Can Facial Implants And Wisdom Teeth Extraction Be Done At The Same Time?

Q: I am interested in getting some facial implant work done and was wondering if I can have wisdom teeth extraction done at the same time? I want to get orbital rim implants with a possible midface lift. Is there any reason why these two can not be done together? Will one potentially cause problems with the other or is it better to have them done separately, like a decreased risk of infection?

A: I see no reason why these two facial bone procedures can not be done at the same time. It is quite common to do multiple hard and soft tissue procedures of the face together. The face is tremendously well vascularized and very resistant to infection. (I didn’t say impossible just very resistant) While such a combination (facial implants and 3rd molar extraction) is unusual, it is by no means contraindicated. The hardest part is not the operation, but finding someone who is well qualified to do both at the same time.

Orbital rim augmentation and a midface lift is done from the outside through a lower blepharoplasty incision. Wisdom tooth or 3rd molar extraction is done intraorally from inside the mouth.  The two areas are not anatomically contiguous and would not connect, thus ensuring no risk of oral bacterial contamination coming in contact with any implanted material. Because of this risk, the orbital/midface procedure is done first so cross-contamination from instruments does not cause any inadvertent oral bacterial inoculation on the implant.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis Indiana