Mercy Hospital Dunedin - Oral Surgery

A paediatric dentist provides oral health care to infants, children and adolescents including management of dental problems related to medical, behavioural, physical or developmental disabilities. They may also provide care to adults with special needs. Paediatric dentistry is a recognised specialty of the New Zealand Dental Council and paediatric dentists have undergone specialist training and completed additional qualifications.

Parotidectomy: an incision (cut) is made in front of the ear and runs down below the jaw line. Part or all of the parotid gland is removed.

Superficial Parotidectomy: an incision is made in front of the ear and runs down beneath the ear lobe. The superficial (top) lobe of the parotid gland is removed.

Submandibular Gland Surgery: an incision is made just below the jaw bone and the submandibular gland removed.

Arthroscopic: several small incisions (cuts) are made over the joint in front of the ear. A small telescopic instrument with a tiny camera attached (arthroscope) is inserted, allowing the surgeon a view of the joint. Small instruments can be inserted into the other cuts to free up the joint by e.g. removing adhesions and scarring, or repositioning a disc.

Arthroplasty (Open Surgery): an incision is made in front of the ear, giving the surgeon access to reconstruct the joint by e.g. smoothing joint surfaces, repairing discs or removing diseased tissue. If a joint replacement is necessary, a second incision under the angle of the jaw may be required.

Wisdom teeth are the third molars right at the back of your mouth. They usually appear during your late teens or early twenties. If there is not enough room in your mouth they may partially erupt through the gum or not at all. This is referred to as an impacted wisdom tooth. 

Due to their location wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean and are more susceptible to decay, gum disease and recurrent infections. They can cause crowding of teeth and, on rare occasions, cysts and tumours develop around them.

Your dentist will advise if some or all of your wisdom teeth need to be removed.  Wisdom teeth will usually only be removed if your dentist believes they will be a significant compromise to your oral health.