ORAL SURGERY & ANESTHESIA
comprehensive approach to dental care
Wisdom Teeth & Difficult Extractions
Poorly positioned or impacted teeth can cause many problems.
When they are partially erupted, the opening around the tooth traps bacteria that can cause infections. The results are swelling, stiffness, pain and illness. Pressure from an erupting wisdom tooth can also move other teeth and disrupt natural alignment. The most serious problems involve tumors or cysts that can form around impacted wisdom teeth, causing destruction of the jawbone and other healthy teeth.
As in many areas of dentistry today, a preventative approach regarding wisdom teeth is recommended. Wisdom teeth are the last to “erupt” (emerge through the gums), and when they align properly and the surrounding gum tissue is healthy, they do not have to be removed. Unfortunately, this is not normally the case.
Wisdom teeth or “third molars” are often removed because most people simply do not have sufficient room in their mouth for all teeth to grow-in and align properly. They may grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum, or even become trapped beneath the gum and bone. Such “impacted” teeth can move into adverse positions as they seek a pathway to emerge.
Removal of impacted teeth usually resolves such problems. Early removal is recommended to avoid more serious issues and decrease surgical risks. With an oral examination and panoramic X-ray of the mouth, our oral surgeon can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and assess the likelihood of present or future problems. We recommend beginning these wisdom teeth evaluations in the mid-teenage years.
Removal of wisdom teeth is normally performed with local anesthesia and nitrous oxide; IV sedation is also available upon request. After removal, gauze is placed in the mouth to control bleeding. The gum tissue may be sutured (stitched) if necessary. After surgery, a post-operative kit will provide care instructions, and prescriptions for pain and antibiotic medications. We will also schedule a follow-up appointment for about one week after surgery.
Painless Dentistry Procedures
Patients can feel comfortable knowing they will not have to endure any degree of physical pain during treatment. We use a combination of both topical and local anesthetic for dental procedures. And if the patient requests more, we can administer mild tranquilizers to soothe anxieties.
Toothache & Tooth Emergency
Our office is well-equipped to handle toothaches and dental emergencies. For a fractured or chipped tooth due to an accident or other trauma, contact the dentist right away. While the most damaging breaks are those which affect nerves, broken teeth can be repaired.
What is a Dental Implant?
After remarkable advances in dentistry in recent years, dental implants have become the treatment of choice for people missing one, a few, or all of their teeth, and for those with failing teeth or severe periodontal disease. Dental implants look and perform more like natural teeth. They are rooted in the bone, there is no artificial plastic on the roof of the mouth, and the need for adhesives and denture creams is eliminated. More important, the use of dental implants does not impact healthy, adjacent teeth.
Dental Implants are long-lasting tooth root replacements that our doctors implant into the jawbone to simulate the root of a pre existing tooth. For qualified patients, replacement teeth then can be restored immediately, returning a spectacular smile quickly– usually on the same day. Unlike dentures or bridges, dental implants don’t move or shift, and they can last a lifetime.
A dental implant designed to replace a single tooth is composed of three parts: the titanium implant that fuses with the jawbone; the abutment, which fits over the portion of the implant that protrudes from the gum line; and the crown and fitted onto the abutment for a natural appearance.
Removable Denture Solution
If your dentures are uncomfortable, and denture adhesive is bothersome, and if you want a trouble free solution then our removable denture solution may be the right one for you.
A removable denture is another form of a dental implant supported denture, but is removable for cleaning, similar to your current dentures. Unlike your current removable dentures, this dental implant supported denture is secured to dental implants, thereby eliminating the need for denture adhesives.
This removable denture is a complete denture alternative, that “snaps” on to only two to four dental implants. When in place, a dental implant supported denture will look and function very much as your natural teeth did and allow you to chew tough foods again.
If you like your removable dentures, but are looking for an alternative to denture adhesives then call us today.
Dental implant technology is easily the most significant and exciting improvement in dentistry in recent times. It is literally changing peoples’ lives, improving their overall health, appearance and well-being. The latest advances are making it possible for people to have this new lease on life sooner.
IV Sedation
How It Works
IV sedation will put you at ease so you experience little to no discomfort; however, your dentist will also administer a local anesthetic to ensure that you don’t experience any pain. At this point in you’ll be so relaxed that you’ll hardly even notice.
Throughout the procedure, your breathing, heart rate and blood pressure will be closely monitored. Patients generally recover quickly, although they may feel slightly groggy immediately afterwards. IV sedation is extremely safe when delivered by a specially trained dentist.
Two appointments are usually required. During your first visit, your dentist will describe the benefits and risks of IV sedation, patiently answer all of your questions and give you detailed instructions for the day of your procedure.
On the day of your procedure, you will need to have another adult with you to take you home. You should not perform strenuous activities, drive a motor vehicle or drink alcohol for the rest of the day. Do not take any medications prior to or following surgery unless your dentist has approved their safety.