Sports Injuries: Addressing Trauma

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As you prepare to participate in your favorite sport, the last thing on your mind may be protecting your smile and avoiding injuries. You’re most likely more focused on prepping your strategy for the game and making sure your muscles are stretched and ready to go. Of course, a sprained ankle or pulled hamstring may not surprise you – but an injured tooth – what a shock! The good news is that if you suffer tooth loss, we can assist you in restoring your smile with a dental implant. Of course, we will also provide you with suggestions for protecting your smile in the future.

Protecting Your Smile

Every person participating in sports becomes susceptible to serious dental injuries. From accidental run-ins with a teammate to an unexpected impact with sports equipment, you may suddenly find yourself with tooth damage. The good news is that you can protect your teeth and surrounding tissues by considering a sports mouthguard. Please speak with us regarding suggestions, so we may guide you in a much safer, prevention-minded direction.

Common Injuries

Unfortunately, patients commonly succumb to serious damage to their teeth. If you suffer from a broken tooth, you may require a dental crown (if the injury is moderate). For severe damage, we may suggest a dental extraction and tooth replacement. Or, if your tooth becomes dislodged, a tooth replacement with a dental implant may become necessary.

Replacing Your Tooth

Fortunately, if you lose a tooth as the result of a sports injury, we can quickly begin restoring your smile. You will visit us for a consultation, so we may examine your oral cavity with a visual check and digital X-rays. We will then create a treatment plan for replacing your tooth with a dental implant. This prosthetic will allow us to replace your entire tooth, including your roots and the visible portion.

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 Pathology 101

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Discovering that something has changed in your mouth can cause a pang of panic. Whether you notice a bump, lump, or other change, we strongly encourage you to schedule an oral pathology visit with us. Even if you are experiencing no discomfort, sudden symptoms may point to a treatable problem that – when detected early – we may resolve. Rest assured, abnormalities are typically harmless. However, erring on the side of protecting your smile is always the best approach.

About Oral Pathology

Oral pathology refers to diseases that may occur within your mouth and the surrounding area. More specifically, this includes your salivary glands, as well as your jaws and your oral cavity. Oral pathology can include anything from a sore to oral cancer.

Things To Look For

Chances are good that you will either see a bump or other concern with your own eyes while brushing or flossing – or you will feel a lump or other abnormality with your tongue. Whether the problem is uncomfortable or not, it is important to keep an eye out for any type of change, which may include one or more of the following:

  • Lesions that appear red or white
  • Soreness
  • Ulcers
  • Raw tissue areas
  • Cysts in the jaw
  • Swelling
  • Lumps
  • Bumps

What To Do

Schedule a visit to see us for an oral pathology visit. We will take a close, detailed look at your mouth. We may rely on the use of advanced technology, such as digital X-rays, 3D X-rays, or a biopsy. Your exam will also include a conversation about your state of health, so we gain a comprehensive understanding of what is happening with both your oral and overall wellbeing. We may then provide you with a diagnosis and any necessary 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).

Tooth Loss: A Quiz

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How much do you know about tooth loss? Are you familiar with the variety of contributing factors that may result in the loss of one or multiple teeth? Have you already researched dental implant candidacy to determine whether you qualify to replace your entire tooth, from the roots up? If you feel you know all there is to know about this complex topic (or if you are interested in filling in the information you have not yet learned) we encourage you to quiz yourself. Follow that up with a consultation with us, so we can assist you in restoring your oral health and the beauty of your smile.

Tooth Loss Quiz: True or False?

  1. True or False: We can only use dental implants to address tooth loss if your problem stems from a strong impact.
  2. True or False: A good way to prevent sports-related tooth loss is investing in a sports mouth guard.
  3. True or False: If you have suffered tooth loss and jawbone problems as a result of periodontal disease, we may still be able to provide dental implants.

Dental Quiz Answer Key

  1. False. We can offer dental implants for most types of tooth loss, potentially including tooth loss due to periodontal disease, a strong impact, a tooth extraction as the result of severe infection, or a tooth that was extracted due to other serious injury.
  2. True. Particularly if you participate in high-impact sports, you risk tooth injury or losing a tooth altogether. You can easily prevent this (and the need for a replacement like an implant) by wearing a mouth guard.
  3. True. Even if your jawbone is damaged, we can often improve its volume and health with a procedure called bone grafting. Once your jaw health improves, you may qualify to replace your tooth with a dental implant.

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).

Wisdom Teeth Removal For Your Child

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You may be surprised to learn that in most cases, the earlier you schedule wisdom teeth removal for your child, the better. While you may have trouble believing your teen is even old enough to be developing third molars, you may find yourself caught off-guard at the idea of setting up a time for oral surgery. Rather than feeling overwhelmed, allow us to provide answers to your inquiries, so you can feel confident about this decision to protect your child’s oral health.

Q&A: Wisdom Teeth Removal For Your Son or Daughter

Question: How do I know if my child needs wisdom teeth removal?

Answer: We will examine your son or daughter’s smile, usually with the use of digital X-rays and a CT scan, to determine whether the teeth are on-track for healthy development or require removal.

Question: Is the removal of wisdom teeth really necessary?

Answer: If your child’s teeth are impacted or develop on an angle, the result may include periodontal disease, misalignment, cavities, infection, and other disease.

Question: Why remove the teeth now rather than later in my son or daughter’s adulthood?

Answer: Younger, newer teeth are softer and have shorter roots. As your child ages, the roots of the wisdom teeth become longer, while the jaw tissue surrounding the roots becomes more challenging to work with. This makes the removal of the teeth more difficult.

Question: Will my child feel comfortable during the procedure? Does it take a long time?

Answer: Yes, the comfort of each one of our patients is always of the utmost importance. First, we will numb the target site with local anesthesia, as well as surrounding tissues. We also offer a variety of anesthesia options, including nitrous oxide or IV sedation, depending on your child’s unique needs. Fortunately, wisdom teeth removal is quite efficient, generally lasting 30 to 40 minutes.

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).

Common Questions About Dental Implants

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Have you been finding that you feel somewhat conflicted lately when it comes to your thoughts about dental implants and their benefits? Perhaps you recently learned that implants can offer you a long-lasting replacement solution for your missing teeth (including your roots). As a result, you may find it difficult to avoid feeling ungrateful when what you really want to do is yell out, “Wait! I just have a couple more questions!” Rest easy – we understand that feeling knowledgeable is a big comfort and a very responsible approach to making important decisions about your oral health. We are always more than happy to answer your questions.

Questions and Answers: Dental Implants

Question: I know that dental implants offer wonderful stability. However, is that stability very impressive when compared with natural teeth?

Answer: Yes. You see, the dental implant that we place will undergo a process called “osseointegration” during which it bonds with your jawbone. Similar to the way your roots and jawbone once functioned as a single unit, your implant and jawbone will provide you with the same level of daily strength.

Question: Will my dental crown or other restoration be custom designed to blend with my smile?

Answer: Yes, of course. Once you have healed from your dental implant placement, we will restore the post with a beautiful, custom-crafted restoration that will look natural and lifelike, while blending seamlessly with your remaining smile.

Question: How much do dental implants cost?

Answer: Each patient requires unique care, which makes it impossible to provide a universal cost for dental implants. Two different patients may require different diagnostic testing, a different amount of implants, different restorations, and one may even require bone grafting while the other does not. We invite you to visit us for a consultation, so we may provide you with your customized care plan and details.

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).

Compelling Reasons To Choose Implants

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When you are looking for a tooth replacement solution that suits your needs, while offering long-term benefits, you are likely to run across the exceptional advantages of dental implants. For most patients, the benefits of dental implants make them instantly appealing. If you are someone who has been patiently sorting through your options for addressing tooth loss, we encourage you to consider some additional compelling reasons to choose implants, so you can make an educated, fully confident decision.

Restore Facial Structure

Your smile provides volume to your lower face when your lips are closed. This volume supports a full lower face, which supports the muscles and structure of the rest of your face. When you lose many of your teeth, this structure diminishes, often resulting in a sinking-in, sagging appearance. This multiplies when a patient’s jawbone deteriorates, which is a common side effect of tooth loss. Fortunately, replacing your roots and teeth with dental implants rejuvenates the lower structure of your face for a more youthful quality.

Improve Daily Quality Of Life

Missing one tooth, multiple teeth, or all of your teeth results in a less than desirable quality of life. Chewing your food and speaking articulately both become quite challenging. Unfortunately, this may have widespread effects, limiting your ability to feel confident and enjoy aspects of your life that you once experienced without a second thought. Everything from your career to your social life may become negatively impacted. Replacing teeth with dental implants can reverse these issues for a wonderful quality of life.

Enjoy Efficient Oral Hygiene

Open spaces in your smile can make brushing and flossing a challenge. You may find it difficult to keep the areas where your teeth once stood free of debris, which can cause foul breath and frustration. Dental implants offer long-term smile completion, so you can say goodbye to hygiene problems and hello to effective daily care.

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).

Digital X-Rays: What’s What?

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You may have an inkling that advanced dental technology plays an important role in our ability to diagnose problems and plan for your improved oral health. However, when it comes to the particular details of digital X-rays, for instance, you may feel at a loss. True, you are likely more than happy to strike the necessary pose we suggest, which will optimize our ability to capture detailed images of your smile. However, you may be looking for specific information regarding why we’re taking X-rays or what to make of the different imaging systems we use. Don’t worry – becoming familiar what’s what in the world of dental imaging is simple.

What Makes Them Digital?

Conventional X-rays require the use of film and processing chemicals. The finished product includes a physical X-ray that we hold in our hand. Digital X-rays – similar to digital photography – are created with the use of computer software. Rather than processing film, we simply upload the gathered image into our computer system for further use.

Why Do I Need X-Rays?

There is a lot happening beneath the surface of your oral cavity that we cannot see by visually examining your smile. Though a glance in your mouth provides us with a jumping off point, we need a detailed, close-up look at the inner working of your mouth and supportive structures to diagnose concerns, suggest treatments, and create personalized care plans with precision.

Types of Digital X-Rays

We may suggest one or multiple types of X-rays depending on your particular needs. Learn more with the following:

  • Panoramic X-Rays: A panoramic X-ray captures an image of your entire mouth at once, rather than portions. This helps us view your sinuses, teeth, and jaws.
  • iCAT Scans: Short for cone-beam computed tomography, this imaging provides us with a three-dimensional view of your mouth and cranium. This helps us make decisions regarding oral surgery, such as procedures including implants or third molars.

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).

Children And Dental Implants

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You may feel completely filled in and confident about the benefits of dental implants and adult candidacy. However, when it comes to the oral health of your child, you are already well aware that a developing smile does not always qualify for the same treatments as Mom or Dad’s smile. We understand that protecting the beauty and completeness of your child’s smile is your top priority, which is why we are happy to clarify the role implants may play in replacing your son or daughter’s tooth. Become familiar with the particulars and, as always, please contact us, so we may offer your child a consultation and personalized treatment plan.

Can My Child Receive An Implant?

The answer to this question is not black or white. First, we can say definitively that we cannot provide dental implants to young children because their jawbones are still in the process of developing. We must wait until your child’s smile is fully mature before we can place an implant.

What Is The Qualifying Age?

This may vary from child to child. However, the qualifying age for implant placement typically includes 18 years for girls. For boys, the qualifying age is usually a bit older.

Why Might My Child Need A Dental Implant?

Perhaps your child’s permanent tooth fails to develop and you are left searching for a lasting prosthetic. Maybe your little one’s tooth becomes seriously injured or has been removed. Whatever the case, dental implants offer an excellent solution once your child becomes a candidate.

What If My Child Is Still Too Young?

Don’t lose hope – we will guide you toward a replacement solution for the time being. We encourage you to visit us right away, so we can determine what is happening with your child’s smile, while crafting a care plan tailored to your son or daughter’s needs.

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).

Do I Need A Post-Extraction Implant?

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The first concern patients voice when they discover they require a tooth extraction addresses what will become of their previously complete smile. Fortunately, we offer dental implants to replace your extracted tooth if you are in need of a tooth replacement. While you may assume every tooth removal requires us to then address the open space, this is not always the case. Learn more about whether you qualify for an implant after your extraction, reasons you may not, and whether you need a tooth replacement at all. Keep in mind, we will work closely with you to ensure you’re on track for a beautiful, complete, healthy smile.

Your Tooth Or Gums Are Unhealthy

If we remove your tooth because it is infected or because it requires removal as the result of periodontal disease, it may not be time for a dental implant just yet. However, an implant may provide you with a wonderful solution once you are clear of existing infection – or, once you have received successful periodontal treatment.

Your Wisdom Tooth Is Impacted

If we remove your wisdom tooth, you will not require a replacement tooth. These are your “third molars,” which form behind the rest of your teeth and are not required for esthetics or daily function. In fact, some people never even develop wisdom teeth.

Your Smile Is Overcrowded

You will not require a dental implant or other prosthetic if we remove your tooth because your smile is overcrowded. In this case, the tooth extraction occurs to create additional space in your smile in preparation for orthodontic treatment to align your teeth.

Your Tooth Is Broken

If you require an extraction due to serious trauma that damages your tooth, a dental implant offers a wonderful tooth replacement option that will restore your entire tooth, including your roots. In some cases, we can perform the extraction and place an implant in one day.

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 Do I Take Care of My Dental Implants?

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Dental implants are small titanium posts that are designed to mimic and replace the roots of your lost teeth. As such, they offer unmatched support for your dental crown, bridge, or partial/complete denture, making your prosthesis more lifelike in function and appearance. To help ensure the longevity of your dental implant(s) and restoration, however, it is important that you learn how to take care of your dental implants, both at home and at your dentist’s office.

Daily Dental Implant Maintenance

The beauty of dental implants lies in their ability to mimic nature – particularly, the roots that support and sustain your teeth. Besides comfort and function, this improved stability also means that caring for your implant restoration is similar to caring for your natural teeth.

  • Be sure to brush and floss your teeth and restoration at least twice every day to remove food particles and bacterial plaque.
  • Use non-invasive toothpaste to reduce the chances of scratching your implant restoration.
  • Your restoration should not stain, but it can be damaged from excessive pressure; refrain from grinding your teeth, or visit your dentist if you realize that you grind your teeth unconsciously.

Long-Term Dental Implant Success

Besides taking care of your dental implants every day at home, they also require professional care from your general dentist. Routine visits will help keep developing dental issues, like gum disease, at bay, and allow your dentist to suggest treatment if an issue does arise. Depending on your exact needs and preferences, you should schedule a visit at least once every six months, or sooner.

If gum disease or tooth decay in a nearby tooth are detected, then prompt treatment could be necessary to prevent the issue from weakening the oral structures that support your dental implant(s).

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).