Oral Surgery Blog for Patients

Understanding tooth extraction for orthodontics

Some patients require tooth extractions prior to getting braces. In this post, we’ll cover which situations necessitate tooth extractions and answer some of the most commonly asked questions related to extractions and orthodontics. When is tooth extraction necessary? The following issues are the most common reasons to extract teeth as part of your orthodontic treatment: […]

Four signs it may be time for implants

Living with missing teeth is no fun. You might feel like you need to hide the gaps in your smile when you speak or laugh. Even once you’ve learned to deal with the challenges and adapt, you can’t deny the impact missing teeth have on your life. If you’ve wondered if dental implants were right […]

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 […]

Oral surgeon and patient looking at x-rays of wisdom teeth to determine if wisdom teeth extraction is necessary.

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 […]