When Should You Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Venture Creative on September 20, 2019

Wisdom teeth, unfortunately, are something that most people have to deal with at some point or another in their lifetime. Some experience issues in their early teenage years while others start dealing with issues later on.

 

A lot of people wonder when the right time to get their wisdom teeth out is and the answer to that varies. Most kids who are seeing an orthodontist regularly are usually recommended for wisdom teeth removal before orthodontic treatment is finished or shortly after.

 

If orthodontic treatment is completed before wisdom teeth removal, it can cause complications to arise later on down the road. If the wisdom teeth are impacted and they start to erupt after orthodontic care, it can cause shifting and crowding of permanent teeth and that can result in more orthodontic treatment. Who wants that?

 

Most dentists and surgeons recommend wisdom teeth removal between the ages of 16-25. Having them removed at an earlier age will ensure that the roots are not fully formed, which means a speedier recovery.

 

Some people get lucky and they have a large enough jaw structure that they do not need to worry about wisdom teeth removal. If that is the case, proper brushing and flossing techniques must be followed as having four extra teeth can be tricky!

 

Wisdom teeth left untreated can cause gum tenderness, swelling, infection and extreme facial pain. If the teeth have partially erupted they can become hard to clean and are susceptible to tooth decay.

 

If you are unsure if you or a child needs wisdom teeth taken out, schedule a consultation at the Oral and Facial Surgery Institute.

How to Prevent Sports-Related Facial Injuries

Venture Creative on September 13, 2019

If you play contact sports such as soccer, football, hockey or baseball, injuries to the head and face are common. Here are a few tips to follow to ensure you have a fun, safe, and active sports season.

 

Wear Protective Gear

You may not always be able to prevent an injury, however, making sure you are protecting yourself will surely lessen the likelihood of accidents.

Wear protective gear such as helmets, mouthguards, or anything else that is necessary for protecting against injury.

 

Follow the Rules

One of the biggest ways to avoid collisions is to communicate. Most games have some kind of rule of thumb to shout, “I got it” or “mine”. That is a good indicator to not go for the ball, therefore avoiding a collision. 

Some sports have rules set in play not just for scoring points, but for being courteous and keeping people safe. For example in baseball or softball, the batter can not throw the bat after hitting the ball. They must set it down and then proceed to run to first base. 

 

Do Not Play If You are Hurt

It may be hard to sit back and watch from the sidelines after an injury, but playing while you are hurt or not stopping when you get injured can result in more damage and longer healing time.

Do not feel embarrassed or try to be “tough” when you are feeling hurt. Always be honest with coaches and parents regarding any sort of trauma you have experienced.

 

See A Doctor

Although you may think your injury may not need medical attention, it is best to be on the safe side and have a doctor check it out. Letting injuries go, like concussions, can lead to risky side effects that include grogginess, headaches, dizziness, nausea, delayed response and much more.

Certain headaches and pain can be caused by mouth injuries. For tooth or mouth accidents it is very important to see your dentist or a specialist right away. Here at the Oral and Facial Surgery Institute, we can treat a variety of sports-related facial injuries. Call us today at 435-628-1100.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Venture Creative on September 6, 2019

If you’re considering dental implants as part of your treatment options, you’ll want the right information to help you make an educated decision about this potential investment. At the Oral & Facial Surgery Institute in St. George, Utah, we’re your dental implant experts. Let us help you decide if dental implants will be right for you.

 

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

 

Dental implants are amongst the most permanent solution to missing teeth and they can last anywhere from 15 to 25 years with proper care. The actual amount of time each implant lasts varies from patient to patient, but in most cases, the implant will last as long as your jaw bone will allow it. 

 

How Do You Make Dental Implants Last Longer?

 

Once you receive your first dental implant, it is absolutely vital to make oral hygiene a priority. Regular brushing and flossing habits, as well as visits to your dentist, will all aid in allowing your implants to last as long as possible. Some patients mistakenly think that because they have an implant, they don’t need to take care of their teeth as much, that is not the case.

 

Proper oral care will help to eliminate plaque and tartar build-up and debris from your mouth. A mouth with poor oral hygiene may not be suitable for dental implants due to issues with gum disease and the amount of jaw bone available in your mouth. In short, keep your mouth clean and your implants will last for years to come.

 

Problems That Can Threaten the Lifespan of Your Dental Implants

 

Not only should you take great care of your dental implants, but you should also try to avoid biting down hard on certain foods. Your implant is as strong as a natural tooth, so you should still be careful and aware that extremely hard foods could crack the cap of your implant. 

 

It is also important to understand that anything that could affect the strength and integrity of your jaw bone, could lead to a less effective dental implant. Possible issues could include injuries, disease, and infections. 

 

Getting a Good Start With Dental Implants

 

At the Oral & Facial Surgery Institute, we have extensive experience with dental implants so you can get a great start! Implants involve several steps to complete and Dr. Davis will carefully guide you through each step of the process.

 

Call us today to get the best care possible when it comes to dental implants. (435) 628-1100

 

What You Need to Know About Dry Mouth

Venture Creative on August 23, 2019

Everyone has experienced dry mouth before, but what do you do when you’ve experienced for more than just a few hours at a time? We’ve compiled everything you need to know about dry mouth and how you can get the help you need to treat it. 

 

What causes dry mouth?

The exact origin of dry mouth varies from patient to patient, but here are a few common causes for dry mouth.

  • Side effects of the medicine
    • Certain medications can cause dry mouth as a side effect. Medicine for depression and high blood pressure are amongst some of the prescriptions that cause dry mouth.
  • Infection
    • Certain diseases and infections can affect the amount of saliva produced. HIV/AIDS, diabetes and Parkinson’s disease can all cause dry mouth.
  • Radiation
    • Radiation that occurs during cancer treatment can be a common cause for dry mouth.
  • Nerve damage
    • Damaged nerves that are connected to the salivary glands may produce less saliva and cause dry mouth.

 

What are the common symptoms of dry mouth?

  • A sticky, dry feeling in the mouth
  • A burning feeling in the  mouth
  • A dry feeling in the throat
  • Cracked lips
  • Mouth sores
  • A dry tongue
  • Trouble chewing, swallowing, tasting or speaking

What can be done about dry mouth?

There are several causes for dry mouth which means there are several treatments as well. If you suffer from dry mouth, contact the Oral & Facial Surgery Institute today to help determine the cause.

  • If your dry mouth is being caused by your medicine, your doctor will be able to help change your prescription or adjust your dosage
  • If your glands are not functioning properly but still producing some saliva, your doctor may give you medicine that will help your salivary glands work more effectively
  • If neither of those options works, your doctor might suggest the usage of artificial saliva

 

How do you treat dry mouth?

  • Sip water often.
  • Avoid liquids with caffeine, such as tea, coffee, and some sodas. Caffeine is known to dry out the mouth.
  • Don’t drink alcohol or use tobacco.
  • Use a humidifier at night.
  • Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless candy to help stimulate saliva flow.

Why You Should Consider All-On-4 Implants

Venture Creative on August 8, 2019

If you’ve considered receiving your very own teeth-in-a-day, you’ve probably heard of the All-on-4 dental implants before. Dental implants can seem complicated to know if they’re right for you, so here are our top 5 reasons why you should consider All-on-4 dental implants.

 

 1 – Eliminate Health Issues Associated with Infected Teeth

One of the best reasons for the All-on-4 dental implant is to help create a healthier you! This implant will not only improve your eating capabilities, but it will also minimize the risk of bacteria growth, as well as your chance for chronic infection. Periodontal disease has been proven to lead to several other health issues that could mean more than just discomfort in the mouth.

 

2 – Easily Care for Your Teeth

Teeth that have been patched together can often be difficult to maintain and keep clean. The All-on-4 dental implant really does feel like a brand new set of teeth! With daily flossing and brushing, as well as regular check-ups, your brand new smile will stay clean for years to come. 

 

3 – Improve Your Overall Appearance

Imagine if you could turn back the time on your smile to over 20 years ago, that is what the All-on-4 dental implant does! This implant not only makes your smile look great, but it also helps to preserve your facial/bone structure as well. Without missing structure, you’ll have that younger, healthy-looking face that you’ve always wanted!

 

4 – Eat Whatever You Want, Whenever You Want

If you’ve had regular dentures or a smile that lacks the integrity to eat, you’ve probably found yourself wanting to stay home to eat most of your meals. With the All-on-4 dental implants, you won’t have to be embarrassed at mealtime any longer. You can treat them just like your regular teeth and you’ll be able to enjoy all of your favorite foods!

 

5 – Get a Long-Lasting Smile

One of the very best parts of having an All-on-4 dental implant smile is how long it will last! It is a permanent set of teeth that you’ll never have to remove. Keep your brand new smile for the rest of your life, now that’s a good investment!

 

Have more questions about what is best for you? Contact us today to ask any questions you may have and set up a consultation to find out if our All-on-4, Teeth-In-A-Day implants are right for you. (435) 628-1100

Best Post-Oral Surgery Care Routine

Venture Creative on August 2, 2019

If you’re reading this, you probably just had a form of oral surgery, or you’re planning on having surgery sometime soon. Naturally, you most likely have many questions about oral surgery recovery, if so, you’ve come to the right place!

At the Oral & Facial Surgery Institute, we’re your St. George oral surgery recovery experts. It’s absolutely crucial to take great care of your oral health following surgery and we’ve compiled some of the most proven tips and tricks to help you have the fastest recovery possible!

Oral Hygiene After Oral Surgery

The first 24 hours

It is critical to be fully aware of what you can and cannot do in terms of oral hygiene directly following surgery. Most oral surgery operations involve some form of stitching to help heal the surgical site. Due to the nature of stitches, you should try to avoid vigorous rinsing and spitting for the first 24 hours following your oral surgery.

If rinsing is necessary, use warm water and gently swish it around in your mouth. When it comes time to spit, simply let the water fall out of your mouth into the sink, don’t force it out.

Brushing your teeth can also become a little tricky following surgery. Try your best to only brush your teeth gently, and steer clear of the actual oral surgery site if at all possible. 

Flossing may also be considered in the first 24 hours, but only do so gently. If you are unable to open your mouth wide enough to floss effectively, simply wait a day or so to be able to floss normally.

Mouthwash should also be avoided within the first 24 hour period following your oral surgery. 

After the first 24 hours

After the first 24 hours following surgery, it is time to begin escalating the healing process. This can be done by rinsing your mouth with a warm saltwater or saline solution. The purpose of doing this is to help keep the surgical site clean and it will also aid with the healing process in a natural way. 

Keep a close eye on your surgical site and watch for any abnormalities in the surrounding tissue. If you notice discoloration or rapid swelling, contact your doctor immediately. 

We hope some of these ideas help ease your mind and any pain you may experience following oral surgery.

 

Call the team at the Oral & Facial Surgery Institute to schedule your next oral surgery appointment today! (435) 628-1100

Is a Clicking Jaw Something to Worry About?

Venture Creative on July 5, 2019

Picture yourself driving down the road when you immediately begin to hear a clinking sound coming from under your car. What do you do? You pull over, examine it, and consider possible options to fix it. Similarly, when your jaw starts to make noises that it’s not supposed to, it would be wise to follow the same steps! Let us help you understand whether or not a clicking jaw is something to worry about. 

What is TMJ/TMD?

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) refers to the pain and dysfunction of the muscles of mastication (the muscles that move the jaw) and the temporomandibular joints (the joints which connect the mandible to the skull).

Do you have TMJ/TMD?

Some common symptoms of TMD include:

  • Swelling on the sides of the face
  • Muscle spasms in the jaw area
  • A change in the alignment of the top and bottom teeth
  • Locked jaw or limited opening of the mouth
  • Pain in the jaw area
  • Pain, ringing, or stuffiness in the ears
  • Frequent headaches or neck aches
  • Clicking or popping sound when the jaw moves

Professional Consultation

If you feel that you’ve been experiencing some of the symptoms listed above, you may want to take the time to schedule a professional exam. Doing so will allow you to know whether or not TMD has been the cause of your symptoms.

Treatment Options

TMD can be treated in many ways, dependant upon your professional diagnosis. Non-surgical options include short-term, non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs for pain and muscle relaxation, bite plate or splint therapy, and even stress management counseling.

If non-surgical treatment is unsuccessful or there is clear joint damage, oral surgery may be necessary. The surgical treatment of TMD can involve either arthroscopy or direct jaw surgery, depending on the extent of the damage.

How Will Dental Implants Affect My Life?

Venture Creative on June 27, 2019

If you have been living your life with temporary dentures or missing teeth, the possibility of dental implants could make a great difference in your life. Dental implant technology is better than ever and will help create a natural-looking, healthy smile. Here are some of the ways that implants will improve your life.

 

Permanent Alignment

-Missing teeth make it difficult for the rest of your smile to stay in line. Setting a dental implant in place of a missing tooth forces the remaining teeth to stay in their position, creating that perfect smile that you’ve been hoping for. This reason in and of itself is enough to heavily consider getting dental implants. 

 

Confidence

-Because dental implants are a permanent fixture, you’ll never have to worry about taking out your dentures and the many complications that come with doing so. Modern dental implant technology allows for your smile to look healthy and natural, just the way you like it!

 

Improved Speech

-One of the greatest benefits that dental implants can have is improving your speech. Proper teeth placement and alignment can go a long way in ensuring that your speech is crisp and clear. 

 

Easier Eating

-Broken or missing teeth can make it difficult to enjoy mealtime. With a permanent dental implant, you can still eat all of your favorite foods and more without all the worry. You’ll be able to eat with confidence knowing that your dental implant can withstand even the toughest of foods. 

 

Overall Health

-Studies have shown that oral health can greatly affect other aspects of your body. Proper treatment of your broken or missing teeth will allow you the confidence you want, and the health that you deserve!

 

Here at the Oral & Facial Surgery Institute, we are Southern Utah’s dental implant experts. We want to make sure you get the treatment best treatment it comes to receiving your very first implants. Let us be a part of your journey, schedule an appointment with us today!

What Factors Contribute to Long Term Success of Dental Implants?

Venture Creative on June 14, 2019

If you’ve been considering dental implants for quite some time now you’ll want to make sure that you’ll get the most out of your investment. Here’s what you need to know before you get implants!

 

Suitable Candidate

 

A large factor that leads to the overall success of dental implants is knowing whether or not you’re a suitable candidate in the first place. Patients must have adequate bone at the site where the dental implant is being considered so that it can be placed properly. Our staff will perform x-rays to determine the quality of the bone at the site and make a recommendation on the next step. For most patients, the dental implant is usually the next step, but for some, it may require a bone graft prior to the placement of the implant.

 

Proper Maintenance & Care

 

Contrary to popular belief, dental implants do not typically require any more attention than your natural teeth. However, that does not mean that you are exempt from maintaining your teeth and neglecting their care. It is critical to properly care for your dental implants by regularly brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Doing so will ensure the overall health of the bone and gum surrounding the new implant. It is also vital to closely follow the instructions of the oral surgeon following surgery. This will allow you to maximize your healing time and it will contribute to the overall success of your new dental implants.

 

Go Above and Beyond

 

Although your implants will not require any other special maintenance or care, it never hurts to treat them like a valuable investment, in part because they are. Getting regular professional teeth cleanings and frequent check-ups will not only help to protect your health, but it will allow your implants to have great long-term success.

Following these suggestions will give you peace of mind in taking the next step forward with your dental implants. Do you still have questions about whether or not dental implants are right for you? Contact the Oral & Facial Surgery Institute today!

3 Reasons You May Need a Tooth Extraction

Venture Creative on June 7, 2019

3 Reasons You May Need a Tooth Extraction

Most people would say that getting a tooth extraction is like, well, pulling teeth. Even though you probably don’t want to do it, you most likely have to. If a tooth cannot be saved or if leaving it will negatively impact your other teeth, it’s gotta go. You must always consider your overall oral health and remember, it’s better to remove one tooth rather than lose many.

The experts at the Oral and Facial Surgery Institute can determine whether or not you need to have a tooth pulled. Here are a few common reasons you may need a tooth extraction. For more information, contact one of the friendly staff members at OFSI!

 

Impaction

When a tooth is impacted, that means it is blocked or “stuck” underneath the gum line. This can cause trouble for your surrounding teeth, and it will most likely need to be pulled. Impacted teeth can be very painful, so if you have concerns raise them immediately with your dentist.

 

Overcrowding

Crowding of the teeth is called malocclusion. It can be due to genetic factors as well as childhood habits that caused alignment issues. Impacted teeth can also cause overcrowding.

This can lead to jaw pain, improper function of the teeth, and premature wear or inadequate cleaning. If you have severe overcrowding, one or two teeth may need to be pulled to make room for the others. This is especially common in preparation for alignment by way of braces.

 

Tooth decay

Most people have gotten a cavity or two in their lives. However, what people may not know is that cavities can grow and continue to decay your tooth to the root, letting bacteria reach deep below your enamel. If your tooth cannot be saved with a root canal, you may need to have it extracted. Otherwise, the decay can lead to infection if left untreated.

It is important to have cavities taken care of in their early stages before it gets to the point of extraction.

We know tooth extractions aren’t everyone’s favorite thing, but the process is nowhere near as painful or dreadful as most might imagine.

The Oral and Facial Surgery Institute will always offer you sedation options to ensure you feel comfortable. Local anesthetic can numb the area around the tooth being removed and if chosen, be combined with nitrous oxide sedation to calm anxiety around oral surgery. These are both options that do not cause drowsiness, making for a convenient experience. It is our goal to ensure you walk out of our office feeling better than ever about your smile.

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