Preserve Natural Teeth with Dental Implants

dental implants

Did you know that losing just one tooth could lead to further tooth loss? The oral system consists of a variety of hard and soft tissues that work together to support teeth. When one area of the system’s function is disrupted by an oral health condition or missing a tooth, the entire mouth is affected. This is why our oral surgeons strongly encourage patients to replace missing teeth. Why Missing a Tooth Increases the Risk for Further Tooth Loss Teeth support one another. When a tooth is lost, the socket is empty. Over time, teeth neighboring a tooth socket, lacking structural support, will collapse into or slide over into empty sockets. When a tooth is not upright, in its proper position, the roots become weak and the tooth will eventually fall out. Why Replacing Missing Teeth is Important Not only is replacing a missing tooth important to maintaining the structural…

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How long does it take to recover from jaw surgery?

jaw surgery

Patients may need jaw surgery for any number of reasons, such as correcting a malocclusion that causes discomfort or to address a congenital defect and improve the smile’s appearance. Such procedures can be complicated and involved. Because jaw surgery can be extensive, patients often express concern that they will experience significant disruptions to their daily routine as they recover from the procedure. In reality, the recovery time associated with jaw surgery will vary from patient to patient, depending on the complexity of the surgery and the specific problem that is being corrected. As a part of planning for your jaw surgery, your oral surgeon should explain the mechanics of the procedure that is being performed and what that may mean for your recovery. Some patients who undergo more minor surgeries may be able to return to a normal routine within a week or two of jaw surgery, if healing progresses…

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Sleep Apnea: Are there health risks?

oral surgeon

A common sleep disorder, obstructive sleep apnea involves the cessation of proper breathing for roughly 60 seconds at a time when soft oral tissues relax and block air passageways. When patients cease breathing for a few seconds, the brain will send signals for the body to wake slightly to reinstitute proper breathing. This condition results in a perpetual cycle of breathing cessation followed by slight wakefulness hundreds of times during a night. Because researchers have linked sleep apnea to other systemic health issues such as heart disease, stroke, depression, and diminished cognitive function, our oral surgeon offers non-surgical and surgical treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea essentially robs a sleeper from achieving the deep rest needed to fully rejuvenate the body and its tissues. Furthermore, sleep apnea prevents a patient from achieving proper levels of rest and instead contributes to fatigue and sleep deprivation. Untreated sleep apnea leads to…

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Stop Jawbone Atrophy with Dental Implants

dental implants

Did you know that when you lose teeth, your gums will recess and your jawbone will deteriorate? When a tooth is missing, the jawbone will naturally atrophy because the tooth’s roots are no longer present in the bone. Bone deterioration and gum recession associated with tooth loss poses serious risks to your oral health. Fortunately, patients can take a proactive stance in protecting their oral health while stopping jawbone atrophy with dental implants placed by your oral surgeon. When the bone no longer has to support the roots of a missing a tooth, the bone will atrophy over time, thus leaving patients susceptible to losing more teeth. Furthermore, when an empty tooth socket is not replaced with a prosthetic, adjacent teeth lack structural support and will move out of their proper position over time. When teeth slide or collapse into neighboring empty tooth sockets, these teeth are at risk for…

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Conditions Treated by an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

oral surgery

There usually comes a time in one’s life when the need for oral surgery occurs … impacted wisdom teeth need to be removed; a defect requires repair; a biopsy is needed for a suspicious area. Any of these situations, along with many other conditions, can be attended to by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Trauma occurring from an accident often requires the expertise of an oral surgeon. With facial injuries, the patient has any number of bones, teeth, or areas like the tongue, jaw, chin, throat, or neck that can be impacted. Salvaged teeth can be re-inserted, cuts can be repaired, or a treatment plan for continuous reconstructive surgery can be implemented for long term relief and restoration. One of the most common surgical procedures performed is that of removing impacted third molars. These are the wisdom teeth, usually the last teeth to erupt. Quite often they remain imbedded in…

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Improve your Chances of a Successful Dental Implant Recovery

oral surgeon

The use of dental implants has revolutionized the way oral surgeons and dental professionals address tooth loss. Dental implants offer durable and natural-looking replacement teeth and are also used to secure prosthetics such as fixed partial dentures into the mouth. A dental implant involves placing a small, metal alloy rod into the jawbone where a crown or prosthetic may be later fixed to the implant. Placing an implant requires oral surgery and after the procedure, patients can take a proactive approach to enjoying a successful post-operative recovery. After your procedure, your oral surgeon will send you home with a post-operative packet of instructions for home care. It is extremely important to read these materials thoroughly and follow its precise instructions. Additionally, your dentist may recommend other measures to increase the success of your recovery based on your unique needs and lifestyle. When visiting your oral surgeon before and after the…

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Wisdom Teeth Removal: Stop health problems before they start

wisdom teeth

When you are contemplating the removal of your wisdom teeth, it is wiser to think about the problems that you are preventing rather than the problems that you are correcting. In fact, at the moment that your oral surgeon suggests extracting your wisdom teeth, you might not be experiencing any problems at all. During that period of time, you may actually be experiencing the calm before the storm which provides you with a false sense of security, and that’s precisely what you want to prevent. There are a host of health problems associated with the wisdom teeth, many of which can be completely avoided by simply electing to have these teeth removed before the problems begin. The problem is that it is nearly impossible to determine the exact moment that a wisdom tooth will start to go bad. The safest bet is to have a dental professional to evaluate each…

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When is Tooth Extraction Recommended?

tooth extraction

For all of your life, you have strived to save your teeth. You have brushed and flossed and shown up for your regular dental checkups. You have made a reasonable attempt to heed your dentist’s warnings about eating too much candy and you may have even had a few fillings or crowns in your lifetime. So, why then, would there ever be a need to have your precious teeth taken out? With all of the emphasis on preserving your complete smile, when is tooth extraction recommended? There are certainly times when your dentist or oral surgeon might suggest removing one or more of your teeth. The recommendation is always justified when the extraction is in the best interest of your health, and it will always be accompanied by an informative discussion regarding the risks, benefits, and alternatives of the decision. Below, you’ll find a list of the most common reasons…

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Oral Surgery: What are my financing options?

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Without a doubt, the very best oral surgery experience is one in which there are no unexpected surprises. When everything goes according to the plan, you’ll feel more relaxed and more satisfied, and your oral surgeon will feel better too. The expectation of full preparation and disclosure applies not only to the treatment rooms, but also to your experience at the front desk. How much will your treatment cost and what are the office’s policies on collecting payment? These questions can be answered with the presentation of a detailed treatment plan at the conclusion of your consultation visit, and confirmed when you arrive on the day of your scheduled treatment. Your treatment plan will outline and specify the surgical procedures that have been recommended for you, the recommended anesthesia or sedation options, fees for specialized equipment or procedures, relevant testing or other diagnostic services. The fees for each item will…

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Oral Surgery Procedure: What are my sedation options?

oral surgery

As you consider scheduling an appointment for oral surgery, your thoughts will certainly wander beyond the subject of wisdom teeth or dental implants. Like many patients, it is understandable that you will wonder about the other details surrounding the surgery. How will it feel? Will you be asleep or awake? Will you feel pain? What if you are afraid of needles? These questions (and others) are perfectly normal, and your oral surgeon is prepared to answer them all. In fact, your oral surgeon is prepared to customize the surgical procedure to suit your preferences in order to provide you with high quality care that is also comfortable. For most patients, the management of stress or anxiety and controlling pain are top priorities. When you are able to relax into the dental chair and when you are able to let your mind wander away from thoughts of tension or discomfort, you…

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