Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Extractions

Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Extractions

Finding out that it’s time to have your wisdom teeth removed is intimidating to many patients. What happens during the procedure? Will you feel anything? How long will your recovery last?

It’s understandable to have several questions running through your mind at once. Obtaining answers to these questions eases tension and helps you feel more comfortable undergoing oral surgery.

Why do you need your wisdom teeth taken out?

Wisdom teeth were once functional and acted as an extra set of teeth that would help ancient humans chew. As food preparation methods evolved, however, the jaw bone became smaller and wisdom teeth became obsolete.

Today, many patients find that their jaw does have enough room for wisdom teeth to grow, prompting them to have their teeth removed. Without a proper extraction, wisdom teeth upset the alignment of existing teeth and create issues with your bite.

When is the best time to have your wisdom teeth removed?

Wisdom teeth usually erupt between the ages of 17-25, which is when most patients choose to have them removed. A dentist or oral surgeon determines whether wisdom teeth extraction is necessary during an examination.

Can I see my general dentist for a wisdom teeth extraction?

Although your general dentist may be able to diagnose your condition, they may not be qualified to perform surgery. Your general dentist will refer you to a trusted oral surgeon, like Dr. Patel, to have your wisdom teeth extracted. Oral surgeons are the recommended specialists to have wisdom teeth removed, on the chance that teeth have not fully erupted, or are impacting the health of surrounding teeth.

How long do you have to wear gauze after the teeth are removed?

Patients experience bleeding from extraction sites for one or two days after surgery, and it’s important that you use gauze to absorb it. It's recommended that you apply gauze every 60 minutes and replace it when the material is soaked through. Continue to replace your gauze until all bleeding stops.

How long does it take for the sedation to wear off?

Depending on the type of sedation you receive, it could wear off immediately or it could take several minutes to an hour. With most wisdom teeth extractions, however, you can expect to return home the same day although you may feel loopy or drowsy after the procedure.

To ensure your safety after your surgery, you are required to have a friend or family member drive you to and from your surgery and accommodate you during the first few hours of your recovery.

What form of sedation should I use for wisdom teeth extraction?

The form of sedation you use depends on the severity of your case as well as your weight and general health. Your oral surgeon will suggest the best sedation method for your particular case.

Typically, patients receive a combination of, IV sedation or nitrous oxide, which will leave you in a twilight state during surgery. Each form of sedation keeps you from feeling any discomfort, and you shouldn’t remember anything about the procedure.

Learn More by Scheduling an Appointment!

At Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants & Oral Surgery, we leave no question unanswered. If there is more that you’d like to know about wisdom teeth extraction, contact our office at 703-436-4633 and schedule an appointment.

Your Diet After Your Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Your Diet After Your Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Some of the most common questions about wisdom teeth extraction involve recovery, especially in regards to diet and what you can and cannot eat. The good news is that your recovery from wisdom teeth extraction should last no more than a week, the not-so-good news is that you may have to refrain from eating certain foods during this time.

Your diet after surgery helps determine how fast your extraction sites heal. Foods that are easily lodged within your teeth or irritate your gums will often make your recovery longer. To help you recover as quickly as possible, keep your diet in mind as you heal.

Foods to Stay Away From

After surgery, you will want to steer clear of hard, sticky, and crunchy foods. Snacks like chips, apples, carrots, or candy get stuck in the areas where your wisdom teeth were removed. These foods also place pressure on extraction areas if you try to chew them. Since you’re unable to brush normally after surgery, you have an increased risk of infection if food particles are trapped in healing gum tissue.

Additionally, acidic foods like oranges, coffee can irritate your sensitive gums as well as the surgery site, which could prolong healing.

Foods You Can Enjoy

Soft foods are easy to chew and quick to digest. Apple sauce, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, and Jell-O are just some of the types of foods you can enjoy while you recover from surgery. When you eat soft foods, your jaw doesn’t work as hard to break them down, which means they remain in your mouth for a shorter period and don’t impose a risk of becoming lodged in the extraction site.

Think of your recovery as a chance for you to spoil yourself with foods that you don’t eat on a regular basis. Ice cream, mashed potatoes, and smoothies can make an excellent breakfast, lunch or dinner while you heal. After seven days, you can begin to eat normal foods, but it’s important to limit their consumption at first.

Want More Information? Call Today!

If you have unanswered questions about wisdom teeth removal, contact Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants & Oral Surgery at 703-436-4633 and schedule an appointment.

Snap-On Smile vs. Permanent Implant Dentures

Snap-On Smile vs. Permanent Implant Dentures

Not only is it difficult to live with missing teeth, but it can also be hard to choose the right treatment method for the sake of your dental health. There are many restorative options available, but only one will leave you completely satisfied.

There is often a debate about temporary and permanent dental appliances and whether they are effective at maintaining oral health and quality of life. Many patients find themselves choosing between the snap-on-smile and permanent implant dentures, both of which have their benefits and drawbacks.

The Snap-On Smile

The snap-on smile was developed for patients who are looking to enhance their smile without a large expense and who want a quick and easy solution for concealing missing, crooked, or stained teeth. The procedure takes only two appointments to complete, consisting of dental impressions and the actual placement of your new teeth.

A snap-on smile is made from thin yet durable dental resin though it does not functionally correct or replace missing teeth. It’s a cosmetic alternative that allows you to smile with confidence.  Oral health and diet can remain relatively unchanged for patients, though the appliance must be removed every night. On average, a snap-on smile will last for up to two years before requiring a replacement.

Permanent Implant Dentures

Permanent implant dentures are made from porcelain and consist of a dental arch and implants that work together to create a brand-new smile. An oral surgeon will place two to six implants within the jaw which attach to a full or partial denture.

Many patients desire permanent implant dentures because of their stability. You are receiving a complete set of teeth that will not slip in your mouth as you chew or speak. Because they are permanent, there is no additional maintenance other than routine brushing and flossing.

Permanent implant dentures are bulkier and more costly than snap-on smiles, as the materials of the denture are designed to closely match the quality of natural tooth enamel. Patients who are comfortable with the additional expense and want a restoration that they can treat like their natural teeth often benefit from permanent implant dentures.

Want to Learn More?

To learn more about the restorative options available, or to find out which method is right for you, contact Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants & Oral Surgery at 703-436-4633 and schedule an appointment.

Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridges

Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridges

If you have lost one or more teeth, it can be difficult to figure out what to do next. While you likely want to receive treatment to replace your teeth, there are a number of options to choose from.
You might find yourself wondering whether you should receive dental implants or a fixed bridge. Both are effective when replacing and restoring missing teeth, but there are differences between them that may impact the treatment that you choose.

Dental Bridges

In the past, dental bridges were the only option for replacing missing teeth. Made of porcelain or ceramic material, a dental bridge uses a prosthetic called a pontic to fill the gap in between two teeth. The pontic is attached to adjacent teeth by crowns, making it necessary to prep the neighboring healthy teeth.

Patients will often choose to receive a bridge as a more cost-effective solution. They may also have existing health issues that limit their candidacy for an implant.

Although bridges are less expensive, their lifespan does not usually exceed 10 years compared to implants, which have the potential to last a lifetime. Additionally, bridges require significant alterations to other natural teeth and can still become susceptible to wear over time.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are one of the most effective ways to restore missing teeth and are the number one choice for many patients. The procedure starts with the placement of a titanium implant that is allowed to integrate with your jawbone. Once healed, a restoration is placed atop the one or more implants, creating a natural and permanent prosthetic.

Unlike bridges, dental implants do not involve any prep work to surrounding teeth and can be fabricated to match the shape, size, and color of your natural tooth enamel. Oral hygiene is also easier with implants, requiring only your usual brushing and flossing routine as opposed to bridges that can make the practice more challenging.

Although dental implants carry a heavier price tag, they are often more cost-effective in the long-run. Because they are permanent, you run no risk of needing a replacement or spending additional money in the future.

Get Your Dental Implants Today!

If you would like more information about dental implants or to find out whether they are the right treatment method for you, contact Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants & Oral Surgery at 703-436-4633 and schedule an appointment.

How to Get an Oral Surgery Referral

How to Get an Oral Surgery Referral 

For major surgical procedures, it’s important to see a specialist in the field in order to receive the best care possible. However, if you’ve been notified by your general dentist that a wisdom tooth extraction is necessary, or that dental implants are the chosen treatment to replace missing teeth in your smile.
In order to see an oral surgeon, and to ensure collaboration between them and your general dentist for further treatment, a referral is recommended. But how do you get an oral surgery referral?

Speak to Your General Dentist

As the only professional who can provide a referral for a dental specialist, speaking to them first can give you better insight as to what to expect when visiting an oral surgery practice. Most times, general dentists have a network of local specialists who they can refer you to if you have extensive procedures that need to be done. Once they’ve gone over what to expect from treatment and provided you with contact information or have scheduled a consultation at the specialist’s office, you can move forward by attending that visit and receive the care you need.

Contact Specialists in Your Area or Insurance Network 

On the chance your general dentist does not have a connection to the type of specialist you require, independent research can help you to find a specialist’s contact information. Your general dentist can take the time to contact their practice to determine if they would be an ideal option for you.
If you find that many of the recommendations are far from your local area, take a look online to see who is in your general vicinity. This can be easily done through your insurance network provider if their website has a database you can use. You can do your own research and see any reviews left by previous patients. Your dentist can then provide a referral and you can schedule visit yourself or have them contact the specialist's practice for you.

A referral to see an oral surgeon is the recommended method of receiving a consultation for your specific oral surgery procedure. This collaboration between dentist and specialists can make transferring over x-rays and other medical documents easy and provide interdisciplinary treatment so that your oral health is taken care of.

At Lorton Spring Field Dental Implants and Oral Surgery, we provide experienced oral surgery procedures that restore the health of patients’ smiles. For more information, or to schedule a consult, contact us today.

The Myths of Sedation Dentistry

The Myths of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry is often misrepresented. Some see it as unnecessary or even harmful. Others just can’t tell whether it’s right for them. For patients who fear the dentist, it’s one of the most practical and efficient forms of treatment available. Even those who do just fine at the dentist’s office may not be aware of potential benefits.

If you’re curious about sedation dentistry but are unsure what to believe, read on to learn about and debunk some of the most common sedation myths.

Sedation Dentistry Makes You Unconscious

While it’s true you will be in a twilight state under sedation, you will still be conscious and capable of responding to simple commands. Many people think of sedation and general anesthesia as interchangeable terms when, in fact, the two techniques couldn’t be any more different. Sedation dentistry makes you feel drowsy enough that you don’t feel any discomfort or anxiety while you receive treatment.

You Can Only Receive Sedation for Complex Procedures

Sedation dentistry is very safe and can be used for even the simplest procedures. Patients who are unable to receive a dental cleaning due to their anxiety benefit from sedation techniques like nitrous oxide or IV sedation. On the other hand, more invasive procedures like wisdom teeth extraction can be combined sedation in pill form. If you’re interested in sedation options to improve your patient experience, contact Lorton Springfield Dental Implant Oral Surgery today!

Sedation is Only for Patients with Dental Anxiety

Sedation dentistry became well-known due to the many benefits it carries for dental anxiety patients; however, sedation is also effective on individuals who do not exhibit any fear. Patients with disabilities may be sedated to keep them calm during treatment while those with a sensitive gag can receive treatment more comfortably.

Particular procedures, like dental implants or veneers that are on the cusp of being more invasive, usually involve sedation practices instead of general anesthesia as a better way for dentists to monitor their patients.

The Side Effects

As with any dental procedure, there is some risk involved with sedation, but with proper care and diligence, you may have some side effects. At most, you will remain drowsy after your treatment, but any sensation will wear off in a matter of hours. And to always better prepare, it’s better to have a trusted friend or family member bring you to and from your appointment if you know you will receive sedation.

Your dentist will also explain recovery details so that you know what to expect after receiving sedation. As long as you follow your dentist’s instructions, you shouldn’t experience any issues.

Learn More About Sedation By Scheduling an Appointment!

If you have questions about sedation dentistry or would like to find out whether the technique is right for you, contact Lorton Springfield Dental Implant Oral Surgery and schedule an appointment!

While most patients are familiar with the benefits of this innovative restoration option, few understand how each component of a dental implant supports long-term success.

The Implant Post
Made of titanium, the implant fixture provides the base for the future prosthetic. During placement surgery, our oral surgeon makes an incision into the gums at the placement area to expose the bone. Specific instruments are then used to create a site for the implant to be placed. The fixture is then covered with a healing cap.

All successful implant treatments require a sturdy foundation. As titanium is biocompatible, it interacts with surrounding bone tissue to anchor itself in place. Over the course of recovery, this compatibility encourages successful osseointegration and ultimately provides a stable base for the rest of the prosthetic.

Abutment
This component is a connective piece that sits on top of the implant fixture and holds the dental prosthesis, which can be a crown, bridge, or denture. Often made of zirconia, abutments are secured after the implant has fully integrated into the bone. Similar to crowns, abutments are custom made for each patient. Impressions for the abutment are typically taken at the same time your prosthetic is being developed, ensuring consistency and precision in your restoration.

Prosthesis
Unlike traditional restorative solutions, dental implants can be adapted to meet a wide number of teeth replacement needs. As such, the prosthetic used to cover the abutment can vary from patient to patient. For patients with single tooth loss, porcelain crowns are ideal and are uniquely fabricated to match neighboring teeth. For patients in need of two or more implants, larger restorations such as bridges and dentures are typically attached. Unique abutments may also be created to support these larger prosthetics, particularly for patients receiving removable dentures.

Ready for Dental Implants? Call Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants & Oral Surgery
Our two locations in Lorton and Springfield serve patients throughout Prince William County. NOVA oral surgeon Dr. Snehal Patel works closely with local dentists to provide patients with long-term teeth replacement options through dental implants. Whether you’re looking to replace one missing tooth or need full arch replacement with hybrid dental implants, our experienced oral surgeon can provide you with a personalized implant solution for your smile. Call today!