Oral Surgery Blog for Patients

The four types of impacted wisdom teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth are caused when the third row of molars fail to emerge all the way through the gum line. When teeth are impacted, they are trapped between the gum tissue and jawbone and must be extracted in order to prevent damage, discomfort or other health concerns. In this post, we’ll explain the four […]

5 benefits of removing your wisdom teeth

Here are five benefits to removing your wisdom teeth before a problem arises. 1. Less crowding lowers the risk of future orthodontic issues When wisdom teeth erupt from the gums and grow into your mouth, other teeth can be gradually be pushed out of the way. Misalignment can lead to the need for braces or […]

Understanding IV sedation

If your upcoming oral surgery requires anesthesia, you might be wondering what to expect from the experience. In this post, we’ll answer some common questions and discuss the process. What is the difference between local and IV sedation? Unlike local anesthesia, which is applied at the treatment site to numb the area and used while […]

Dos and don’ts following wisdom tooth extraction

To best reduce discomfort and avoid complications following wisdom tooth extraction, here’s a simple list of dos and don’ts for wisdom tooth extraction aftercare. Do use the gauze provided The blood clots that form immediately after your surgery are important to the rest of your healing process. It’s important to take the opportunity to slow […]

Signs of impacted wisdom teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth are third molars that are unable to break through the gumline and grow into place due to the size of your jaw or the angle of the tooth. If left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to potentially serious oral health issues, including damage to your other teeth, infection and severe discomfort. […]

Osteoporosis and dental implants

If you have osteoporosis, you might be wondering if it’s still possible to receive dental implants to replace missing teeth. The good news is that osteoporosis does not automatically disqualify you as a candidate for implants. What is osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is a skeletal disease that leads to a decrease in bone mineral density and deterioration […]

A simple implant care guide

Giving yourself the gift of a new smile is exciting. From improved self-confidence to enjoying your favorite foods again, getting implants can improve your life. Set yourself up for a lifetime of bigger, brighter smiles by learning to care properly for your dental implants. Start by following all postop instructions It’s important to look after […]

Learn more about dry mouth

Caused by an insufficient production and flow of saliva, dry mouth (xerostomia), is a condition that can adversely affect your oral health. If you suffer from dry mouth, treatment or additional self-care may be required. The importance of saliva Saliva is your mouth’s primary defense system against tooth decay. Maintaining moisture in the mouth is […]

What are full-arch dental implants?

Full-arch dental implants use several dental implants spaced around the top or bottom of a patient’s mouth to attach a full set of upper or lower teeth. Who are full-arch dental implants for? Patients who use traditional dentures but are unhappy with their comfort or functionality could be candidates for full-arch implants. Patients who are […]

Should I go to an oral surgeon for my dental implant?

If you’re missing one or more teeth and are interested in getting dental implants, you might be wondering where to go. While general dentists will sometimes offer implant placement in the office, you’ll often be referred to an oral surgeon with specialized experience and training. Cases where a general dentist can be a good choice […]