FAQ

Once the implants are in place, they will serve you well for many years if you take good care of them and keep your mouth healthy. Good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and keeping regular appointments with your dental specialists is key to the long-term success of dental implants.

The majority of dental implants and bone grafting can be performed in our office under local anesthesia, with or without general anesthesia. Our team is trained to safely and effectively administer oral sedation, IV, and general anesthesia.

If you are considering implants, your mouth must be examined thoroughly and your medical and dental history reviewed. If your mouth is not ideal for implants, there are ways of improving the outcome, such as bone grafting, which may be recommended.

There are several reasons: A dental bridge can sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge the space of the missing tooth/teeth. In addition, removing a denture or a “partial” at night may be inconvenient, not to mention dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and rather embarrassing.

Dental implants can vastly improve your life. When you lose several teeth – whether it’s a new situation or something that you have lived with for years – chances are you’ve never become fully accustomed to missing such a vital part of yourself.

A Swedish scientist and orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark, developed this concept for oral rehabilitation more than 35 years ago. With his pioneering research, Dr. Branemark opened the door to a lifetime of renewed comfort and self-confidence for millions of individuals facing the frustration and embarrassment of tooth loss.

A single prosthesis (crown) is used to replace one missing tooth – each prosthetic tooth attaches to its own implant. A partial prosthesis (fixed bridge) can replace two or more teeth and may require only two or three implants. A complete dental prosthesis (fixed bridge) replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. The number of implants varies depending on a variety of factors. A removable prosthesis (over denture) attaches to a bar or ball-in-socket attachment, whereas a fixed prosthesis is permanent and removable only by the dentist.

Our doctors perform in-office implant surgery in a hospital-style operating suite. Inpatient hospital implant surgery is for patients who have special medical or anesthetic needs or for those who need extensive bone grafting.

No, TMJ surgery is not necessary in all cases. Surgery is typically only recommended in severe cases where other treatments have been unsuccessful.

During a TMJ treatment appointment, a dentist will examine your jaw, face, and neck, and may use imaging tests to diagnose the disorder. If necessary, the dentist will develop a treatment plan to help manage your symptoms and improve the function of your jaw.

Yes, lifestyle changes can help with TMJ disorders. This includes reducing stress, avoiding foods that are difficult to chew, practicing good posture, and avoiding behaviors like teeth grinding or clenching.

The time it takes for TMJ treatment to work varies depending on the type of treatment and the severity of the disorder. In general, treatment can take several weeks or months to become effective.

Yes, TMJ disorders can be treated. The type of treatment will depend on the severity of the disorder and the underlying cause.

TMJ is diagnosed through a thorough examination of the jaw, face, and neck, as well as a review of medical and dental history. A dentist may also use X-rays, MRI scans, or CT scans to diagnose TMJ disorders.

TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint. It is the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull and is responsible for the movement of the jaw.

To schedule a consultation for sleep apnea treatment at Associates in Oral and Implant Surgery, simply contact our office and speak with our staff to set up an appointment.

The success rate of sleep apnea treatment can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the chosen treatment option, but many patients experience significant improvement in their symptoms.

Sleep apnea treatment is often covered by insurance, but it is important to check with your specific insurance provider to determine what is covered.

Surgical interventions for sleep apnea may include uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), maxillomandibular advancement (MMA), and genioglossus advancement (GA).

Oral appliances are designed to reposition the jaw and tongue to help keep the airway open while sleeping, reducing the risk of breathing interruptions.

There are several treatment options available for sleep apnea, including lifestyle changes, oral appliances, and surgical interventions.

Sleep apnea is typically caused by an obstruction in the airway, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including obesity, alcohol consumption, and other lifestyle factors.

The specifics of insurance coverage for oral surgery will depend on your individual insurance plan. Your oral surgeon's office can work with you to determine your coverage and any out-of-pocket costs associated with the procedure.

Your oral surgeon will provide specific instructions for preparing for your surgery, which may include avoiding food and drink for a period of time prior to the procedure, arranging for transportation to and from the office, and arranging for someone to stay with you following the surgery. It's important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure a safe and successful procedure.

The timeline for returning to normal activities after oral surgery will depend on the specific procedure and your individual healing process. In general, you should plan to take it easy for a few days after surgery, avoiding strenuous physical activity, smoking, and alcohol. Your oral surgeon will provide guidance on when you can return to work, school, and other regular activities.

The recovery time after oral surgery will depend on the type of surgery you had and your individual healing process. In general, you can expect to experience some discomfort and swelling in the days following surgery and may need to stick to a soft diet for a period of time. Your oral surgeon will provide specific instructions for postoperative care, including pain management, wound care, and dietary restrictions.

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with oral surgery. These may include bleeding, infection, nerve damage, damage to adjacent teeth or structures, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Your oral surgeon will discuss these risks with you prior to your surgery and take steps to minimize them.

The specifics of your oral surgery procedure will depend on the type of surgery you are having. In general, you can expect to receive local anesthesia or conscious sedation to numb the area and help you relax during the procedure. The surgeon will then make incisions, remove tissues or teeth as needed, and close the incision with sutures. Following the surgery, you will be given instructions for postoperative care and pain management.

During your initial consultation, the oral surgeon will review your medical and dental history, perform a thorough examination of your mouth and teeth, and may order imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans. The surgeon will then discuss your diagnosis, treatment options, and any associated risks or complications.

Some of the most common oral surgeries include wisdom tooth extraction, dental implant placement, corrective jaw surgery, removal of tumors or cysts in the jaw or mouth, and treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

Oral surgery is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects of the mouth, teeth, jaws, and face. It involves surgical procedures that address a range of conditions, including impacted teeth, jaw disorders, oral cancers, and facial trauma.

To prevent dry socket, you should avoid using straws and smoking for at least a week after the procedure. You should also avoid touching the socket with your tongue or fingers and follow your oral surgeon's post-operative instructions carefully.

Dry socket is a complication that can occur after wisdom teeth removal. It happens when the blood clot that forms in the socket where the tooth was removed becomes dislodged, exposing the bone and nerves. This can be very painful and may require additional treatment.

You should stick to soft foods for the first few days after wisdom teeth removal. Some good options include soup, yogurt, smoothies, and mashed potatoes. You should also avoid drinking through a straw, as this can dislodge the blood clot and cause dry socket.

The recovery time after wisdom teeth removal varies from person to person, but most people are able to return to their normal activities within a week. You may experience swelling and discomfort for the first few days, but this can be managed with pain medication and ice packs.

There are different types of anesthesia used for wisdom teeth removal, including local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, and general anesthesia. The type of anesthesia used will depend on the complexity of the procedure and your personal preference.

Wisdom teeth removal is generally not painful because the procedure is done under anesthesia. You may experience some discomfort and swelling after the procedure, but this can usually be managed with pain medication and ice packs.

Your dentist or oral surgeon will examine your teeth and take X-rays to determine if your wisdom teeth need to be removed. Symptoms that may indicate a problem with your wisdom teeth include pain, swelling, and redness around the area.

Not everyone needs to get their wisdom teeth removed, but it's important to monitor them. If they are causing problems, they can lead to infection, pain, and tooth decay. They can also damage the surrounding teeth and gums.

Most people have to get their wisdom teeth removed because they can cause problems when they don't grow properly. When there isn't enough space for them to grow in, they can cause pain, infection, or damage to other teeth.

Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars that usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 25.

If you have a knocked-out tooth, it's important to seek emergency dental care as soon as possible. In the meantime, rinse the tooth with water and try to place it back in the socket. If that's not possible, place the tooth in a container of milk and bring it with you to your emergency dental appointment.

The cost of emergency dental care will vary depending on the type and severity of the dental emergency or injury. Our team will provide you with a detailed cost estimate before beginning treatment.

Yes, in most cases, you will need to schedule a follow-up appointment with one of our dentists to ensure that your treatment is successful and to address any lingering issues.

If you have a dental emergency outside of regular office hours, please call our office and follow the instructions provided on our voicemail.