What is the Difference Between an Oral Surgeon and a Dentist?

Venture Creative on May 24, 2019

What is the Difference Between an Oral Surgeon and a Dentist?

You’re at the dentist’s office, waiting to hear what to do about your wisdom teeth, and you hear your dentist tell you they’re going to refer you to an oral surgeon… -wait what now? Who is this oral surgeon and why am I being referred? Oral and facial surgeons are uniquely trained to diagnose and operate to treat a number of conditions of the bone, skin and muscle of the face, mouth and jaw.

You might be thinking, wait… my dentist has done surgery on me before, does that make him or her an oral surgeon? Well, while dentists can perform minor oral surgeries, they are not oral surgeons.

Your dentist is your go-to for care of your mouth and teeth. You see them regularly for a general oral exam. Dentists can treat cavities, gum disease, root canals, fillings, crowns, and more, including basic tooth extractions and simple surgeries. Often designated by a suffix of DDS (doctor of dental surgery) or DMD (doctor of dental medicine), they receive unique training in dental school. When more specialized oral or maxillofacial (relating to the jaws and face) care is needed, your dentist will refer you to a specialist like Dr. Davis.

OFSI’s very own Dr. Shawn B. Davis serves to provide the highest quality of care and make a difference in the lives of their Southern Utah, Northern Arizona, and Nevada patients.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeon like Dr. Davis must attend four years of dental school before continuing on to become surgically trained in a hospital-based residency program for a minimum of four years. Oral surgeons are trained in anesthesia and sedation methods, ensuring your surgery goes smoothly.

Your oral and maxillofacial surgeon has many years of education and hands-on training to provide treatment for a wide range of conditions, including, but not limited to:

  • Dental implant surgery
  • Wisdom teeth extraction
  • Other extractions
  • Endodontic surgery
  • Facial aesthetic surgery
  • Facial trauma
  • Cleft lip/palate
  • TMJ/TMD and facial pain
  • Oral cancer

So whether it’s wisdom teeth extraction, or teeth in a day, our team is dedicated to ensuring your every experience at the Oral and Facial Surgery Institute is comfortable, communicative, and convenient. For us, there is no better feeling in the world than making a difference in our patients’ lives. Let us make a difference in yours—schedule an appointment at our oral surgery office in St. George, Utah today!

How to Recover From Oral Surgery

Venture Creative on May 8, 2019

Oral surgery, the perfect excuse for taking it easy because in reality you really do have to take it easy for the sake of your recovery. The first 24 hours following your surgery will matter the most for your recovery so rest, rest, rest. How else can you help yourself on your way to recovery? The following are three of our top tips.

Stock up on soft foods

Grab your favorite ice cream flavor (as long as it doesn’t have any chunks or crunch to it) and hunker down with your favorite TV show for a little binge watching.

Other soft foods we recommend:

  • Smoothies (minus the straw)
  • Jello
  • Pudding
  • Yogurt
  • Applesauce
  • Cottage Cheese
  • Mashed Potatoes
  • Soups (blended or broths)

Keep your swelling down

Don’t forget to keep your head elevated during your TV show marathon. Have those cold compresses close on hand (try 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off rotation) so you can enjoy the series’ drama and not create your own.

Bonus: The ice cream will help with your swelling!

Recruit a family member or friend

Ice cream and binge-watching is always better with a friend, right? We bet it won’t take too much convincing for someone to join you. You buy the ice cream beforehand, they drive you home from your appointment and help you with the little things. Sounds like a pretty good deal to us.

Have more questions about recovery? Don’t hesitate to ask. We will also cover preparation and recovery in your consultation. Call (435) 628-1100 today to book!

Comparing Bridges with Dental Implants

Venture Creative on March 4, 2019

Have you or are you considering a bridge or dental implant? We’ve covered dental implants before but here’s a comparison of the two to help you know what would be best for you. First things first, what are bridges? Bridges get their name because they bridge the gap caused by a missing tooth. Why a dental implant over a bridge? How do bridges look?

Dental Bridges

According to Health Line, “A dental bridge is a false tooth (called a pontic) that is held in place by the abutment teeth on either side of the gap. Although pontics can be made from a variety of materials such as gold, typically they’re made from porcelain to aesthetically blend in with your natural teeth.”

Dental Implants

What about an implant? An implant is a synthetic tooth root in the shape of a post that is surgically placed into the jawbone. The “root” is usually made of titanium: the same material used in many replacement hips and knees, and a metal that is well-suited to pairing with human bone. A replacement tooth is then fixed to the post. The tooth can be either permanently attached or removable. Permanent teeth are more stable and feel more like natural teeth.

Why Dental Implants Instead of a Bridge?

Why a dental implant over a bridge? Conventional bridges are not fixed to the bone and can therefore be unstable. This can make it difficult to eat or smile with confidence. Dental implants not only look more natural, but feel and act more like normal teeth, with a stronger biting force. And because they don’t directly rely on neighboring teeth for support, implants don’t compromise the health of your natural teeth. In fact, bridges are only expected to last seven to ten years, whereas implants will typically last a lifetime.

Have more questions about what is best for you? Need more replacements than just a few? Contact us today to ask any questions you may have and set up a consultation to find out if dental implants or even Teeth-In-A-Day are right for you.

 

Common Myths About Dental Implants

Venture Creative on March 4, 2019

Common Myths About Dental Implants

People are living longer than ever, and while regular brushing, flossing, and checkups allow many of us to maintain our natural smiles for a lifetime, sometimes our teeth just can’t keep up. If you’ve lost a tooth (or a few teeth) due to injury or disease, dental implants can rejuvenate both your smile and your oral health.

An implant is a synthetic tooth root in the shape of a post that is surgically placed into the jawbone. The “root” is usually made of titanium: the same material used in many replacement hips and knees, and a metal that is well-suited to pairing with human bone. A replacement tooth is then fixed to the post. The tooth can be either permanently attached or removable. Permanent teeth are more stable and feel more like natural teeth.

There are a few popular myths surrounding dental implants that may make some people uneasy about the procedure. We’re here to help you feel confident about getting your smile back!

Dental Implants Don’t Look Like Your Natural Teeth

Dental implants not only look more natural but feel and act more like normal teeth, with a stronger biting force. And because they don’t directly rely on neighboring teeth for support, implants don’t compromise the health of your natural teeth.

Dental Implants Require Special Care

Consider your replacement teeth to be the same as natural teeth. They require the same daily brushing and flossing, and the same amount of regular checkups. Just like your natural teeth, the better you take care of your replacements, the longer they will last.

Dental Implant Surgery Is Painful

One of our main goals is to provide you with a surgical experience that is as comfortable as it is effective. That’s why we offer several methods of sedation. Our oral surgeons will work with you to decide on a personalized sedation plan that will give you the care you need while ensuring your comfort and safety every step of the way.

Dental Implants Take Forever to Heal

Healing time is actually short. We provide you with an outline for recovery so you’re on your way to a speedy recovery.

Dental Implants Aren’t Worth the Price

With a nearly 100% success rate, this permanent option is here to stay. Say “goodbye” to those temporary options that you had to replace and adjust, like dentures, bridges and crowns. Dental implants are here to provide you with a long-lasting smile. If you take good care of them, implants have the potential to last longer than 18 years! We say that’s worth it.

Keep in mind the ideal candidate for dental implants is a non-smoker who has good oral health, including a sufficient amount of bone in the jaw, and healthy gums with no sign of gum disease.

Have more questions? Don’t hesitate to call! We would be happy to schedule a consultation for you.

 

 

Interesting Facts About Dental Implants

Venture Creative on March 4, 2019

Dental Implants. You’ve heard of them, perhaps you’ve even considered them for yourself or someone close to you, but do you really know about them? We have a handful of interesting facts you may not know about dental implants.

Anyone can get them

That’s right. Anyone. No matter your age, you’re eligible for a new smile. All you’ll need is a sign off from your Oral Surgeon saying your jaw is ready to take on the new smile. If they have any concerns, there are options to prep your jaw so you can be back on your way to a new set of pearly whites.

You wouldn’t be alone

The number of people who have implants is growing by 500,000 each year according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Join the 3 million people in the United States who already have implants.

Your implants, your secret

Unless you told someone you have implants, they wouldn’t know because implants look just like real teeth! Implants even fuse with your bone.

It only takes one day

With our Teeth-In-A-Day service you can come in and turn that frown upside down with a whole new set of teeth in simply one day. Check out our Teeth In A Day, A Second Chance At a First Impression post to learn more about the procedure.

Long-lasting

With a nearly 100% success rate, this permanent option is here to stay. Forget options you had to replace and adjust, like dentures, bridges and crowns. Dental implants are here and ready to keep your smile long-lasting. If you take special care of them, they have the potential to last longer than 18 years!

Now that you’ve heard our five interesting facts about dental implants, don’t hesitate to call with any questions you may have. Let us help you smile.

Do I Need to Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Venture Creative on March 1, 2019

Wisdom teeth are molars found in the very back of your mouth. They usually appear in the late teens or early twenties but may become impacted (fail to erupt) due to lack of room in the jaw or angle of entry. The most common type of impacted wisdom tooth removal is “mesial,” which means the tooth is angled forward toward the front of your mouth.

When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it will need to be removed. If it is not removed, you may develop gum tenderness, swelling, or even severe pain. Impacted wisdom teeth that are partially or fully erupted tend to be quite difficult to clean and are susceptible to tooth decay, recurring infections, and even gum disease.

Each patient’s situation is unique. Our doctors will usually take a panoramic X-ray to determine whether your wisdom teeth will need to be removed. If they recommend the removal of your wisdom teeth, it is best to have them removed sooner rather than later.

Wisdom teeth are typically removed during the late teens or early twenties because there is a greater chance that the roots have not fully formed and the bone surrounding the teeth is less dense. These two factors can make wisdom tooth extraction easier, as well as the recovery time much shorter.

To remove a wisdom tooth, the doctor first needs to numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic. They use additional medication, such as nitrous oxide, IV sedation, or general anesthesia, to sedate you safely during the extraction, if you are feeling nervous about the procedure.

Since the impacted wisdom tooth may still be under the gums and embedded in your jaw bone, the doctor will need to remove a portion of the covering bone to extract the tooth. To minimize the amount of bone removed with the tooth, your wisdom tooth may be “sectioned” (cut into pieces) so each piece can be removed through a small opening in the bone.

Once your wisdom teeth have been extracted, the healing process begins. Healing time varies, depending on the degree of difficulty related to the extraction. Our doctors will let you know what to expect and provide instructions for a comfortable, efficient healing process.

 

How to Overcome Your Fear of Oral Surgery

Venture Creative on March 1, 2019

We are not your everyday practice; we genuinely care about our patients and relate to each one on a personal level. At our office you aren’t just a patient—you are family. We take great pride in having our patients leave happier than when they arrived. We understand oral surgery can make people feel uneasy so we have put together a list of ways you can overcome your fear of oral surgery. These ways are all related to pre-surgery steps we take to help you feel comfortable moving forward.

Open and Honest Communication

First, understand our team members are experts at managing the health, emotions, and expectations of our patients throughout each and every interaction. We strive to always communicate clearly with our patients by discussing their options, reviewing their treatment plan, and answering any questions or concerns they may have. We want them to feel calm and comfortable every time they visit our office.

State-of-the-art Facilities

Second, know that because of our state-of-the-art facilities in St. George, Cedar City, Delta, and Kanab, UT, and Page, AZ , our patients know are going to receive the finest care possible.

Convenience

Third, we are always available to answer any questions or concerns our patients may have. Drs. Davis is also available after hours for emergency care.

As a courtesy to our patients, we call on their insurance before their first appointment. By doing so, we ensure they have a shorter wait time, and we are able to provide them with a more accurate financial estimate.

Sedation Options

One of our main goals is to provide you with a surgical experience that is as comfortable as it is effective. That’s why we offer several methods of sedation. Your oral surgeon will work with you to decide on a personalized sedation plan that will give you the care you need while ensuring your comfort and safety every step of the way. The following are our options:

  • Local Anesthetic
  • Nitrous Oxide Sedation with Local Anesthetic
  • In-office IV Sedation or General Anesthesia
  • Hospital-Based General Anesthesia

To learn more about what each of the options includes, click here.

We hope this information has given you the comfort you need about oral surgery. If you still have concerns please don’t hesitate to call. We will walk you through everything you need to know to feel confident.

What are My Sedation Options?

Venture Creative on January 21, 2019

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Sedation Options

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With so many different sedation options and techniques, it can become overwhelming to try and understand which option will be best for you. Your oral surgeon will work with you to decide on a personalized sedation plan that will give you the care you need while ensuring your comfort and safety every step of the way.

Local Anesthetics

  • The most common type of local anesthetic is lidocaine, which is administered by injection.

  • Often used for simple surgeries, such as gum treatments and tooth extractions. 

  • There are two kinds of numbing injections. A block injection numbs an entire region of your mouth, such as one side of your lower jaw. An infiltration injection numbs a smaller area. This is the area near where the injection was given.

Nitrous Oxide with Local Anesthetics (“Laughing Gas”)

  • Used for simple oral surgical treatments, such as extractions, wisdom teeth removal, and implant replacements.

  • When Nitrous Oxide is used with local anesthetic, patients won’t feel pain or anxiety.

  • Administered through a small mask that fits right over your nose.

In Office IV Sedation or General Anesthesia

  • Patients who receive this option go between consciousness and unconsciousness throughout their procedure and typically don’t remember the procedure.

  • Recommended that patients who receive deep sedation have a parent, spouse, or friend accompany them to appointments because it can take several hours for the sedative to wear off.

Your oral surgeon is also licensed by the state to administer general anesthesia, so you can receive the care you need in the comfort of our office. We provide general anesthesia for patients who need all types of oral surgery. Because of the anxiety related to dental procedures, you may choose general anesthesia for procedures as simple as wisdom tooth removal and implant placement, or as complex as full-mouth reconstruction.

Hospital-Based General Anesthesia

  • Used when oral surgery is performed at a hospital.

  • Administered by an anesthesiologist who will monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure.

  • Most commonly used for facial reconstructive surgery and jaw reconstruction, TMJ, and patients who have complex medical conditions.

Because general anesthesia causes drowsiness for several hours after it is administered, you will be required to have a family member or friend drive you to and from your appointment. After your treatment, you should not drive, drink alcohol, or operate machinery.

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How To Survive The Holidays After Oral Surgery

Venture Creative on December 21, 2018

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How To Survive The Holidays After Oral Surgery

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Since this time of year is for visions of sugarplums to dance in your head, you’re probably not dreaming about getting oral surgery done. However, this time of year usually ends up being most convenient to get those procedures done, so how do you survive the holidays after oral surgery? We’ve compiled our top three tips to help you heal and still have a happy holiday.

Follow Your Post Surgical Care

In the hustle and bustle that comes with the holidays, don’t forget to follow your post-surgical care instructions. Take a minute to set reminders in your phone so you aren’t out last minute present shopping and miss taking medications or flushing out your wisdom teeth pockets.

Eat the Right Foods

Be careful not to chomp down on roasted chestnuts by an open fire. Think mashed potatoes with gravy, peppermint shakes sans the straw and Grandma’s marshmallow sweet potato dish.

Other ideas include:

  • Eggnog (minus the straw of course)

  • Hot chocolate (again minus the straw)

  • Cheesecake and other creamy desserts like delicious pie

  • All the soups (just no chunks)

  • Soft bread to dip in the tasty soups

  • Classic mac and cheese, if your holiday party is lucky enough to have it

  • Hummus (this underrated side is a perfect consistency and packed with protein!)

  • Ground or small bites of turkey and ham (an easier meat to eat would be salmon)

Stay Positive

Last but certainly not least, be merry and bright! Positivity is key to a quick recovery. Don’t let oral surgery put a damper on your holidays. Keep your friends and family close, along with soft, tasty foods and desserts, and you’ll be all set!

The end of the year is nearly here so if you’re considering oral surgery before the new year, contact us today 435-628-1100. We are happy to answer any other questions you might have about surviving the holidays after oral surgery.

Happy Holidays from our family to yours!

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No more pain, call us today!

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