Dental surgeries correct various jaw and mouth injuries or serious health issues. They are usually expensive and involve a lengthy recovery period.
Extraction is the removal of a problematic, diseased, or redundant tooth, normally by pulling or cutting. This can be done under local or general anesthesia. Call the pros at boca Dental and Braces now.
Dental implants are a permanent way to replace missing teeth. They look and feel like real teeth, and they help preserve bone structure and prevent bone resorption that happens when teeth are missing. They also allow patients to chew more efficiently and speak clearly. While they are more expensive than alternatives, such as dentures or bridges, they last much longer and do not require any special maintenance beyond brushing and flossing.
During the implant process, a screw-shaped post (the equivalent of a tooth root) is surgically placed into your jawbone, eventually fusing to the surrounding bone. A metal spacer is then attached to the implant, which allows for the creating of a replacement tooth or teeth. The replacement tooth is known as a crown, and it can be made to match the appearance of your other teeth.
Before the procedure, your dentist will schedule a series of tests to see how dense and healthy your jaw bone is. Your dentist may suggest a bone graft if it is not thick enough to support an implant. During this procedure, a surgeon will add bone around the implant site.
The most common type of dental implant is an endosteal implant, which consists of a screw or cylinder surgically placed into the jawbone to hold the artificial tooth. The second most popular option is a subperiosteal implant, which rests on top of the jawbone but under the gum. In rare cases, your doctor may recommend a zygomatic implant located in the cheekbone rather than the jawbone.
Once the implant is healed, your dentist will attach a crown to the spacer, which will be made to blend in with your other teeth. Once the crown is attached, the implant will be considered complete. Most implants can last a lifetime when properly cared for, but they can fail or become dislodged. A failure to maintain proper oral hygiene, smoking, or other risk factors can contribute to the failure of an implant.
The most important factor in determining your eligibility for a dental implant is your general and oral health. Good oral health is essential; you must be free of gum disease or other periodontal problems. It would be best to have sufficient jawbone height and density to support an implant.
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment that helps people achieve brighter, whiter teeth. It uses a peroxide-based bleaching agent to remove discoloration from the surface of your teeth. It can be done at home or in a dentist’s office, and it’s one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures available. However, it’s important to know the pros and cons of this procedure before you decide to have it done.
Among the most common benefits of having whiter teeth is increased self-confidence. Having stained or yellow teeth can make you appear less confident, especially when talking to others. This can affect your social life and even your career. Fortunately, advances in dental technology have made teeth whitening easier and safer than ever before.
Before whitening your teeth, you should have a complete dental checkup with your dentist and hygienist to ensure that any oral problems are addressed first. This will help to avoid any complications that may arise during the procedure. It’s also a good idea to avoid eating or drinking anything that can stain your teeth for 24 hours before and after the whitening session, as this will help to minimize re-staining.
In addition to removing surface stains, teeth whitening can lighten your enamel’s color. The whitening your dentist will use depends on the results you want, but there are two main types: vital and non-vital whitening. Vital whitening is performed on teeth that have live nerves and uses a specialized whitening gel containing hydrogen peroxide to speed up the whitening process. Non-vital whitening treats intrinsic staining, which occurs when a tooth is injured or has undergone a root canal.
While whitening is a relatively safe and effective treatment, it doesn’t work on all teeth, including crowns, veneers, or bridges. In addition, whitening isn’t permanent, and the effect will fade over time. Fortunately, there are several ways to maintain your new, whiter smile, including regular brushing and professional teeth whitening.
The best way to avoid stains and improve your smile’s appearance is by getting regular teeth whitening treatments from a certified dental professional. During your appointment, they’ll discuss the options that are right for you and give you tips on how to keep your smile looking its best.
A tooth extraction is the removal of a problem tooth, a procedure done to relieve pain, improve oral health, and boost confidence. It may also be needed when a tooth has become so damaged or infected that it cannot be saved through endodontic treatment. Extraction is also sometimes recommended for crowded or misaligned teeth, as it can prevent overlapping and overcrowding, creating areas that are hard to clean and increasing the risk of infection.
Your oral surgeon will numb the area using a local anesthetic during a dental extraction. They will then remove the damaged or diseased tooth and suture it if necessary. If the extraction is more complicated, your oral surgeon will administer intravenous (IV) anesthesia, which can range from conscious sedation to general anesthesia, putting you to sleep. In this case, you should arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you until the effects disappear.
Tooth extractions can cause some discomfort afterward, but this is usually controlled with over-the-counter pain medications and ice packs. Swelling and bruising are also common after an extraction, but these symptoms should disappear within a week. You should avoid chewing or biting on the extraction site, as this increases blood flow and can lead to complications like dry sockets.
Before your surgery, you should make sure to tell your dentist about any medical conditions or medications you are taking. Some medications, such as blood thinners or clot-dissolving agents, should be stopped before the procedure as they can interfere with the natural clotting process. Suppose you are receiving renal dialysis or have a history of kidney problems. In that case, liaising with your renal team is essential to ensure your condition is optimized for surgical intervention. Otherwise, the increased bleeding and risk of infection could worsen your renal diagnosis. In addition, respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and COPD are not contraindications for dental treatment under sedation but should be thoroughly assessed with a pre-sedation assessment.
The words “bone graft” may scare some patients, but these surgeries are surprisingly simple. They are one of the most common dental procedures performed by dentists, and they help replace missing bone tissue that cannot regenerate on its own. This tissue is important for the stability of your jaw and can affect how your teeth function.
Bone loss can occur for a variety of reasons. Advanced periodontal disease can cause resorption of the bone tissue, which leaves less structure to support your teeth and can lead to tooth loss. Certain congenital disabilities can also leave the jaw without enough bone tissue, requiring grafting. Grafting is an effective treatment to restore these areas and can improve the stability of dental implants, which need adequate bone density to thrive.
Before undergoing a bone graft, discussing your medical history with your dentist is important. This information will help them determine if you are a good candidate for surgery and what type of graft is most appropriate. This can include a review of your current medications and supplements, which can affect the outcome of surgery. It is especially important to let your doctor know if you have any autoimmune disorders, which can reduce your ability to heal after surgery.
During the procedure, your doctor will first numb the area with a local anesthetic and, if desired, offer other forms of sedation. They will then create an incision in your gums and add the grafting material. Once the tissue is placed, it will be covered with a membrane for protection. The incision will be closed with sutures, and you will return home to recover.
You will likely experience some pain and swelling following the procedure, but over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers can alleviate this discomfort. It will take a while for the graft to heal, so following your doctor’s recovery instructions is essential.
During the healing process, your doctor will instruct you to avoid hard or crunchy foods, which can break down the surgical site and increase swelling. It would be best if you also kept your head elevated while sleeping to reduce swelling and bruising.
