How Do You Discover What’s Wrong With My Smile?

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When you stand in front of your mirror and look at your smile, you may wonder how we have the ability to figure out what’s wrong with your oral health. How exactly can we tell that your jawbone is not healthy enough for implants just yet? How do we know that your wisdom teeth will soon require removal? Well, there are some things that we simply know as the result of having highly trained eyes. Then, there are those diagnoses that require some impressive advanced technology. Let’s work our way through the details of a diagnosis, so you better understand how it all works.

We Start With Our Eyes And Ears

Before we begin talking about advanced technology, let’s begin at the beginning. When we see you, your examination will start with two primary steps. First, we will ask you about what’s been going on, what you’ve learned from your general dentist, and we will listen to the information you share with us. Then, we will take a look at your oral structures to get a better understanding of your mouth. This provides us with the introductory details we need for a diagnosis.

We Move Onto Advanced Digital Imaging

Next, we move onto the use of advanced technology! What we cannot figure out by listening to you and looking at you, we can discover by taking digital X-rays. They will reveal the inner workings of your oral cavity (the things that are not visible to our naked eyes). From your jawbone structure to the placement of your third molars, we can see it all.

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).

Dry Socket: Questions And Answers

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You may be ready to come in for wisdom teeth removal. You may also have some reservations because you have heard about a disorder called dry socket that can occur after an extraction. The good news is that if you are diligent with your aftercare, this is not something you need to worry about. However, we completely understand that if you don’t know much (or anything) about this possible complication, you might feel hesitant about dealing with your third molars. We are glad to answer questions for you, so you can put this concern to rest.

Questions and Answers

Question: What exactly is dry socket? I’ve heard about it but I don’t know what it is.

Answer: This is a disorder that may occur after a dental extraction if the area becomes dried out. This happens if the clot that forms in the socket (your body’s natural scab) somehow becomes dislodged. Taking care of the problem will require additional care.

Question: So, how do I avoid accidentally dislodging the clot, so I don’t end up dealing with dry socket?

Answer: You can easily avoid dealing with this problem by following our aftercare instructions as closely as possible. You will notice that they aren’t very challenging at all. To ensure your socket remains protected (and the clot stays in place), you must simply not disturb it. Don’t touch it with your tongue, don’t touch it with a straw, or anything else.

Question: Is there anything else I need to be extremely careful about?

Answer: Of course. Remember when we mentioned using a straw? Don’t do this. Making any type of sucking motion can result in dislodging the clot, leading to dry socket.

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).

Solutions To Your Fears About Dental Implants

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Of course, just about anything you choose to do in your life comes with some minor amount of risk. While this is true for choosing dental implants, as well, you will discover that this is not something we (or any dental professional) takes lightly. Instead, we are prepared with precautions to ensure the placement and success of your implants has the highest chance of going off without a hitch! As for your specific worries associated with the “what-if” factor, we are happy to make our way through a common list (in addition to the solutions you’re ready to receive).

Fears and Solutions

Fear: What if my oral tissues just don’t heal properly? Is there a chance of infection like there is with most surgery?

Solution: The risk of this happening is extremely slim! It is very important to keep in mind that we have a wealth of available medications at our disposal for which we can quickly address any sign of infection. In addition, remember that following our pre- and post-surgery suggestions (like avoiding cigarettes) is extremely effective.

Fear: What if I don’t have enough jawbone? Are you going to have to suddenly stop the surgery?

Solution: Before you receive dental implants, we perform a thorough examination not only of the part of your smile that we can see but also the part we cannot see. We rely on digital imaging for a clear picture and understanding of what’s going on with your oral tissues including your jawbone. As a result, we will know well in advance if your jaw is ready, if you need bone grafting, and we can plan from there.

Fear: I’m worried that I’m going to make my way through the somewhat time-consuming process of receiving dental implants but it will fail.

Solution: The success rate is 98 percent, so follow our suggestions and the implant should be just fine.

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).

Complications Of Problematic Wisdom Teeth

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So, you figure your wisdom teeth will grow in just fine, that it’s an old wives’ tale that they require removal, and you have decided to just let them do their thing. For some, this will be perfectly fine. Some third molars grow in without a problem (some people don’t even have them). However, if you have problematic teeth that are growing in poorly, that develop on an angle, or that become impacted, you may end up finding that your initial decision to play it cool becomes interrupted by serious complications. Let’s examine the details.

How To Find Out If You Need Removal

There’s nothing difficult or mysterious you need to do on your own to figure out if you need your wisdom teeth removed. In fact, you don’t need to wait until something is wrong to find out that an extraction can help. All it takes is keeping up with your general dental care (preventive visits) and coming to see us if your dentist suggests it (or if you simply think a visit is a good plan). Through the use of digital imaging, a discussion, and a thorough exam, we can determine ahead of time whether it’s going to be important to remove your third molars to protect your smile.

What Happens If You Avoid Removal

For the rebel in you who thinks that the suggestion for wisdom teeth removal might not be something to pay attention to, we have some helpful details. When a tooth is a problem, it threatens your oral health in some way. When it comes to third molars, the following complications are very possible:

  • If the tooth comes in but is hard for you to reach and care for, you may end up with issues like tooth decay
  • If the tooth comes in partially but is on an odd angle, it can damage the already erupted teeth in your smile, leading to injury and alignment concerns
  • If the tooth fails to erupt, you may deal with significant discomfort and even the development of cysts or infection

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).

Dental Implants: Why Replacing Roots Is A Good Thing

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Why go through the trouble to receive dental implants, you may wonder to yourself? Isn’t is just easier to choose a bridge or denture, get your chewing and speaking back near the standards you’re used to, and then stop worrying about your smile? While these are perfectly sound choices, there is a reason we strongly encourage interested patients to go through with implants. You see, choosing implants is the one option available to you that replaces not only the part of your tooth you can see but also your roots. Not sure why replacing roots is so important? We can explain!

It Offers The Best Stability

In most instances, when you replace a tooth without addressing your roots, you are relying on nearby teeth. A bridge, for example, needs the support of two teeth. A denture requires the support of your gums or your gums and teeth. This will allow you to achieve a nice looking smile and to chew some foods. An implant, however, receives its support from your missing tooth’s original source: Your jawbone! It’s the best stability you can find, you’ll regain full function, your smile will look complete and cosmetically sound, and it leaves your natural teeth alone (and damage free).

It Can Help Protect Your Jawbone

The interesting thing about replacing your roots follows: Placing a dental implant will protect your jaw tissue because your implant will be doing the work your roots used to do (stimulating your jawbone and letting your body know that essential nutrients are required at that particular site to support your tooth). The result? Your jaw tissue will remain strong, which means your dental implant will continue to receive the support it needs to remain in place. It’s quite a cycle and one that will serve you well for the rest of your life if you continue to care for your smile.

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).

Tiny Schedule Changes For Easier Implant Daily Care

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After you receive your dental implants, you will discover very quickly that your daily care routine is nearly identical to the one you practiced before the implants. However, there might be some minor changes that show up, which cause you to wonder if you could do something to make your routine easier. Perhaps you are simply unaware that some tiny changes in your schedule could yield easier maintenance. Let’s see if you’re already well informed regarding such options! If not, you may find that your care gets even easier than it already is.

Decide To Practice Hygiene According To Your Day

Perhaps you’ve been more diligent about flossing since you received your dental implants to ensure your entire smile remains healthy. We encourage you to carefully think through the time of day you practice particular aspects of your dental hygiene (and to make changes if you need to). For instance, do you floss in the morning but you’re always in such a rush that you don’t think you do a very good job? Do it at night, instead, before bed, so you have plenty of time to complete a thorough job without stress. Simple!

Flossing Before Versus After Brushing

Have you ever wondered if you’re supposed to floss your smile and around your dental implants and then brush (or if it should be the other way around)? This is a common concern (and one that you don’t need to worry about). Choose whatever works best for you, focusing on ensuring you give yourself the time you need, so your routine is comfortable and effective.

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).

So, What Exactly Is A Dental Crown?

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You probably hear us talk about restoring dental implants with dental crowns, you might hear this term in reference to other types of treatments, and you may even already have several in your smile! While you can make some educated guesses based on helpful context clues, that doesn’t mean you have a clear image (or understanding) of what a crown is and why it’s a part of your smile. We encourage you to take in some of the basics of this prosthetic, so you can more easily digest information in the future.

The Crown Essentials

A dental crown is a seemingly simple yet extremely beneficial dental prosthetic. It’s a hollow tooth that is made of artificial tissue. When you look at it, the crown simply looks like an empty tooth. That because that is essentially what a crown is. You see, we use crowns to replicate your natural crown (the part of your tooth you see that juts out above your gumline). Crowns provide a protective cover or tissue replacement, depending on your oral health needs. Remember that crowns are fully customized, including dimensions, shape, and color.

When We Use Them

For the most part, we use dental crowns at our practice to restore dental implants. This means that after you receive an implant post to replace missing roots, you have recovered, and it’s time to finish the tooth replacement, we secure a crown over the post. Then, voila! Your replacement is complete.

You Might Already Have One (Or More)

Even if you don’t have dental implants, you may already have one or more crowns in your smile. Your general dentist may have placed one over a tooth in need of serious coverage and protection. This is often the case due to a large cavity, a broken tooth, or after root canal 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).

Don’t Let Dental Anxiety Get In The Way

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Are you someone who looks at our website quite regularly, you have a plan all laid out in your mind regarding the care journey you likely require for a healthier smile, and you love thinking about the future of your oral health? Are you also someone who appreciates the benefits of oral surgery but you cannot seem to force yourself to pick up the phone to get this adventure started? When dental anxiety takes over, its effects can have a significant impact on your ability to receive the treatment you need. We are happy to address this topic, while offering a helpful solution that will allow you to achieve your goals.

Dental Anxiety Is Far More Common Than You Think

You might feel like you’re alone in your struggle for wanting to come to us for care but feeling too anxious to do so. If you scratch the surface of the statistics even a little bit, you will discover that dental anxiety is actually a very common issue! To be a little clearer, we mean tens of millions of Americans also deal with the same mixture of good intentions and worries. So, before you feel too embarrassed to let us know this is a real concern for you, do just the opposite: Tell us immediately, so we can help.

Sedation Is A Fantastic Solution

As we mentioned, it’s extremely common to feel nervous about oral surgery or any experience related to your dental health. To address dental anxiety, we offer a variety of sedation options. These are the same solutions that will guide you through comfortable procedures by relaxing your nervous system, so you feel calm and peaceful. They include:

  • Nitrous Oxide
  • Oral Sedation
  • IV Sedation

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).

Why Your Front Teeth Don’t Touch (And What To Do)

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If you have gone through life with back teeth that touch but front teeth that cannot come in contact with one another, you may be dealing with a malocclusion known as an open bite. The severity of the opening between your top and bottom anterior teeth can vary. As a result, you may find that when you inquire about what to do, your general dentist recommends you seek out an oral surgeon who performs orthognathic surgery. To find out more regarding what’s going on with your smile and how to approach making improvements, we strongly encourage you to come to our practice, so we can meet you, examine your smile, and help you achieve a balanced bite.

About Your Open Bite

The term open bite refers to a bite in which back teeth touch but front teeth on top and bottom are positioned outward in such a way that they do not touch one another. This can result in a variety of side effects, such as damaging the esthetic quality of your smile, affecting your daily quality of life, and placing excess stress on back teeth and jaw joints. In some instances, open bite is treatable with orthodontic care. If you are dealing with skeletal open bite, however, you may require orthognathic surgery.

We Offer Surgery

Our team of oral surgeons perform orthognathic surgery (or jaw surgery) to correct the alignment of your teeth and jaws, which will result in a balanced bite, improved quality of life, and an improved profile and cosmetic balance to your smile. Call us to schedule a consultation, so we can provide you with a more thorough outlook on how surgery can help.

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).

Keep Your Smile Healthy After Implants

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You have received dental implants and your smile is gorgeous and complete! What an accomplishment! Now, the only trick is to make sure you avoid future tooth loss, protect your implants, and that you do so by … well, how exactly are you supposed to do that, you wonder? The truth is, it’s as simple as caring for your oral health through proper dental hygiene and maintaining professional dental services. If you think to yourself, “easier said than done,” then you are in for a treat! The steps are actually extremely simple and effective.

Keep Things Healthy At Home

When you think about caring for your smile and your dental implants, you may feel a quick rush of anxiety. You can go ahead and let this go because there’s not much to think about. Your dental care that you practiced at home before your implants is going to look nearly identical after you have received those implants. Brushing (2x daily) and flossing (1x daily) is still the norm. You just might need to add a threader or superfloss in there for easier flossing around your implants (don’t worry, we can help you with that).

Schedule Those Appointments!

Guess what? Your visits for preventive dental care aren’t really going to change after you receive dental implants either. You’re still going to be expected to see your general dentist for cleanings and exams once every six months (that’s only twice a year) to ensure all remains healthy. Essentially, what we’re saying is that your daily hygiene and long-term care is just as easy as it ever was!

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).