Oral Surgery Blog for Patients

Which teeth can be replaced with dental implants?
Dental implants are a great option for most tooth replacement. They look, feel and function just like your natural teeth and can last a lifetime. Dental implants can be used to replace any tooth–front teeth, cuspids and molars. Dental implants for front teeth Many patients worry that their front teeth cannot be replaced with dental […]

Can all my wisdom teeth be extracted at the same time?
There are several reasons why your dentist may suggest the removal of your wisdom teeth. You may not have room in your mouth for another row of molars or you could be experiencing discomfort. Wisdom teeth can become impacted and stuck under the gumline, which can damage your other teeth or lead to infection. Some […]

Learn how implants protect your healthy teeth
Dental implants are an excellent way to replace missing teeth with a natural-looking, fully-functional prosthesis but did you know that dental implants have other benefits for the remaining natural teeth? Dental implants protect your healthy teeth in several ways. 1. Implants do not damage adjacent teeth Many patients opt for a dental bridge when choosing […]

Bleeding after wisdom tooth extraction
Bleeding after a wisdom tooth extraction is a common and natural occurrence. Follow these simple guidelines to help control postop bleeding and to know whether your level of bleeding is normal or a cause for concern. Some bleeding is part of the healing process A certain level of blood flow is required for your mouth […]

Why did my dentist send me to an oral surgeon for a tooth extraction?
Your dentist can perform most simple tooth extractions but there are some situations where the specialty knowledge, experience, and care of an Oral Surgeon is required. If your dentist has referred you to a specialist for a tooth extraction, it’s probably for one of the following reasons. Your tooth is impacted Extracting an impacted tooth […]

Understanding the process of getting an implant
If you’ve been considering getting a dental implant to replace a missing tooth, you might be curious about the process. Here’s what you can expect to get your smile back again! Initial consultation and examination The first step is to schedule an appointment to determine if you are a good candidate for an implant. During […]

Six things to avoid after oral surgery
Speed up your postop recovery time by avoiding these problem areas. 1. Do not apply heat directly to your face Some patients make the mistake of applying both heat and ice to aid healing and alleviate discomfort following oral surgery. After your procedure, you should be using ice only, applied in intervals of 15 minutes […]

Restoring oral function after facial trauma
From auto accidents to sporting mishaps, facial trauma can happen when you least expect it. Injuries can damage bone, muscles, tendons, gums and other soft tissue of the face, potentially leading to a compromise of oral function. If you or a loved one has suffered facial trauma, here are some steps you need to take […]

Wisdom teeth and the risk of gum disease
If you have impacted wisdom teeth, your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend extraction as the best long-term treatment option. This is due, in part, to the role impacted wisdom teeth play in gum disease. Even if your impacted wisdom teeth are not bothering you, extracting them as a precautionary measure is often your safest […]

Options for single tooth replacement
A gap in your teeth can make you feel self-conscious about smiling or make you want to cover your mouth when you do. Fortunately, there are a number of options to replace your missing tooth. Dental implants If you want your new tooth to look, feel and chew like a natural tooth, choosing a dental […]