How long will it take to recover from jaw surgery?

oral surgeon PlanoJaw surgery involves correcting abnormalities or reconstructing damaged tissue in the jawbone. As with many other types of surgical procedures, one’s recovery time varies based on different factors. When it comes to jaw surgery, there is no standard time frame for recovery. Fortunately, our oral surgeons will offer guidance during the post-operative and recovery phases of treatment to help patients resume normal, everyday activities as soon as possible.

When is jaw surgery necessary?

Jaw surgery is necessary when a patient suffers from discomfort or reduced oral function caused by misaligned or damaged jawbones. Sometimes one jawbone will develop more quickly than the other one. This can lead to malocclusions like underbites, overbites, and open bites that cannot always be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone. This type of treatment is corrective in nature. When the jawbones are misaligned, it can lead to diminished oral function and permanent damage to the TMJs (temporomandibular joints) and teeth.

Another reason jaw surgery might be necessary is to reconstruct bone mass. For instance, if a person has lost bone mass to disease or osteoporosis or has endured facial trauma, reconstructive surgery might be required to restore oral function. Reconstructive surgeries typically involve bone grafting. A treatment where excess bone is taken from the hip or knee or from a tissue bank and placed over areas in the jaw where bone is needed.

How will I know if I need jaw surgery?

Normally, patients find out they might need jaw surgery after a visit to the dentist or after a traumatic injury. At this point, those who might need jaw surgery will be referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. An oral surgeon is a specialist trained to perform a variety of surgeries and treatments throughout the oral cavity and facial region.

After a consultation, which will include a physical examination and the use of diagnostic images, a treatment plan will be developed to restore or correct any abnormalities.

Call Dallas Oral Surgery Associates today to reserve an appointment.

Your Most Common Dental Implant Questions Answered

cost of dental implants DFWWhen considering treatment for tooth loss, many patients will explore dental implants as a structurally complete restoration. These patients initially have many concerns or questions at the initial consultation with the oral surgeon. Here are some of the most common inquiries.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

The bond between the bone and the dental implant helps to preserve the jawbone at the implant site, which means that the prosthetic is less likely to lose its fit over time. Dental implants look, feel and function much like biological teeth. Patients who choose dental implants also can chew more efficiently and can include a wider variety of foods in their diets.

Am I a good candidate for dental implants?

Long-term success with dental implants requires sufficient bone material to support osseointegration. The oral surgeon will examine your jaw and take x-rays to ensure that you are a good candidate for the procedure. If you’ve experienced bone loss, a bone graft may be recommended in your case.

What is the cost of dental implants?

If you are interested in this treatment, it’s important to consider the long-term cost of dental implants in comparison to alternatives rather than just relying on the initial cost as the main indicator of your expense. Dental implants remain stable over time, whereas dentures or dental bridges will lose their fit as the shape of the jaw changes. Those devices are likely to need to be refitted or replaced periodically at the patient’s expense.

Should I do anything special to take care of my dental implants?

Dental implants are convenient in many ways, and one of these is in the care they require. If you get a single implant to replace one missing tooth or an implant-supported bridge, your oral hygiene routine will be nearly identical to what it is now. Of course, you should follow up with professional dental care as recommended, too. Implant-supported dentures may require slightly different techniques, and your surgeon will educate you on those.

Do you have questions about dental implants as a possible intervention for tooth loss? Call Dallas Oral Surgery Associates and schedule a consultation with one of our expert surgeons to get the information that you need to make a good decision on your treatment.

Wisdom Teeth Removal: What are the health benefits?

oral surgeon PlanoSome patients have qualms about having their wisdom teeth removed if they’re not symptomatic. It’s understandable that they might be reluctant about surgery if they’re not having any problems. However, it’s important to note that the extraction of impacted wisdom teeth can have a number of health benefits for the patient.

Impacted wisdom teeth are more prone to developing issues like cysts, tumors, abscesses and infections. Therefore, when an oral surgeon removes those third molars, that risk will decrease. In some cases the entire body can benefit. For example, an infection that begins in a wisdom tooth can easily access the bloodstream and then travel elsewhere in the body.

Furthermore, impacted wisdom teeth can damage other teeth as they continue to try to erupt. They can bump into other teeth and push them out of the proper alignment. This can negatively affect a patient’s ability to chew or speak.

It’s hard to keep partially erupted teeth clean, so gum disease can develop in the vicinity of impacted wisdom teeth. This too can shock your entire system, as there appears to be some link between the inflammation associated with gum disease and that found in other serious conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

To avoid such consequences, many patients consult with an oral surgeon about wisdom teeth removal before these problems even arise. In fact, it’s recommended that patients have their wisdom teeth extracted before age 25, because the procedure is more straightforward and recovery quicker in younger people.

The extraction procedure is completed in our office, and patients can choose to have some form of sedation for additional comfort.

Most patients can resume nearly all normal activities within days of having their wisdom teeth removed. Your surgeon will give you guidance on the steps you can take to prevent post-operative complications that could lengthen your recovery period.

If you still have your wisdom teeth, schedule an evaluation with our team at Dallas Oral Surgery Associates to determine whether your third molars are impacted and what the recommended course of action for treatment is.

Experiencing Tooth Loss? 4 Effects Missing Teeth Have On Your Overall Dental Health

implant dentistry DFWSome patients may be ambivalent or even reluctant about replacing missing teeth, but the consequences of not doing so can have a major impact on your oral health. Even the type of replacement tooth you choose can affect your smile’s well-being, so consider all of your options, including implant dentistry or conventional bridges and dentures.

Here are four ways that your oral health may be compromised by tooth loss:

  • Bone loss: After a tooth is lost, its root is no longer available to serve as an anchor for the jawbone, which slowly erodes as a result. This phenomenon, known as resorption, can reduce the stability of the attachment between the bone and remaining biological teeth in the area and can put the patient at risk for further tooth loss, not to mention creating a sunken appearance in your lips or cheeks. Implant dentistry overcomes this obstacle by preserving the integrity of the jawbone.
  • Potential damage to surrounding teeth: Certain types of tooth replacement devices actually require support from surrounding teeth, which necessitates the removal of healthy enamel – a process that can ultimately weaken the tooth. Additionally, some appliances restrict access to the gumline, which makes it harder to perform your oral hygiene routine. It is worth noting that these concerns are not as significant when an oral surgeon places dental implants in your jaw.
  • Shifting of surrounding teeth: Just as nature abhors a vacuum, so does your smile. Neighboring teeth will move into the empty space left behind by the missing tooth, affecting the alignment of your smile and possibly your ability to chew and speak properly. Dental implants help to keep the surrounding teeth in their proper positions.
  • Nutritional deficiencies: A healthy mouth needs the combination of the right nutrients obtained from a varied diet just like a healthy body does, but tooth loss can make it more difficult to eat things like fresh fruits and vegetables, which contain many important vitamins and minerals. Dental implants preserve nearly all of the chewing function of biological teeth to reduce the nutritional limitations.

In addition to those issues, empty spaces make for an unattractive smile and can drag down your self-esteem, which is another important argument in favor of replacing missing teeth.

To prevent the effects of tooth loss discussed above, schedule a consultation with one of our providers at Dallas Oral Surgery Associates to explore your tooth replacement treatment options, including dental implants. We can work with you to decide which device will best meet your needs.

All-on-4: Why don’t I get my permanent teeth the same day my implants are placed?

All-on-4 DFWThe All-on-4 technique gives edentulous patients a fully restored smile using just four dental implants. However, patients must wait until after they have healed fully from the implant placement procedure to get their permanent appliance.

We empathize with patients who are eager to restore their smiles, but you’ll end up with better results if you can exercise a little patience.

Because the placement of the four dental implants does require a surgical procedure, the oral surgeon cannot fit the patient with the permanent appliance for several months after the initial appointment. This also gives the dental implants sufficient time to osseointegrate, or for the bone to form a strong bond with the titanium implant.

Although you must wait for several months to get your permanent appliance, most patients can be fitted with a temporary set of teeth the same day that they get their dental implants. So, you won’t have to go toothless until you can get the permanent denture.

While you are wearing your temporary appliance, which is designed to put less stress on the gums and jaw, you may need to alter you routine slightly. For example, your oral surgeon may advise you to adjust your diet to include mostly, if not all, softer foods that can be easily chewed. Follow your surgeon’s instructions to reduce your risk of any complications in the healing process.

When you get your stronger, final appliance, you will be able to re-incorporate most of your favorite foods back into your diet, as an implant-supported denture is able to chew nearly all of the foods that biological teeth can.

All-on-4 offers a dramatic improvement over conventional dentures, even if you can’t get your new permanent teeth right away. You still can be fitted with a temporary appliance on the day of your dental implant placement, and waiting for the permanent denture will benefit you in the long-term. We encourage you to discuss any concerns that you may have about this aspect of your care with your surgeon.

Contact our team at Dallas Oral Surgery Associates to learn more about your tooth replacement options.

What is involved in All-on-4 dental implant placement?

All-on-4 DallasAll-on-4 can give edentulous patients a sturdy, stable smile with a relatively brief time commitment. This treatment requires just four dental implants to support an entire denture, and the procedure in which those implants are placed can be completed in a single appointment. Furthermore, most patients can be fitted with at least a temporary appliance that same day.

Because All-on-4 requires dental implants, a surgical procedure is necessary to place those devices. However, it can be performed in an outpatient setting, such as a surgeon’s office, with the patient receiving appropriate sedation for comfort throughout the surgery.

Most patients will recover from the initial dental implant placement in about a week or less, and some may even be able to ease back into their regular routines within a matter of days. Your oral surgeon will thoroughly discuss post-operative care and instructions with you during one of your pre-op appointments.

Additionally, the oral surgeon will provide any instructions necessary for you to prepare for the day of your All-on-4 placement procedure. For example, you may be directed to avoid eating or drinking after midnight if you will have intravenous sedation.

Because only four dental implants are involved, All-on-4 can allow a broad range of patients to enjoy the benefits of a more stable, durable denture. The implants are located in the front of the jaw, and the bone is thicker in that area. Therefore, even patients who have suffered some bone loss – a common consequence of tooth loss that can present an obstacle to dental implant placement – still can be eligible for All-on-4.

In return for this reasonably minimal investment of your time, you gain a number of benefits from All-on-4 dental implants, which tend to be more effective at chewing and maintain their fit over time, in contrast to conventional dentures.

To learn more about the All-on-4 dental implant placement procedure, contact Dallas Oral Surgery Associates and speak to one of our experienced team members.

My Denture is Causing Sore Gums: What should I do?

dentures DFWDentures can cause soreness in the gums at first as the patient gets adjusted to the appliance, but if the pain is severe or if it develops after you’ve already worn your dentures for a year or more, you’ll need to consult with your dentist on how to resolve the issue.

It may be possible to address the problem by re-lining or re-fitting the appliance, but that is likely to be merely a temporary solution. Patients who want a more long-term approach should consult with an oral surgeon to see if implant-supported dentures may be an option in their case.

In particular, a treatment approach known as All-on-4 can be beneficial to patients who have already worn dentures for a number of years, as well as patients who need to restore a complete arch in the near future. This technique secures the denture with just four dental implants, all of which are placed toward the front of the jaw to take advantage of the thickest bone in the jaw.

Even if the patient has experienced some bone loss as a result of denture wear (which could also be contributing to an ill-fitting appliance that is causing discomfort), an oral surgeon often can still place the dental implants needed for All-on-4 because the bone at the front of the jaw erodes much more gradually following tooth loss. This method helps a much larger pool of patients take advantage of implant-supported dentures.

In addition to gaining an appliance that provides a more stable fit and more comfort over time, All-on-4 patients also benefit from convenience and improved functioning of the prosthetic. The bond between the bone and the dental implants helps the appliance to be more effective at chewing because it can withstand stronger forces.

Don’t feel like you have to settle when it comes to solutions for denture-related discomfort. All-on-4 may offer a more permanent fix. Consult with our team of specialists who are well-versed and experienced in this treatment method to learn if it might be right for you.

Oral Surgery: What are my sedation options?

best oral surgeons PlanoSedation is a tremendously important component of a positive oral surgery experience, and patients have a number of options offered by the best oral surgeons.

Here is an overview of a number of sedation methods that patients may select for wisdom teeth removal, placement of dental implants, jaw surgery or other surgical procedures.

  • Local anesthesia – This is the basis of any anesthesia planning. Local anesthesia uses an injection to “numb” the area immediately surrounding the surgical site to eliminate any sensation at that spot. Local anesthesia does not affect patient’s consciousness or alertness.
  • IV sedation – The sedative is delivered intravenously, and the patient becomes deeply relaxed but does not lose consciousness. This is the most commonly used sedation method for many oral surgery procedures, and it helps to achieve maximum patient relaxation and comfort.
  • Nitrous oxide – Nitrous oxide can be a sedative alternative for some procedures, and it is appealing to some patients because its effects are reversed relatively quickly. The patient inhales the gas through a special mask.
  • General anesthesia – General anesthesia renders the patient unconscious and requires artificial airway maintenance, which is somewhat less desirable than the effects achieved by IV sedation. Nonetheless, general anesthesia may be the preferred method in some cases.

Your oral surgeon will review your medical history and the nature of the procedure and can recommend a certain method for you during the treatment planning process. You should also have an idea of your preferred characteristics of the sedative when you come into that conversation.

The patient also must know what is necessary to prep for the type of sedation that is eventually selected. Your oral surgeon will give you specific instructions on what to do, such as fasting after midnight before your procedure, if necessary. You’ll also likely need to make arrangements to have a responsible adult escort you home after the appointment.

Additionally, you should explore the qualifications of the team taking care of you while you are under the sedative’s effects. Are they trained in anesthesia delivery methods? Are they certified in CPR and other life-saving procedures in case such actions become necessary? Problems with sedation are relatively rare, but you still want to be under the care of a team that knows how to react when issues arise.

Patients who are preparing for oral surgery have a number of choices when it comes to sedation. Thoroughly review the different methods with your oral surgeon during your consultation.

Treatment Options for an Impacted Tooth

best oral surgeons DallasImpacted teeth present a number of oral health problems to patients. When a tooth is impacted, it means that it has not emerged fully through the gums. An impacted tooth can become infected quite easily. It can also affect oral function by crowding other teeth and producing significant discomfort.

Our practice, home to some of the best oral surgeons in our area, offers treatment for impacted teeth. The type of treatment used will depend on which tooth is impacted. Some teeth may require extraction while others may require a combination of oral surgery and orthodontic treatment to guide a tooth to healthy eruption.

Extracting Impacted Teeth

The most common type of teeth to become impacted in the gums is wisdom teeth. This normally occurs because there is rarely enough room for these third molars to erupt upright. With little room to emerge, wisdom teeth tend to produce many oral health complications including abscesses and orthodontic problems.

The best form of treatment for an impacted third molar is surgical removal. Surgically removing a tooth is called an extraction. Our oral surgeons will gently remove the crown and roots of a tooth. When performing extractions, we use the latest techniques and technology to ensure high quality care. We provide pain relieving medication so that our guests are comfortable and relaxed throughout treatment. Having a wisdom tooth extracted can prevent future oral health complications and reduce discomfort associated with impacted teeth.

Guiding Impacted Teeth to Eruption

Sometimes other teeth become impacted during the period of tooth transition. If baby teeth do not fall out as quickly as adult teeth are coming in, new teeth may become stuck in the gums. The most common tooth affected by this problem is the maxillary cuspid. If this tooth cannot emerge on its own, baby teeth may be extracted and a procedure to expose the impacted tooth may be performed. Our team will gently open the gum tissue to expose this tooth and bond a fixed orthodontic bracket to the tooth. This bracket will be used to guide the tooth to a healthier position over time through orthodontic treatment.

To learn more, contact the office of Drs. Sherry and Wallace to schedule your informative consultation.

Experiencing Jaw Pain: Could it be TMJ?

jaw surgery PlanoJaw pain is often the result of a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. This condition is relatively common, as the jaw has numerous components – muscles, tendons and bones – any of which can develop a problem that causes discomfort, as well as other symptoms. Those include locking or popping of the jaws, difficulty chewing or facial and/or ear pain. Any of those symptoms may lead patients to consult with a dentist or even an oral surgeon for treatment.

When patients’ symptoms do not resolve with more conservative interventions, such as relaxation techniques and painkiller medications, jaw surgery may be indicated to correct a structural anomaly that creates the environment necessary for the TMJ disorder. These surgical procedures, also known as orthognathic surgery, are designed to improve jaw function and may eliminate these TMJ disorders and the symptoms associated with them.

The oral surgeon will thoroughly examine the jaw, both visually and with x-rays, to determine which specific structure is at the root of the condition. Three-dimensional imaging can be tremendously helpful in planning the surgery, as it offers the surgeon a more lifelike view of the patient’s jaw and allows for more realistic preparation.

The treatment planning process also gives the patient the opportunity to ask any questions about the intervention and gather the information they need to make a fully informed decision. Don’t ever hesitate to ask your provider any questions that are bothering you or ask for a detailed description of the procedure, as well as its risks or benefits.

The issues that can contribute to TMJ disorders may be congenital – that is, present since birth – or come on during the course of the jaw’s development during childhood and adolescence. Facial trauma can also create conditions conducive to TMJ disorder. Jaw surgery can effectively improve defects in any of those scenarios.

In addition to improving your jaw’s function and eliminating jaw pain, orthognathic surgery may also improve the aesthetics of the patient’s smile if asymmetry is detracting from that smile. Orthognathic surgery is often performed in conjunction with orthodontic treatment to reposition the teeth in a way that improves the bite, so an orthodontist may also be involved in your care.

We encourage patients who are experiencing jaw pain to contact our office to be evaluated for a TMJ disorder. Effective treatments are available to address your symptoms and improve your oral health and your quality of life.