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).

Why Invest In Dental Implants?

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As you have likely heard from friends and loved ones – and possibly even read about online – dental implants require a greater upfront investment than other tooth replacement solutions. While a large initial price on the treatment to address your tooth loss might cause you a bit of sticker shock, it’s very important that you don’t regard implants as “extremely expensive” or a luxury item. Allow us to explain why the investment is worthwhile and how the price tag is actually in line with most alternative prosthetic solutions.

For Convenience and Comfort

First, keep in mind that you are investing in a tooth replacement solution that provides you the utmost in convenience and comfort. You will enjoy stability that runs a close second to natural teeth. Your implant is solidly bound to your jawbone tissue, which means you can eat and speak effortlessly. You will care for your smile as though it is full of natural teeth. You will also quickly regain the quality of life you enjoyed before your tooth loss – though it may become even better.

They Are Cost-Effective Over Time

Take on a new perspective when you are deciding why you should invest in dental implants. Dentures and bridges will require repairs and may need to be replaced (which will require additional investments over the years). These prosthetics do not protect your jaw health, which means your jaw will slowly deteriorate over time, leading toward issues like facial collapse. Implants often last a lifetime – only their restorations may occasionally require a repair. As a result, the investment you make will comprise most of the cost. In the end, when you compare the money spent over time on each tooth replacement solution, dental implants are extremely cost-effective.

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 Questions Part 2

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Becoming familiar with what to expect from your oral surgery experience may prove somewhat complex – fortunately, we are happy to provide you with information each and every step of the way. By the time your visit arrives, you will know just what to do, what will happen before, during, and after the procedure, and how to care for yourself once you’re back in the comfort of your own home. Before you speak with us again with particular inquiries, we offer a few informative questions (and answers) to help you along on this beneficial journey.

Questions and Answers About Your Oral Surgery

How should I prepare my escort regarding what to expect? As always, you will need to have a friend or loved one bring you to your visit and take you home, since you will be receiving sedation. We will provide you with an estimated treatment time, so the person who brings you can plan accordingly for the wait. Fortunately, you can let him or her know that we offer free WiFi, water, and coffee for an enjoyable stay.

What are my options for improving my comfort once I return home from my oral surgery? You will be sent home with a prescription for pain medication, so you don’t need to worry about maintaining comfort after your surgery. In addition, we will provide you with instructions regarding cold and warm compresses to address minor swelling and discomfort.

What happens if I suddenly have questions when I’m already home after my treatment? Is it too late to ask someone? Of course it’s not too late! We are always happy to answer questions. Please feel comfortable contacting us after oral surgery, so we may address any questions or needs you may have. 

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).

Questions to Ask Your Oral Surgeon: Part One

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Once you know you need restorative oral surgery, it becomes important to consult with your surgeon about the procedure. You will also need clear directions about how to care for your smile after the procedure, and moving forward, in order to maintain great oral health. Understanding any steps you may need to take prior to the appointment can also help make the entire day of surgery go much smoother, and be less stressful for you and your loved ones. To have a productive consultation, though, it can be helpful to know just what to ask your oral surgeon. That way you can arrive at your procedure confident, and knowing that your smile will be well taken care of. (more…)

Need Wisdom Tooth Removal? What You Should Know: Part Two

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So you know you need to have your wisdom teeth removed? That may sound scary, but it doesn’t have to be. Wisdom teeth removal is quite standard for an oral surgeon, and can actually be an important step in restoring oral health, and often relieving oral pain. By going to an oral surgeon for the extraction, rather than a general dentist, you can increase the likelihood of an effective extraction, especially if your removal turns out to be complicated, as is often the case with lower molars. (more…)