Quiz: Nitrous Oxide Details

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How much do you really know about nitrous oxide? Are you familiar with what you can expect from your experience with this form of anesthesia – also known as laughing gas? Or, do you simply know that it’s a form of sedation we offer our patients? The good news is that the more you learn about different sedation options, the easier it will be to feel confident making a decision with us when it comes time to choose anesthesia. For now, find out how much you know with a brief quiz.

Quiz: Anesthesia

  1. True or False: Nitrous oxide is our most potent form of sedation, which will cause you to fall asleep.
  2. True or False: While laughing gas has a foul odor and strange taste, the benefits of choosing this form of dental sedation are completely worthwhile.
  3. True or False: Even though nitrous oxide is a fairly new form of anesthesia, it has quickly risen in popularity due to its effects.

Quiz Answers

  1. False. This form of anesthesia is the gentlest option when it comes to seeking relaxing and analgesic effects. You will not fall asleep from laughing gas. You will, however, feel happy and relaxed – you may even feel like laughing, as its name suggests.
  2. False. Nitrous oxide is a colorless gas that is a bit sweet to smell and to taste. You can expect a wonderful experience if you choose this form of anesthesia, which you will simply breathe in through your nose as it calms your anxiety.
  3. False. This form of sedation is well known in part because it has been around for such a long time and because most people tolerate it extremely well. There is record of laughing gas having been used for over 100 years!

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 For Post-Surgery Success

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After your oral surgery, you will follow our instructions, of course, which will ensure you recover successfully. Whether you visit us for an extraction, dental implant, jaw surgery, or otherwise, the goal is to reach improved oral health and to maintain your newly improved smile. You may wonder – is there something you should be doing to ensure your transformation remains in excellent condition, so you may continue enjoying the benefits for years to come? Consider a few shockingly simple tips.

Tip #1: Don’t Forget Your Preventive Care

While you may feel like you’re on top of the world after you heal from your oral surgery, it’s important to remain a bit grounded. Protecting the work you have had done primarily rests on your dedication to continuing your preventive care habits. Brushing twice daily (and flossing once daily) will keep plaque and bacteria to a minimum, so teeth, gums, and any dental work remain undisturbed. Of course, twice annual visits to your general dentist are also of the utmost importance.

Tip #2: Always Call If You Have A Question

Do you have a question for us after your oral surgery? Whether you cannot remember a particular instruction we presented or if something doesn’t feel quite right with your oral cavity, we urge you to contact us. We will speak with you or schedule a visit.

Tip #3: Follow Up – Even If Everything Seems Wonderful

Did we schedule a follow-up visit with you but you feel so happy with your oral surgery results that you dismiss this appointment and choose to cancel? While everything might look and feel A-OK, it is extremely important that we see you after your procedure. This provides you with immense protection, as we can detect any minor concerns immediately and redirect you to ensure your oral health remains intact.

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 Benefits Of Oral Surgery

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You know that choosing oral surgery is going to repair the problem with your oral health, which is certainly a wonderful advantage. However, have you given much thought to the more specific benefits that come with visiting us? Whether you need help with a problematic tooth, improvement for an unhealthy jawbone, dental implants, or otherwise, our treatments can improve your smile (and your life) in a number of ways. Consider a few of them as you learn more about this field of dental care.

Benefit #1: Achieve Long-Term Tooth Replacement

Patients with missing teeth have a variety of options for addressing their tooth loss. If you choose a bridge or denture, you will restore the crown of your tooth (which rests above your gum tissue) but you will not replace the roots. As a result, your device may last several years but will require replacement and likely an occasional repair. Replacing teeth with oral surgery means you replace the entire tooth with a dental implant and restoration for a long-lasting and stable solution.

Benefit #2: Prevent Significant Damage

In some instances, you will need oral surgery for a problem that is progressive. This means that the issue at hand – jawbone deterioration, for instance – is going to worsen over time unless you address it. Fortunately, in this case, we may replace the lost tissue with bone grafting to keep the problem from advancing and causing significant damage.

Benefit #3: Address The Problem (Not The Symptom)

Another benefit of oral surgery is that we are able to address the actual underlying problem that is negatively affecting your oral health, rather than simply dealing with the symptom. For example, rather than suggest you take pain relievers and deal with jaw problems, we may perform jaw surgery to correct the problem by aligning your jaws.

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).

3 Things To Bring To Your Visit

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Are you someone who likes to feel completely prepared for just about anything? When it comes to preparing for oral surgery, you may feel that the stakes are a bit higher. The last thing you want is to show up without an essential item, only to find yourself faced with rescheduling and coming in for another appointment. The great news is that getting ready for your visit is quite easy. We will fill you in on all of the essential details, so you can show up relaxed, ready to improve your oral health. For now, allow us to offer a few helpful suggestions, so you can get a head start on that much needed prep.

How Old Are You?

Are you showing up for oral surgery? Or, is your son or daughter the patient in this case? If your child is visiting us for a procedure, you will need to come to the visit, too. We require individuals younger than 18 to arrive at their appointment with a parent or guardian, so keep this in mind as the two of you plan out your schedules.

Important Documentation

You will need to remember to bring the basic information that you likely usually carry in your wallet. For instance, make sure you show up with your dental insurance card if you have decided to claim your coverage benefits for your oral surgery procedure. This will streamline the process.

Bring Your Medical Info

As you know, oral surgery requires us to remain fully informed regarding the state of your general wellbeing. In addition, we work in collaboration with your general dentist and any doctors you see. As a result, we ask that you begin preparing for your surgery by bringing supporting materials to your consultations with us, including the following:

  • Information regarding any significant health problems that you are currently experiencing
  • Documentation of medicine you take, preferably with the dosage and frequency with which you take them
  • Your referral from your dentist or doctor
  • Provide your dentist with permission to send any advanced imaging to our practice

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).

What Are Those Oral Surgery Terms?

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Do you understand that there’s something going on with your oral health that requires you to visit us for oral surgery – but you feel like your knowledge ends there? Are you discovering that there are a few terms related to our field of oral care that continue to throw you off a bit, so gathering the details about your personal needs and treatments is a bit difficult to thoroughly understand? Allow us to help define a few key terms, so your journey toward a healthier smile begins with a solid foundation.

What Does Oral And Maxillofacial Surgery Mean?

When we say that we provide oral and maxillofacial surgery, this might sound extremely complicated or intimidating but it is simple to understand. We practice within a specialized field that allows us to diagnose and surgically treat problems that arise with your oral tissues (tissues in your mouth) as well as your maxillofacial tissues (your jaws and your face).

What Is Bone Grafting?

If you require bone grafting, this is an oral surgery procedure. We will help treat damaged jawbone tissue, which often occurs as the result of periodontal disease. Or, jawbone tissue may deteriorate due to a prolonged experience with missing teeth. Grafting means that we will replace the missing tissue either with natural tissue or artificial tissue. In some instances, grafting will encourage your natural tissue to regenerate.

What Does Anesthesia Refer To?

Anesthesia refers to a variety of sedation options we offer to our patients for relaxing, comfortable oral surgery. In some cases, this may refer to general anesthesia (or IV sedation), which may or may not include going to sleep. However, anesthesia also refers to local anesthesia (the localized numbing of tissues), nitrous oxide (laughing gas), and oral sedation (sedation in pill form). 

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).

Oral Surgery: Getting Started

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When you are well aware that you require oral surgery but you are not sure how to go about approaching this need of yours, you can find that the days and the weeks fly by – and you still haven’t come in to see us. Fortunately, getting started is quite simple (and, as you know, the sooner you begin, the closer you will be to addressing and resolving the issue with your oral health). You just need a few helpful steps to get yourself headed along the path toward a healthier smile.

How Do I Schedule A Visit?

The best way to get started is to contact us to schedule an appointment to learn more about your oral surgery needs. You have a couple of options here. You may contact us by calling our practice during weekdays from 8 in the morning to 5 in the evening. We will be happy to work with you to find a time that works best for you. Or, you may request an appointment online.

Speak With Your Insurance Provider

Once your general dentist has informed you that you need oral surgery, it is best to contact your dental insurance provider immediately. The sooner you are certain of the coverage your benefits provide, the easier it will be to move forward with making decisions regarding the treatments you need (without feeling bogged down by unanswered concerns about finances).

Browse Through Testimonials

Curious about what you can expect from your oral surgery experience? Get started on the right foot by becoming familiar with our practice, the treatments we offer, and what others have to say. We invite you to brows through our testimonials page – upping your optimism will give you a boost of confidence that is always helpful during your initial visit.

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 Reasons Implants Are Reliable

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If you are thinking about selecting dental implants for your smile, you might be weighing the pros and cons of implants against other prosthetic solutions for tooth loss. When it comes to reliability, implants have a leg up when compared with other potential tooth replacement choices. Curious about what makes them such strong contenders? We encourage you to become familiar with a few reasons an implant is considered a steadfast option for replacing your tooth and completing your grin.

Reason #1: They Are Biocompatible

A dental implant is biocompatible. This means that it will not cause any damage or harm to your natural tissues. Why is this so important? Aren’t other treatments biocompatible, too? Yes, they are. However, implants are the only tooth replacement devices surgically placed in an effort to replace your roots – the good news is that your body will not reject them. So – they are safe and extremely stable.

Reason #2: They Bond With Your Jawbone

Let’s talk a bit more about stability. Most tooth replacements will rest either on the crowns of your remaining teeth or against your gums. As a result, they will allow you to eat and speak but they may require replacement or they may not offer the stability you desire. Dental implants, however, bond with your jawbone tissue thanks to a process called “osseointegration.” This fusion means the implant essentially becomes a part of your jawbone, offering strength, stability, and reliability you cannot achieve elsewhere.

Reason #3: They Protect Your Jaw Tissue

Again, because the dental implants sit within your jaw tissue and act as a substitute for your roots, they will protect your jawbone from deteriorating (by replacing root stimulation that keeps jaw tissue alive and well). As a result, your smile will remain preserved without misalignment or loss of jaw structure. 

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 Reasons To Schedule Your Consultation

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Have you been told by your general dentist that you need oral surgery to improve your oral health? Do you have our contact information in hand but you find that you keep hesitating to schedule your consultation? We understand that new experiences can make you feel a bit unsure. However, seeking the care you need for a truly healthy smile is essential. Consider a few reasons we urge you to schedule your visit right away, so you feel that much more comfortable and confident.

So We Can Get To Know You

One reason we strongly suggest you schedule your oral surgery consultation is simply so we can get to know you. Over the course of a friendly discussion, we will learn more about what you need for your smile, why you have come in to see us, and we can become familiar with more personal details like your preferences for your smile and your budget.

To Get To Know Your Smile

During your oral surgery consultation, we will also be able to delve a bit deeper, getting to the bottom of your oral health concerns. With the aid of an oral examination and the assistance of advanced imaging (digital X-rays), we will gather a complete understanding of what’s happening with your oral health and how we can help.

So You Know What To Expect

Your consultation is a wonderful time for us to explain your needs and potential treatment options. In addition to explaining the details of different treatments, we can collaborate with you to create an oral surgery plan, while discussing other pertinent matters like details regarding finances and recovery.

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 To Determine What Dental Implants Will Cost

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When it comes to answering your questions about dental implants, a good portion of the information we offer is unique to your particular case. For instance, if you are interested in finding out how much implants will cost for your smile, the final amount may be quite different than for that of a friend who recently replaced his or her missing teeth. For a clearer idea of how to proceed with the financial aspect of addressing your tooth loss, consider some helpful advice.

Consult With Us

We suggest that you come in to see us for a dental implant consultation. While we will be able to answer your general questions about implants that apply to everyone, we will also be able to come to conclusions particular to your smile with a personalized care plan. With the use of digital X-rays, an examination, and a discussion about your goals, we can provide you with actual figures that will help you make final decisions regarding your tooth loss. Remember, we offer a variety of options (such as single implants or implant-retained dentures), so we can work within your budget.

Contact Your Insurance Carrier

When it comes to the out-of-pocket costs you are concerned about, we always recommend that you get in contact with your dental insurance carrier. For specific facts and figures regarding your personal coverage for dental implants, you will only be able to arrive at a conclusion by speaking with an insurance representative about your benefits. Then, of course, if you have any additional questions about implants, feel free to contact us right away. 

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 You Should Choose Implants ASAP

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As you make your way through the variety of dental prosthetic options to address tooth loss, you may feel that you have all the time in the world. When it comes to choosing dental implants to replace lost teeth, however, reaping the full wealth of benefits is often dependent on time. We suggest moving forward with implants as soon as you are comfortable. For a clearer perspective, consider a few reasons we recommend you act with such urgency.

To Protect Your Jaw

The roots of your teeth provide your jawbone with necessary stimulation when you chew or place pressure on your teeth. The stimulation ensures that your jawbone receives essential nutrients on a consistent basis, which keeps your jaw health in excellent shape. When this process halts due to tooth loss, so do the nutrients, and your jawbone may quickly deteriorate. Dental implants will replace your roots and restore this process. The sooner you receive implants, the easier it is to maintain jaw volume and density.

To Avoid Premature Aging

About that jawbone deterioration – as your jaw tissue is resorbed, your jaw physically shrinks. This can lead to facial collapse as the lower structure of your face decreases in size. As a result, you may appear much older than your actual age. Placing dental implants as soon as possible will prevent the occurrence of this type of premature aging.

To Save Your Smile

Did you know that your current smile will eventually shift into a different alignment if you ignore your tooth loss? Your teeth will move, making their way in the direction of the opening where your teeth once stood. Choosing to replace teeth – such as with dental implants – will fill the opening. The result? Your alignment will remain safe.

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).