Q&A: Oral Surgery And Your Child

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Are you surprised to find that your general dentist has suggested you bring your child to our practice for oral surgery? Whether your son or daughter is 12 or 22, you may think that the types of treatments we offer are typically reserved for more mature smiles. As a matter of fact, we often see younger patients! In most cases, the treatments we offer provide a pathway toward a smile that can remain healthy for many years to come. In addition, our efforts often help guide (or protect) smiles in regard to alignment. Learn a little bit more about what you can expect.

Questions and Answers

Question: My child’s canine is impacted and my dentist suggested I come see you. Is this really necessary? Won’t the teeth just eventually come in on their own?

Answer: In some cases, it is absolutely essential. We can provide you with a closer look at what’s going on with the use of advanced imaging, such as X-rays. If efforts are not made to help an impacted canine tooth, this can lead to serious problems with oral health and alignment.

Question: I was told I should bring my teenager in to you because his wisdom teeth seem like they might be a problem. Can’t oral surgery for this wait a while?

Answer: You can wait, of course, but we do not suggest it. You see, wisdom teeth have a reputation for causing some serious problems! Don’t let these easily extracted molars damage your child’s smile. The sooner you act, the better. The longer they remain in place, the more challenging removal becomes and the more damage they may cause!

Question: What should I do if I know that my child requires oral surgery but I’m not sure where to begin, I’m worried about affordability, but I want to make sure her mouth remains healthy?

Answer: Don’t spend even a moment of time worrying about any of the details. The best thing to do is to schedule a visit, come talk with us, and learn everything you need to know. You can then go home, think it over, and make choices that work for you.

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).

Smoking And Dental Implants: Your Questions

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You may assume based on what you’ve heard that it’s impossible to be a smoker and to receive dental implants. While we would love to know each one of our patients chooses to avoid tobacco because it is detrimental to your oral health in more ways than one, the fact is that smoking is not necessarily going to disqualify you from receiving implants. It’s true that it’s not a good idea and can lead to challenges. However, there are certainly many factors we can discuss. For a leg up on the details, let’s get started with some questions and answers.

Questions and Answers

Question: So, does this mean that in some cases, individuals who smoke can still receive dental implants?

Answer: Yes! You got that right. If you smoke, you may still prove to be a good candidate for implants. Keep in mind that qualifying is on a case by case basis. If you are interested, please come speak with us!

Question: So, why is it often necessary to avoid smoking cigarettes before implant placement and then after surgery? Is this real or is it a myth?

Answer: When you smoke, it can negatively impact your ability to heal. As a result, it is generally recommended that you avoid smoking for some time before an oral surgery procedure and then throughout the recovery process.

Question: Will my dental implants definitely fail eventually as a result of smoking?

Answer: Smoking while you wear implants does not suggest that your implants will definitely fail. In fact, it only lowers the chance of success by a small amount. However, every bit counts when it comes to protecting your oral health. Remember, we are happy to discuss the details with you during your consultation.

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).

How Am I Going To Pay For Dental Implants?

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When you know that you want dental implants but you’re not sure if they’re in the budget for you, your first thought is probably: How am I going to pay for them? You may discover that you can, in fact, work them in. Or, you may be looking for other methods of affording this solution to replace your missing teeth. While specific figures associated with your unique treatment can only be determined through a visit with you, we can give you a very clear picture right now regarding your payment options!

You May Pay Out Of Pocket

If you are ready for dental implants now and have fit them into your budget, you may pay out of pocket. We are happy to accept the following:

  • Cash
  • Most major credit cards
  • Check

You May Select A Financing Option

You might not feel too excited about the idea of paying out of pocket for your dental implants, which is perfectly fine! We offer a third-party financing option called Care Credit. Patients are generally pleased to learn that it includes very low (or zero) interest throughout a promotional period, you can expect low monthly payments, and the period of repayment is often quite long.

You May Rely On Your Insurance Benefits

Unfortunately, dental insurance plans are not known for providing coverage for dental implants. However, that does not mean your plan does not include some applicable benefits. If you have insurance, it’s to your advantage to find out if implants (or any associated visits or treatments, such as restoring the implants) is covered. By speaking with your insurance company, you can get specific answers.

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).

2 Ways Fixing Your Smile Is Romantic

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In honor of tomorrow’s Valentine’s Day, we would like to offer a light-hearted approach at illuminating a very serious issue: The fact that fixing your smile with oral surgery brings with it a long list of benefits you may be overlooking. To help you gain a new perspective (and, of course, to extend our happiest wishes for you on this love-filled holiday), we offer up a couple ways fixing your oral health problems by visiting our practice is actually quite romantic.

#1: You’ll Feel More Attractive

Whether you’ve been married for 50 years or if you’re seeking out your special someone, feeling good about your oral health is a very significant factor in your self-esteem. Beyond the esthetic aspect of your smile includes its function, its comfort, and your level of worry regarding how it’s doing. When you have a full smile that works well, you are confident about your ability to speak and chew, and you feel good, it shows. Need help attaining this healthy grin? Talk with us about the oral surgery necessary for your personal needs.

#2: It Makes Everything Easier

There’s nothing romantic about wanting to run off on a road trip with your sweetie only to end up stressing as you pack because you’re missing a tooth or two (and you’re worried about how difficult it is going to be to eat and care for your smile while you’re supposed to be on a relaxing vacation). Or, imagine your wisdom teeth have been causing you a lot of discomfort, so you have to load up on pain relievers instead of enjoying yourself. Make sure every romantic moment that comes along is not interrupted by your smile by making use of the oral surgery that will restore your smile to its complete, healthy state.

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).

Our Suggestion For National Children’s Dental Health Month

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February, which is National Children’s Dental Health Month, is well underway. If we have one suggestion to offer for your children as oral and maxillofacial surgeons, it’s to take their potential need for wisdom teeth removal seriously. Yes, it seems like just yesterday that their baby teeth were falling out and here you are faced with a possible surgical procedure for their third molars! The time flies, which is why coming in sooner than later for a consultation and to create any necessary care plan is essential. Still not sure you’re ready? Heed some additional advice.

Earlier Removal Is Easier Removal

The longer a third molar is in place, the longer its roots, and the more embedded it essentially becomes in your child’s jawbone! The sooner you bring your child in for wisdom teeth removal, the better (if not only because removing the tooth is easier).

Removing Third Molars Is Good Prevention

You might not think about wisdom teeth removal as offering any type of preventive protection but, in fact, it can help your child avoid a whole host of problems. Consider the following reasons taking care of third molars is a good idea:

  • Wisdom teeth that need to come out can become impacted, leading to cysts and infection
  • Teeth that grow on an angle that’s not ideal can damage nearby teeth
  • Teeth that grow in (but should be removed) can become decayed if they are too difficult to reach and clean

Don’t Let Orthodontic Care Go To Waste

Has your child already worn orthodontic treatment and has a lovely, aligned smile? The arrival of third molars can alter that alignment as they grow in! Choose wisdom teeth removal to protect any work that has already been completed.

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).

Why A Broken Tooth Isn’t Stress-Worthy

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To you, a broken tooth might feel like the end of the world. To us, it’s a problem that has a clear solution. The good news is that you don’t need to get to the point where you feel extremely stressed about your damaged tooth. What you do need to do? Come in to see us, discover whether you require a dental extraction, and then realize we’ve got your entire pathway back toward a complete smile all figured out. Learn more, so you can prepare for the best.

Your Dental Extraction Is A Piece Of Cake

Remember that we are oral and maxillofacial surgeons. This means that removing your tooth with a dental extraction is something we have done many times. In general, with just a single visit, we can create a streamlined strategy to swiftly remove the damaged tooth. This is the first step in restoring your oral health, which has been compromised as the result of a severely damaged tooth that can no longer provide its necessary function in your smile. (Of course, if your tooth is salvageable, we may suggest a dental crown).

You’ll Receive A Comprehensive Post-Extraction Care Plan

Assuming the trauma to your broken tooth was severe enough to warrant a dental extraction, you may feel a bit shaken up regarding what will happen next. If you’ve been worried that you’ll be left with a hole in your smile, let that thought go! The next step in your treatment is a post-extraction care plan that includes how we will replace the tooth. Fortunately, we can often remove the tooth and place an implant in just one appointment. Call us if you need help!

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).

5 Things You Shouldn’t Assume About Implants

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Before you begin making assumptions about dental implants, we encourage you to remember that there’s a lot of misinformation out there (whether it’s from friends, family, or the internet). In addition, there’s a lot of stuff happening in that lovely mind of yours that can cause you to make guesses about implants (that just aren’t true), which can then destroy your chances of enjoying a complete, beautiful smile again! Consider some things you should never assume if you’re thinking about replacing your teeth!

#1: That They’re Not For You

Don’t make the sweeping assumption that dental implants are not for you. They work for many, many patients. While you may have some obstacles to overcome (like jaw damage), there are repairs for many of your concerns.

#2: That They Are Too Expensive

Assuming dental implants are too expensive? It’s all about how you look at the investment. Yes, you may pay more upfront than something like a bridge. However, over time, they become increasingly cost effective (and since they last for the rest of your life in most cases, that’s very cost effective).

#3: That You Won’t Get Used To Them

Worried that you won’t get used to your dental implants? You will. You’ll require a quick period of adjustment, of course. Then, sooner than you might think possible, your replacements will feel like your own teeth.

#4: That They’re Difficult To Care For

We often hear that patients assume implants will be very difficult to care for. The reality is that they’re just like your natural teeth. You’ll brush, floss, schedule dental checkups, and dental cleanings.

#5: That They’ll Look Fake

Nope. They will look natural, they will function like natural teeth, and they will allow you to enjoy a complete smile again.

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).

Wisdom Tooth Removal: Check Out Our Testimonials

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Perhaps you aren’t too excited about your own wisdom tooth removal. Or, maybe that ship has sailed and now you’re preparing to schedule your child’s extractions but you’re feeling a little overwhelmed. First, whatever the case, allow us to reassure you that you are in good hands. After all, you are receiving the removal from oral and maxillofacial surgeons who will provide you with anesthesia tailored to your personal needs. It doesn’t get much better! Not ready to take our word for it? We can help with that.

Learn More About The Details

While you are more than welcome to ask us any additional questions you have about wisdom tooth removal, we invite you to take a look around our website. You will find a wealth of information to reinforce what we have discussed regarding anesthesia and the procedure itself. Keep the following in mind:

Check Out Our Testimonials!

You will find that we have some very lovely patients who are willing to share their personal stories with wisdom tooth removal. (Hint: We even have some testimonials from patients’ parents!). Even more exciting is the fact that we’re not encouraging you to sit and read through personal stories. Instead, we’ve got a collection of videos for you to enjoy of first-hand accounts. You will see that caring for your smile is actually something to feel good about!

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).

Can I Receive Implants After Gum Disease?

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Perhaps you are someone who has suffered from gum disease. If so, you may worry that you will not qualify for dental implants. Instead of assuming that implants are completely off the table for your smile, we encourage you to remember that issues with your periodontal health exist across a broad spectrum. In addition, there’s treatment for the disease itself as well as any destruction it causes. Let’s examine this topic a bit further, so you can recognize there is certainly hope for you as a wonderful candidate for implants.

If Your Disease Is Inactive

Have you been treated for gum disease but you are not currently experiencing any problems? Did you receive periodontal treatment but you have been given a clean bill of health for your smile? If so, you are not instantly disqualified from dental implants! To the contrary, if your mouth is healthy you are likely a good fit. To learn more, simply contact us to schedule a visit.

If Gum Disease Has Caused Damage

Is your mouth free of gum disease and inflammation but you have suffered some amount of jawbone deterioration as a result? This is not necessarily a problem. Keep in mind that we offer bone grafting (as well as sinus lifts). If destruction of bone tissue is the obstacle, we may be able to rebuild the structures, so you qualify for the placement of dental implants.

If Periodontal Disease Is Active

Are you currently experiencing active periodontal disease? If so, it is too risky to place a dental implant into diseased tissue, as infection and failure are likely. You will first require periodontal treatment to resolve the problem and restore your gum health, so we may move forward with replacing missing teeth.

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).

Something’s Different But It Doesn’t Hurt: Now What?

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It’s a sore? It’s a lump? What do you call this? We call it oral pathology. This is another way of describing issues like sores and any other potential disease that shows up in your mouth. The good news is that many developments are benign (which means they are harmless). You will also notice that changes may occur without the presence of any pain, which can leave you feeling a bit confused. To provide you with one all-encompassing solution to consider when faced with an oral abnormality, remember the following: If something changes, you need a dental visit. As for the details, we are happy to offer a more advanced explanation.

Remember, All Oral Pathologies Are Not Painful

We encourage our patients to remember that oral pathology may include changes in your mouth that are not necessarily painful. As a result, if you notice a sore, ulcer, lump, bump, or anything else, contact us. Just because the abnormality doesn’t make you wince in discomfort does not mean the issue does not require care. It may … or it may not (just as an abnormality may hurt … or it may not).

When Something Changes, It’s Time For A Visit

If a change occurs, schedule a visit with us right away. The sooner we figure out what’s going on, the faster we can send you home with a clean bill of oral health (or treat the concern).

Why Did My Dentist Send Me To You?

Your dentist can spot an oral pathology, of course, but you may require a specialist to diagnose and treat it. As oral and maxillofacial surgeons, oral pathologies make up one portion of our area of expertise. We are trained not only to identify the problem with our eyes alone, the use of digital X-rays, and our 3D scanner but we are also prepared to provide you with any necessary biopsies and essential treatment.

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).