An oral surgeon who puts in a dental bridge does so to literally “bridge” a gap created by missing teeth or a missing tooth. A dental bridge is actually made of two crowns (for the teeth on each side of the gap) called "anchoring" or "abutment teeth" and a false tooth (or teeth) in between them called "pontics." They can be made of a combination of materials and are supported by natural teeth or dental implants.
Dental implant surgery has been around for thousands of years. Implants were discovered in the remains of a Mayan woman. Tooth-shaped pieces of shell were placed in the jaw of the woman to replace broken or rotten teeth. Fortunately, we've come a long way since then.
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is when bacteria infection occurs around the teeth and up into the gums. This causes inflammation and bleeding, but if not treated, can spread to the bone and jaw, causing serious damage.
Did you know that dental implants can be used to permanently support cemented bridges? In fact, doing so eliminates the need for dentures. Although the cost may be a little more, the resulting bridges and implants look and feel more like real teeth.
Dental care spending in the United States is estimated at $161.4 billion annually. Many people realize that caring for your oral health is key to a healthy life and a healthy body. Prevention is the best medicine!
You may already know your bite mark is as unique as your fingerprints. You may not realize it, but your tongue impression and your lip prints are also completely distinctive. When it comes to your mouth, you're in a league of your own.
It is very common to have mild discomfort following an oral surgery. However, if you have pain three to four weeks after your surgery, this could indicate some type of localized infection, and you should contact your oral surgeon.
Flossing can help control the bacteria in your mouth. Care to guess how much overall tooth surface you may be missing by failing to floss on a regular basis? If you guessed 40 percent, you're right.
Wisdom teeth frequently fail to erupt properly, but upper canines can be impacted as well. Since these teeth are essential for tearing food, an oral surgeon will do everything possible to get the tooth to grow in, often with the assistance of orthodontics.
Unfortunately, the type of sedation and painkillers a regular dentist can use during a difficult wisdom tooth extraction may leave you feeling more of the procedure than you’d like. Remember, an oral surgeon will have more options for helping you have a painless surgery.
The word “apicoectomy” comes from the root word “apex,” or "the root of a tooth." It is a minor surgical procedure in which an oral surgeon removes the tip of a tooth’s root. A small incision is made into pre-numbed gum tissue, and the delicate tooth’s bone covering is removed. The underlying tissue is then cleaned, and the tip of the root is sealed.
Oral surgeons are also referred to as "maxillofacial surgeons." While dentists handle many procedures, our professionals typically handle the more complex cases, such as bone grafts, removal of impacted teeth, and facial reconstruction.
Are you unsure if you are a good candidate for dental implants? Anyone in reasonable health who wants to replace missing teeth can get implants. You must have enough bone in the area of the missing teeth to provide good anchorage for the implants.
Although your regular dentist may be able to do most of your crown work in their office, there can be times when it takes the skill of a surgeon to implant the posts for them. If you’re ready to take steps to correct the issues in your mouth, we’re always happy to help.
A gingival graft involves transfer of gum tissue from one part of the mouth to another. In the most common procedure, tissue is removed from the roof of the mouth and sutured to an area where the gums have thinned.
An apicoectomy is performed when a root canal is unsuccessful. Of course, root canals are effective in removing an abscess and treating inflamed pulp tissue 95 percent of the time, but in the case where further treatment is needed, an apicoectomy can still save the tooth.
Do you know what’s involved with dental implants? The implant is fabricated of commercially pure titanium, or a titanium alloy. This metal has a unique property in that it’s capable of osseointegration, which means it can actually fuse with the bone.
You should expect some discomfort after having a tooth extracted, and over-the-counter pain medication should help. But if the pain becomes more serious a few days later, and if you develop a slight fever and have an unpleasant taste in your mouth, that could mean you have developed dry socket. Your oral surgeon can treat this condition and manage the pain.
Choosing the anesthetic that is right for you during your oral surgery is something that should be decided jointly by you and your dentist. Anesthesia is based on your needs with regard to physical comfort as well as emotional comfort.
A bar attachment denture uses the structural integrity of a dental implant without the need to replace every tooth individually. In this procedure, four dental implants connected by a bar support a dental bridge that covers the entire jawline.
Have you noticed ear pain after having a wisdom tooth extracted? This is generally referred pain from the lower jaw. It is normal, and will resolve as the extraction site heals.
Typical dental insurance covers minor and preventive dental care. Many people believe their dental insurance will cover major events, such as surgery, TMJ disorder, braces, or other issues, however this is not always the case. Know your dental insurance coverage and ask questions if anything is unclear. This will help you be prepared for any major oral surgery.
Titanium, which is used to make dental implants, becomes fully integrated into the bone tissue. Implants, just like the natural roots of your teeth, are invisible inside in the jawbone, so the silver color of the titanium is nothing to be concerned about.