Nitrous Oxide: Why It Might Be Right For You

Are you dealing with butterflies in the stomach, jitters, or some general (and very unpleasant) anxiety when it comes to approaching your oral surgery visits? If so, let us begin by telling you that we completely understand how you’re feeling. We appreciate your decision to protect your oral health even though your emotions may be battling you at the moment. We are also happy to extend a suggestion to learn more about your dental sedation options with us because they can offer you a truly relaxing time at our practice. For now, let’s review nitrous oxide and why it might be just what you need.

It’s Gentle Yet Very Relaxing

If you feel nervous but not so nervous that you can’t come in for care (but anxious enough that the idea of sitting in our chair makes you very uncomfortable), you might benefit from nitrous oxide. It is known to gently yet effectively offer you an extraordinary sense of tranquility. Simple.

It Won’t Throw Off Your Day

One of the reasons you may appreciate nitrous oxide is the fact that it can help you achieve a very calm state without completely ruining your plans for the rest of the day. While other types of sedation will require you to go home (a trip that someone must help you make, since you will still be too sedated to safely drive), laughing gas leaves your system quickly. As a result, you can drive and continue on with your day as usual!

It’s Safe For Most Patients

Fortunately, nitrous oxide is something that is gentle and safe. So safe, in fact, that we can provide it to everyone from pediatric patients on up. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

Find Out If Nitrous Oxide Will Work For You

Learn more about nitrous oxide and your other dental sedation options by speaking with us during your next visit. Schedule the time you need in Santa Rosa, CA by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery at 707-545-4625 to schedule your visit today.

Dental Implants Quiz: About The Internet

Sometimes, it can feel like the internet is quite a good friend to you. When you need a quick escape, you need to find specific information in a jiffy, it’s time to check email, or there’s a funny video you wanted to share with a friend, it’s always there! However, when it comes to dental implants and your time spent online, this might be a time when it’s best to question whether the internet is friend or foe. To help you sort matters out carefully and thoroughly, we suggest you think through this topic with the help of our quiz!

Quiz Questions: True or False?

  1. True or False: If you’re interested in figuring out whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants, you can generally find the definitive details you’re looking for by searching online.
  2. True or False: When you want to know about the process of receiving implants, recovery, restoring them, and how the timeline will work for your unique needs, you can generally figure it all out by doing enough online research.
  3. True or False: If you’re having a problem with your implant but you’re not sure what’s wrong, it’s best to first start with a symptom tracker online, which can most likely tell you whether you need a visit or not.

Quiz Answers

  1. False. When it comes to candidacy, every single patient is different and has unique needs. As a result, the only way you can get a clear answer is by coming in.
  2. False. Again, everything from placement to your timeline will be specific to your smile and all of your requirements, so this is something only a professional oral surgeon team can speak to.
  3. False. Never try to diagnose yourself. Instead, always contact us immediately to schedule a checkup.

Receive Factual Information About Implants

Get the facts you’re looking for about implants when you come in for a visit with our team. Schedule the time you need in Rohnert Park, CA by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery at 707-584-1630 to schedule your visit today.

Dental Implants: About Personalized Care

Your experience with considering and receiving dental implants is something that is wholly personalized. While we know this, you might not recognize that care tailored to your particular smile, goals, and oral health is the only way to make implants work for a patient. Before you make assumptions about replacing your missing teeth this way, we strongly suggest that you walk through some important details with us. As a result, you will see that everything you discover about implants is best learned as it applies specifically to your unique smile.

About Your Decisions

We ask that you keep something important in mind: The decisions you make will be based on your smile and needs alone. As a result, it’s never helpful to compare our suggestions or your choices to something your friend has experienced. Sure, your friend may have chosen single implants. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t best benefits from an implant-supported denture. In this case, it’s all about you.

About Your Costs

We know that it would be very convenient if you could call and we could just quote you a final price over the phone. However, costs are also unique to each patient. Why so? Well, your friend may need no preparatory surgery and might need a single implant.  You, however, may require bone grafting, a sinus lift, and an implant-retained partial. The only way to know (and to determine costs) is for us to see you.

About Your Candidacy

Remember that there is more to your candidacy than meets the eye. If you have recently learned about dental implants but have convinced yourself it’s never going to be an option for you, we recommend that you broaden your horizons. Come in just to make sure. You may be in for a surprise!

Learn More About Implants For Your Smile

Speak with us to learn more about whether dental implants will work for your unique smile improvement needs. Schedule the time you need in Santa Rosa, CA by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery at 707-545-4625 to schedule your visit today.

Why Remain Committed To Care After Receiving Implants?

You’re done with the process of replacing your teeth with dental implants, you’re pleased that your mouth is healthy again, and you feel like you’ve got a brand new lease on life! While everything might seem perfect at the moment, it can only remain that way if you keep up with your dental care. We know that you might feel you’ve bought yourself some time to relax, skip your usual brushing, and just enjoy your new pristine grin. However, we would like to share some advice regarding why your commitment to care must remain just as strong.

You Can Lose Those Implants

Your dental implants look amazing and you figure it took a very long time to lose your natural teeth, so a bit of a relaxed attitude can’t hurt, right? Not exactly. Remember that crowns and implants aren’t made of natural tissue. While they may not degrade, your gum tissue can quickly turn from healthy to inflamed and infected, which leads to dental implant failure. Brush and floss just as we suggest, so you don’t face this disappointment.

You Might Not See The Warning Signs

You might think to yourself that your smile looks fine, so you’re obviously not in any danger. However, issues like gingivitis (and peri-implantitis) can occur without obvious symptoms. Our suggestion: Keep up with dental checkups even when things look perfect to avoid surprises.

You Can Lose More Teeth

If you still have natural teeth in place, remember that they are still vulnerable to disease. As a result, you can find yourself requiring additional tooth replacements in the future. When you maintain your oral health, you keep your smile in good condition, so you don’t require further oral surgery. This, of course, is better for you, less costly, and much more convenient.

Learn More About Life After Implants

Talk with us about what you can expect with dental implants, so you can keep your smile and oral health in tip top shape. Schedule the time you need in Santa Rosa, CA by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery at 707-545-4625 to schedule your visit today.

Dental Implants Q&A: Should They Hurt?

From the moment you consider dental implants (and likely for the rest of your life), you will find that you occasionally have questions. As we always note, we will be happy to answer all inquiries that enter your mind on the topic! Of course, you won’t be surprised to learn that we have answered just about anything you can imagine, which often includes questions about implants and pain. If you are experiencing any measure of discomfort, we urge you to come in for a visit. In the meantime, answers to some common questions may offer help.

Questions and Answers

Question: Should I expect some amount of discomfort after I receive my dental implants?

Answer: Right after you receive your implants, you can most certainly expect some discomfort for about three days or so. This is simply the result of undergoing a surgical procedure. However, you will not have to deal with any of this pain. Instead, we will set you up with instructions and any necessary prescriptions to ensure you are comfortable during the recovery process.

Question: A friend of mine experienced facial bruising after dental implant placement. Is this normal?

Answer: It is entirely normal to experience some amount of bruising and swelling for the first few days immediately following your surgery. This is the natural result of surgery and will resolve very quickly. We will offer you instructions to alleviate discomfort and minimize inflammation.

Question: Is it normal for the area surrounding my dental implants to hurt long after surgery? What if they’ve always been comfortable but now they aren’t?

Answer: This is not normal. After a few days of discomfort and swelling, you should quickly begin to return to feeling comfortable. You should also then quickly adjust to having implants in your smile. If something doesn’t feel right, call us immediately to schedule a visit.

Schedule A Visit If Something Changes With Your Implants

If you notice a change with your dental implants and the tissues surrounding them, the best decision you can make is to head in for a checkup with us. Schedule the time you need in Rohnert Park, CA by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery at 707-584-1630 to schedule your visit today.

Dental Care: Following The Rules

There are many reasons you may visit us for dental implants and other types of oral surgery. In many instances, the factors that lead you to us will be completely unavoidable. In others, however, you may experience problems with your oral health that you could have very easily prevented with some simple yet helpful efforts. Not sure how to reduce your chance of problems like missing teeth? We can help! Just remember: Follow the rules and you’ll be in good shape.

Listen To Your General Dentist

When you visit your general dentist, you are going to be given suggestions for how to keep your entire smile as healthy as possible. This will generally include scheduling twice-a-year dental checkups and dental cleanings, as well as caring for your oral health at home with dental hygiene. Did you know that this can help you avoid problems like tooth loss, which can eventually lead to a need for dental implants? It’s true! Find a general dentist you trust, follow the rules, and you can expect your smile wellbeing to remain protected.

Jump On Restorative Care Needs ASAP

In order to prevent serious problems with your smile, remember that when your dentist suggests you schedule a procedure to restore your oral health, you should do so immediately. Patients often overlook the fact that most concerns are progressive. Your decay, infection, gingivitis, TMJ problem, and more will get worse and worse if you ignore them. Treat them, and you can often save your tooth, avoid the need for dental implants, prevent functional problems, and keep a healthy smile instead.

Keep Your Smile Healthy To Avoid Problems

Learn more about how to reduce your chance of tooth loss and other issues that may require oral surgery, so you can maintain a healthy intact smile. Schedule the time you need in Santa Rosa, CA by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery at 707-545-4625 to schedule your visit today.

World No Tobacco Day: What It Means To You

As we head further into spring, did you know that World No Tobacco Day is right around the corner? Whether you use tobacco or not, this day (on May 17th, 2017) is a time to recognize the impact that tobacco can have on your life, the lives of those around you, and very importantly: On your oral health! It is, of course, a good reminder that the use of this substance can lead to severe problems for your smile. Let’s review!

If You Don’t Use Tobacco

If you don’t use tobacco, you may wish to recognize this day by continuing to avoid it. Whether you previously smoked cigarettes and have since quit, used other types of tobacco, or have never touched it, you know that your decision to avoid it is best for your oral health, for your body, for those you love, and for the environment. Keep up with this decision and your smile will remain extra safe as a result.

If You Do Use Tobacco

If you do use tobacco, World No Tobacco Day is a good moment to reflect on how you feel about this decision. If you’re interested in quitting, we can quickly provide you with a long list of reasons choosing to do so is extremely beneficial for your oral health today and in the long run. To name a few good things, you’ll be greatly decreasing the likelihood that you will face oral cancer, stained dental work (like implant crowns), problems with implant success, decay, and gum disease.

If You Want Help Quitting

If you’re not sure how to quit but you’re interested, talk with us. We can provide you with a wealth of resources, so you reach your goal.

Protect Yourself From Tobacco With Our Assistance

Ask for help if you want to quit the use of tobacco but you’re not sure where to begin and we will assist you. Schedule the time you need in Santa Rosa, CA by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery at 707-545-4625 to schedule your visit today.

Implant Dentures: Your Quiz!

When you’re taking the time to research your dental implant options, you will discover that there is more than what initially meets the eye. In addition to having access to a treatment that can replace one tooth at a time, you have access to options that let you replace multiple teeth at a time. One such treatment for tooth loss is implant dentures. Never heard of them? A bit unsure about the specifics? You can learn a lot more with our quiz (and then come in for a visit to get your journey started)!

Quiz Questions: True or False?

  1. True or False: If you would like to replace multiple teeth, you may select single implants and crowns or you may select multiple implants and full or partial dentures.
  2. True or False: Implant dentures are supported by the dental implants placed into your jawbone. This is different from traditional support, which comes from your dental arch and the natural suction your mouth creates.
  3. True or False: Choosing implant-retained dentures allows you to enjoy the benefits of implants, while putting forth a more budget-friendly investment than single implants require.

Quiz Answers

  1. True. You have the option of choosing either. Some individuals prefer to replace each tooth individually. Others prefer to enjoy the stability of implants, while taking advantage of a larger prosthetic to replace multiple teeth at once.
  2. True. This type of prosthetic is crafted to fit over implant posts instead of resting on your dental ridge. You can expect exceptional stability as a result.
  3. True. When you choose implant dentures, you will be receiving multiple implants but not a full set for each empty space. As a result, the investment will be smaller and potentially better for your personal budget.

Consider Implant Dentures For Teeth Replacement

Learn more about implant dentures and your many options by coming in to see us for a consultation. Schedule the time you need in Rohnert Park, CA by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery at 707-584-1630 to schedule your visit today.

Oral Health Protection: All About Lists

When you’re doing your best to protect your oral health, it’s easy to start feeling a bit inundated with details and things to remember (all while focusing on the millions of other daily tasks life requires of you). In order to ensure you can address your smile needs with ease, we suggest you consider getting a bit serious about keeping lists. Ready to hear more about how much this can help? We are happy to explain.

What Makes Lists Helpful?

When you realize just how far-reaching the aspects of caring for your oral health can become, the idea of keeping lists is often quite a load off! For instance, you need to remember to practice your preventive care, to see your general dentist, and to keep your bathroom stocked with dental hygiene items. You may also need to keep up with scheduling and showing up for your visits with us, following our suggestions, and coming in for continued care. With lists, keeping it all sorted and staying ahead of the game remains easy and you remain free of smile-related stress.

What Types Of Lists Should I Keep?

When you’re considering the best way to organize the details of your oral health, it’s all about what works for you! However, to get you started, we have some suggestions that may make organizing the details much simpler to approach, including the following:

  • Keep a “General Dental” list, which may include everything you need regarding your home care (such as a shopping list for essential products)
  • Next, keep an “Appointments” list, which can include any and all appointments that you need to schedule and that you have already scheduled with your general dentist or our practice
  • Consider a “Travel List” to ensure you never leave home without the products and items you need for your smile

Keep Your Oral Health Safe With Helpful Tips

We are happy to help you keep your oral health in excellent condition with some simple tips (that can make all the details easier to track). Schedule the time you need in Santa Rosa, CA by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery at 707-545-4625 to schedule your visit today.

2 Important Reasons To Brush And Floss

When asked about the foundation of a healthy smile, you probably answer on autopilot with something regarding the importance of brushing and flossing. Fortunately, you are right on track! However, if pressed a bit further, do you think you can explain the significance of your dental hygiene as it applies to your oral health on a much broader spectrum? What does it have to do with dental implants, for instance? To ensure you feel the magnitude of your smile care (and understand that your efforts are certainly worthwhile), we would like to share with you a couple reasons to keep up with your brushing and flossing.

#1: Dealing With Other Issues Is More Than Enough

What are you coming to see us for? Do you require jaw surgery? Are you dealing with impacted wisdom teeth? When you come to our practice for care, you’re experiencing something that’s more complex than is treatable by your general dentist. As a result, the last thing you probably want is to have to pile problems like tooth decay and gingivitis on top of your present concerns. Practice dental hygiene and keep teeth clean, so we can focus on your oral surgery needs and guide your smile toward exceptional condition.

#2: You’ll Keep Your Dental Work Longer

Do you have dental implants? How long would you like them to last? A year? A few years? How about for the rest of your life? To promote implants that remain clean and that remain successful, your main focus should rest on dental hygiene. When you keep teeth and gums clean, you prevent problems like inflammation that can cause implants to fail. See? Brushing and flossing really do protect you in more ways than you may have imagined (and it only take minutes of your time every day).

Focus On Dental Hygiene For Success With Dental Care

Find out more from us regarding how to best keep your smile completely healthy, so you can enjoy comfort, function, and a wonderful daily quality of life. Schedule the time you need in Santa Rosa, CA by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery at 707-545-4625 to schedule your visit today.