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. 

Preparing for Dental Implants - Ridge Modification

When it comes to restoring dental function with dentalimplants, insufficient bone density may require some patients to seek more preliminary treatment to prepare the jaw for successful implant placement.

Ridge modification is among the most effective methods of creating a solid foundation for dental implants. Not only can the procedure correct distortion caused by dental trauma or infection, but it can also remedy chronic distortion caused by developmental defects.

What is Ridge Modification?

Ridge modification, also known as ridge augmentation or ridge expansion, is a surgical procedure that aims to correct the shape of the jaw bone ridge and gum line. By creating a consistent and stable ridge, this grafting procedure widens the area available for implant placement.

What is the Ridge Modification Procedure?

There are two types of ridge expansion procedures, each with unique benefits:

Hard tissue: Hard tissue expansion is used to reconstruct the bone structure in the affected area. After an incision is made, the bone grafting material is inserted into the damaged area to recreate the improved ridge shape. To keep the bone graft in place and encourage healthy bone formation, biocompatible titanium mesh may be used.
        

Soft tissue: This procedure is designed to improve the appearance of a deteriorated area before the final restoration. During soft tissue ridge expansion, a soft tissue graft is sutured into place at the treatment area. The donated soft tissue may be taken from another place in your mouth, such as the palate, or may be a fabricated soft tissue substitute. Often, soft tissue ridge modification is used in combination with hard tissue ridge expansion to ensure a natural looking smile following the final restoration.

How Long Does it Take to Recover from Ridge Augmentation?

Recovery time is dependent on a number of factors, such as the size of the augmentation and patient health. If ridge modification is required for implant placement, your oral surgeon may recommend waiting until the graft is fully integrated into the bone to ensure a stable foundation before placing the implant.

While recovery time may vary per patient, the results are consistent for every patient. By reinforcing the weakened jaw structure, a ridge expansion procedure creates a stable foundation for long-lasting dental implants. This new stability helps improve not only the overall dental function and the aesthetic appeal of your new smile.

Ridge Expansion in Northern Virginia

For more information about the benefits of ridge augmentation, contact the dental team at Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants and Oral Surgery. Dr. Patel is available to help you choose the right dental restoration for your smile.

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. 

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 Health Benefits of Dental Implants

When comparing dental restoration methods, dental implants quickly emerge as a comprehensive treatment for restoring the aesthetic and functional qualities to a patient’s smile. Additionally, dental implants also help patients regain lasting oral health following tooth extraction. By targeting different parts of the smile, dental implants help patients achieve lasting oral health.

Jaw Bone:

The jaw bone is a central part of the dental implant procedure. As the implant post is directly placed in the jaw bone, the two components fuse together during the post-placement recovery period via the process of osseointegration. This fusion creates a sturdy foundation for the future restoration, ensuring a long lasting restoration.

This incorporation also reinforces the strength of the jaw bone. Some patients requiring dental implants exhibit weakened jaw bone density, which may put other teeth at risk of becoming loose or falling out. Preparation procedures and the implant placement procedure can help stimulate healthy jaw bone growth, eliminating these risks and resulting in the return of overall oral health.

Surrounding Teeth

Dental implants are independent restorations. Unlike fixed bridges or dentures, dental implants do not rely on other oral structures like the gums or neighboring healthy teeth to remain in place. As a result, the health of these oral structures remain intact.

For patients missing teeth, an immediate restoration is needed to prevent the gradual shifting of the teeth as dental implants mimic the entire natural tooth structure. Implants provide immovable permanent anchor for neighboring teeth, thereby preventing any movement.

Facial Structure

Untreated tooth loss can also affect the structure of your face. Patients who have experienced tooth loss and failed to fill the missing gap may experience premature aging as an unfortunate consequence. With dental implants, patients can protect the integrity of their face and smile, eliminating the sagging and wrinkles that can be associated with tooth loss.

Choosing Your Restoration

Many patients have noticed improved oral health and functionality through dental implant treatment. For more information about how this procedure can improve your quality of life, contact Dr. Patel and the team at Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants and Oral Surgery to schedule your consultation.  

What is TMJ?

Are you experiencing jaw pain or discomfort? Do you frequently hear clicking or popping when opening and closing your jaw? Do you often catch yourself grinding or clenching your teeth? If so, you may be one of the millions of Americans suffering from Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or TMD. At Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants & Oral Surgery, we specialize in helping individuals alleviate symptoms caused by this condition.

What is TMJ Disorder?

The ability to bite, chew, speak, and even breathe all depend on the functionality of your jaw joint, also known as the temporomandibular joint. This hinge marks the connection point between the jaw, known as the mandible, to the skull at the temporal bone. Unlike other joints in the body, the rounded edges of the mandible glide rather than rotate in their socket on the temporal bones, thereby allowing a range of functions.

When this unique hinge fails to work properly, individuals may experience significant discomfort during basic tasks. This pain may be an indicator that the joint or surrounding muscles are not functioning properly, suggesting the development of a temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMD.

What are the Causes of TMD?

While there are is no one cause of temporomandibular joint disorder, studies have indicated that there is a higher rate of prevalence among women between the ages of 20-40. Additionally, there are certain risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing the condition, including:

• Autoimmune diseases or underlying infections
• Trauma to the jaw 
• Hormonal or genetic predisposition

Given how the symptoms are manifested, there is also some suggestion that poor bite alignment may have influence on the development of TMD.

TMD Symptoms

As TMD can include a broad spectrum of jaw-related conditions, there are a number of symptoms that may be indicators of a jaw problem. These symptoms can include:

• Pain in the jaw muscles, neck, and shoulders
• Chronic headaches, migraines, or dizziness
• Limited jaw movement, frequent stiffness, or locking of the jaw
• Ear pressure, pain, or ringing
• Difficulty chewing or biting
• Painful clicking, popping, or grating when opening or closing the jaw.

 Learn More Today!

While TMD can be a painful condition, advances in dentistry have made strides in creating effective solutions for alleviating the discomfort caused by a faulty jaw joint. At Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants & Oral Surgery, our team is committed to helping patients identify the best solution for their TMD-related issues. For more information about dental care to treat TMJ dysfunction, contact our Lorton or Springfield practices 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.