ABOUT US
Desert Ridge Implant & Oral Surgery is a full scope Oral & Maxillofacial Surgical Practice that is committed to providing surgical care to our patients in a caring and comfortable atmosphere. We pride ourselves on our gentle treatment methods, well-trained staff, latest technology and quality patient service.
OUR SERVICES
Dental Implants
Dental implants are changing the way people live. They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth which look, feel and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. Patients with dental implants can smile with confidence.
Bone Grafting - Sinus Lift
Over a period of time, the jawbone associated with missing teeth atrophies or is reabsorbed. This often leaves a condition in which there is poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for placement of dental implants. In these situations, most patients are not candidates for placement of dental implants.
We now have the ability to grow bone where needed. This not only gives us the opportunity to place implants of proper length and width, it also gives us a chance to restore functionality and esthetic appearance. The bone graft procedures are referred to as a sinus lift procedure.
Impacted Canines
An impacted tooth simply means that it is “stuck” and can not erupt into function. Patients frequently develop problems with impacted third molar (wisdom) teeth. These teeth get “stuck” in the back of the jaw and can develop painful infections among a host of other problems. Since there is rarely a functional need for wisdom teeth, they are usually extracted if they develop problems. The maxillary cuspid (upper eye tooth) is the second most common tooth to become impacted. The cuspid tooth is a critical tooth in the dental arch and plays an important role in your “bite”. The cuspid teeth are very strong biting teeth which have the longest roots of any human teeth. They are designed to be the first teeth that touch when your jaws close together so they guide the rest of the teeth into the proper bite.
Wisdom Teeth
The average adult has thirty-two teeth by age eighteen: sixteen teeth on the top and sixteen teeth on the bottom. Each tooth in the mouth has a specific name and function. The teeth in the front of the mouth (incisors, canine and bicuspid teeth) are ideal for grasping and biting food into smaller pieces while the back teeth, or molar teeth, are used to grind food up into a consistency suitable for swallowing.
However, the average mouth is made to hold only 28 teeth. It can be painful when 32 teeth try to fit in a mouth that holds only 28 teeth. These four other teeth are your Third Molars, also known as "wisdom teeth."
Oral Pathology
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.
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.
Facial Trauma
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are trained, skilled and uniquely qualified to manage and treat Facial Trauma.
Different types of facial trauma may include:
- Facial lacerations
- Intra oral lacerations
- Avulsed (knocked out) teeth
- Fractured facial bones (cheek, nose or eye socket)
- Fractured jaws (upper and lower jaw)
Injuries to the face, by their very nature, impart a high degree of emotional, as well as physical trauma to patients. The science and art of treating these injuries requires special training involving a "hands on" experience and an understanding of how the treatment provided will influence the patient's long term function and appearance.
21
Years of Experience
5000+
Implants placed
2
Board Certifications
5
Fantastic Staff
OUR DOCTOR
Matt DeFelice
Dr. DeFelice is a graduate of Kansas State University in 1991. He completed his doctorate of dental surgery at The University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1995. He then went on to complete his General Surgery and Oral and Maxillofacial, Surgery training at Boston University Medical Center in 2000.
Dr. DeFelice has been practicing in the Phoenix area for the past 21 years. He is currently on staff at Honor Health.
In his downtime he enjoys cycling, running, traveling and anything athletic. When not working, he volunteers his time outside the country to provide oral care and surgery to the people of Mexico.
Dr. DeFelice practices full-scope Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery but has a particular interest in jaw reconstruction and dental implants.
HAPPY PATIENTS
I was treated with exceptional care during my surgery and I appreciate the professionalism and kindness of the staff at Desert Ridge Oral & Implant Surgery. Dr. DeFelice did a wonderful job removing my wisdom teeth and the staff made sure I was well informed and comfortable through every aspect of my care.
D.D., SCOTTSDALE
Desert Ridge Oral Implant & Surgery lives up to its great reputation. Dr. DeFelice has removed my children's wisdom teeth, performed biopsies on my husband and put implants on me with great precision. I know I am in good hands and I would definitely recommend them for all your oral surgery needs.
P.B., TEMPE
My son just had all 4 of his wisdom teeth removed by Dr. DeFelice and I was so impressed with the whole process. He was very nervous about the surgery, even telling me he was not going to go through with it. But once he met Dr. DeFelice he felt reassured and was able to relax about it. The entire team took such good care of him and I could not believe how quick the procedure was! Dr. DeFelice has a great and reassuring personality and followed up with us later in the day after the surgery to check in. I am so glad our dentist referred us to him. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for an oral surgeon.
N.K., SCOTTSDALE
CONTACT US
Our Address
8573 E Princess Dr Suite B101
Scottsdale AZ 85255
info@drimplantsurgery.com \\ Tel: 480-563-3960
Opening Hours
Monday – Thursday 9AM – 5PM
Friday 9AM – 12PM