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. 

How are Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Often developing during late adolescence, the emergence of wisdom teeth is often accompanied by oral pain, difficulty maintaining an effective oral hygiene routine, as well as an increased risk of developing dental problems such as pericoronitis, gum disease, and tooth decay. As a result, early removal is often recommended to protect the health and function of a patient’s smile.

While wisdom tooth extraction may sound like an overwhelming, extensive process, many patients find the procedure to be fairly straightforward and the recovery convenient, as illustrated by the following steps:

Treatment Development

During this phase, an oral surgeon conducts a thorough evaluation of your smile to determine the number of wisdom teeth present in the dentition as well as how they are developing in relation to the rest of the smile. At Lorton-Springfield Oral Surgery and Dental Implants, our NorthernVirginia oral surgeon uses advanced imaging technology to determine whether the teeth are partially or fully impacted. Thanks to these high powered tools, Dr. Patel is able to create a strategic treatment plan for removing the tooth and ensuring successful recovery.

Preparation

Once the treatment plan has been developed, patients have the option of selecting a sedation option. While not necessary, many have found dental sedation to be a welcome relaxation method. At our Lorton and Springfield offices, intravenous sedation is offered as way to remain conscious and responsive during the removal procedure yet in a state where patients often do not recall the details of their procedure.

For patients receiving sedation dentistry, there are certain preparations the must be made. In particular, patients must fast for at least six hours prior to their procedure. Additionally, individuals must enlist the help of a family member or friend to bring them back to their home following their procedure.

The Procedure

Local anesthesia is first applied to the area and a surgical tool is used to open the gums, revealing the bone and tooth. A specialized tool is then used to remove the tooth. If the molar is too large to be removed as one piece, it will be broken into smaller pieces for easier extraction. Once the tooth is out, the gums are sutured together and left to heal.

Post-Treatment Healing

Following wisdom tooth extraction, patients may experience some swelling in the tissue and cheeks near the treatment site. To ensure successful recovery, Dr. Patel provides patients with recovery instructions, including directions to avoid strenuous activity and smoking. To prevent dry socket, patients should avoid touching the treatment area with their tongue or using straws as this can dislodge the developing blood clot and expose the area to food and bacteria.

Undergoing wisdom tooth extraction is a normal, simple process that can protect the long-term health of your smile. For more information about this treatment, schedule your consultation at Lorton-Springfield Oral Surgery and Dental Implants today.

Impacted vs. Non-Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Not all wisdom teeth are the same. Changes in how a wisdom tooth emerges can influence the molar’s long-term impact on your oral health and function as well as how to treat this new tooth. In particular, knowing the difference between a fully impacted, partially impacted, or non-impacted wisdom tooth can help you protect your smile before and after extraction.

Non-Impacted Wisdom Teeth

The most straight forward, non-impacted molars develop and emerge just as any other tooth would. With non-impacted wisdom teeth, patients typically have arches that are large enough to accommodate the extra teeth, ensuring proper development and emergence through both the bone and soft tissue. While these teeth may sit comfortably, extraction is still recommended as wisdom teeth are often more difficult to keep clean and may not be in correct alignment with the rest of the bite.

Partially Impacted Wisdom Teeth

In other cases, the molars may develop correctly but are otherwise unable to completely emerge into the arch. As a result, the crown of this partially erupted tooth may be visible. Compared to fully impacted and non-impacted wisdom teeth, partially impacted molars are particularly complicated as the gums create a flap over the tooth which can trap food and bacteria. As a result, patients with partially impacted wisdom teeth are at an increased risk of developing further health complications, such as periodontal disease, tooth decay, and pericoronitis, or the infection of the tissue around the emerged crown.

Fully Impacted Wisdom Teeth

For some patients, developing wisdom teeth may not even make it partially through the bone. There are a number of different types of full impaction, each distinguished by the position of the tooth as well as where the impaction has occurred. For example, a horizontal bony impaction refers to a tooth that is lying on its side and is still in the jaw bone. Similarly, a mesial soft tissue impaction refers to a tooth that is still in the gums yet is angled forwards toward the front of the mouth.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction in Northern VA

At the Lorton and Springfield offices of Dr. Snehal Patel, wisdom teeth extraction is a comfortable process that can be done at either of our locations. For more information about protecting your smile from the long-term consequences of wisdom teeth, contact our oral surgeon today to schedule your consultation.  

Do I Need a Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Unlike other teeth, the third molars, also known as wisdom teeth, develop later, often when a patient is in late adolescence or early adulthood. For some, these molars may be easily accommodated into the arch. For others, wisdom teeth can have a domino-like effect on the health and functionality of a smile, compromising an individual’s overall health. When facing wisdom tooth development, many patients may find themselves wondering whether they need extraction.

Understanding the Implications of Wisdom Teeth

Part of the complicated implications of wisdom teeth stem from when and how these third molars develop. By the time wisdom teeth develop, patients have often already undergone treatments to utilize the entire space of the arch. When there is no space for the new tooth to emerge, it becomes impacted, or unable to correctly breach through the gums. As a result, it develops incorrectly, essentially pushing against other teeth and threatening to negate any prior work that has been done.

In other cases, the wisdom teeth may become partially impacted, or may only partially emerge. This can also have negative oral health implications as the gum flap covering the tooth may trap food debris. As debris accumulates, so do bacteria, making it difficult for patients to thoroughly clean their teeth and increasing the likelihood of developing a cavity, tooth infection, or abscess.

Given the strong possibility of compromising the health and function of a patient’s smile, wisdom tooth extraction is highly recommended in cases of impaction and partial impaction.

Other Cases to Consider Extraction

Surprisingly, age also may be a factor in determining whether extraction is a good option. While a tooth may develop normally and fit comfortably in the arch, changes to the dentition that occur over time may cause the wisdom tooth to begin crowding other teeth. Older patients seeking wisdom tooth extraction may find themselves at risk of greater complications from the removal process.

Northern Virginia oral surgeon Dr. Snehal Patel offers comprehensive wisdom tooth removal at his Lorton and Springfield dental practices. Using advanced technology, Dr. Patel is able to create a strategic plan that makes the removal and recovery processes comfortable and efficient. For more information about general extraction and impacted wisdom tooth extraction, contact our nearest location today.

Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are often an annoyance that can cause serious dental problems. A question that often plagues dental patients is, if wisdom teeth have no function, why haven’t they made their evolutionary exit?

Was there ever a need for wisdom teeth?

Among archaeologists, there is a common belief that third molars were used by our prehistoric ancestors to accommodate a diet of tough food like leaves, roots, nuts, and raw meats. When combined with a broader jaw, wisdom teeth allowed prehistoric man to survive.

However, as humans evolved, the development of food preparation techniques, as well as tools to eat with, allowed man to create foods that were easy to eat. With no need for the broad jaw and extra molars, evolution gradually led to the narrowing of the jaw. As a result, fewer and fewer wisdom teeth were able to emerge through the gums.

Why do wisdom teeth appear so late in life?

Development of teeth happens in stages. Just as baby teeth are replaced by permanent teeth, wisdom teeth are the next evolutionary dental milestone. While they may not erupt until young adulthood, the third molars begin developing around the age of 10. However, by the time wisdom teeth are ready to emerge, many people do not have enough space in the jaw to accommodate the molars. As a result, the teeth become impacted and push against existing alignment in an effort to break to the surface.

When should I get my wisdom teeth removed?

Not everyone needs to get their wisdom teeth removed. For a rare few, the jaw and dental arch are wide enough to allow wisdom teeth to emerge and exist without disturbing dentition. However, most patients find that wisdom teeth become impacted or partially impacted teeth and painful, as well as detrimental to any prior bite alignment work they may have completed.

It is recommended that wisdom teeth are removed before the roots are fully formed and the jaw hardens, typically between the ages of 17 and 23. If you are considering wisdom teeth removal, contact our Lorton orSpringfield office to learn more about wisdom teeth extraction. 

Recover Correctly from Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Recovering from any surgical procedure requires rest and following doctor’s instructions; wisdom teeth extraction is no exception. In order to minimize post-treatment discomfort and ensure a successful recovery, here are some helpful do’s and don’ts to consider.

Post-operational Dos

•  Replace the gauze placed over the wound every few hours. If bleeding continues beyond the first 24 hours, call Dr. Patel to schedule an emergency follow-up appointment.
• Use ice packs for the first 24 hours. Try holding the packs outside your cheek for 15-20 minute increments at a time. After the first day, you can apply a warm washcloth to the outside of your cheek for the following days.
•  Stick to soft foods. Wait to reintroduce solid foods into your diet until the healing process is well underway.
• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day. Try mixing 1tsp of salt water with 8 ounce of warm water.
• Take Motrin or other pain reliever to soothe any discomfort. General discomfort is expected during the post-operational stage, however many of our patients find their pain easily managed with over-the-counter medication. If you find the extraction site particularly sore, Dr. Patel recommends trying SockIt! Gel. When applied inside the socket, the oral gel effectively numbs the area. 
• Maintain your oral hygiene regimen. It is recommended that you brush your teeth post-operation to remove any bacteria and plaque build-up. Remember to be gentle around the surgical sites.

Post-operational Don’ts

•  Avoid lying flat, as this may prolong bleeding.
• Do not smoke cigarettes or use a straw for the first few days following surgery, as the suction force can prevent clotting. Smoking can also introduce bacteria to the surgical site, increasing your chances of post-operational infection.
• When possible, do not touch the wound. Prodding it with your tongue or fingers can introduce bacteria to the surgical site, increasing your chances of infection as well as slowing recovery time.
• Limit physical activity. While you might feel fine once the initial symptoms have worn off, it is important to remember that you are in the post-operative stage. Physical exertion can increase bleeding and prevent the wound from clotting.

During recovery, it is important to remember is not to rush the process. While the procedure may have been minor, your body is still recovering. Ignoring post-surgery instructions can cause other complications to arise, such as dry socket, infection, or damage to the surrounding teeth, jaw, or nerves.

By fully following Dr. Patel’s post-operation instructions, you can enjoy a successful post-wisdom teeth surgery recovery. For more information on wisdom teeth extraction, contact our Lorton and Springfieldoffice to schedule an extraction consultation. 

Preparing for Wisdom Teeth Extraction

It is important that wisdom teeth are removed early. Waiting to remove wisdom teeth can put patients at risk of dental infection, gum disease, and jaw alignment problems, compromising the patient’s oral and overall health.

At Lorton Springfield Dental Implants & Oral Surgery, our highly skilled surgical team is dedicated to helping patients prepare for upcoming wisdom teeth extraction.

What happens in the procedure?

The process of removing wisdom teeth is relatively straightforward. During the initial consultation, Dr. Patel uses an iTero intraoral camera to obtain highly detailed images of the patient’s dentition.
Using this cutting-edge technology, he is able to determine if teeth are impacted and in what direction they are growing. This scanning method allows Dr. Patel to strategize the best way to extract third molars without damaging the surrounding teeth or tissues

To remove the teeth, Dr. Patel applies a local anesthetic to numb the area around the wisdom teeth. A small incision is then made in the gum tissue over the tooth and any overlying bone is removed. The connective tissue attaching the tooth to the jaw bone is separated and the tooth is removed. For easier removal, Dr. Patel may cut the tooth into smaller pieces. Once the wisdom tooth and its fragments are completely removed, the gum is stitched back together and gauze is placed over the treatment site.

What are my sedation options?

We recognize that some patients may feel anxious over the prospect of being awake during extraction. At Lorton Springfield Dental Implants & Oral Surgery, Dr. Patel and our surgical staff are trained to offer patients intravenous (IV) sedation during their wisdom teeth procedure. Due to the amnesiac side effect of IV sedation, patients are conscious and responsive during the procedures, but will not remember having their teeth removed.

Sedation options are discussed during the first consultation with Dr. Patel. Before wisdom teeth extraction, patients must refrain from consuming food and drinks (including water) starting at midnight the night before the procedure. We also require IV sedation patients to bring a driver with them to the appointment. The driver must stay in the office the full appointment time and be able to take the patient home.

If you are exhibiting discomfort caused by wisdom teeth, contact our Lorton and Springfield offices for further information on preparing for wisdom teeth extraction. 

Reasons Why Teeth May Require Extraction

While permanent teeth should ideally last a lifetime, there are many reasons why one or more teeth may need to be removed from your smile. From decay to accidental fracture, teeth may sometimes need to be extracted in order to restore and preserve a patient’s oral health. Here are some of the most common reasons behind tooth extractions:

Overcrowding: For some patients, one or both of their jaw arches may be too small to accommodate all of their teeth. As a result, the teeth may be aligning improperly, which can cause secondary issues, such as jaw tension. Extracting one or two jam-packed teeth can be done as preparation for another procedure, such as braces, to help correct further correct overcrowding issues.  .

Impacted Teeth: Impacted teeth frequently occur when the wisdom teeth (third molars) fail to emerge properly through the gums. When this happens, the impacted molar can begin pushing on the surrounding teeth in an effort to break through tissue. When impacted teeth partially emerge, the flap between the gap and tooth is prone to collecting debris. As debris and bacteria collect, patients may be at risk of tooth infection. Impacted teeth require removal to prevent damage to your smile.

Tooth Infection: Extensive dental decay or damage can cause the inner pulp of the tooth to become infected. While infected or abscessed teeth may be successfully treated with root canal therapy, severely damaged teeth may be beyond saving. Under these circumstances, the abscessed tooth needs to be extracted in order to prevent the infection from spreading and to preserve the patient’s overall health.

Gum Disease: Similar to the extraction required for severely abscessed teeth, patients in advanced stages of periodontitis may need teeth extracted in order to protect the health of surrounding teeth. Additionally, deteriorated jaw volume caused by gum disease may cause teeth to become irreparably loose, requiring their extraction.

Broken or Fractured Tooth:  Damage does not always stem from infection or decay. In some cases, accidental trauma such as fracture or cracking to the tooth may require extraction. Typically, this is a result of the break being so deep that the inner pulp is left susceptible to infection.

Are You Experiencing Tooth Problems? Visit Us Today

At Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants and Oral Surgery, Dr. Patel offers a number of comprehensive extraction procedures to help patients re-establish their oral health. For more information about tooth extraction, contact our Northern Virginia practice today,

The Trouble with Wisdom Teeth

For many, the development of impacted wisdom teeth is an uncomfortable rite of passage. However, dental patients may fail to recognize how much damage impacted wisdom teeth can wreak on their dentition.

What is an impacted tooth?

 An impacted tooth occurs when there is not enough space for a tooth to emerge, due to either overlying gum, bone, or other teeth. While any emerging tooth can become impacted, the third molars are particularly susceptible due to their late development and emergence, when compared to other teeth.

Problems caused by Impacted Wisdom Teeth

In addition to general discomfort, complete or partially impacted teeth can cause serious repercussions for your overall dentition. As impacted wisdom teeth attempt to erupt through the tissue or bone, they tend to push the surrounding teeth out of alignment. Not only does this shift the individual’s bite, but it can also negate prior orthodontic work the patient has undergone.

This shift can also have a domino effect on the alignment of the jaw, causing secondary issues such as temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) and migraines. These can greatly exacerbate patient discomfort and require multi-discipline treatment.

Impacted wisdom teeth can also increase the risk of dental decay and infection. Below the surface, sacs can form around impacted teeth. If left untreated, the sac fills with fluid and becomes a painful cyst. Untreated cysts also put the patient at risk of benign tumors that require surgery to remove and repair the bone.

Even when wisdom teeth do begin to emerge correctly, the dental arch is often not large enough to accommodate the third molar. Partially impacted teeth are at a higher risk for dental decay and gum disease, as food and bacteria are easily trapped between the semi-emerged tooth and the gum.

Facing Wisdom Teeth Pain?

The longer patients wait to have their impacted wisdom teeth removed, the more difficult extraction can become. Dr. Patel of Lorton Springfield Dental Implants & Oral Surgery recommends that impacted wisdom teeth be removed while the bone is still malleable, typically before the age of 23. If you need wisdom teeth extracted, Dr. Patel can walk you through the procedure. Contact our Lorton and Springfield offices today to learn more about the importance of early wisdom teeth removal.