Post-Surgery Complications – Dry Socket

After undergoing tooth extraction, it is critical that patients closely follow their oral surgeon’s post-operative instructions. This not only makes for a quicker, more comfortable recovery process, it can prevent difficulties from occurring during this time. However, even patients who keep these directions perfectly may experience complications such as dry socket.

What Causes Dry Socket?

Dry socket is a fairly common condition, particularly following wisdom tooth extraction. After this procedure, blood clots form as part of the healing process, covering exposed bone and nerves to protect these delicate tissues from damage and infection. However, if these blood clots are dislodged, bacteria and debris may enter and become trapped in the empty socket. Without sufficient cleaning and treatment, infection occurs, causing patients severe pain as well as difficulty with chewing and swallowing. 

Symptoms of dry socket include:

• Severe pain in the days following extraction
• Visible bone tissue
• Partial or complete blood Loss at extraction site
• Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth

How to Treat and Prevent Dry Socket

In order to protect your healing smile, it is important that patients closely follow post-surgery instructions from their oral surgeon. At Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants & Oral Surgery, Dr. Snehal Patel recommends the following:

• Avoid tobacco use: Smoking a cigarette can dislodge the newly forming blood clot. In addition, chemicals in tobacco are known to disrupt proper healing and can contaminate the extraction site, triggering development of dry socket.
• Avoid touching the site: Poking the empty socket with your tongue or touching it with your fingers can lead to infection and, subsequently, dry socket.
• Don’t use a straw: The suction from using a straw may dislodge blood clots, leading to dry socket.

Treatment for dry socket is often fairly straight forward. To remove debris and infected tissue, our oral surgeon will flush out the socket before covering the area with a medicated gel or paste. Pain medication may also be provided to alleviate discomfort. Typically, symptoms clear up within five to six days of treatment. At your follow-up visit, Dr. Patel will examine the extraction area, checking for the development of a new blood clot and improved healing. 

Experiencing Dry Socket? Call our Oral Surgeon in NOVA Immediately

Left untreated, dry socket can quickly compromise both your oral and overall wellbeing. If you are experiencing any symptoms associated with this condition, call our oral surgery practice immediately to schedule an emergency appointment. 

What to Look for in an Oral Surgeon

Like any other medical procedure, choosing the right oral surgeon can be a difficult process. Individuals looking for advanced surgical care should ask the following questions when vetting potential oral surgeons for your upcoming treatment.

What is their experience?

When it comes to oral surgery, training and experience are especially important factors to consider. Rather than simply picking out an oral surgeon, look for a dental professional who has extensive experience treating your specific needs. Residency and clinical experience can also be indicative of an oral surgeon’s specialty focus, providing patients with the peace of mind that their experienced professional has experience performing similar procedures.

Is the surgeon a member of any professional associations?

Professional dental societies, associations, and continuing education courses provide critical opportunities for oral surgeons to stay on top of the latest treatment techniques and dental technologies. Some societies, including the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery require members to meet certain thresholds of continuing education hours per year as well as pass intensive certification examinations. With these strict regulations in mind, look for a board certified oral surgeon.

Do they accept referrals?

Not every oral surgeon accepts walk in patients. Many offer their services on a referral basis, working with nearby dentists and other professionals to provide care to patients. As a result, it is worthwhile to check with your general dentist and see whether they have any recommendations.

Do they accept my insurance?

There are a number of factors that determine the cost of care. Between the surgeon’s fees, cost of equipment and anesthesia, as well as pre-treatment diagnostic x-rays or treatments, the expenses of undergoing oral surgery can become expensive very quickly. While dental insurance may cover some of the treatment process, patients may still be responsible for out-of-pocket expenses. Searching for an oral surgeon in network with your insurance plan or one who offers in-office financing options can help alleviate some of the financial stress that comes with planning for oral surgery.

Can the surgeon be reached easily?

Even if the surgery was performed perfectly, accidents and emergencies can still happen during the recovery phase. If your surgeon frequently travels between practices across a large region, it may be more difficult to receive appropriate care when needed. Consider an oral surgeon’s availability before pursuing treatment.

Looking for an Oral Surgeon? Contact our Practice Today

With locations in Springfield and Lorton, our practice offers a wealth of advanced oral surgery options in state-of-the-art settings. To learn more about our treatments, schedule your consultation with our Northern Virginia oral surgeon today. 

When to Visit an Oral Surgeon

There are certain scenarios in which seeking the experience of a specialized dental professional may provide greater long-term results. Some of these scenarios include:

Impacted Tooth Extraction

Unlike simple extraction, in which a damaged tooth is simply removed, the process of extracting an impacted tooth is a more complex process. Depending on the placement and size of the tooth, gum and bone tissue may need to be removed in order to expose the compromised tooth, a procedure oral surgeons are well-trained to perform. Combined with experience, and in-office sedation, patients can remain comfortable and relaxed during treatment.

Jaw Fracture or Damage

In addition to dental school, oral and maxillofacial surgeons are required to undergo additional courses as well as surgical residencies. This extensive training goes beyond what is covered in dental school, allowing oral surgeons to gain an in-depth knowledge of facial anatomy. As a result, oral surgeons are well-equipped to treat jaw damage and trauma. In fact, the American College of Surgeons recommends that an oral and maxillofacial surgeon be present when treating severe and complex facial trauma patients.

Bone Reinforcement Procedures

When completed properly, bone grafting, sinus augmentation, and ridge modification procedures can reinforce the health and function of deteriorating jaw bones, thus, protecting facial structure and improving oral health. Advanced osseous, or bone, surgeries require the unique touch that oral surgeons provide.

Dental Implant Placement

Dental implant success hinges on the strategic placement of implant posts into the jaw bone. The advanced training of oral surgeons provides these dental specialists with the advantage when it comes to successful implant integration and restoration. They know the ins and outs of the jaw, making for a successful dental implant planning and implementation.

Oral Cancer Biopsies

In addition to surgical procedures, patients may also be recommended to an oral surgeon in the event of oral abnormality. This can include instances of benign or malignant tumors of the face or mouth. Beyond conducting tissue biopsies, your oral surgeon may coordinate treatment with an oncologist and your general dentist in the event oral cancer is detected.

Consult our Oral Surgeon Today

At Lorton Springfield Dental Implants & Oral Surgery, we work closely with general dentists and other healthcare providers throughout Northern Virginia to provide comprehensive oral and maxillofacial surgeries. For more information about our available services, contact your nearest location today. 

Practice Feature - Dr. Snehal Patel

In Lorton and Springfield, oral surgery is in the experienced hands of Snehal Patel, DDS, MD. He and his team work tirelessly to provide the best care possible to their cities and communities. Through continued education, dedicated years of practice, and community service, Lorton Springfield Dental has become a one-stop shop for anyone’s oral surgery and dental implant needs.

Any success we experience here is due to our customer commitment and high quality treatments. We strive to better ourselves in delivering efficient, precise procedures that put patient comfort first. Gentle treatments and advanced technology equip us to serve. From bone grafting and sinus augmentation to dental implant placement and wisdom teeth extraction, we are prepared to put patients on the path to a beautiful, healthy smile.

A Leader in the Oral Surgery Field and the Community

Dr. Patel gives much of his time serving communities beyond just Lorton and Springfield. He has been to Ecuador and Columbia to participate with Healing the Children, and aided children suffering cleft lips and palates. He completed his dental and physician education at Columbia University, and finished his residency at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City. He maintains a lead in the oral surgery industry with his membership to the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.  

Proof of our commitment is the many awards we have earned. We won the Patient’s Choice Award from 2012-2014, and Dr. Patel has won Compassionate Doctor Recognition and an On-Time Doctor Award (2014). Our care, the best in Lorton and Springfield, helps patients feel relaxed and safe.

Contact Lorton Springfield Dental Today

For care that will repair the jaws and gums and restore the confidence of a long-lasting smile, call us today. We want nothing more than to deliver quality service that treats each patient with genuine care. We look forward to hearing from you!

Tips for Good Jaw Health

Taking care of oral health is more than just good dental care at home. It also including practicing good, consistent hygiene habits and making wise choices daily to protect the longevity of the jaw. Although brushing and flossing is one of the best ways to protect the smile, our oral surgeon in Northern Virginia has some tips that can improve oral health all the way down to the bone.

Good Habits Enforce a Healthy Smile

The jaw is a sensitive machine, and it’s important to practice good habits to reverse the effects of normal wear and tear as well as combat the effects of negative habits. Here are some good habits to follow for improved jaw health:

Eat and Drink Healthy: Drinking water as opposed to sodas, coffee, or alcoholic beverages will leave the mouth cleaner. Sugary and alcoholic beverages encourages bacteria to grow in the teeth and gums. If left alone, this bacteria will decay the teeth and jaw. Eating healthy foods will also contribute to the cleanliness of the teeth and jaws, strengthening the jaw muscles to do exactly what they’re supposed to. Chewing gum is not recommended, as it puts undue stress on the jaw muscles.

Besides eating and drinking, it’s important to protect the jaw from other potential diseases. The chances of developing oral cancer when smoking or chewing tobacco are significantly higher, and cutting down on these habits will reduce inflammation and gum disease in the mouth. Nicotine and alcohol have adverse effects on the mouth, and research has even found that e-cigarettes and vaping aren’t good for the mouth either.

Relax Facial Muscles with Treatment: Many Americans suffer from TMD, where the jaw muscles are tight and do not function properly. This is often due to bruxism, or teeth grinding. This can happen unconsciously at night, or during the day. Bruxing at night wears down teeth, leading to fractures and cracks that can have long-term effects on the smile. The grinding motion also makes the muscles tight from the jaw to the neck.

Treatments for bruxism include oral appliances like night guards, which will protect the teeth from breaking and force the jaws to relax at night time. These are also important for sports and activities where the jaws and teeth can get damaged. Many oral surgeons prescribe the mouth guards and have them custom-fit to each patient’s mouth.

Call Lorton, Springfield Oral Surgeons for Great Jaw Health

Call one of our offices today to receive an examination for your smile. If you are experiencing tight jaw muscles, or your mouth feels uncomfortable, please contact us today. 

When is a Bone Graft Necessary?

Although it sounds intimidating, receiving a bone graft is a simple procedure that has many benefits. Typically, individuals require bone grafts when their jaw isn’t in a condition to receive important oral treatments including dental implant placement, or when your gums need to be restored.

Bone Grafts Solve Oral Health Issues

After having teeth extracted or losing them through an accident, the root structure is no longer in the jaw. The jaw bone, after time, loses strength in the area where the tooth was. Called resorption, this process absorbs turns the tooth-supporting structures into nutrients for the body. If many teeth are missing or have been extracted, the whole jaw may suffer from losing strength. Your jaws may shrink as a result of oral cancer or other diseases. Bone grafting is a necessary procedure for patients to have a healthy smile again.

Shrinking jaws make the face look concave and saggy, and wrinkles form around the mouth area. This adds years to the smile. The bone graft procedures restores strength and bone density to the jaw, preparing it for further treatment.

Bone Grafts Provide a New Foundation for other Treatments

When receiving restorative treatments, or procedures that require strong bone structure, bone grafts are needed. Dental implant placement, for example, requires the bone to be a certain density and width to comfortably and safely complete the procedure. Dental implants won’t fuse with the bone properly without enough bone tissue. Bone grafts encourage new tissue growth and restore the full function of the jaw.

After wisdom teeth or regular teeth are extracted, your oral surgeon may also give patients bone grafts to inspire the bone tissue to grow into the empty space. This will protect the jaw from resorption, and ensure the gums continue to hold their natural line. This is often the first step before dental implants, bridges, or dentures are placed. In the case of wisdom teeth removal, a bone graft will aid in healing for long-term oral health. 

Looking to Restore the Smile? Call your Lorton Oral Surgeon

Bone grafts are a common and easy procedure for oral surgeons like Dr. Snehal Patel. Referrals can fill out the online form, and are welcome to contact us today to schedule treatment consultations.

Oral Surgery to Protect Dental Hygiene

Gum disease, jaw and teeth misalignment, or dental accidents can ruin the functionality of the mouth. At Lorton Springfield Dental Implants & Oral Surgery, we want to restore your smile to working order and make sure it is fully functional and in optimal health. Below are some oral procedures that will protect your dentition from bone loss, oral diseases, and misalignment.

Bone Grafting

This procedure has wide applications in aiding the dentition to be healthy. After losing a tooth or teeth, the jaw bone slowly deteriorates, and it can grow too weak to support other treatments like dental implants and bridges. In this procedure, your Lorton oral surgeon will place natural tissue into your jaw to support future tissue regeneration. Diseased or deteriorated bones can have tissue replaced which will protect your everyday oral function. This also prepares tissue for dental implant placement, ensuring long-term restorative success.

Teeth Extraction

Extracting teeth keep the whole mouth safe from infection and alleviate oral pain. As gum disease progresses into its more serious form of periodontitis, bacteria infect the supportive connective tissues that hold teeth in place.  As this support weakens, teeth become loose and often need to be removed in order to thoroughly treat the dentition and protect the health of the smile as a whole. Beyond periodontal disease, other reasons for extraction can include misalignment, dental fracture, and root canal failure.

Extraction is also recommended for patients suffering from impacted wisdom teeth. As most people don’t have enough room in their mouths for wisdom teeth, when teeth emerge their arches cannot accommodate the extra teeth. As a result, the molars become impacted (stuck) within the bone or gum tissue and can cause serious oral health issues.

Ridge and Sinus Augmentation

These are procedures are designed to restore structural integrity to the jaws. The ridge in your mouth refers to the area where teeth come out of the gums. This needs repair after having a tooth extracted, otherwise the jaw may appear uneven and will not be ready for future jaw bone surgeries.

Sinus augmentation is a procedure that improves the structure of the upper jaws. Your oral surgeon will make an incision and place bone grafting tissue to fill the space between the jaw bone and sinus membrane, creating a barrier that can accommodate eventual dental implant placement.

Learn More Today at Lorton Springfield Dental Implants & Oral Surgery

Northern Virginia oral surgeon Dr. Snehal Patel is dedicated to providing all patients with the advanced oral surgeries needed to achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. If you are looking for an oral surgeon in Lorton or Springfield, contact Dr. Patel to schedule your consultation. Our locations in Lorton and Springfield make receiving oral surgery a comfortable, convenient experience. 

5 Factors to Consider When Looking For an Implant Dentist

Receiving dental implants is a multi-step process. Given the longevity and expense of the treatment, there are a number of factors to consider before undergoing treatment. In particular, researching implant dentists and finding the best dental professional to perform your procedure is a critical part of preparing for this treatment. Consider the following factors when looking for your implant dentist.

What is the Dentist’s Training?
Placing the implant and loading the restoration requires special training beyond general dental education. Additionally, depending on the condition of the smile, certain patients may require preliminary procedures to prepare the tissue and jaw bone for implant placement. As a result, not all general dentists may have the tools or training required to successfully place or load dental implants. On the other hand, oral surgeons and periodontists are well versed in the anatomy of the jaw and have undergone extensive training in implant placement, restoration loading, and jaw bone treatments.

Is a Referral Necessary?
Some implant dentists welcome patients without a referral. Others work in partnership with a group of fellow dental professionals to provide advanced implant and surgical services for their patients. At Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants & Oral Surgery, we accept referrals as well as independent appointments.

What are My Payment Options?
Knowing how to pay for upcoming dental implants is just as important as knowing where you’ll be receiving your dental implants. While dental implants offer patients a permanent restoration option, the initial placement and restoration is often more expensive than traditional dentures or bridges. As dental insurance may not fully cover this treatment, determining your payment options is especially important. While some practices may recommend third party financing, others are willing to work with patients to create a monthly payment plan.

What are the Available Treatments?
Each patients’ implant treatment is unique according to their oral health and functional needs. As a result, while some patients may require bone grafting or full arch implants, others may be looking for full mouth restoration options. With this in mind, search for an implant dentist who has helped restore smiles similar to yours and who offers the preliminary treatments your smile needs. Not only does this ensure consistent care, but it can also help drive down the overall cost of care.

What are the Sedation Options?
Patient comfort during treatment makes up an important part of their overall treatment experience. While implant placement is an outpatient procedure and local anesthetic is used to numb the area, some patient prefer to enhance their procedure with dental sedation. For improved patient comfort during implant placement as well as preliminary surgical procedures, Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants & Oral Surgery offers a wide range of sedation options, ranging from intravenous sedation to full general anesthesia.

The process of searching for an implant dentist can be lengthy and requires doing your research. If you have questions or concerns about the implant process, contact Dr. Snehal Patel of Lorton Springfield Dental Implant & Oral Surgery. We welcome patients from throughout Northern Virginia and the metro Washington D.C. region.

Living with TMD

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or TMD, refers to a range of painful conditions that affect the jaw, jaw joint (also known as the temporomandibular joint), and surrounding muscles. While there is not a single specific cause of TMD, certain factors such as stress, arthritis, poor jaw and bite alignment, and other dental-related conditions may increase the likelihood of developing TMD.

The jaw and jaw joint are responsible for a number of subconscious functions, such as biting, chewing, speaking, and even breathing. When this functionality is compromised by the development of TMD, the condition can greatly impede a patient’s daily life, making it painful and difficult to even open their mouth.

To alleviate some of the discomfort caused by TMD, many patients find oral appliances or stabilization splints to be a versatile, and a minimally invasive method of alleviating their pain. When combined with some at home remedies, patients quickly notice an improvement in their quality of life and overall dental function. Some of these at-home solutions include:

• Anti-inflammatory medication: The swelling of the muscles and tissues surrounding the joint can make basic oral functions extremely painful. Taking ibuprofen or another over-the-counter anti-inflammatory can help reduce this swelling.
•  Learn to Relax: By learning relaxation techniques that lower your overall stress level, many patients that clench or grind their teeth when stressed can help loosen their jaws and alleviate their TMD-related pain.
• Eating soft foods: Crunchy, chewy, or hard foods can also cause joint inflammation. Sticking to softer foods can help patients avoid having to use their jaws excessively and prevent painful TMD flare-ups.
• Separate your teeth: As many individuals clench or grind their teeth when stressed, this may trigger painful TMD episodes. Rather than clenching, try putting your tongue between your teeth to create a cushion between the arches and prevent grinding.
• Try jaw stretches: By practicing minor stretches daily, patients can improve their range of pain-free jaw movement, increasing the overall functional capabilities of the joint.

Thanks to modern dentistry, there are a wide range of treatments available to help alleviate the pain caused by TMD. At Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants & Oral Surgery, our team helps patients identify the best solution for their unique case of TMD, improving their overall dental function and jaw health. For more information about treating TMD with oral appliances, contact our Lorton or Springfield dental offices today.

Dental Implants vs. Traditional Restorations

With so many available options to select from, choosing the right restorative treatment for your smile can quickly become an overwhelming process. However, few solutions offer the permanence, aesthetic, and health benefits of dental implants and implant-supported prostheses. To better understand the numerous benefits of this innovative procedure, consider the following:

Implants are Comprehensive: In order to receive dental implants, patients undergo a rigorous examination, during which their teeth, gums, and jaw bone are thoroughly evaluated to determine whether these components can support a dental implant. As a result, implant treatment plans are developed to ensure that the restoration will positively contribute to the patient’s oral and overall health.

Dental Implants are Integrative: Unlike traditional restorative treatments like bridges or dentures, dental implants are surgically embedded into the arch of the jaw. During post-placement recovery, the implant fuses with the bone, creating a sturdy bond between the two components. In the long run, this integration ensures lasting support for the remainder of the restoration in addition to encouraging health bone growth.

Dental Implants are Versatile: Dental implants are unique in the regard that treatment with implants is customized to the patient’s specific dental needs. Whether an individual only needs to replace one missing tooth or they are considering total mouth rehabilitation with a series of single unit dental implants and implant-supported prostheses, the flexibility provided by dental implants ensures treatment is molded to the patient’s needs, not the other way around.

Dental Implants look Natural: Unlike dentures which may appear and feel bulky, dental implants and implant-supported dentures are designed to look, feel, and function just like a natural tooth. Individuals with this restorative treatment do not need to worry about their prosthetic dentition falling out at inconvenient times and are once again able to enjoy a complete and beautiful smile. 

Dental implants are an Investment: In the long-run, conventional restorations require frequent maintenance and care which can quickly translate into a number of unexpected expenses. Additionally, these restorative treatments may cause additional dental problems in the future requiring extensive care in order to maintain a certain standard of oral health. As dental implants successfully improve the individual’s long-term oral health and are made of highly resilient materials, many find dental implants and implant-supported restorations to be a valuable lifelong investment into their smile.

At the Lorton and Springfield oral surgery practices of Dr.Snehal Patel, our mission is to help individuals restore their smiles to improve oral function, health, and aesthetics. By offering a number of dental implants and implant-related services, our Northern Virginia oral surgeon is able to provide each patient with personalized care that lasts well into the future. For more information about dental implants, contact our Lorton orSpringfield locations today to schedule your dental implant consultation.