Treatment Options for an Impacted Tooth

Sep 10

best oral surgeons Dallas Impacted 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?

Aug 12

jaw surgery Plano Jaw 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.

What is orthognathic surgery?

Jul 14

orthognathic surgery Plano When a patient has a severe malocclusion, such as a significant underbite or crossbite, which cannot be corrected through orthodontic treatment alone, a patient may be referred to an oral surgeon to address the problem and improve the smile’s function and appearance.

The type of procedure performed in such cases is orthognathic surgery. This word comes from the Greek words “orthos,” for “straighten,” and “gnathic,” meaning of the jaw. This type of surgery will bring a patient’s jaws into the proper alignment.

This category of surgery may also give relief to patients with painful temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders or to correct damage that occurred as a result of facial trauma.

In cases when such jaw surgery is recommended, the oral surgeon will often collaborate with an orthodontist to develop the treatment plan and determine the best timing of the procedure. The orthodontist likely will want to begin repositioning the teeth before the surgery is performed and then continue to move the teeth into their final spots afterward.

Depending on the complexity of the jaw surgery, the patient may be able to undergo the procedure in an outpatient setting. Your surgeon will discuss this aspect of treatment with you as you prepare for the surgery.

As part of the treatment planning process, you should talk to your surgeon about what you need to do to get ready for your orthognathic surgery, as well as the post-operative instructions you should follow to minimize your risk of complications. You may need to alter your normal routine as you recover after the surgery. To prepare for this, get as much information as possible before your scheduled surgical appointment.

Jaw surgery can help to improve your smile’s appearance if you suffer from a misaligned jaw. Has your orthodontist recommended that you consider this type of procedure to achieve your treatment goals? If so, schedule an initial appointment with one of our knowledgeable practitioners to learn more about the process.

How Do All-on-4 Implants Compare to Traditional Dentures?

Jun 12

With today’s modern techniques and the types of materials used to create replacement teeth, edentulous patients do not have to suffer a life that consists of embarrassment and difficulty eating. In the past, patients without teeth had few options for reclaiming their oral function and improving their appearance. Today, however, our skilled team of oral surgeons offers implant supported dentures by utilizing an implant placement method called “All-on-4”.

An Overview of Traditional Dentures

Traditional dentures only replace lost tooth structure above the surface of the gums. Dentures, made from a combination of materials to mimic the appearance of gums and teeth, rest on top of the gums and jaws. The arch of the jawbones help keep dentures in place, but over time, the bone will atrophy and the mouth’s shape will change. When this occurs, dentures will become ill fitting and may move in the mouth when patients speak or eat. Sometimes, patients have to resort to using messy and sticky adhesives to keep their prosthetic teeth in place. Receiving new sets of dentures is often required as the bone structure of the jaw continues to change.

How All-on-4 is Different

The All-on-4 method anchors dentures to strategically embedded posts—called dental implants—in the jawbone. Since the implants are located in the jaw, they prevent bone atrophy and thus help a patient retain the arched shape of their mouth. Additionally, prosthetic teeth anchored by implants are secured in place and will not slip during meals or when speaking. This allows patients a total restoration of oral function that is both comfortable and attractive.

Dental implants are constructed from titanium, which is a biocompatible metal. The surrounding bone will eventually integrate around the titanium post, thus securing the implant in place permanently. This process of bone integrating with the implant offers patients an unprecedented level of stability and durability that is simply unattainable with traditional dentures.

To find out if you are a candidate for All-on-4, contact the office of Drs. Sherry and Wallace to schedule a consultation.

My Wisdom teeth aren’t bothering me. Why should I have them removed?

May 14

Has your dentist or oral surgeon recommended that you schedule an appointment for wisdom teeth removal? Even if wisdom teeth do not seem to be producing any problems or discomfort, having them surgically removed is an investment in your future oral health. Wisdom teeth, also referred to as third molars, emerge much later than the rest of a person’s adult teeth. Since these teeth come in later, they can pose a threat to the placement of teeth along with increasing the risk for infections and tooth decay.

How can wisdom teeth affect my oral health?

Wisdom teeth can negatively affect your oral health for a number of reasons. One major concern for retaining wisdom teeth is the fact that they often strain the placement of existing adult teeth and can even cause teeth to move to unhealthy positions. It is not uncommon for patients to experience crowding or once straight teeth becoming crooked after foregoing wisdom teeth removal.

In addition to affecting the alignment of teeth, wisdom teeth can also harm the gums and lead to infection. This is because third molars rarely erupt fully through the gum line and instead become “stuck” in the gums or impacted. Since only a portion of the third molar’s crown is exposed, food and bacteria tend to become lodged or collect under the gum tissue, which can cause gum disease or abscesses.

Retaining wisdom teeth may also cause discomfort for patients. Many patients with wisdom teeth erupting or those who have chosen to retain their third molars report symptoms such as headaches and facial pain.

Will I be comfortable during the procedure?

Our compassionate and gentle oral surgeons take great strides to ensure that patients enjoy a positive experience at our practice. When removing wisdom teeth, our team administers pain medication that will prevent discomfort along with sedatives to promote relaxation and peace of mind.

To schedule your informative consultation, contact Dallas Oral Surgery Associates at you convenience.

Implant Supported Dentures: Minimize Your Wait Time for a Fully Restored Smile

Apr 15

Have you lost teeth? Does the process to receive a single dental implant seem too long? If you have lost most of or all of your teeth, there is a quicker solution to tooth replacement than traditional implants that requires less wait time for a complete, restored smile. Offering implant supported dentures with the All-on-4 placement method, our oral surgeon can give you a brand new smile that looks and feels natural.

All-on-4 Implants Support an Entire Arch of Teeth

Dental implants are screw-like posts constructed from titanium and are embedded into the jaw to anchor prosthetics like crowns or dentures. Functioning similarly to roots of teeth, implants provide a sturdy anchor to prosthetic teeth below the surface of the gums. Supported by bone structure, implants provide incredible durability and longevity.

When it comes to implant supported dentures, a series of four, strategically placed implants are embedded surgically into the jaw. Their location in the jaw allows the implants to fully support an arch of dentures. Since the implants are slightly smaller than single tooth dental implants, a set of dentures can often be attached to the implants the same day as the implantation surgery. With single tooth replacements, patients typically don’t receive their permanent crown for at least six months after their initial surgery, while many patients with dentures supported by implants can receive their permanent replacement teeth on the same day as their surgery.

Benefits of All-on-4 Implants

Compared to traditional dentures that lie on top of the gums, dentures supported by implants are far more stable. This allows patients to eat food without restrictions comfortably and efficiently. Other benefits to using implants to support dentures include the prevention of bone resorption, or atrophy. Changes in bone density can lead to patients appearing older than they should and the need for purchasing new pairs of dentures more frequently.

To learn more about your tooth replacement options, contact Dallas Oral Surgery Associates to schedule a consultation today.

Will dental implants affect the natural, adjacent teeth?

Mar 12

Implant dentistry offers patient a solution for tooth loss that typically does not compromise the integrity of surrounding teeth.

Because the surrounding bone is able to form a bond with the dental implants, which are made of titanium, the implant can stand alone to support the prosthetic crown.

In comparison, alternatives like dental bridges typically require some support, most often a crown, from the surrounding natural teeth. The process of placing that crown requires the removal of some healthy enamel. On rare occasion, that treatment can compromise the teeth and make them more susceptible for breakage, which can increase the risk of future tooth loss.

Implant dentistry also helps to preserve the integrity of the jawbone, which protects the remaining biological teeth as well.

After the oral surgeon places the dental implants and osseointegration is complete, the implant serves the same structural function as a biological tooth’s root. Although we tend to take its role in the smile for granted, that root plays an important part in stabilizing the jawbone. When it is missing, the jawbone will wear away.

Most tooth replacement methods are not structurally complete. That is, they only replace the missing crown, not the root. So, when a patient is fitted with a dental bridge, jawbone atrophy can continue. That process has the potential to weaken the link between the surrounding teeth and the jaw.

Dental implants also are beneficial because they do not restrict access to the gumline like a fixed dental bridge does. Patients with dental implants can maintain their normal oral hygiene routines, and it is easier to minimize bacteria around the gumline with dental implants.

This characteristic is also beneficial for neighboring biological teeth because it reduces their exposure to the bacteria that can cause cavities and gum disease.

Dental implants offer patients a lifelike tooth replacement that minimizes the impact on the biological teeth that remain in the smile. To learn more about this treatment option, schedule an initial consultation with our oral surgeons today.

Dental Implants After a Bone Graft: How long will I have to wait?

Feb 16

Patients who must undergo a bone graft prior to having dental implants placed may face a longer treatment timeline. For the best chances of long-term success, the patient must heal completely from the bone graft before the implants can be placed. It can take several months for the body to regenerate enough bone to support the dental implant.

The length of time that the patient must wait between the bone graft and implant placement will vary based on the implant site and the surgical technique being used. Each case is unique, and your oral surgeon will give you details on the expected timeframe in your case.

Dental implants are so beneficial because they are made of titanium, and the bone in the jaw is capable of forming a bond with that metal. This process, known as osseointegration, gives dental implants their longevity and durability.

However, in order for a patient to be a good candidate for dental implant placement, there must be adequate bone at the implant site to support osseointegration. If there is not, the dental implant may fail.

…in order for a patient to be a good candidate for dental implant placement, there must be adequate bone at the implant site to support osseointegration.

Dental implant candidates who have already experienced bone loss may still be eligible for the procedure if an oral surgeon first performs a bone graft to provide supplemental bone at the site.

In this procedure, donor bone is inserted into the implant site. The bone may come from elsewhere in the patient’s body or an external source such as a cadaver or regenerated bone. The grafted bone will be incorporated with the existing bone, and after that process is complete, the oral surgeon will be able to move forward with placing the dental implants.

Patients who do need a preliminary bone graft before dental implant placement do face a longer treatment timeline, but it’s a worthwhile investment of that time. A bone graft can improve the chances for success in dental implant patients with bone loss. Talk to our skilled team of oral surgeons at Dallas Oral Surgery Associates to learn more about whether you may need a bone graft in order to get dental implants.

How soon can I resume normal activities after getting All-on-4 implants?

Jan 14

All-on-4 implants offer patients a great deal of convenience in restoring a complete smile. The entire procedure is completed in a day, and the patient is usually fitted with at least a temporary prosthetic at that same appointment.

Furthermore, the recovery time following the All-on-4 procedure is relatively short, as well. Most patients recover within 7-10 days, and many patients can resume routine activity within a matter of days.

Because the oral surgeon places only four dental implants in the jaw, the surgery is less extensive than if more implants had to be placed to secure the prosthetic. This reduces the necessary recovery period.

On the day of the procedure, you probably will need to adjust your diet by eating softer foods and alter your oral hygiene routine slightly. Your oral surgeon will give you specific instructions about how to deal with the implant site when it comes to brushing and flossing.

The oral surgeon will also give you guidance about incorporating regular foods back into your diet, slowly working your way back up to crunchy items like raw fruits and vegetables.

Use common sense, as well. Don’t plan any vigorous exercise for the day of your surgery, as such exercise could interfere with the healing process. If you smoke, you should also plan to give up your cigarettes, at least until you have finished healing after implant placement, if not forever.

Certain complications that can arise during any oral surgery, including dental implant placement, and when they occur, the patient may be in for a longer treatment timeline.

Be sure to discuss the signs and symptoms that could indicate post-operative complications with your oral surgeon as well. Issues like ongoing or excessive bleeding, fever or persistent swelling warrant follow-up with the surgeon to determine if an issue like an infection is present.

All-on-4 dental implants offers patients a way to fully restore a lifelike, functional smile with limited disruption to their daily routines. Talk to our oral surgeons to see if this treatment may be an option for you.

Implant Supported Dentures: Eliminate Health Issues Associated with Failing Teeth

Dec 15

Are you suffering with failing teeth? Have you lost some or all of your teeth? If so, implant supported dentures are a viable option for improving your oral function and overall health. Utilizing dental implants with the All-on-4 method, our oral surgeon can restore an entire smile.

Why Teeth Fail

Although teeth can last a lifetime, certain oral conditions and lifestyle factors contribute to tooth loss. The primary cause of tooth loss is gum disease, a condition that up to 80% of the adult population in the U.S. will develop. When gum disease advances, tartar accumulates below the gum line and along the roots of teeth. This causes the gums to recede or pull away from teeth. This coupled with the tartar buildup along the roots causes teeth to become loose. Over time, loose teeth will eventually die or fall out. Teeth may also fail from damage caused by decay or injury. For example, some patients with brittle and worn down teeth due to bruxism (the habitual action of grinding or clenching teeth) may require extractions.

To help protect the structures of the mouth—especially bone—implant supported dentures improve oral function and support the health of jawbones.

How Implant Supported Dentures Restore Oral Health

Losing teeth does more than just affect a patient’s appearance. Patients who have lost teeth often suffer from malnutrition due to the loss of oral function, which limits their dietary choices. Losing teeth also causes bone atrophy as well. To help protect the structures of the mouth—especially bone—implant supported dentures improve oral function and support the health of jawbones.

The All-on-4 method consists of placing strategically located dental implants into the jaw to support an arch of teeth. Dental implants are small cylinders made of titanium that look like a screw. They are embedded into the jaw to support prosthetic teeth. Unlike dentures, which rest on the gums, they provide more support and durability so patients can eat and speak with confidence and ease.

To learn more about the benefits of implant supported dentures, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our oral surgeons.

Blog