3 Reasons You Don’t Need To Avoid Implants

Posted by

Are you under the impression that even though you like the idea, you might as well avoid considering dental implants to replace your missing teeth? If this is occurring, you may have received some misinformation or have made some assumptions about implants that just might not be true. To find out a bit more regarding why you don’t need to give up on the dream of implants after tooth loss, we encourage you to consider some helpful, factual details.

#1: If You Don’t Qualify, You Have Options

At the very worst, let’s say you do not qualify for dental implants, you don’t want to deal with what it might take to become a candidate, or you are not comfortable with the required investment. Good news: You have so many options! While implants are certainly a good choice for tooth replacement, other prosthetics can restores your smile, as well, while offering a long list of advantages.

#2: What You’ve “Heard” Is Likely Untrue

You may have heard some stories from individuals who don’t have an expert knowledge of dental implants (AKA: anyone talking about implants who is not a dental professional). What kinds of things are you hearing? Maybe someone told you they have a low rate of success. Fortunately, implants are prized for their ability to last a very long time and for their extremely high rate of success (approximately 98 percent).

#3: You Can Support A Crown (Or More)

Assuming dental implants just aren’t for you because you want to replace multiple missing teeth at once? Guess again. You can rely on multiple implants to offer support to a larger replacement solution like an implant-retained bridge or denture.

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: Digital Radiography

Posted by

How much do you know about digital radiography? Are you completely clear on what sets digital X-rays and standard X-rays apart or do you generally assume they’re the same thing? How about other forms of imaging at our practice? Have you been fully informed regarding what we offer or do you still have some unanswered questions? Let’s get you started with a quick quiz – it will address your questions and let you know just how familiar you’ve become with digital imaging.

Quiz: True or False?

  1. True or False: There’s not much of a difference between digital X-rays and standard X-rays. Primarily, the digital one just doesn’t rely on film but the standard one does.
  2. True or False: If you need anything more advanced than an X-ray, we will send you to another facility.
  3. True or False: We make conservative decisions when relying on digital radiography as we plan your surgery.

Quiz Answers

  1. False. While it is true that the digital X-rays do not rely on film but are loaded as files into our computer, there are other things that make them different. Digital radiography emits approximately 50 percent less radiation, it results in nearly no waste (no use of chemicals or film), and the digital images are extremely easy to visually manipulate for enhanced viewing.
  2. False. We offer everything you need in-house, including digital X-rays, panoramic X-rays, and CT scans.
  3. True. We only request the use of particular types of imaging when necessary for the optimal outcome of your 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).

What To Do About Sores And More

Posted by

When you find a bump in your mouth – or a lump, or a sore, or otherwise – you may immediately find yourself in a state of panic. The good news is that you don’t need to feel upset. You simply need to contact us to schedule an oral pathology appointment. In short, oral pathology is a term that refers to problems that develop in your mouth, which may signify or progress into an oral disease. Why shouldn’t you worry? Because we are here to help. Learn more.

Your First Reaction

Don’t panic. Instead, take note of what you have discovered – the size, the color, the way it feels, etc. You may then make one of two choices. If you are in significant pain or feel too concerned, feel free to call us immediately. However, recognize that we feel comfortable instructing you to wait approximately a week to give the issue time to heal. If a week goes by and there has been no change – or if the issue becomes worse – then we urge you to call us right away.

Scheduling An Appointment

Scheduling an oral pathology visit is the best choice for so many reasons. Consider the following:

  • We will examine you, identify the issue, and explain whether it is benign or requires treatment
  • We will offer the appropriate treatment
  • We can prevent serious complications by treating the issue immediately, rather than later

How We Help

If we identify a concern during your oral pathology visit, our team of oral and maxillofacial surgeons will help you by creating a minimally invasive treatment plan to restore the health of your mouth.

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: Where To Begin?

Posted by

When the time comes that you experience tooth loss and need a way to replace the teeth missing in your smile, you may find yourself drawn to the benefits of dental implants. However, feeling excited about a particular option does not mean you know where to begin. Fortunately, getting started is extremely simple. All you need to do is plan to spend time speaking with us about tooth replacement and we will take care of the rest. Consider a couple helpful suggestions.

Let’s Talk About Tooth Loss

First, you are going to begin by scheduling a dental implant consultation with us. This is an appointment during which we will speak with you about tooth loss, why it’s so important to replace your teeth, and how implants offer enhanced protection when compared with other prosthetics like bridges and dentures. You see, the only option for replacing your missing roots and supporting a visible prosthetic to replace your tooth’s crown is choosing implants. The only way to prevent jaw deterioration after tooth loss is – you guessed it – choosing implants. We will explain the specifics during your visit.

Let’s Talk Details

As for the details associated with beginning your new journey toward receiving dental implants, there’s a universal to-do list to take care of before moving forward. First, we will examine your smile. We will also gather digital imaging of your oral cavity to determine whether you have a full jawbone and if it can support implants. Once we are certain regarding your candidacy for treatment, we will create a treatment plan specific to your oral health needs and your daily life.

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 Is A Patient Ready For Implants?

Posted by

As you may have guessed, a lot of factors come into play when deciding whether a patient is ready for dental implants. Do you feel ready? Perhaps you are interested in this teeth replacement option but you have questions. Maybe you are not sure whether you are financially ready for the investment. Consider a few areas of concern that we focus on when guiding you toward – or away from – choosing implants.

Your Schedule

Does your schedule permit dental implants? If you are just learning about this option, you may not recognize that the full process is somewhat lengthy. The end results are worth the effort. However, if you have an extremely packed schedule or require immediate replacement of lost teeth, you may not be ready for implants. On the other hand, if you can work the appointments and recovery into your schedule, you may be ready.

Your Oral And General Health

First, you need a healthy, full jawbone if you want dental implants. If your jaw is not ready because of damage or deterioration, you may be able to prepare by agreeing to bone grafting. You will also discover that you must be ready for surgery. If you are physically unfit for surgical procedures, it may not be time at the moment to move ahead with implants.

Your Budget

Deciding whether you’re ready for the investment is something you will need to spend a bit of time figuring out. Are you going to pay out of pocket? Does your insurance offer any coverage? Have you set up a payment plan? You’re only ready once you are certain you can make dental implants work for you and your life.

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 You’re Referred To An Oral Surgeon

Posted by

Are you curious about why you have been referred to our practice? What is it that pushes you out of the scope of general dentistry and into our exam chair? When it comes to seeking the help of an oral surgeon, a variety of issues or needs may lead you to our office. For instance, restorative dentistry may not be able to address your concern because you need a surgical procedure. Allow us to explain a few reasons you’re seeing our smiling faces.

#1: To Prepare For Prosthetics

When you plan on receiving a prosthetic to replace missing teeth, you may need some preparatory help first. For instance, are you missing all but one tooth on one of your arches? If so, the surgical removal of the remaining tooth will provide you with the necessary foundation for your full denture. Or, you may require bone shaping, bone grafting, or gum shaping to ensure your existing smile is ready for a prosthetic that fits beautifully and comfortably.

#2: To Receive Implant Placement

The placement of dental implants is best provided by an oral surgeon. With advanced experience and training in the placement of your implant posts, we ensure the process is precise. We may then work in collaboration with your general dentist to monitor the healing process until you are ready for your restoration.

#3: To Prepare For Orthodontic Treatment

Your orthodontist may refer you to an oral surgeon because in order to move forward with orthodontic care, you need certain teeth repositioned. Or, you may require the removal of permanent teeth to free up room in an overcrowded mouth before moving ahead with braces. 

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).

How To Respond To Facial Injuries

Posted by

We have highlighted the fact that April is National Facial Protection Month. As a result, you have hopefully made the necessary arrangements to ensure your face, mouth, and head are protected when participating in active events. However, you may ask yourself what might happen after an accident when you’re without your helmet or mouth guard? The good news is that we are prepared to provide you with essential suggestions, so you can plan a visit or receive the emergency dental care you need depending on the concern at hand.

Contact Your General Dentist

If you experience a sudden injury to your mouth, it’s typically a good idea to contact your general dentist immediately. Does your dentist offer emergency dental services? Become familiar with the services offered and program your dentist’s number into your phone. In case of dental accidents, you may need to quickly schedule an appointment.

Contact Us

Have you damaged a dental implant? Perhaps you have already seen your general dentist and you are in need of oral surgery. Whatever the case, we are always happy to take your calls. Please contact us and let us know what has happened, so we may provide you with instructions regarding the best course of action (and so we may see you as soon as possible to protect your oral health).

Call 911 Or Visit Your Nearest ER

It’s important to make the distinction between the need for emergency dental care and a medical emergency. Even if the problem you’re experiencing includes your face, if you think your life is in danger, contact 911 or visit an ER. This is considered a medical emergency, not something strictly limited to your oral health.

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).

Make Sure You’re Flossing Thoroughly

Posted by

We can go on and on all day, explaining to you why flossing is so important. Extolling the many advantages of plaque protection and how it will help you avoid dental implant failure. However, if you’re not sure you’re flossing thoroughly, you’re not going to reap the benefits of this simple yet extremely effective portion of your preventive care. Let’s make sure you’re not missing a beat, so your smile stays healthy.

Choose Your Floss Appropriately

For natural teeth, we will suggest you choose a dental floss that you enjoy, based on the width of the floss or tape, the flavor, and the consistency. For dental implant flossing, we may recommend you rely on “super floss” that includes a threader on one end, a spongy segment, and traditional floss on the other end. This floss will provide you with the ability to thoroughly clean around your crown and the abutment.

Floss Everything

Remember that it’s important to floss your entire smile, including between all of your teeth, behind back teeth, and around dental implants. While you may assume implants do not require flossing because they are not composed of organic materials, this is irrelevant. They are surrounded by organic material (sometimes other teeth and always your gum tissue), which means prevent plaque buildup is essential in avoiding inflammation as well as implant failure.

Don’t Forget The Super Floss

We will provide you with instructions regarding the best way to floss around your dental implants. Fortunately, this is very simple. You will generally thread the super floss between your implant and neighboring tooth, floss between the teeth, and tuck the spongy segment beneath the crown to polish the abutment for a clean prosthetic.

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).

National Facial Protection Month

Posted by

As we make our way into April, we prepare to make full use of the beautiful Spring weather that we love. While this is a wonderful time to become active – particularly if you experienced cabin fever during of any of winter’s occasional bleak days – it’s also an important time for caution. Did you know that April is National Facial Protection Month? With greater activity comes an increased chance of significant oral health injuries. Allow us to make a couple helpful suggestions, so you can enjoy your fun time without concern.

Doing Something – Anything – Active?

Believe it or not, just about any activity that includes working out, whether it’s on your own or in a team scenario, can lead to oral health injuries. For instance, unexpected impact from a baseball can end in damage to your facial structure (including a dislodged tooth). Working out on your own without a spotter can result in accidents, as well. While it’s good to feel positive about your activities, a bit of foresight is always worthwhile. We suggest wearing an athletic mouth guard, which offers exceptional protection for your mouth.

Are Your Feet On The Ground?

Are you a fan of bike riding? Perhaps roller blading is more your speed. Whatever the case, if your activity of choice places your oral health and entire head at a high risk of impact, now is a wonderful time to protect your oral, facial, and general wellbeing by choosing to wear a helmet. In addition to saving your smile, a helmet can save your life. Have questions? Let us know during your next appointment.

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).

Want Implants? Treat Bruxism First.

Posted by

Are you interested in dental implants? If so, we can agree with you that choosing implants to complete your smile offers a host of exceptional benefits (many of which you cannot receive from other replacement selections, such as traditional dentures). However, as with any dental work, if you are struggling with bruxism, it is typically essential that you seek bruxism treatment before moving forward with implant placement. Allow us to explain why addressing your teeth grinding and/or clenching is so important.

What Is Bruxism?

You may know on a general level that bruxism is a functional disorder characterized by involuntary teeth clenching or teeth grinding. We say “involuntary” because this is not a habit that you are consciously performing. Instead, it’s something out of your control. The side effects of the disorder (when left untreated) can include damage to your teeth like fractures, breaks, and even the loss of your teeth. You may find that the surfaces of your teeth become eroded, leading to difficulty eating and sensitivity. In regard to dental implant placement, bruxism poses a threat. During recovery, the last thing you want is excessive pressure and force because these concerns may lead to failure.

What Can I Do?

First, before you visit us for dental implant placement, we will become familiar with your medical history, your dental history, and we will examine your teeth and supportive tissues. If we find that you are dealing with bruxism, we will suggest you seek bruxism treatment before implants. This is usually something you will establish with your general dentist, with whom we will work closely throughout your journey toward a complete smile. By wearing a mouth guard at night (known as an oral appliance), you can prevent the trauma caused by bruxism. Rest assured, we will create a comprehensive plan for your 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).