Dental Implants: Facts Versus Fiction

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When you’re trying to decide whether you feel good about the idea of choosing dental implants for your oral health – or if perhaps they aren’t the best selection for your needs – you may find yourself bogged down by conflicting details. One website says one thing, one friend says another: How do you tell the fact from the fiction? For the final word on what is factual, we are your most reliable source, so schedule a consultation and ask your questions! For the time being, find out how well you’ve been sorting the facts from the not-quite-so-true.

Fact or Fiction: Implants

Fiction: Dental implants are the most expensive treatment for tooth loss. Anything else (whether a bridge or denture) will cost you less in the long run.

Fact: Actually, this often confuses patients. It is factual that implants will generally cost you more when you initially pay for the treatment. However, in the long run they are often the most friendly toward your wallet because they need few to zero repairs and can last for the remainder of your life.

Fiction: Dental implants are only a good choice if you have tried other tooth replacement options like bridges but have not enjoyed them.

Fact: You don’t need to test the waters with other replacements. If implants fit your needs, choosing them immediately can offer additional benefits, such as jawbone health protection.

Fiction: If you want dental implants, be ready to discover that candidacy is very difficult to achieve.

Fact: Many, many patients qualify for implants. Even individuals who do not at first qualify (such as those with jawbone deterioration) may be able to become candidates by first receiving treatment like bone grafting.

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).

Getting Started: Tooth Replacement

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Are you feeling unsure about how to proceed now that you are ready to replace your tooth? If so, we urge you to remember that every patient who experiences tooth loss goes through the same thing – you have an open space in your smile that you would like to fill but getting started proves somewhat confusing. Fortunately, kick starting your journey and making your way to the finish line (a beautiful, complete smile) is a simple feat. We are happy to provide you with the introductory details you need, so you feel comfortable about what lies ahead.

Talk To Us

Do you have some initial questions about our practice? Perhaps you are curious about details that don’t necessarily warrant a visit just yet (or the only thing you are certain about is that you need a consultation to discuss tooth loss). Please feel free to contact us by phone! Our thoughtful team will be glad to take your call, answer inquiries, and set up a consultation for you to come in to speak with us about tooth replacement.

Check Out Our Website

If you have spent even a nominal amount of time online seeking out information about tooth replacement, tooth loss, and options like dental implants, you have noticed that the reliability of the literature you find is all over the place. To get an idea of what you can really expect, take a look around our website. It will provide you with a reliable, expert introduction into replacing missing teeth as an extension of what you will learn from us during a visit.

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 Sedation: Test Your Smarts

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We have a lot of good things to say about the benefits oral surgery and the importance of taking good care of your teeth, jaw and mouth. However, if you are afraid to come to an appointment, or are putting off dental care out of anxiety, you cannot reap the benefits of care. If you are highly sensitive patient, or experience anxiety about dental care, there are sedation options. Try this matching quiz, to test your sedation smarts. If you are interested in dental sedation, please let us know. (more…)

Before Your Dental Implant Surgery

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Dental implants are well-known for their success in replacing lost teeth, especially since they’re the only option for replacing lost teeth roots. The good news is that most patients with one or more missing teeth can be viable candidates for dental implants. However, there are still several factors that must be considered before implant surgery can be recommended. Fortunately, most of these factors can be effectively addressed with help from your oral health expert so that you, too, can enjoy the benefits of dental implant-supported replacement teeth.

If you have gum disease

Gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss, and will remain a threat until treated. The mechanisms that lead to tooth loss, such as inflammation in the gums and damage to the jawbone, can also make gum disease a threat to your dental implants. If you wish to replace your lost teeth with one or more implants, then you may need periodontal treatment first to establish good periodontal health.

If your jawbone is too weak

For dental implants to remain in place, your jawbone must have an adequate amount of jawbone structure. Even if your jawbone hasn’t grown weak from gum disease, it may still do so if it’s been a while since you’ve lost your teeth. Without a full set of roots to stimulate it when you bite and chew, the jawbone doesn’t receive as many nutrients, which can lead to jawbone deterioration and possibly further tooth loss. For patients with weak jawbones, prerequisite procedures such as jawbone grafting can strengthen the jawbone in preparation for dental implant surgery.

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).

What Is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?

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and cannot fully emerge from your jawbone or gum line. Because they’re the last teeth to develop, third molars frequently become impacted by molars that are already present, or because they’ve developed at an angle instead of straight up and down. Impacted wisdom teeth are common, but how they become impacted can differ from patient to patient. Today, we take a look at different types of wisdom tooth impaction, and what they can mean for your oral health.

Types of Wisdom Tooth Impaction

Partial Eruption

Partial eruption is one of the most common types of wisdom tooth impaction, and describes a molar that remains lodged underneath the gums, unable to completely erupt. The flap of gum tissue that remains over part of the tooth can harbor harmful oral bacteria, increasing risks of dental diseases as well as causing discomfort.

Mesial Impaction

Mesial impaction means your third molar has grown diagonally instead of vertically. As it pushes against the molar next to it, your wisdom tooth may only partially erupt, or it may not be able to erupt at all. In some cases, the tooth may develop horizontally, also known as horizontal impaction.

Distal Impaction

A distal impaction occurs when a wisdom tooth grows at an angle, but away from its nearby neighbor instead of towards it. Unlike most other types of impaction, a distal impaction may not cause discomfort since it doesn’t disturb your other teeth. But it can still damage your jawbone, and should be extracted to preserve the rest of your oral health.

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).

Answering Questions About Tooth Extraction

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Typically, you can avoid dental issues from forming with excellent hygiene and regular preventive dental care. Sometimes, however, circumstances can lead to your tooth becoming a liability to the rest of your oral health, and preserving the tooth isn’t the best solution (or even possible). While losing a tooth is usually not ideal, tooth extraction may be necessary to save the rest of your teeth and oral tissues. If you’ve been told you need tooth extraction, but still have questions, then we can help you by answering a few short questions.

Why would my dentist recommend tooth extraction?

Your dentist should be as invested in your continued good oral health as you are, and will therefore try to protect and preserve your healthy, natural teeth whenever possible. If your dentist recommends tooth extraction, then it is likely because your tooth cannot be saved with other restorative dental options.

Why are wisdom teeth more challenging to extract than others?

Wisdom teeth, which are the most frequently extracted teeth, are not always as simple to extract as other teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth are blocked from completely erupting through the gums, and therefore your dentist can not simply grasp the tooth and gently loosen it. For impacted wisdom teeth, surgical tooth extraction is often necessary.

How can I be sure tooth extraction is the best solution for me?

Because the ultimate goal is to keep your smile bright and healthy for life, your dentist will thoroughly inspect your tooth and oral health before suggesting extraction. The best way to know if tooth extraction is best is for your dentist to ensure that your tooth cannot be saved with restorative dental treatment.

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: Words to Know

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Every profession has specialized vocabulary words, and the dental profession is no different. You have probably already realized the preventive oral care means brushing your teeth (among other things!) If you are considering the restorative procedure of having a dental implant, it helps to know the specialized vocabulary connected with that procedure. Dental implants can improve both the look and function of your smile. A tooth may seem like a small thing, but a dental implant can make a big difference in both mouth and jaw comfort and in confidence. (more…)

Gingivitis: Test Your Smarts

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School’s out for summer, but it’s never a bad time to test your dental knowledge. Gingivitis is the professional term for the early stage of gum disease. Most of us know we should brush and floss to prevent tooth decay, but did you know these same habits help prevent gingivitis? Unhealthy gums are not only unsightly. If left untreated, gingivitis lead to periodontal disease, and the need for dental implants or other restorative procedures. Knowing what healthy gums look like, and how to keep them that way is a smart step for oral health. (more…)

Implants: Don’t Let Them Distract You!

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Receiving dental implants after dealing with tooth loss can prove to be one of the most exciting endeavors of your life. However, once your implants are in place and have been restored, it’s very important that you don’t become too distracted or sidetracked by their presence. In fact, the best approach you can take is to begin thinking of them as just another part of your smile – instead of spending time thinking or worrying about them. Give us just a minute to explain why your perspective is so important in protecting your entire smile.

Brush And Care For All Teeth (And Gums)

It’s very easy to become a bit over-protective of your dental implants. After all, they required a time-consuming journey, they are providing you with prolonged jaw health, they’ve restored your smile, and you want to keep them around. Unfortunately, focusing too much on your implants and neglecting natural teeth can leave you in a not-so-wonderful situation (you may experience decay, infection, or additional tooth loss). Keep your entire smile healthy with comprehensive brushing and flossing for the best results.

Regard Them As Natural Teeth

Do you treat your dental implants very delicately, feeling as though you can’t eat the foods you love? This can take away from your daily quality of life! If anything, it’s best to regard your implants as your natural teeth because it will allow you to become comfortable with the idea of enjoying a complete, stable smile again.

On the other end of the spectrum, are you obsessively cleaning your implants and restorations or brushing extra hard? No need. In fact, over-cleaning or using too much force can cause serious irritation and subsequent complications. Act like they’re your natural teeth and move on from there 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).

3 Tips: Traveling With Dental Implants

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When patients receive implants, they often find that a variety of unexpected questions seem to crop up over time. For instance, you may wonder whether you need to do anything special when traveling with dental implants. The answer is yes … and no. You will, of course, simply need to continue doing what you usually do (brushing and flossing every day) and that’s about it. However, for your most successful experience, you just might want to take a few tips into consideration.

Tip #1: See Us About Concerns First

Does something hurt? Feel strange? Are you just curious about a sensation you’re noticing? Don’t wait to board an airplane or hop in the car for a long road trip to see how things go – contact us first! While everything is likely A-OK, it is always best to prevent potential problems rather than waiting for something to happen. Schedule a visit with us before you travel, so we may address anything that may require attention.

Tip #2: Bring Your Dental Hygiene Products

If you have dental implants, you have likely collected some products you prefer. The last thing you want is to end up in a new place without any idea how to find the special dental floss you love so much, your favorite toothpaste, or that toothbrush that is so comfortable and so effective. Bring your products with you, so your smile stays nice and clean.

Tip #3: Err On The Side Of Caution

Are you on a foreign island, indulging in some delicious delicacies? If so, now would be the time to eat foods that you are certain you can chew with ease. Now would not be the time to test the strength of your dental implants and restorations by attempting to crack a new nut with your smile. You get the idea!

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).