Aging Your Smile

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Have you given much thought to the way your smile affects how old you look? If not, now is a good time to begin reflecting on the way your dental care can impact your ability to retain a youthful appearance. Think about the difference between a child’s smile and an adult’s. A child’s grin is full of white teeth, healthy gums, and a child’s lower face is full of supple volume. If you are dealing with discoloration, gum concerns, or a “sinking in” appearance, it may be time to talk with us about dental implants and other care that can help.

Your Gums

Whether you have dental implants, no implants, crowns, fillings, or a pristine smile, you can end up with gum recession. This is most often the result of gum disease or brushing too aggressively. Unfortunately, receding gums leave teeth vulnerable to sensitivity and disease and leave your smile looking aged. Seeking periodontal care for disease or easing up on your brushing habits if you suffer from vigorous brushing will make matters much better.

Your Tooth Color

How do your teeth look? Are your natural teeth discolored? If so, you may wish to speak with your general dentist about teeth whitening. Do you have dental implants with discolored dental crowns? Come in for a visit, so we may discuss replacing old or damaged restorations for a more youthful looking smile.

Your Facial Structure

About the volume of your face: When you lose teeth, you begin to lose jaw tissue. As this occurs, the deterioration of your jawbone (and missing teeth) take away the supportive structure of your lower face and its volume. We suggest protecting yourself against this type of aging by replacing teeth with dental implants. Come in to talk with us for details!

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).

Vocab 101: Maxillofacial, Orthognathic

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You are probably used to hearing some basic dental vocabulary. You probably know “dental hygiene” has to do with keeping your teeth and mouth clean and healthy. You might know that a planned “tooth extraction” means removing a tooth that is causing a problem or overcrowding your mouth. (An “unplanned tooth extraction” usually means a tooth was unexpectedly knocked out.) Knowing the meaning of “maxillofacial surgeon” and “orthognthic surgery” can take your dental vocabulary to the next level. Helping you learn more about dental terms is in keeping with our mission of comprehensive and compassionate care. (more…)

Dental Sedation: What are My Options?

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You might be surprised at the number of people who put off needed dental appointments out of fear. They may hope that a dental problem “just goes away.” Perhaps the thought of sitting still for a long procedure is making them fearful. Maybe they have a heard a procedure is uncomfortable. Dental sedation is meant to make you less anxious and more comfortable during any dental procedure. We want you to be aware of the dental anesthesia options available at our office. (more…)

Why An Extraction: New Perspectives

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You might commonly find yourself going over and over the same information when you wonder why you need a dental extraction. However, you may also find yourself grappling with a way to categorize the many smaller particular details that comprise a very long list regarding why removal is best in certain situations. We offer up some new ways of thinking about extractions, so you more thoroughly understand their purpose.

Your Tooth Is Too Damaged

Think about the structure of your tooth. If it’s intact, this is a sign of health. If it is damaged, this is not. If the tooth is something that restorative care (a filling, root canal treatment, crown, or otherwise) can fix, then you can keep your tooth. If general dental treatments cannot fix it, a dental extraction may be necessary. (Don’t forget, we can replace missing teeth with implants!).

Your Tooth Is Going To Cause Harm

Now, think about the way your tooth affects your overall oral health. If it’s very decayed or infected, the problem can spread. If it’s pressing against other teeth (such as in the case of an angled wisdom tooth), it can damage your smile. In this instance, a dental extraction is often necessary.

Your Tooth Is In The Way

Perhaps your tooth is simply in the way. This is commonly an issue with long-term orthodontic plans (maybe your smile suffers from overcrowding) and tooth replacement (perhaps one tooth stands in the way of your prosthetic dentistry plans). Extracting the tooth is beneficial to the long-term health of your smile.

Your Tooth Is Too Difficult To Maintain

A wisdom tooth in the very back of your smile that is healthy when it comes in but that you can barely reach to floss and brush? It might be too hard to protect. This is a very good reason for an elective dental extraction.

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).

Q&A: It’s Never Too Late To Fix Your Smile

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When it comes to your concept of time and associated side effects as they relate to your smile, you might feel like you’re not sure about much. Is it too late for dental implants and other dental care, you may think to yourself? Is it too late to fix your smile, you may wonder? Fortunately, there is always a way to help make your smile better, more beautiful, and more functional. As for the details regarding that “is it too late?” feeling, we can help address your concerns with some questions and answers.

Questions and Answers

Question: I’ve had a missing tooth for a long time. I’ve always wanted to find out about dental implants and other options but I’m worried it’s too late. What should I do?

Answer: You should schedule a consultation to come in, meet with us, talk with us about your smile, and receive an examination. In many instances, issues you assume are obstacles are simply challenges we can find a way to overcome.

Question: I was told in the past that my jawbone health isn’t very good. As a result, I gave up on my plans for dental implants. Is it true that this always disqualifies me from implants? Is it too late?

Answer: Not necessarily. In some cases, improvements like sinus lifts or bone grafting can revive the health and structure of your smile. As a result, one who was initially a poor candidate for implants can become a good one.

Question: I was told in the past that I should have my wisdom teeth removed but I never did anything to address the problem. I’m not sure what the issue is but I’m embarrassed to find out. Should I schedule an appointment or is it too late?

Answer: Do not be embarrassed! Please, come in. We will be happy to take a look, let you know whether removal is essential, and then create a plan for oral surgery if it is required.

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).

Helping Your Children Avoid Tooth Loss

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Are you on your way toward addressing your tooth loss with dental implants? Do you feel a mix of emotions, both elation at the thought of a complete smile that will be all yours again and the urge to help others avoid losing their teeth? This commonly arises when we meet with patients who talk with us about what they can do to help their children enjoy a smile that lasts a lifetime. Whether you have teen or adult kids, nieces, nephews, or otherwise whose smiles you would like to help protect, we are happy to offer some suggestions you can easily pass along.

Don’t Go Years Without Dental Care

Happy to receive dental implants but you’d be even happier if someone you love could go a lifetime without tooth loss? Let them know that coming in for dental care can help prevent everything under the sun from going wrong. It is the best way to keep your teeth in place for life.

If You Do Go Years Without It, Don’t Be Embarrassed To Come Back

It’s not uncommon for us to hear someone say, “I haven’t seen a dentist in 15 years! I never thought about it when I was younger.” While we don’t suggest staying away, we want all patients to remember that it’s always better to come in to begin receiving professional care once again than to continue avoiding it. There’s no benefit to staying away but there’s a wealth of care and improvement that begins with one visit.

Don’t Play At Dental Hygiene

Playing around at dental hygiene instead of caring for one’s smile can ultimately lead to tooth loss and a need for replacements like dental implants. Remind those with young (and old!) smiles that daily care is truly the foundation of a healthy smile. As simple and insignificant as it can seem, dental hygiene is actually extraordinary at preventing the very long list of complications that can arise and lead to tooth loss.

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).

A Friendly Holiday Reminder

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We are well into the month of November, which means plans for the holidays are taking shape, thoughts of cozy winter celebrations are soon to become a reality, and the last thing on your mind is probably your oral health. While we certainly appreciate some well-earned time off and revelry, we have many years of experience that lead us to offering up this very important reminder: Make exceptional use of your free time over the holidays (if you’ve got it) by remembering to plan necessary oral surgery or dental treatments. We’ll even take it one step further with some specific ideas.

Wintertime Wisdom Teeth Removal

Does someone in your household require wisdom teeth removal? The wintertime is a fine time to schedule this type of oral surgery. If you’ve had yours out already but your child (a teenager or young adult) has not, take advantage of this respite from school and extracurricular scheduling obstacles.

Pre-Party Prep For Implants

Are you wishing you’d received dental implants by now because you’re thinking about holiday parties and you’re experiencing a bit of dread? Don’t worry. Now is as good a time as ever to come in to talk with us about planning for implants, so we can begin soon or just after the holidays have passed. The holiday season for 2017 will be a very exciting time to look forward to as a result!

Extractions During Time Off

Perhaps you are planning an extraction and tooth replacement but you just haven’t been able to find the time to come in and the time to recover conveniently. Winter is often a wonderful option if you have extra time. Call us!

Anything Else You Might Need!

Need something else? Perhaps there is another oral surgery treatment on your mind but you have procrastinated a bit. Not a problem! Come in during the end of 2016 for your treatment, so you start 2017 off with 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).

Implants: Your Questions About Biocompatibility

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When you take the time to read up on implants, you will come across a lot of interesting scientific details. One factor that commonly comes up is the fact that dental implants are biocompatible. As you will notice by checking your context clues, this is a positive detail that’s very important in the success of implant placement. However, this may not be enough information to help you fully understand what we mean by biocompatibility. We’d like to assist you in feeling more educated with a question and answer session.

Questions and Answers

Question: Strictly regarding the definition of the word, what does biocompatible really mean?

Answer: It means harmless toward living tissue. “Bio” is in references to “life” or living material, while “compatible” essentially means harmless toward or “not in conflict with.”

Question: So, if dental implants are biocompatible, does that mean that they are safe for use in my smile? Isn’t almost anything safe?

Answer: This means that the placement of implants in your smile to replace missing teeth is considered safe. Unfortunately, not all materials can be used to replace missing tissue in your body. Your immune system is quite powerful and can detect the difference between harmful foreign materials and natural tissue. Since the titanium used to craft an implant is biocompatible, your body should recognize it as “safe” and accept it.

Question: Is there anything else I should know about why the biocompatibility of dental implants is so important?

Answer: Yes! If you’ve heard of osseointegration, you know that this is the fusion that occurs between the implant and your jaw tissue, lending extraordinary stability once the process is complete. This is possible because of the biocompatible nature of implants.

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: Common Things Patients Ask Us

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Think you’re the only patient almost ready to receive your dental implants but still full of tons of questions? You’re not! We hear a lot of questions about implants at our practice, which we consider a good thing. Asking us questions means you’ve been thinking critically through the information we have provided you and that you’ve come up against some areas of confusion for which you seek a little clarity. Good for you! Still think you might be one of very few patients looking for more facts? Take a moment to peruse questions we hear time and time again from individuals just like you.

Why Should I Go With Implants?

There are many good reasons to choose dental implants. The most common reasons we find that patients choose this option for replacing missing teeth include the following:

  • Implants can last a lifetime
  • Choosing implants will result in a very natural looking smile
  • Implants replace your roots and the crown of your tooth for a truly comprehensive replacement option
  • Implants are the most stable solution

How Long Will The Whole Process Take?

It can take several months to a year until you have received your dental implants and they are restored. This includes the surgery required to place them, recovery, and coming in for us to complete them with your permanent restorations (dental crowns, bridges, or dentures).

Is It Okay If I Put This Off For A While?

It is, of course, completely up to you if you are currently ready for dental implants or if you require additional time to think or to situate your budget. However, remember that there are some potential drawbacks to waiting. Waiting too long can give your smile time to shift or your jaw time to break down, which may affect candidacy.

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).

Checking In On Your Brushing

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If you have received dental implants, you know that keeping your smile healthy is an essential component of protecting your tooth replacements. While your knowledge of the basics has likely become second nature (you know that brushing and flossing are musts), you might not know whether your brushing is exceptional, satisfactory, or only so-so. Fortunately, checking in on this aspect of your dental hygiene is simple and can improve the protection you are providing your mouth with just a change or two.

What You Should Brush

It’s very important that you brush all of the surfaces of every tooth that your toothbrush can reach. This means you will spend this part of your dental hygiene session brushing the chewing surface of each tooth, the fronts of your teeth, the sides, the backs, and the tissue that runs along your gumline. You should also brush your tongue! Addressing these many surfaces will maximize your plaque removal, thereby protecting your dental implants and the rest of your smile from potential oral health problems.

Brushing Frequency

All of that hard work is only going to pay off if you remain consistent with your efforts and if those efforts occur frequently enough. A successful brushing experience requires you to brush for two minutes. We suggest that you brush your smile twice a day (it’s best if you do so in the morning and then again in the evening before you go to bed). As a result, you will spend around four minutes brushing your smile on a daily basis, which offers your dental implants, teeth, and gums some serious safeguarding!

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).