What is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon?

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is the specialist who performs oral maxillofacial surgical services such as the removal of teeth, diagnosis and treatment of oral disease, placement of dental implants, treatment of traumatic injuries and malformations of the jaws and face, including diagnosis, treatment and surgery of TMJ disorders. We do not render services generally provided by your general dentist, such as fillings, crowns and dentures.

Services Offered

Abilene Big Country Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery features office-related oral and maxillofacial surgical services and hospital treatment for more advanced cases, including:

• Oral and maxillofacial trauma
• Dentofacial deformities
• Temporomandibular joint reconstruction
• TMJ arthroscopic surgery
• Dental implant placement requiring hospitalization
• Dental infections complicated by advanced medical situations

Dr. Kethley also treats patients who are not able to undergo office anesthesia for various medical problems including residents at the Abilene State School and the Texas Dept of Corrections inmates.

During his 32 years of oral and maxillofacial surgery care, Dr. Kethley has participated in thousands of office general anesthesias and impacted tooth removals. A large part of our practice is the placement of dental implants and preparation of the oral cavity for various prosthetics. In addition, Dr. Kethley treats and diagnoses many types of oral pathology and is often the primary diagnostician for oral and facial cancer including rare pathologic conditions of the mouth and face. Dr. Kethley works closely with the ENTs and Head & Neck surgeons at Hendrick Medical Center along with the radiation therapy and medical chemotherapy oncologists in the Abilene area.

Our dental implant practice has progressed over the years to a level of expertise which allows us to place implants in patients who often are refused by other practices due to lack of bone or their medical conditions. We have a very sophisticated approach to meeting the needs of each patient and finding ways of improving their situations in a comfortable and caring way. Each patient is met and treated individually for their care and psychological needs are assessed. A treatment plan is then developed in conjunction with the patient and their family prior to any treatment being performed. Thirty five years of training and experience with many different types of patients has given us a great overview for finding the most reasonable, affordable and practical approach to your individual needs.

Anesthesia

Different procedures may require different types of anesthesia. You and the doctor will discuss which type is best for you.

• LOCAL ANESTHESIA - The injection in the mouth to numb or anesthetize the area where treatment is to be rendered.

• CONSCIOUS SEDATION - Oral or IV medicine to reduce pain and anxiety but still with some awareness.

• GENERAL ANESTHESIA - The intravenous injection of drugs into a vein of the arm to establish a stage of sleep. Local anesthesia is also frequently used in conjunction with this type of anesthesia. This procedure requires that you have a competent driver with you at surgery. If your driver leaves the waiting area, your surgery will be rescheduled. You may not be dropped off and picked up at a later time.