Oral Surgery

• Wisdom tooth extraction is a surgical procedure to remove one or more wisdom teeth — the four permanent adult teeth located at the back corners of your mouth on the top and bottom. If a wisdom tooth doesn't have room to grow (also known as an impacted wisdom tooth), resulting in pain, infection or other dental problems, you'll likely need to have it pulled. Wisdom tooth extraction may be done by a dentist or an oral surgeon. To prevent potential future problems, some dentists and oral surgeons recommend wisdom tooth extraction even if impacted teeth aren't currently causing problems. 

SYMPTOMS OF IMPACTED TEETH

• Symptoms of impacted teeth include pain and stiffness of the jaw, infection in the mouth, headaches, facial swelling, and gumline in the back of the mouth swelling. Wisdom teeth are usually removed after the roots are almost or fully developed, which is usually in the adolescent years. Wisdom teeth removal surgeries performed after adolescence are still effective, but healing may be slower and there may be a higher risk of complications. Wisdom teeth extraction is performed under local or general anesthetic and does not require an overnight stay. The surgery is performed in a safe and professional environment with modern monitoring equipment with professional staff experienced in anesthesia techniques. 

• Dental implants are ideal for replacing lost teeth due to disease or trauma. Implants can be used to replace a single tooth or several teeth. They can also be used to secure removable partial or complete dentures. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium metal that are surgically placed into jawbones to replace the root of the natural tooth. The replacement tooth attached to implants are made to match the natural teeth and often enhance or restore a patient’s smile. The implant acts as an anchor to secure the replacement tooth in place. 

 REASONS FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS

What are the advantages of dental implants?

• Improved appearance. Dental implants look and feel like your natural teeth. They restore and enhance your confident smile without worrying about how they look or if the dentures will fall out.
•  Improved comfort. Because the implant post integrate with the jaw bone, they provide a secure anchor for a bridge or denture. They also eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.
•  Improved speech and chewing. Replacing lost teeth with dental implants allow you to chew your food without pain and speak more clearly.
•  Long-lasting and durable. Dental implants will last for many years. With proper care and maintenance, many dental implants last a life-time. 

WHAT DOES GETTING DENTAL IMPLANTS INVOLVE?  

• The process of getting implants requires a number of visits over several months. After deciding that an implant is right for you, X-rays and impressions (molds) are taken of the jaw and teeth to determine bone, gum tissue, and spacing available for an implant. While the area is numb, the implant will be surgically placed into the bone and allowed to heal and integrate itself into the bone for up to six months. Depending on the type of implant, a second surgery may be required to place the “post” that will hold the artificial tooth in place. With other implants, the post and anchor are already attached and placed at the same time. After several weeks of healing, the artificial teeth or crowns are made and fitted to the post portion of the anchor. Because several fittings may be required, this step may take one to two months to complete. After a healing period, the artificial tooth is securely attached to the implant, providing excellent stability and comfort. You will receive care instructions when your treatment is completed. Good oral hygiene, eating habits, and regular dental visits will help to maintain your new implant.