Set Your Schedule: Spring Today, Summer Tomorrow

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The moment spring shows its lovely face, you smile for a moment and then a sudden realization hits you: Summer is not quite as far off as it seems. Sure, there are wedding invitations and barbecue invites in your inbox that have been piling up. However, with not much more than a couple blinks of your eyes, kids will be out of school and you’ll wonder where the time went. If you have teens who need oral surgery, we strongly suggest giving us a call to get your summer scheduled out nice and early.

Schedule Summer Appointments Today

Why schedule your summer appointments now? Well, if you know the type of oral surgery treatment your child needs, the sooner you call us to schedule, the greater the availability. If you schedule today for a June or July procedure, rather than calling us up in the same month you need care, you have a lot more flexibility. This may be to your benefit if you’re working around travel plans, your own work schedule, and more.

What’s Good For Summer?

Oral surgery requires some recovery, so not only do you avoid taking your kids out of class for the day but you avoid worrying about how quickly they can recover. Not sure if your kid needs anything? Consider the following common procedures:

  • Extraction For Orthodontic Care: If your child is under orthodontic care and requires one or multiple extractions, summer is a good time to get them done.
  • Wisdom Teeth Removal: For older teens and young adults, wisdom teeth begin coming in (and often require removal).

Set Up Summer Visits In Spring

Get a head start on planning out summer visits for your kids by getting appointments on the books in spring. 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 Tooth Loss Isn’t The End Of The World

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We know that when you lose a tooth, it can feel like your entire world has come to a screeching halt. You are shocked that you’re missing a tooth, you feel unhappy about the appearance of your smile, and you worry for the future of your oral health (in addition to a lot of other things). While we can empathize, we would like to clear something up: This is certainly not the end of the world! We offer dental implants, so you can pick yourself up, dust yourself off, replace that missing tooth, and feel wonderful about your smile again.

We Offer Implants

About those dental implants: If you are not familiar with them, a simple breakdown will help. An implant is a part of a prosthetic solution that replaces the entirety of your tooth. The implant portion is a titanium post. Once inserted surgically into your jaw tissue, the post will bond with the tissue and act as your replacement roots. We will use a lifelike restoration (a crown for single implants) to complete the replacement, so you have a full “tooth” again.

You Won’t Need To Worry About Your Smile

Once you receive dental implants, you won’t need to worry about your tooth. There will be no accessories necessary to keep the implant in place or anything very special you will need to do to protect it (aside from the usual dental hygiene already suggested for your smile). Stability won’t be an issue, your replacement tooth will look natural, and you will be able to return to your usual diet. You’ll simply have your smile back.

We Offer Payment Options

Another reason this isn’t the end of the world? We offer flexible options for payments. Whether you wish to use dental insurance, pay out of pocket, or rely on CareCredit, making dental implants part of your smile does not need to be stressful.

Dental Implants Can Save The Day

When you’re experiencing tooth loss, speaking with us about how dental implants can make your smile complete and beautiful again is a wonderful first step. Schedule the time you need in Santa Rosa, CA by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery at 707-545-4625 to schedule your visit today.

General Extractions: Let Our Patients Talk To You!

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When the day arrives in your life that includes a need for a general extraction, you may experience any of a mix of emotions. You might feel relieved, happy, worried, scared, excited, uncertain, and more! The main thing we want you to keep in mind is that scheduling the removal of your tooth is the best thing for you because taking out a damaged or problematic tooth will keep your mouth healthy in the long run. While the technical details are something you can comprehend, it doesn’t necessarily mean you feel A-OK about your upcoming visit. For some added comfort, take our patients’ stories to heart with video testimonials.

Who Has Teeth Removed?

From our testimonials on general extractions, you will notice that it’s not a particular age group or gender that has a need for tooth removal. It’s everyone! From a three-year-old who ends up with an unexpected abscess in his tooth to both men and women who are certainly not fans of dental care, it’s something that can happen to anyone. The good news is that when you come in for your visit with us, you can expect the most relaxing experience that will set you right back on the path toward good oral health.

Check Out Our Testimonials

About that three-year-old and those men and women who require dental extractions just like you: Take a moment to listen to their stories through quick, informative video interviews. They discuss their experiences, their level of hesitation, and how wonderfully their oral surgery turned out. It’s often helpful to see that you’re most definitely not the only patient who needs a tooth removed or who feels a little unsure about the process. For any remaining questions, please feel free to contact us!

A Required Extraction Will Save Your Smile

General extractions can offer exceptional improvement to your oral health, which is why we encourage you to become confident in this treatment. To learn more and have your questions answered, schedule the time you need in Rohnert Park, CA by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery at 707-584-1630 to schedule your visit today.

Osseointegration Review: Q&A Edition

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As you become familiar with the introductory details of dental implants, you learn that they can bond with your jaw tissue in a way that seems magical. After all, you know that your body typically rejects foreign objects, so you might start wondering what makes implants so unique. Fortunately, a process called osseointegration is what makes this beneficial option for replacing missing teeth possible. We’d like to review some details patients frequently ask us about, so you feel educated on the topic.

Questions and Answers

Question: Why is the process called osseointegration?

Answer: This is a term that covers what happens when your jawbone and the dental implant fuse. “Osseo-” refers to bone tissue. “Integration” refers to the joining of multiple parts into one. So, you have your bone and the implant bonding into a single unit.

Question: Why doesn’t my body reject the dental implants? How is it even possible for osseointegration to occur?

Answer: Your body does not reject the implants as foreign objects because they are made of titanium, which is a biocompatible material. This means that they won’t harm organic tissues (like your gums and your jaw). Instead, your body accepts them.

Question: Does this always work?

Answer: While it is always possible for any type of treatment to fail or to yield complications, it is very, very unlikely that your dental implant treatment will be unsuccessful. Implants retain a success rate of about 98 percent. That means that in most cases, your jawbone tissue will fuse with your implant for long-term wear.

Complete Your Smile With Implants

Coming in for a visit will shed light on how dental implants work and whether they may work for your missing teeth. Schedule the time you need in Santa Rosa, CA by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery at 707-545-4625 to schedule your visit today.

Discolored Dental Implants?

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To be clear, you’re not going to end up with stained dental implants. What you will end up with if you’re not careful, however, is discolored restorations that sit on top of your implants. We know that the last thing you want to worry about once you’ve gotten your smile complete and lovely looking is the chance of yellowing or a darkening of your otherwise beautiful tooth replacements. The fantastic news is that we can help you very easily avoid the types of problems that leave your smile vulnerable to staining (natural remaining teeth included).

Remember, They’re Not Immune To Stains

One of the benefits you probably learned about when you were introduced to dental implants is the fact that our restorations are crafted from lifelike, stain-resistant materials. Their color is customized and, though they may seem fragile, they’re actually quite resilient. The same is true of your natural teeth! In both cases, while immediate staining is not a concern, long-term discoloration is absolutely a possibility. Keep this in mind, so you don’t end up disappointed down the road.

What To Consider

Remember that there are multiple culprits that lead to the possibility of your dental implants’ restorations becoming stained (as well as your natural teeth). Let’s review these potential dangers, so you remember to limit or steer clear of them:

  • Smoking cigarettes will leave residue on your smile that leads to staining
  • Deeply pigmented beverages and foods coat your teeth and may lead to staining
  • Poor dental hygiene and neglect of professional cleanings may also contribute to staining

Protect Your Implants From Staining

Keeping up with the tips and essential habits we suggest can keep your dental implant restorations looking lovely. To learn more, schedule the time you need in Santa Rosa, CA by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery at 707-545-4625 to schedule your visit today.

Dry Mouth Quiz

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You may not spend much time worrying about dry mouth until it happens to you. If you’re a dental implant wearer, this issue can make you feel extremely concerned. Of course, you know that dry oral tissues promote the proliferation of bacteria, which can lead to inflamed gums and other problems. As a result, you worry that inflammation will destroy the incredible amount of effort you put into keeping implants safe. Fortunately, getting your mouth back to optimal condition is easy, though you may require a dental visit for assistance. Find out more regarding good (and bad) choices with our quiz.

Quiz Questions: True or False?

  1. True or False: If you’re experiencing dry mouth, it’s a good idea to consume caffeinated drinks like coffee to help lubricate your oral tissues.
  2. True or False: When you’re already dealing with this problem, there’s no reason to worry about a cigarette habit. Smoking won’t make things better or worse.
  3. True or False: It seems like drinking water is a good idea but it’s not going to do much of anything to solve your problem with your mouth or protect your dental implants.

Quiz Answers

  1. False. Unfortunately, caffeinated drinks may cause your mouth to become drier. While your daily cup of coffee may not be responsible for your dry mouth, it might not be doing much to help.
  2. False. There’s always a reason to worry about cigarettes! Smoking is not good for your oral health, can make the chance of dental implant failure greater, and will certainly make dry mouth worse.
  3. False. Drinking water is a wonderful decision. It helps keep your mouth moist, hydrate your tissues, hydrate your body, and rinse away bacteria that your insufficient saliva flow has been missing.

Protect Dental Implants With Prevention

Dry mouth got you down and you’re worried that it may negatively affect your dental implants? Set up the time you need in Rohnert Park, CA by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery at 707-584-1630 to schedule your visit today.

All About Dental Implants At Work

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Perhaps if you are about to embark on the journey of receiving dental implants, you may wonder about how it’s all going to work out. Will it be traumatic in any way to have a smile with implants when it comes to your daily work life? If you know all about the benefits of this solution for your smile, you can guess that things will probably be fine. However, the details are likely what you’re after, so you can feel completely optimistic about your daily quality of life. Let’s delve a little deeper into what life will be like, so moving forward is a cinch.

Benefits You Can Expect

When you decide on dental implants, there are some benefits you can expect in the workplace that you may not have realized. Consider the following:

  • Socializing will feel so much easier either because you’re not worried about a slipping denture or because your missing teeth are replaced and look completely natural
  • Your confidence will be restored in your ability to speak and in your appearance, which makes daily talking, presenting, and going out for promotions more comfortable
  • Eating in the office or heading out with co-workers for lunch? No problem, you can simply eat and enjoy yourself without worrying about a thing

Care On The Go

Protecting your dental implants just means brushing, flossing, and scheduling your checkups and cleanings. If you’re interested in cleaning your smile at work, you’ll need the usual toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss.

Anything To Worry About?

Fortunately, when you choose dental implants for your missing teeth replacement, you don’t really have anything to worry about. There’s no more slippage, there’s no need for any type of special adhesives, and you’ll get the stability you expect from your teeth. Generally speaking, you can go about your life without worrying about your smile (as long as you are caring for it, of course!).

Get Dental Implant Answers In Santa Rosa

When you’re looking for answers about dental implants and your daily life, you need look no further than a dental visit. Set up the time you need in Santa Rosa, CA by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery at 707-545-4625 to schedule your visit today.

Is It A Canker Sore?

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When it comes to oral pathology, which is the area of care dealing with sores, bumps, and anything that may hint at a disease happening within your mouth, it’s often difficult for patients to figure out what’s going on at home. As a result, we find that you may not know when to schedule a visit with us and when to just “wait and see.” We understand your dilemma and know that a common cause for confusion is the canker sore. Not sure what to make of this issue or whether you should come in for an appointment? Let us clear up a couple facts.

They Usually Go Away Without Treatment

It can be difficult to believe that you don’t need to schedule an oral pathology visit when you experience a canker sore because they certainly look unattractive and feel much worse than they appear! While they can lead to some discomfort, they’re generally not a reason to worry or to schedule a visit. Here’s how to manage your experience:

  • Keep the area clean (rinsing is your best option)
  • Leave the sore alone
  • Keep track of how long it’s been present

When You Need To Come In

Now, let’s say you’ve done all that we suggested and the sore is still around after about seven days. It’s not even showing any signs of shrinking or feeling less uncomfortable. In this case, an oral pathology visit is certainly a good idea. In addition, if your sore is causing you some significant pain, if it is larger than you’ve ever experienced, or if you think it has become irritated, schedule a visit with us! It is, after all, better to be safe than sorry when dealing with your oral health.

Ready for a visit? Schedule care in Santa Rosa, CA by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery today at 707-545-4625!

A Quick Test Of Terms

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When you visit the practice of oral and maxillofacial surgeons, you may notice that you quickly feel somewhat inundated with new terminology. Sure, you’ve learned a thing or two from your general dentist, but this is a whole new world! The good news is that while some of the words and phrases you hear may sound complicated, they’re easy to quickly understand and add to your mental files. Let’s start you off with some essentials, so you’re ready to receive the dental care you need.

Test Questions: True or False?

  1. True or False: When talking about any bumps, lumps, changes, or other issues that point to a possible disease of your oral tissues, we refer to this as “oral pathology.”
  2. True or False: If we mention dental implantology during your dental care visit, we are simply referring to the area of care, which includes the placement of dental implants to replace missing teeth.
  3. True or False: While orthognathic surgery may sound quite foreign, it’s simply the term within the field of dentistry and oral surgery that refers to the relationship between your jaws.

Test Answers

  1. True. This area of dental care focuses on illnesses that affect your mouth and surrounding areas. Fortunately, most symptoms are not a big deal. However, we suggest you schedule a visit with us if a lesion or other change shows up just to be safe.
  2. True. The goal is to reconstruct your smile by replacing the entirety of your missing tooth or teeth.
  3. True. Orthognathic surgery refers to “jaw surgery,” so we can ensure your jaws align beautifully for a smile that works well (which then lends itself to a smile that looks more esthetically pleasing).

ABOUT YOUR ROHNERT PARK, CA, ORAL SURGEONS:

Combining experience in oral and maxillofacial surgery with a genuine care for their patients’ health and comfort, the team at Santa Rosa Oral Surgery is ready to improve the health and beauty of smiles in the Sonoma County and North Bay area. To schedule a consultation, contact our office by calling 707-545-4625 (Santa Rosa).

Digital X-Rays: Your Quiz

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You might be aware that part of your experience at our practice is going to include the use of digital X-rays for a full understanding of your oral health. While our ability to gain an extensive visual understanding of your smile probably seems quite amazing, it doesn’t mean that you don’t still have questions about this type of technology. Let us dispel some myths and fill you in on important details with the help of a quick quiz! Of course, if you find that you still want to learn a bit more regarding our advanced imaging, remember that we will always be happy to answer questions.

Quiz Questions: True or False?

  1. True or False: Digital X-rays are actually safer for the environment than conventional ones.
  2. True or False: When we take X-rays of your smile with a digital approach, you’re exposed to a reduced amount of radiation.
  3. True or False: Relying on digital technology saves time, which means a faster, more comfortable appointment experience.

Quiz Answers

  1. True: Digital X-rays are created without the use of film or processing chemicals. It’s all virtual! We collect images that we then upload into our computer. It doesn’t create waste, it’s very quick, and we can transfer the images electronically to your general dentist if necessary.
  2. True. The reduction isn’t just a small fraction. You’re actually going to be exposed to less than 50 percent when compared with a conventional approach to imaging.
  3. True. The time it takes to take the X-rays, look them over, and then discuss them with you is greatly reduced when compared with processing conventional film.

ABOUT YOUR SANTA ROSA, CA, ORAL SURGEONS:

Combining experience in oral and maxillofacial surgery with a genuine care for their patients’ health and comfort, the team at Santa Rosa Oral Surgery is ready to improve the health and beauty of smiles in the Sonoma County and North Bay area. To schedule a consultation, contact our office by calling 707-545-4625 (Santa Rosa).