Cracked Tooth: Do I Need An Extraction?

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The only thing worse than ending up with a cracked tooth is feeling completely uncertain about available treatments. Will a tooth with a crack in it require a dental extraction, you wonder? Is it a fixable problem? Are all fractures, cracks, and fissures alike? We understand your concern and know that experiencing dental damage can feel quite overwhelming. As a result, we would like to help take the stress (and mystery) out of the situation, so you can seek help and restore your smile as soon as possible.

Different Cracks Require Different Care

When you crack a tooth, the severity of the crack, the length, and more will affect the type of treatment you require. If your primary concern is whether you will need a dental extraction, the answer is that this is usually only the case with deep or serious cracks. For cracks that do not extend below the gumline, you will generally be able to receive a dental crown (and possibly a root canal treatment if required). As for very tiny cracks that only affect your enamel, these are esthetic in nature (called craze lines) and are not dangerous; you may treat them with cosmetic care or ignore them.

Cracked Tooth? Come See Us Immediately!

As you’ve noticed, you are not going to be able to diagnose your tooth crack on your own and, of course, ignoring one can lead to some serious oral health problems. As a result, we simply suggest you come in to see us immediately if a crack occurs. We can determine whether you require a dental extraction or otherwise and then quickly help you restore your oral health.

See Us ASAP For Help With A Cracked Tooth

Protect your immediate and long-term oral health by speaking with us right away about receiving treatment for a cracked tooth. Schedule the time you need in Santa Rosa, CA by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery at 707-545-4625 to schedule your visit today.

From Cavity To Implant: How Did It Happen?

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One moment you have a cavity in your smile and your general dentist suggests that you receive a dental filling. The next, you find yourself in our chair in need of a dental extraction to be followed by a dental implant. What on earth happened, you may wonder? As far as you thought, you had all the time in the world to address your tooth decay. Is there some detail you’re missing? To help you become more familiar with why treating decay immediately is so significant, we offer solid information for the future.

About Tooth Decay

When you find out that you have a cavity, it’s extremely important to keep one word in mind: Progressive. Why so? Well, tooth decay is a progressive disease, which means it continues to advance and advance until you make a decision to put a stop to it. As a result, you aren’t going to have a small hole that remains the same size, shape, depth, and severity. You’ll have tissue that’s essentially rotting away until you receive treatment.

About Restorative Treatments

Before you end up finding yourself in need of a dental extraction and dental implant, there are restorative treatments that will help in rescuing your tooth. For mild to moderate cavities, you can receive a dental filling. For more advanced tooth decay, you may be able to receive a crown. However, when the disease progresses beyond the help you can receive from restorative care, it will be time to remove the tooth to save your overall oral health.

When You Need Replacement

The good news is that while you may have avoided losing your tooth, you still have the option of replacing it completely with a dental implant! In addition, with your new knowledge, you may also avoid this problem from happening in the future. Remember, preventing tooth loss is often as simple as keeping up with your restorative care as suggested to you.

Keep Teeth Healthy And Safe With Our Help

Learn more about how to best replace missing teeth and how to avoid additional tooth loss in the future when you visit our practice. Schedule the time you need in Santa Rosa, CA by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery at 707-545-4625 to schedule your visit today.

Attention: It’s National Facial Protection Month!

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When April rolls around, you might not immediately remember that it’s National Facial Protection Month. After all, there’s a lot else going on during this fourth month of the year, what with dying eggs, getting ready to indulge in chocolate bunnies, and more. Fortunately, we are here to remind you that it’s in your best interest to pay some attention to this cause. As a result, you can pick up some important details that will enable you to better avoid everything from minor issues to traumatic facial injuries (that are generally easy to prevent).

Why You Should Protect Yourself

When you’re not dealing with facial injuries, it’s easy to wonder why there would be an entire month dedicated to the prevention of them. Is this really something one needs to be concerned with? As a matter of fact, it’s an issue that generally affects hundreds of thousands of individuals every year! Consider the following:

  • Injuries can range from a broken tooth to a broken jawbone (and worse)
  • Repairing preventable damage to facial structures can be time-consuming and extremely expensive

How You Can Offer Protection

Protection against facial injuries is generally very easy. If you’re going to be playing a sport, wear an athletic mouthguard. If you’re going to be participating in an activity during which you can easily fall or experience head trauma, wear a helmet. Done!

What To Do When You Need Us

If you have questions for us about facial protection, please let us know! We will be happy to provide you with answers regarding the best ways to keep your smile safe under any circumstance. As for problems that have already occurred, contact us as soon as possible. We offer a comprehensive selection of oral surgery treatments to assist you in repairing and rejuvenating your oral health, so you get your smile back.

Protect Your Face From Injury With Easy Steps

Keep your facial structures safe and sound by following simple tips. Schedule the time you need in Santa Rosa, CA by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery at 707-545-4625 to schedule your visit today.

Answering Common Questions About Wisdom Teeth

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By the time you’re an adult, you will have met at least one person (if not many) who have mentioned their wisdom teeth removal experience. What you may not be so sure about, however, is why you haven’t had one of these experiences yourself (or if it’s okay that you’re procrastinating). When you’re uncertain about your oral health, we always encourage you to let us know you have questions. For this particular topic, we offer some introductory assistance by answering common questions.

Questions and Answers

Question: Why don’t I have any wisdom teeth? Is this a bad thing?

Answer: We’re not entirely sure about why some people simply never develop wisdom teeth. What we do know is that you’re fortunate! You don’t need these molars and for many people, their presence simply requires oral surgery for removal.

Question: My wisdom teeth are all grown in and haven’t been causing me any problems. Should I still have them removed with wisdom teeth removal surgery?

Answer: The only reason to have them removed is if they are presenting a problem for you or if you think they will in the future. For instance, if you find them difficult to access and thoroughly clean, decay and other issues may result, which is good cause for elective removal.

Question: My wisdom tooth is causing me some problems but the thought of scheduling oral surgery just seems too time-consuming. Is it really going to be a big deal if I put it off for a while longer?

Answer: It may be. Remember that problems with these teeth can result in difficult dental hygiene, decay, cyst formation, pain, teeth forced into misalignment, and more. Choosing wisdom teeth removal surgery ASAP is the best decision.

Avoid Complications By Scheduling Wisdom Tooth Removal

Come in for a consultation with us if you are concerned about your wisdom teeth, so we can offer helpful advice and necessary treatment. Schedule the time you need in Rohnert Park, CA by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery at 707-584-1630 to schedule your visit today.

FAQs: Pregnancy And Dental Implants

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When you received dental implants, you may have had a lot of questions about what to expect from the life of the implants, how to care from them, and what you needed to do to promote their success. However, one of the factors you may not have considered (or learned about in detail) may have been what you expect from implants while you’re pregnant. If the time has come, then we offer both our congratulations and answers to frequently asked questions. Rest assured, we are happy to help and you can most certainly keep those implants safe and sound.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Is there anything special I need to do to care for my dental implants while I’m pregnant?

Answer: It’s not so much about doing something special. It’s more about making sure you’re keeping your smile as clean as you can. If you ever lean toward lax dental habits, now is the time to ensure you’re brushing twice daily, flossing once daily, and that you never skip a session. As a result, you remove as much plaque as you can every day.

Question: I’ve heard that pregnancy can increase one’s chances of developing periodontal problems. Does this pose any type of threat to my dental implants that are already in place?

Answer: It does. Inflammation of your gums may lead to peri-implantitis, which can damage the bone, gums, and other tissues supporting and surrounding your implants. Fortunately, keeping your gums healthy with home (and professional) care will prevent this from occurring.

Question: Is there anything I can do to ensure the possible complications don’t lead to problems with my dental implants?

Answer: Yes. Follow any and all suggestions provided to you by our team and your general dentist. In general, this will include brushing, flossing, scheduling dental visits for cleanings and checkups, and avoiding risk factors like smoking.

Protect Your Pregnancy Smile With Dental Care

Visit us and your general dentist throughout your pregnancy to protect your oral health and dental implants along the way. 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.

Q&A: In Honor Of Oral Cancer Awareness Month

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There are those things that are easy to consider and think about on a daily basis. Then, there are those oral health issues that are often easy to overlook and forget about until they begin causing a problem. When it comes to issues like oral cancer, which are often silent as they begin developing, it’s easy to forget to remain mindful and proactive about keeping your mouth in excellent condition with preventive care. In honor of Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we encourage you to consider answers to common questions that will help you get on solid footing regarding this avoidable disease.

Questions and Answers

Question: Is oral cancer really something that I need to be worrying about? I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who has dealt with the issue.

Answer: We don’t suggest that you expend extra energy feeling stressed or overly concerned about this issue. However, we do encourage you to remain proactive. While you may not know anyone who has ever dealt with it, the disease is diagnosed in nearly 50,000 new patients every year and claims the lives of nearly 10,000 of those diagnosed. Prevention is extremely important.

Question: How do I know if I am developing oral cancer? Will I see obvious symptoms?

Answer: As mentioned, this disease is often silent for quite a while as it begins developing. While symptoms may eventually develop, you will have more success with detection and early treatment by keeping up with checkups (twice a year) with your general dentist.

Question: Should I come see you if I notice a change in the lining of my mouth or if any other abnormal things occur?

Answer: Of course. If you notice any type of change, whether it’s a well-known oral cancer symptom or anything else, we urge you to schedule an oral pathology visit, so we can examine your smile.

Prevent Serious Problems With Your Smile

Come see us if you notice any type of change with your oral health, so we can immediately guide you toward any necessary treatments. Schedule the time you need in Santa Rosa, CA by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery at 707-545-4625 to schedule your visit today.

Green Tea And Implants Quiz: Okay Or Not Okay?

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If you’re someone who is wearing dental implants, you probably know quite a lot about what it takes to keep your smile safe and healthy. However, it’s not unusual to discover a lingering question here and there. For instance, you may wonder if your green tea habit (or perhaps you refer to it as an obsession!) is going to negatively impact the life of your implants. The good news is that it’s entirely possible to enjoy this beverage without compromising your tooth replacements. However, it’s not always good for your smile. Learn more with a quick quiz, so you can rest easy.

Quiz Questions: True or False?

  1. True or False: On one hand, green tea is often considered “bad” because it is so acidic. This means it can cause acid erosion.
  2. True or False: Green tea can help protect you from gum inflammation, an issue that can end up making it more challenging to enjoy successful dental implants.
  3. True or False: Drinking tea consistently can end up causing your restorations to discolor over time.

Quiz Answers

  1. True. The acidity of green tea can lead to the erosion of your natural teeth over time. However, you don’t need to worry about it causing dental implants to fail. To be safe, follow tea with water, so it doesn’t continue to coat your teeth.
  2. True. You may have heard that green tea is loaded with polyphenols, which are naturally occurring compounds that can help protect your body against inflammation (even in your gums). This means that it may help prevent inflammation that may promote implant failure.
  3. True. If you want your entire smile to remain white (including your crowns), remember that green tea can leave a shadow. Rinse after tea and remember to brush and receive dental cleanings to keep your smile shining.

Get The Answers You Want To Protect Dental Implants

If you have questions, it is always best to bring them up during your visits with us. The more educated you feel, the easier it is to keep your dental implants safe and sound. Schedule the time you need in Rohnert Park, CA by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery at 707-584-1630 to schedule your visit today.

Bone Grafting: Questions About Aftercare

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The benefits of bone grafting are many! This is a particularly necessary treatment if you are someone planning to receive dental implants (but your jawbone isn’t ready). While the advantages are likely enough to motivate you to schedule the procedure, you may find that you’d feel even better about things if you had some details about aftercare. We’re happy to give you a quick glimpse into what you can expect!

Now What?

Don’t worry! After your bone grafting procedure is complete, we will send you home with a thorough set of aftercare instructions. They will include information about how to manage any discomfort or swelling, how to keep your mouth clean, what to eat to promote proper healing, and when you may return to your usually scheduled activities.

What’s Normal?

When you’re through with your bone grafting procedure and you return home, you like to know what’s normal and what types of things should cause alarm. Consider a quick rundown of the “normal” stuff:

  • You’ll rest for about 48 hours
  • You’ll deal with some swelling, which should start to go down after about the third day
  • You may experience some discomfort, which you can easily manage with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen
  • Significant bleeding should let up after around four hours; minor bleeding should occur for about a full day

When Should I Call?

If you feel like something is wrong, such as blood loss that continues to remain heavy or severe discomfort, you should contact us right away at our 24-hour answering service. Call (707) 545-4625. Rest easy, will respond to you soon.

Learn About Bone Grafting During A Visit

Talk with us during your visit to learn more about what to expect after bone grafting, so you feel prepared to improve your 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.

Extractions: Why Can’t You Save My Tooth?

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When you’re not just given the green light but given a big push to visit us, your oral surgeon team, to remove your tooth, you might show up with a long list of questions. Of course, we are very accustomed to answering them, so we always encourage you to bring them up! When it comes to oral surgery, we know that you want to feel secure and relaxed about your choice. As for why your tooth cannot be saved and requires a dental extraction, let’s get started with some common reasons.

Severe Tooth Infection Is Irreversible

You’re fully aware that the reason you need a dental extraction is because your tooth is seriously infected. However, you still wonder if there isn’t some way to clear up the infection like other infections that happen in your body. The answer to this particular uncertainty will explain why we must remove the tooth:

  • We cannot save a tooth because this type of infection is different. The tissue in your tooth (dental pulp) is infected and inflamed. Antibiotics cannot adequately reach the tissue and clear the problem.
  • The tissue will not heal. While a root canal treatment is often an option (to remove the pulp and restore the tooth), we will suggest an extraction when such care can no longer address the infection due to its severity.

Severe Damage Leaves No Other Option

When there isn’t enough tooth tissue for your dentist to work with, there’s simply no foundation on which to rebuild the tooth. “But can’t you just put a dental crown there?” you might ask. Unfortunately, a crown requires a sufficient amount of healthy tissue for support. If it’s not there, the only option left is to perform a dental extraction and then replace the tooth.

Sometimes, There’s No Need

There’s no reason to save a wisdom tooth if it’s causing your oral health problems. These teeth are unnecessary for your smile.

Protect Your Oral Health With An Extraction

Find out all you need to know about your required dental extraction, so you can protect your oral health with confidence. Schedule the time you need with us in Santa Rosa, CA by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery at 707-545-4625 to schedule your visit today.

Sinus Lifts: 3 Things To Know

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Not sure what to make of the diagnosis you have received as you look into choosing dental implants for yourself? If you were told you need a sinus lift because of upper jaw damage … but you don’t really know what that means … it can be easy to become hesitant. Don’t fret. We will spell out a few things you need to know, so you see it’s but a simple requirement that will help you reach your goals.

#1: Your Sinus Floor May Need A Hoist

When you experience tooth loss in your upper arch, something similar happens to your jawbone that occurs when you lose teeth in your lower arch: The tissue begins to become resorbed. Translation: Your jaw tissue goes away, thereby leaving you with less of it. What’s unique to your upper jaw is the fact that the floor of your maxillary sinus rests on it. So, if you need bone grafting to improve the volume of your jaw, you may need a sinus lift to make room for it.

#2: You May Need One For Dental Implant Candidacy

Keep in mind that if you want dental implants then you need a full, strong jawbone. If your jaw tissue has deteriorated, it will be time for the aforementioned bone grafting. When the implants are going into your upper arch, a sinus lift (as you’ve likely gathered) is often necessary, too.

#3: It’s Pretty Convenient

Don’t worry. You don’t need to feel like the amount of visits and time you’ll need for your preparatory treatments has just doubled. We will perform the sinus lift and the grafting during the same visit, so it’s not going to add any inconvenience to your journey toward receiving dental implants.

Come In For Your Sinus Lift Today!

When you’re not ready for dental implants just yet, we encourage you to get the ball rolling on your sinus lift and bone grafting ASAP, so you can complete your smile. Schedule the time you need in Rohnert Park, CA by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery at 707-584-1630 to schedule your visit today.