Celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month With Us

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Are you aware that October is none other than National Dental Hygiene Month? Along with every other dental professional, we enjoy recognizing this month because it puts into perspective how easy it can be to keep your smile healthy (while avoiding serious problems). Interested in finding a way to avoid future tooth loss? Hoping to protect the tooth replacements you already have, such as a smile with dental implants? Your dental hygiene goes a long way in keeping your smile in exceptional condition. Let us explain more, so you feel good about your usual efforts.

About Dental Hygiene

Your hygiene includes everything you do on an independent basis to keep your oral health in good shape. This can mean brushing and flossing your natural teeth, making special efforts to floss around your dental implants, choosing to avoid certain foods and drinks that can promote decay, and remaining very consistent with these efforts. If you remain organized and committed, you can avoid a long list of complications that arise from plaque accumulation (like decay, infection, tooth loss, and more).

How To Spruce Up Your Habits

Interested in taking National Dental Hygiene Month seriously and getting real about your dental hygiene habits? Protect your teeth, gums, dental implants, and more by following our simple yet extraordinarily effective recommendations for a smile that remains healthy and complete:

  • Ask us questions if you feel uncertain regarding your dental hygiene approach
  • Remember that everyone should brush twice daily (in the morning and evening)
  • Keep in mind that skipping your flossing session can be quite dangerous for your oral health … always floss once a day for a healthy smile

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).

Tooth Loss: 2 Reminders You’re Not Alone

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Are you thinking it’s time to do something about your tooth loss but you just feel like you want to hide out? Do you find yourself feeling isolated, as though you’re one of the only people in the world who is experiencing a need for dental implants? You will be thrilled to discover that based on some cold hard facts, you are nowhere near being alone on this journey of yours. Instead, you are keeping very good company! Remember that missing teeth occur due to a wide variety of factors! As for those details that will help you realize your circumstances are quite common, we’re here to make you feel a whole lot better.

Reminder #1: Lots Of People Are Missing Teeth

According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, 25 percent of people who are 75 or older are experiencing complete tooth loss, which means they no longer have their natural teeth. In addition, more than two thirds of the population (individuals older than 34 and younger than 45) has lost at least one tooth. You see?

Reminder #2: Many People Choose Single Implants

Are you feeling like most people probably choose a dental bridge or partial? Are you worrying that you should choose an implant-supported prosthetic like a bridge instead of relying on single implants? Stop worrying and make the choice that feels the best for your needs. In addition to not being the only person struggling with tooth loss, you’ll be pleased to find you’re nowhere near the only person choosing single crown implants. As a matter of fact, the American College of Prosthodontists reports that around 2.3 million single implants are crafted every single year. That’s a lot of dental implants!

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).

Quiz: Preventing Facial Collapse

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When you’ve experienced tooth loss, the last thing you probably think about is the eventual collapse of your facial structure or your bite. However, this is a very real threat that becomes a potential hazard the moment you lose a tooth. As a result, it’s very essential that you understand why it’s so important to replace missing teeth. Fortunately, dental implants can protect both the structure of your smile and the integrity of your overall appearance. Get to know more on the topic with a quiz.

Quiz Questions: True or False?

  1. True or False: Your jawbone is consistently kept healthy as the result of stimulation provided by your teeth. When you lose teeth, that stimulation goes away.
  2. True or False: Fortunately, dental implants can preserve the necessary stimulation that your jawbone usually receives. This is because by replacing the roots you once had, the implant or “new roots” signal your body that a tooth is present and needs support.
  3. True or False: When enough jaw tissue is lost, the lower portion of your face will collapse due to a lack of support. Over time, your bite may collapse, as well.

Quiz Answers

  1. True. The volume, width, and health of the bone remain as they are due to the stimulation that your teeth provide. Think of it as your bone remaining healthy because its responsibility is to house your tooth. When the tooth is gone, the bone “thinks” the responsibility is gone, too.
  2. True. We suggest dental implants for patients who are interested and who make good candidates because stimulation can continue, preventing the loss of jaw tissue.
  3. True. When you don’t have enough jaw tissue, the framework that provided your face with support disappears and collapse occurs. Over time, if additional tooth loss occurs, your bite may collapse, as well, leading to an even more severe lack of facial support.

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).

How Do I Get Used To My Implants?

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Are you worried that you won’t be able to feel like yourself with implants? Do you assume that you’ll be happy to have them in place but that becoming familiar with wearing dental implants is going to take a very long time if not forever? We understand that the thought of replacing your natural teeth with all artificial material can feel somewhat shocking. The good news is that your body is quick to adapt! As a result, you will actually get used to your new smile very quickly. For some additional advice regarding how to expedite the process, we’ve got you covered.

Ask Questions, So You Don’t Act Differently

Maybe you are afraid that you shouldn’t eat certain foods. Perhaps you think you need to something quite specific to keep your dental implants clean. Maybe there are times you wonder if someone is going to look at your smile and think it’s artificial. Fortunately, we can ease your mind with one simple conversation. That is, as long as you take the time to ask! Bring your questions to us, whether you think they’re rational or not. We understand that a lot of thoughts will cross through your mind as you prepare for implants! The good news is that you will like our answers, which will help you realize your smile will look natural and feel natural if you let it.

Go About Your Usual Life

Our response to just about any question you ask us about dental implants will end with a very similar sentiment, which will include something like, “Just go about your life as usual.” Fortunately, the implant is going to replicate your roots and the bond your roots had with your jawbone very closely. Your restoration will offer exceptional function and durability. This means that you can eat what you want, speak comfortably, and care for your smile as you always have. The sooner treat your smile like you used to, the more quickly you will get used to the implants (and forget that they’re not your real teeth).

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).

3 Ways To Get To Know Us

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Are you interested in getting to know us better but you’re not really sure where to begin? Do you prefer to perform a bit of research before you jump into becoming a new patient? No problem. To enjoy the introduction you’re looking for, we have a variety of suggestions that are all easy to access! Keep in mind that we welcome you to our practice, we look forward to finding out more regarding the type of oral surgery you need for a healthier smile, and we would love to schedule a visit that works for your schedule.

#1: Check Out Our Services Pages

To begin, you may gain a better sense of all that we offer in regard to oral surgery by taking a look at our services pages. We provide you with videos and literature, so you can get a better feel for treatments like dental implants, bone grafting, sinus lifts, and more. Once you gather the essential details, it’s easy to collect a few questions that you can bring with you to your first appointment, so you feel you’re ahead of the game.

#2: Read Our Testimonials

Maybe you’re curious about the experiences that other patients have had with their oral surgery at our practice (but you don’t know anyone personally who is a patient of ours). Never fear! We have a testimonials page on our site that will help you gain a clearer sense of the experience you can expect when you visit us. Take some first hand accounts into consideration.

#3: Schedule A Consultation

For an in-person introduction to our oral surgery practice, we invite you to schedule a consultation. We can answer your questions, give you a clearer idea regarding the types of treatments we offer (and those that may work for you), as you gain a comfort level.

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).

Implants: Questions You’re Too Embarrassed To Ask

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We find there are many questions that have made an appearance at our practice, some of which are quite frequent and others that only seem to come up every now and then. This leads us to believe that there are those common questions patients feel comfortable asking about dental implants and then those that patients want to ask (but feel too shy to bring up). As we always say, we welcome your every inquiry, even if it’s a little embarrassing. We would like to help you get started with feeling comfortable enough to mention your thoughts by providing you with some of those things our patients are often hesitant to bring up (but that are wonderful questions).

Q&A: Questions About Implants

Question: Do I have to get one implant at a time?

Answer: No. You have a lot of options here. You may receive one dental implant if it’s what you need or what you’ve chosen. You may receive more than one single implant to replace multiple teeth. Or, you may receive multiple implants to support a bigger prosthetic (like four implants to support a denture that replaces a full arch of teeth).

Question: Will the dental implant end up damaging nearby teeth? Is it going to fit correctly?

Answer: Your implant will fit beautifully in an effort to maximize function and beauty. We will place it strategically to protect nearby teeth and your entire smile.

Question: Is it too late for me? I want dental implants but I experienced my tooth loss a long time ago. I’m worried I’ll be wasting my time by investigating implants any further.

Answer: It’s always best to come in. Dental care offers exceptional options when it comes to helping a patient qualify for implants. Seeing us is the first step toward a complete 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).

When Friends Ask About Implants

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Are you sure about how to respond when a friend asks you about your dental implants? Do you suddenly feel put on the spot because, while you can certainly speak about your experience, you aren’t certain you can offer all of the details your friend is seeking? It’s important to recognize that someone who is interested in addressing tooth loss but who feels confused about how to proceed may have a lot of questions. This person may also feel excited that you seem like someone who might have answers! To help you help your friend, we offer a couple suggestions to ensure you feel you’re doing your best to assist!

Tell Your Story

Many patients are simply looking for some reassurance that it’s a good idea to move ahead in scheduling a dental implant consultation and that the rumors they have heard are not true. While it’s good to remind your friend that all patients go through different experiences due to their unique smiles, you can do your best to offer some simple facts as well as some comfort. Let your friend know about the details of your experience and talk about the benefits. A good way to end the conversation? Tell them about our team, so they can come in and learn about which care plan will work best.

Suggest A Consultation

About that consultation! Your friend might immediately seem grateful and relieved. Or, your friend might still feel hesitant. The best you can do is to let this individual know that the first step toward receiving dental implants is a consultation. You can feel free to offer our contact information. You may also wish to pass along the same thing we tell all of our patients: Discovering and receiving implants is a journey. There’s no pressure to simply learn more and find out about candidacy. It can be the beginning of a wonderful adventure.

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).

Oral Surgery: How To Stop Worrying

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Do you find that even though you know your upcoming oral surgery treatment is extremely beneficial and necessary, you still feel worried? Are you finding that even with tons of reassurance, you still feel concerned? Perhaps you are stressing because you are not certain about what to expect and you’re worried that you’ll forget to ask a very important question. The good news is that trying to guess at what you need to prepare is not your responsibility. In addition to performing the procedure, we are here to guide you through every single step. Consider some advice, so you feel better about things.

Realize We Will Answer Questions Before You Ask

We find that patients often become overwhelmed as they prepare for oral surgery only because they are not sure what to ask since this is new territory. Rest easy! We will tell you everything you need to know before you even think to ask about it. Relieve yourself of the responsibility you think you need to carry and allow us to provide you with the information and instructions you need for a smooth, efficient process. It’s that simple.

Remember, We Are Always Here For You

Do you feel like we answered every single question about oral surgery except one? Are you feeling a little embarrassed because it’s a simple question but you really need an answer, so you can relax? Perhaps you are worried that after your procedure, you’ll have a question but you’ll be at home, so you won’t know who to ask. Keep this in mind: We are always here to take your call and to answer questions. If you need something, contact us. We will be with you through your oral surgery journey.

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: 5 W’s And An H

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Beginning to find out about dental implants can (at first) feel like you’re about to begin an entire college level course on a new topic. There is, in fact, a lot of information out there that you can take in if you are interested. However, if your goal is to get to know this option for replacing missing teeth and finding out whether it may make a good fit for your life, you need some essential details. We are happy to get you started with the basic information as you begin your introduction to implants.

Who?

Who is a dental implant a wise choice for? First, it’s a good idea for someone dealing with tooth loss. Second, it’s beneficial for someone who wants a full tooth replacement. However, it might not be something that will work for an individual whose jawbone is in severe decline.

What?

A dental implant is a titanium post. It’s a biocompatible prosthetic that is placed in an effort to replace the roots of your tooth that you lost. Once you’re healed, we will finish the replacement by using a dental crown to top the implant.

Where?

We will place the dental implant for you through our practice.

When?

The sooner you choose to receive implants after tooth loss, the better. They will help keep your smile alignment as is, while supporting optimal jawbone health.

Why?

You may wish to choose a dental implant because it offers many benefits you cannot expect from other tooth replacements. For instance, it’s a way to replace the entirety of your tooth (roots and all).

And How?

The post will be inserted into your jaw tissue, which means through a surgical process, we will “implant” it. The remaining portion will rest within your gum tissue and will just stick out above your gumline (where it will support an abutment and restoration).

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).

Dental Implants: Should I Come In For A Second Opinion?

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When you decide you are interested in dental implants but your general dentist or an oral surgeon from another practice turns you away, you have two options. You can believe what you’ve been told and begin searching for an alternative solution. Or, if you feel in your heart of hearts that this decision is wrong, you may contact us for a second opinion. Wondering if this is a worthwhile venture? As far as we are concerned, the answer is a very simple, “Of course!” Find out why it may be to your benefit to revisit the idea of implants with our team.

Scheduling Your Visit

Without worrying any more about whether you should seek a second opinion for dental implants or not, simply schedule a visit. We will encourage you to set up a time that you can come in for an examination. We can then discuss your options with you, so you feel more confident regarding whether implants are a good idea for you or if it’s best to seek an alternative route for addressing tooth loss.

Why Second Opinions Are Helpful

Getting another opinion about dental implants can be very important for a variety of reasons. First, you may have received the initial opinion from someone with less specialized experience (such as a general dentist). Fortunately, we have the experience and expertise to deal with challenging cases. In addition, there are avenues of care we may be able to take to improve a patient’s oral health who was initially considered “not a candidate” for implants. For instance, your jawbone health may be poor at the moment but bone grafting might solve that problem (and turn you into a decent candidate).

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).