Oral and maxillofacial surgery requires additional years of hospital-based surgical and anesthesia training after graduation from dental school. As oral and maxillofacial surgeons, Dr. Weber manage a wide variety of problems relating to the mouth, teeth and facial regions. Dr. Weber practice a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery with expertise ranging from dental implant surgery and wisdom tooth removal to corrective jaw surgery. This also includes techniques designed to rebuild bone structure with minimal surgical intervention and optimal patient comfort. We can also diagnose and treat facial pain, facial injuries, and fractures.
The surgical staff at Waco Oral Surgery are experienced, certified oral and maxillofacial surgical assistants, who assist in administration of IV sedation and surgery. All staff are informed administrative personnel, well-versed in health and insurance policies, and are CPR certified.
Oral and maxillofacial surgery requires up to 6 additional years of hospital based surgical and anesthesia training. As oral and maxillofacial surgeons, our doctors treats a wide variety of problems relating to the mouth, teeth and facial regions. Our surgeons practice a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery with expertise in corrective jaw surgery, wisdom tooth removal and oral pathology. They can also diagnose and treat facial pain, facial injuries and perform a full range of dental implant procedures.
Our staff is trained in assisting our surgeons with IV sedation within our office setting. Patients are continuously monitored during and after surgery. In addition, general anesthesia provided by a board-certified anesthesiologist is available within our facility.
Dr. Ryan Weber is a Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. He was born and raised in Austin, TX. Dr. Weber moved to Waco to attend Baylor University where he graduated with a bachelor in science in Biology. Afterwards, he attended dental school at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston.
Following dental school he then earned a medical degree from the University of Mississippi. Dr. Weber continued his studies in Mississippi to complete a general surgery internship and finally Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residency. During his training, he was taught broad and complex aspects of oral maxillofacial surgery and received excellent training in implantology, orthognathic surgery, TMJ surgery, pathology, trauma, reconstruction, and anesthesia.
Over a period of time, the jawbone associated with missing teeth atrophies 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.
With bone grafting, we now have the opportunity to not only replace bone where it is missing, but also the ability to promote new bone growth in that location! 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.
Autogenous bone grafts, also known as autografts, are made from your own bone, taken from somewhere else in the body. The bone is typically harvested from the chin, jaw, lower leg bone, hip, or the skull. Autogenous bone grafts are advantageous in that the graft material is live bone, meaning it contains living cellular elements that enhance bone growth.
However, one downside to the autograft is that it requires a second procedure to harvest bone from elsewhere in the body. Depending on your condition, a second procedure may not be in your best interest.
Allogenic bone, or allograft, is dead bone harvested from a cadaver, then processed using a freeze-dry method to extract the water via a vacuum. Unlike autogenous bone, allogenic bone cannot produce new bone on its own. Rather, it serves as a framework or scaffold over which bone from the surrounding bony walls can grow to fill the defect or void.
Graft composites consist of other bone graft materials and growth factors to achieve the benefits of a variety of substances. Some combinations may include: collagen/ceramic composite, which closely resembles the composition of natural bone, DBM combined with bone marrow cells, which aid in the growth of new bone, or a collagen/ceramic/autograft composite.
As a substitute to using real bone, many synthetic materials are available as a safe and proven alternative, including: Demineralized Bone Matrix (DBM)/Demineralized Freeze-Dried Bone Allograft (DFDBA). This product is processed allograft bone, containing collagen, proteins, and growth factors that are extracted from the allograft bone. It is available in the form of powder, putty, chips, or as a gel that can be injected through a syringe.
Xenogenic bone is derived from non-living bone of another species, usually a cow. The bone is processed at very high temperatures to avoid the potential for immune rejection and contamination. Like allogenic grafts, xenogenic grafts serve as a framework for bone from the surrounding area to grow and fill the void.
Both allogenic and xenogenic bone grafting are advantageous in that they do not require a second procedure to harvest your own bone, as with autografts. However, because these options lack autografts bone-forming properties, bone regeneration may take longer than with autografts, with a less predictable outcome.
Synthetic materials also have the advantage of not requiring a second procedure to harvest bone, reducing risk and pain. Each bone grafting option has its own risks and benefits. Dr. Weber will determine which type of bone graft material is right for you.
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 106 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestDarryl Hurt
2 years ago
Best dentist I've been to my entire life. Not once did I feel any pain. Very professional and on top of his craft. Thank guys.
Tracey Hawthorne
2 years ago
Needed my wisdom tooth pulled. They took x-rays, informed me of the process and payment, then removed the tooth. Felt minimal pain. Dr. was friendly and nurse Amelia was very warm and hospitable. Would definitely recommend.
Maggie Vasut
2 years ago
Nice people. Everyone was cheerful and professional. Recommended.
Bryon Palmer
2 years ago
Emergency oral surgery. I'm a truck driver from FL had to get my last wisdom tooth pulled. I called in at 9 am had me in at 1045 and at 1145 I was waiting outside for my uber to take me back to the Pilot. Amazing people. Super fast was an awesome experience.
Kelsi Brown
2 years ago
Everyone there is AMAZING! So kind, helpful and understanding.
Susan Grinie
2 years ago
My daughter had all four wisdom teeth removed, along with a spot under her tongue. From the initial visit to discuss everything that needed to happen, to the follow up appointment, we have been very pleased with Dr. Pritchard and his staff. My daughter felt safe and comfortable throughout everything, and Ms Edwina is the sweetest. I'm pretty sure I had some work done with Dr. Pritchard when I was my daughter's age too. We will definitely recommend Waco Oral Surgery and Dental Implants to anyone in need!
Ariel Brackens
2 years ago
I went to Waco Oral Surgeon on March 31,2021 to have wisdom teeth removed, and the staff are so amazing. Both Surgeon Larry Pritchard and David Szalay are amazing and help calm your fears. They don't look at you as a dollar sign, in fact they look at you as a human with feelings and pain. All the staff there are amazing. I will continue to go back to them for all my surgeries and also recommend them to anyone who is looking to have surgery done. By far the best place. The receptionist is very kind and loving. When you walk in she makes you feel welcome and important.
Kelsi Brown
3 years ago
Everyone there is AMAZING! So kind, helpful and understanding.
Ariel Brackens
3 years ago
I went to Waco Oral Surgeon on March 31,2021 to have wisdom teeth removed, and the staff are so amazing. Both Surgeon Larry Pritchard and David Szalay are amazing and help calm your fears. They don't look at you as a dollar sign, in fact they look at you as a human with feelings and pain. All the staff there are amazing. I will continue to go back to them for all my surgeries and also recommend them to anyone who is looking to have surgery done. By far the best place. The receptionist is very kind and loving. When you walk in she makes you feel welcome and important.
Susan Grinie
3 years ago
My daughter had all four wisdom teeth removed, along with a spot under her tongue. From the initial visit to discuss everything that needed to happen, to the follow up appointment, we have been very pleased with Dr. Pritchard and his staff. My daughter felt safe and comfortable throughout everything, and Ms Edwina is the sweetest. I'm pretty sure I had some work done with Dr. Pritchard when I was my daughter's age too. We will definitely recommend Waco Oral Surgery and Dental Implants to anyone in need!
charles vickers
3 years ago
Professional service. Never hurt me.
Geri Hayes
3 years ago
Waco Oral Surgery is the best place to go for all your dental care. I have used them for many years for all my dental implants. All there personal are very helpful, caring , friendly and professional. I will alway use Dr. Pritchard for my oral surgery.
Stacy McCraw
3 years ago
Great staff and he really cares about his patients. I had all wisdom teeth pulled plus four more. Surgery went great thanks to Dr Pritchard. He really takes the time to help each patient out.
Rosalee Chacon
3 years ago
They were wonderful. They scheduled me quickly and worked with me on availability for my schedule. A few days after my procedure I had some concerns and they promptly answered my questions and alleviated those concerns.
Edward McElyea
3 years ago
Dr. Pritchard is the best in Waco. He has taken care of our family for years and always does the most professional job. In addition he cares about you and your family. I hope he never retires. I cannot say enough good things about him. I just recently, yesterday, had a tooth extracted and he did a great job. I am up and about with no pain. You will not regret using him. Edward McElyea
Bo Koon
3 years ago
Fantastic experience#
David Robbins
4 years ago
I called their office as my Baylor daughter got her wisdom teeth pulled up in IL and wanted a place just in case. They were so nice and said the Dr. will always see kids (for no charge) as a follow up. That tells you what kind of place this is. Makes a parent feel better so hoping she doesn't have to call but if she does, I feel really good about this place. - updated, my daughter did multiple followups, had an infection and they took care of her just like any of their patients. I called to offer to pay and was told that's ok we are glad to help. What a wonderful place! Please use them.
Judy Q
4 years ago
I am very pleased with the professionalism and expertise that this clinic demonstrated. I have been avoiding getting my wisdom teeth pulled for many years due to my anxiety and fear of surgery. When I saw a dentist 5 years ago, the guy said I would have a high risk of permanently losing sensation in my jaw as my teeth were impacted and were very close to my nerves. The dentist did not seem very confident and honestly, it scared me so bad that I avoided every possible surgical intervention. However, the wisdom teeth eventually had to go since it was starting to affect my other teeth and the local dentist here referred me to an oral surgeon to take a look. When I met Dr. Pritchard, he was very comforting and also confident in his abilities. You have no idea how much of a relief it was to hear when he said my teeth would be a very routine procedure and that it was highly unlikely for me to lose sensation in my jaw. Dr. Pritchard was very kind and told me how normal it was to have anxiety about the surgery and that the procedure will be quick and painless. I ended up going under general anesthesia and it was the best decision I ever made (as I had no recollection of the surgery, I did not have to remember any trauma). The surgical assistants were also very kind and also comforted me when I was getting anxious with the IV sedation process. Dr. Prichard is amazing and I recommend anyone who has an intense fear of wisdom tooth extraction to seek only the best oral surgeon to do the job!
Jeannie Humphries
4 years ago
I had a pleasant experience
Ken Smotherman
4 years ago
Absolutely the Best. There's not even a close second!
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