Is it possible to use an existing denture with dental implants?

Sometimes, patients who initially chose conventional dentures regret that decision and want to pursue dental implants. These patients may want to keep their existing dentures and have them adapted to fit with the implants. An oral surgeon can use an existing denture with implants.

Dental implants will greatly improve the comfort and fit of an existing denture. When implants are in place, the denture is more secure and it feels more lifelike. There’s no need to use a bad-tasting adhesive to hold the denture in place.

Implant-supported dentures also preserve better chewing function than that offered by conventional dentures.

The oral surgeon can perform the implant placement procedure and retrofit the denture to accommodate implants right in the office. The denture will need to be altered, with channels being drilled into the bottom of the denture to allow it to slide over the dental implants.

Even with the surgical procedure and the denture alterations, the whole process may be completed in a single day.

In the months following the surgery, the titanium implants will fuse with the jawbone, making the implants a permanent part of the mouth’s structure. This process gives implant-supported dentures superior stability.

Dental implants are particularly valuable to denture wearers because the implants prevent jawbone resorption. The implants actually replicate the roots of missing teeth, serving as an anchor for the jawbone. This quality of implants is instrumental in their permanence as a solution for tooth loss.

Of course, if you have been wearing your denture for some length of time and the shape of your jawbone has changed, you may need to get the denture refitted or have a new appliance created for you.

Dental implants come with significant benefits, including improved strength, appearance and durability. If you originally opted for standard dentures but have since changed your mind, consult with our experienced oral surgeons at Dallas Oral Surgery Associates to learn if you can get implants to support your existing dentures.

What is an Abscessed Wisdom Tooth?

Continuous, throbbing, or shooting pain from any tooth can indicate an abscess. When the tooth in question is a third molar, or wisdom tooth, the discomfort can be even more severe and the treatment options are significantly limited.

Under normal circumstances, an abscessed tooth can be resolved with a root canal treatment, antibiotics, and a dental crown or similar restoration. Unfortunately, most wisdom teeth are far from “normal”. As the very last teeth in the mouth, the wisdom teeth are difficult to access, difficult to clean, and the source of recurrent infections.

When an abscessed wisdom tooth has been diagnosed, the most ideal treatment generally involves oral surgery. The success rate after a root canal treatment on an infected wisdom tooth is significantly lower than average and it is typically more difficult to prevent future infections in these teeth. As a result, your oral surgeon may recommend removing the infected tooth rather than attempting to save it.

Due to the extreme discomfort and the complications associated with an abscessed wisdom tooth, it pays to try to prevent the infection whenever possible.

Most abscessed teeth are the result of excessive decay or the accumulation of bacteria in an area that cannot be cleaned regularly. More often than not, the position of most wisdom teeth is the contributing factor to cavities and bacterial accumulation. These teeth are sometimes partially covered by a flap of gum tissue or trapped behind the neighboring teeth.

If these teeth cannot be properly accessed during normal brushing and flossing, cavities and periodontal infections are likely to arise, and there is a greater likelihood that an abscess can develop. When your dentist can foresee the types of conditions that are known to lead to an abscess, the best recommendation is often an extraction.

If you have been advised to schedule your wisdom tooth extraction, or if you suspect that you are suffering from an abscessed wisdom tooth, contact Dallas Oral Surgery Associates to schedule an evaluation today.

Dental Implants: Is sedation an option?

Dental implants appeal to many patients because they are so convenient and durable. Indeed, the advances made possible by implant dentistry have revolutionized tooth replacement.

However, some patients may still be hesitant to move forward with the devices out of fear that the process will involve a lot of pain.

That’s not the case. The oral surgeon who places your dental implants can provide you with a variety of sedation options.

The first piece of sedation for dental implants involves local anesthesia. This step numbs the implant site, ensuring patient comfort during the surgical procedure.

The vast majority of patients will opt for additional sedation beyond the local anesthetic. With this sedation, the patient receives medications that encourage a state of deep relaxation. Patients remain conscious while under sedation, which makes this approach safer than the general anesthesia often used for such patients in the past.

Additionally, sedation allows patients to tolerate longer treatment sessions, which is particularly beneficial for patients receiving multiple dental implants.

Not only are patients deeply relaxed during the dental implant placement procedure, the sedative leaves them with little memory of the process afterword. This is another benefit that makes sedation attractive to many patients.

The sedatives can be delivered directly into the blood stream intravenously, achieving a nearly instantaneous effect.

IV sedation is highly effective and safe, and our team takes steps to ensure patient safety during sedation, as well. Patients are monitored for any concerning changes in their condition while under sedation.

Some patients will still prefer general anesthesia to sedation, and that method is an option for dental implant placement as well. Oral surgeons who have both medical and dental training are qualified to administer anesthesia, and our personnel is trained in various resuscitative and life support techniques for the rare instances in which they are needed.

In the process of planning for your dental implants, talk with your oral surgeon about the sedation options available to you. The oral surgeon can give you guidance in making the decision by reviewing aspects of your medical history as well as your personal preferences that will affect your choice.

To learn more about your options, contact our experienced team at Dallas Oral Surgery Associates to schedule a professional consultation.

I’ve worn dentures for years: Am I still a candidate for dental implants?

Some edentulous patients originally pick dentures because they seem budget-friendly in comparison to other options. Indeed, the original sticker price may appear to be low, but after the patient has to replace the dentures a few times, their true cost becomes evident.

Others may be leery of the surgical procedure involved in placing dental implants, or they may have gotten their dentures before dental implants were as readily available and reliable as they are today.

Regardless of their motivations, patients who initially choose dentures to replace missing teeth often become dissatisfied with the appliances and look for alternatives in dental implants that secure a prosthetic arch of teeth.

When dental implants are placed by an oral surgeon, the titanium screw-like structures offer a number of benefits and advantages over standard dentures. They are stable and long-lasting, becoming a permanent part of the jaw structure.

Dental implants also prevent the embarrassing slip-ups that may occur—at the most inopportune times—when a denture shifts out of place.

Because titanium dental implants fuse with the jawbone, candidates must have enough bone material to facilitate that osseointegration. However, long-time denture wearers may have significant jawbone erosion that may complicate this process. In the absence of teeth’s roots, the bone begins to wear away.

Nearly any patient should be appropriate for dental implants at some point. However, some candidates may need to explore different techniques or additional procedures to ensure dental implant success.

When that jawbone erosion is extensive enough, it requires creative solutions to make sure that patients remain eligible for dental implants. One such strategy involves placing a number of dental implants toward the front of the jaw and using those to secure an artificial arch of teeth.

In some cases, when a dental implant must be placed in location with severe jawbone atrophy, a preliminary bone graft surgery may be needed to boost the available bone in the vicinity.

Dental implants offer many benefits, so if you are a long-term denture wearer looking to make a switch, talk with our experienced oral surgeons at Dallas Oral Surgery Associates to learn more about the conditions that must be met for dental implants.

What you need to know about wisdom teeth removal

wisdom teeth removal DallasThe decision to remove the wisdom teeth is unique to each patient. There is no steadfast rule stating that wisdom teeth must be removed simply because they exist. Instead, the risks and benefits must be considered individually in order to determine when the teeth should be removed.

Patients who are considering wisdom teeth removal in Dallas should schedule a consultation with our experienced oral surgeon as soon as possible. Generally, the earlier the procedure is scheduled, the better the outcome and recovery of the treatment.

Wisdom teeth that are unable to completely grow into the proper position are often recommended for extraction. These teeth are difficult or impossible to clean and can contribute to a number of unpleasant dental conditions including:

  • Bone loss
  • Periodontal disease
  • Damage to adjacent teeth
  • Nerve damage
  • Cavities
  • Bad breath/ Halitosis

Your oral surgeon may also recommend wisdom teeth removal if the teeth are not functional. In other words, if the wisdom teeth do not serve the purpose of chewing and providing proper support for the neighboring teeth, their inherent risk becomes greater than their benefit.

The procedure for removing the wisdom teeth can be customized according to the needs of each patient. Depending upon the condition and position of the wisdom teeth, your oral surgeon may recommend a simple extraction or a surgical extraction.

It is easy to understand why many patients are concerned about the level of discomfort that can accompany a surgical procedure. Your oral surgeon provides safe local anesthetics and various levels of sedation in order to make the procedure as comfortable and relaxing as possible.

A consultation with the oral surgeon can also help to eliminate some of the mystery and anxiety surrounding wisdom teeth removal. The consultation is your opportunity to meet the oral surgeon and staff, learn more about what to expect during the procedure, and how to plan for your recovery.

If you are considering wisdom teeth removal or would like more information about your wisdom teeth, we encourage you to call our experienced team at Dallas Oral Surgery Associates today for your appointment.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a potentially dangerous condition in which a person repeatedly stops breathing for a few seconds at a time during sleep. Not only does this condition disrupt a person’s rest, it also may increase that person’s risk of high blood pressure, arrhythmia or even a heart attack.

The most common form of sleep apnea occurs when the airway is obstructed during sleep. The muscles of the throat are relaxed, allowing the soft tissues toward the rear of the throat to collapse and cover up the opening to the airway.

Fortunately, sleep apnea can be treated through oral surgery in Dallas. A number of different techniques can be used to alter the shape of the oral cavity to prevent the soft tissues from obstructing the airway.

In correcting the structural problems that cause sleep apnea, the oral surgeon may remove a small piece of the soft palate or reposition the upper and lower jaw to improve access to the airway. The various structures that support the tongue may also be the target of surgical interventions to correct sleep apnea.

Prior to the surgery, patients will meet with the oral surgeon for an evaluation that helps to determine which surgical technique will be most effective in each particular case. This process may include a skull x-ray used in cephalometric analysis, as well as a nasopharyngeal examination.

Although patients will be largely unaware that they have sleep apnea unless informed of it by a partner, certain signs and symptoms can suggest the condition’s presence. People who have sleep apnea may have headaches upon wakening or experience daytime sleepiness.

Patients who suspect that they have sleep apnea must have a confirmed diagnosis before undergoing oral surgery. Patients can determine whether they have sleep apnea by participating in a sleep study.

If you have sleep apnea, it’s important to correct the condition to protect your health. After receiving your confirmed diagnosis, schedule a consultation with our experienced oral surgeons at Dallas Oral Surgery Associates to see if a surgical intervention will be helpful in your case.

Dental Implants: An investment worth smiling about

implant dentistry DallasAnyone who is looking at the prospect of having to replace one or more teeth for any reason can most certainly face the dilemma of which procedure to move forward with as there are many resolutions.  A possibility worth investigation is implant dentistry in Dallas.

A dental implant should be considered if one is seeking a more permanent and aesthetically pleasing result over a quick fix that may need to be redone one or more times.  Other considerations one should think about is the long term problems you face if you have one or more missing teeth.  The ability to eat and speak with ease are impacted by missing teeth.  Not to mention the complications faced as the remaining teeth shift out of their correct position, which is natural when teeth are missing over a period of time, resulting in the possible need of more intense facial surgery or bone grafting.

Whether you have one or several teeth missing, the result obtained with dental implants will make you wonder how you ever considered anything else.  A dental implant is a device much like a small screw that is surgically placed in the gum tissue.  As the implant heals, it grafts on to existing bone providing you a lifetime of stability much like the strong root structure of a natural tooth.  During the healing process of four to six months, a temporary restoration is made to cover and protect the dental implant.

Once the healing process is completed, a permanent restoration is made to match the shape and shade of surrounding teeth to give the feel and appearance of your natural teeth.  Compare this process to getting a partial, bridge or denture.  All of these dental appliances are acceptable, but not one of them can offer you the stability, appearance and feel of the dental implant and accompanying restoration.

A conversation with your dental provider will answer any questions about the procedures available, and the investment each will involve in time spent, possible needs to repeat procedures, financial investment and final result.

Even though the initial investment might make those other options appealing, over time the likelihood of having to replace a partial, bridge or denture is almost a certainty.  However a dental implant becomes a permanent part of your anatomy giving this choice long term stability and making dental implants an investment worth smiling about.

To learn more about the dental implant procedure and to schedule a consultation, please contact Dallas Oral Surgery Associates.