Needle, DDS, FACOMS

Is a wisdom tooth extraction painful?

It shouldn't be painful. There are options for different types of anesthesia; general anesthesia, intravenous conscious sedation or local anesthesia. The oral surgeon will go READ MORE
It shouldn't be painful. There are options for different types of anesthesia; general anesthesia, intravenous conscious sedation or local anesthesia. The oral surgeon will go over these options at your consultation appointment.

Can a dental implant fall out?

It is possible for an implant to lose integration or become loose but it is not common. It is also possible that the crown or the abutment is loose. I would recommend that you READ MORE
It is possible for an implant to lose integration or become loose but it is not common. It is also possible that the crown or the abutment is loose. I would recommend that you return to the dentist and have it evaluated.

How long does novocaine last after wisdom tooth removal?

There are different types of local anesthesia or Novocaine that are used for this procedure. It can last as long as 4 to 6 hours. It would be best if you rested for the rest of READ MORE
There are different types of local anesthesia or Novocaine that are used for this procedure. It can last as long as 4 to 6 hours. It would be best if you rested for the rest of the day after your surgery to avoid possible complications eg, prolonged bleeding.

Pain after wisdom tooth removal?

The pain will pass eventually. Taking ibuprofen will help with control of pain and relief of inflammation. It is extremely important to keep the surgical sites clean and free of READ MORE
The pain will pass eventually. Taking ibuprofen will help with control of pain and relief of inflammation. It is extremely important to keep the surgical sites clean and free of debris. Collection of food will lead to increased inflammation and possibly an infection.