FAQ

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is a specialty of dentistry which concentrates on surgery about the jaw, face and teeth. We specialize in extraction of wisdom teeth, placement of dental implants, reconstructive jaw surgery, and removal of pathologic lesions in the mouth or on the face.

Board Certification, also known as Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, reflects the highest level of academic achievement. It is not a requirement to practice oral surgery, however, those individuals who are board certified have demonstrated their capabilities and desires to obtain this level of achievement. To become board certified, an applicant must have completed an approved internship and residency training program, applied to the board, and been accepted (board eligible) and complete the exam. Certification is awarded after a rigorous set of exams are passed, including written and verbal sections. Many hospitals and insurance companies are now requiring board certification to participate as a provider. Dr. Paolino has been board certified since 1990.

You can schedule your own appointment by calling either of our offices (Avondale) (610) 268-8856 or (Glen Mills) (610) 459-4179. If you are referred by another doctor, please let us know so that we can contact them about your care and treatment.

A consultation prior to surgery is highly advisable. This allows us to meet with you, review your medical history, and discuss the benefits and potential risks of treatment. At your consultation, we will review your x-rays, and may take additional x-rays if needed. We will also discuss the surgical procedure, your expected post-operative care, and any expected time needed off from school or work.

We offer a full range of services in oral and maxillofacial surgery. This includes treatment such as extractions, wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, TM problems, orthognathic surgery, facial bone fractures (broken jaws), cyst and tumor removal from the jaw, sleep apnea, and cosmetic skin resurfacing.

At your initial consultation, we will review your choices for local anesthesia (novacaine or lidocaine) or general anesthesia ("asleep"). As an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon, we are trained in general anesthesia techniques and are licensed by the state to provide these services.

Local anesthesia, the use of novacaine or lidocaine, is used when the area that needs to be treated is numbed by an injection made close to the tooth needing care. The patient is awake and can usually drive to and from the appointment, and can eat food and drink beverages beforehand.

IV Sedation (general anesthesia) is used to render the patient partially or fully unconscious. The patient must have an adult accompany them to the appintment to drive them home. The patient must not eat or drink anything, including water, for 8 hours prior to the treatment.

The inside of the mouth is normally lined with a special type of skin (mucosa) that is smooth and coral pink in color. Any alteration in this appearance could be a warning sign for a pathological process. The most serious of these is oral cancer. The following can be signs of the beginning of a pathologic process or cancerous growth:

These changes can be detected on the lips, cheeks, palate, gum tissue around the teeth, tongue, face, and/or neck. Pain is not always necessary to define a pathology and, curiously, is not often associated with oral cancer. However, any patient with facial and/or oral pain without an obvious cause or reason may also be at risk for oral cancer.

We would recommend performing an oral cancer self-examination monthly, and remember that your mouth is one of your body's most important warning systems. Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores.

If you feel that you or someone you know have any of the symptoms that have been discussed, or if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hestitate to contact our office so we may be of some assistance to you.