Why You Should Have an Oral Surgeon Perform Extractions

Venture Creative on May 21, 2020

One of the stereotypes of the dentist, especially in cartoons, is that they are known for pulling out teeth. In fact, one can argue that this stereotype (along with constant drilling for cavities) can be the root of the fear of the dentist that many children (and some adults) have. While dentists perform a wide amount of oral care and will pull teeth when needed, the procedure of tooth extraction is best left for oral surgeons for a variety of reasons. Many dentists will refer extractions to oral surgeons, but surgeons should be considered in all cases – and here’s why.

Oral Surgeons Perform FAR More Tooth Extractions

Dentists cover a wide variety of procedures and care information during their education and residency. Oral surgeons specialize in just surgical procedures. While there are obviously far more procedures than just extractions, this specialization means that an oral surgeon will perform hundreds, if not thousands, of extractions during their residency, which is far more than a dentist. This gives an oral surgeon loads of hands-on, practical experience to make the procedure an exceptionally successful one.

If You Want Sedation, Go with a Surgeon

Even routine surgical procedures can cause anxiety in patients, and the thought of being awake and cognizant during the procedure can just add to the nerves. Most dentists don’t have the ability or the certification to use anesthesia during a tooth extraction. However, oral surgeons are all licensed to use full anesthesia for a procedure, rather than just local. While this doesn’t impact the actual outcome of the procedure, it can certainly make you feel a whole lot better about going in for an extraction!

Prepared for All Circumstances

Even practiced dentists and oral surgeons can’t perfectly predict how an extraction will go. Sometimes, an extraction that seems routine can shift with a tooth cracking or extra tissue needing to be removed. An oral surgeon has the know-how and all the facilities to handle these unforeseen issues quickly and successfully. Even more, if an extraction has notable difficulties going into the procedure such as multiple curved roots, an oral surgeon will absolutely be the best option to get a positive result.

If you are in need of an extraction, it is always worth considering and selecting an oral surgeon to perform the procedure, whether or not your dentist actually refers you to one or not. It is hard to match the expertise and experience of a good oral surgeon when it comes to tooth extraction.

Give us a call or set up an appointment online. We look forward to serving you.

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.

Teeth Extraction Survival Guide (What to Expect)

Venture Creative on April 2, 2019

There are times when it is necessary to remove a tooth. Sometimes a baby tooth has misshapen or long roots that prevent it from falling out as it should, and the tooth must be removed to make way for the permanent tooth to erupt. At other times, a tooth may have so much decay that it puts the surrounding teeth and jaw at risk of decay, so your doctor may recommend removal and replacement with a bridge or implant. Infection, orthodontic correction, or problems with a wisdom tooth can also require removal of a tooth.

When it is determined that a tooth needs to be removed, your dentist may extract the tooth during a regular checkup or may schedule another visit for this procedure. The root of each tooth is encased within your jawbone in a “tooth socket,” and your tooth is held in that socket by a ligament. In order to extract a tooth, your dentist must expand the socket and separate the tooth from the ligament holding it in place. While this procedure is typically very quick, it is important to share with your doctor any concerns or preferences for sedation.

Once a tooth has been removed, neighboring teeth may shift, causing problems with chewing or with your jaw joint function. To avoid these complications, your dentist may recommend that you replace the extracted tooth, especially a front tooth replacement.

Now that you know a little about what to expect, here are some tips to keep in mind.

Pre-Surgery

Do not eat or drink anything (including water) for eight hours prior to your appointment. If you take medications, you should take them with a small sip of water no later than three hours prior to your appointment.
A responsible adult must accompany you to the office, remain in the office during the procedure, and drive you home.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing with sleeves that can be rolled up past the elbow.
Remove contact lenses, dental prosthetics (dentures), and jewelry.
Do not wear lipstick, excessive makeup, or nail polish on the day of surgery.
Fill any prescription pain medications and antibiotics before the day of your surgery.
If you have an illness such as a cold, sore throat, or stomach or bowel upset, please notify the office.

Post-Surgery

Never drive an automobile or operate dangerous machinery on the same day as your surgery or procedure.
Avoid any heavy lifting and strenuous physical activity for several days after your surgery.
Drink plenty of fluids, but do not suck on a straw, because this can dislodge a clot and lead to bleeding.

We are in the business of giving smiles. Call us today to get your smile feeling right again!

5 Perks of Wisdom Teeth Removal

Venture Creative on March 4, 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. Now that doesn’t sound very fun, right? Although it may not sound fun, we’re here to share 5 perks of having your wisdom teeth removed.

Avoid Pain

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.

Make Extraction Easy

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

Have a Short Recovery Time

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.

Local Anesthetic

To remove a wisdom tooth, we first need to numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic. We can 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.

Ice Cream

Once your wisdom teeth have been extracted, the healing process and ice cream eating begins.

Healing time varies, depending on the degree of difficulty related to the extraction. We will let you know what to expect and provide instructions for a comfortable, efficient healing process.

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

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.

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.

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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Why You Should Have an Oral Surgeon Perform Extractions

Oral Surgeons Perform FAR More Tooth Extractions

If You Want Sedation, Go with a Surgeon

Prepared for All Circumstances

3 Reasons You May Need a Tooth Extraction

3 Reasons You May Need a Tooth Extraction

Impaction

Overcrowding

Tooth decay

Teeth Extraction Survival Guide (What to Expect)

5 Perks of Wisdom Teeth Removal

Interesting Facts About Dental Implants

Do I Need to Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

What are My Sedation Options?

Sedation Options

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.

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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