Last updated 3 days ago
A dental implant is a titanium root replacement that is surgically placed within the jawbone to replace one or more missing teeth. Get the facts regarding dental implants by reading over the topics discussed in this article.
Uses and Indications Dental implants are often used to replace teeth that have been lost due to trauma, deep decay, periodontal disease, or the presence of old or faulty fillings. In most cases, all individuals who are in good general health are candidates for dental implants; however, individuals with uncontrolled diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease may not be eligible for the procedure.
Procedural Steps Your dentist or oral surgeon will first create an impression or mold of your mouth before preparing your jawbone for surgery. During the preparation process, the implant will be surgically placed beneath the gums so that it is flush with the jawbone. The healing process following the initial implantation of the titanium screw usually takes between three and six months; after this time, your oral surgeon will connect a post or abutment to the implant so that it penetrates through the gum line and can be connected to a permanent crown.
Results and Benefits Dental implants offer a number of benefits over other restorative methods. Implants not only look and function just like your natural teeth, but also stimulate your jawbone to reduce the risk of jawbone loss often associated with dentures.
Are you interested in more information about dental implants? Find out if dental implants are the right solution to your needs by contacting the Center for Oral & Facial Surgery in San Diego at (619) 312-4417. Our oral surgeons also offer bone grafting procedures and wisdom tooth extractions.
Last updated 10 days ago
You present your smile to the world every day, so the health and appearance of your teeth and face are important. The following online resources provide the information you need to keep your mouth and skin in top condition:
The Center for Oral & Facial Surgery has been providing oral and maxillofacial care in the San Diego area since 1927. Our practice offers dental and cosmetic treatments provided by our trained oral surgeons and staff. Visit us on the web or call (619) 312-4417 to learn more about our practice and the services we offer, including oral surgery, dental implants, and Botox injections.
Last updated 16 days ago
Most adults develop a total of 32 permanent teeth, but the mouth often only has room for 28 teeth. As a result, your wisdom teeth may require extraction. Your oral surgeon can examine your mouth to determine whether your wisdom teeth are or could become a problem.
Impaction Impacted wisdom teeth are tilted or rotated in a way that can damage them or the adjacent molars. In some cases, impacted teeth can even cause injury to healthy jaw or nerve tissue, resulting in significant pain and dental problems. Impacted teeth are easily identified with a simple X-ray image. Wisdom teeth that appear impacted must be extracted—they cannot erupt naturally without causing further complications.
Crowding Even if your wisdom teeth are not impacted, your jaw may simply be too small to accommodate them. In this case, emerging wisdom teeth can cause your other teeth to shift, disrupting their alignment and possibly reversing any orthodontic work you may have received. If your jaw is not large enough to allow for all 32 of your teeth, your oral surgeon will recommend extracting some or all of your wisdom teeth to prevent crowding.
Infection If your wisdom teeth have only partially erupted, it is easy for food and bacteria to accumulate nearby. This can lead to painful infections of the tooth and gums that could spread to adjacent teeth or affect your jaw. Infection that is allowed to spread can eventually jeopardize your overall health. Partially erupted wisdom teeth should be extracted to prevent this serious complication. If you have developed a cyst or tumor near your wisdom teeth, your oral surgeon will remove the teeth and any problematic tissue in one procedure.
If you’d like to know more about your wisdom teeth and find out whether they may need extraction, call the Center for Oral & Facial Surgery at (619) 312-4417. Our board-certified oral surgeons will be happy to discuss your needs and your treatment options if extraction is required. Check us out on the web to learn more about our San Diego oral and maxillofacial surgery practice.
Last updated 23 days ago
The wisdom teeth, or third molars, frequently do not appear until between the ages of 17 and 25. Often, misalignment or lack of sufficient room for these teeth to erupt prompts extraction in order to avoid pain and future dental problems. Your oral surgeon will use X-rays and other diagnostic methods to determine whether your wisdom teeth require removal.
Complications of Wisdom Teeth Most adult mouths don’t have enough room to accommodate a full set of 32 teeth. A lack of room often causes a condition known as impacted wisdom teeth, in which the four wisdom teeth are unable to enter the mouth normally. The teeth may only partially break through the gums or remain beneath the gum tissue entirely. Impacted wisdom teeth cause dental complications such as pain and infection that can negatively affect the health of neighboring teeth. Only a dentist or oral surgeon can determine whether complications related to your wisdom teeth require them to be removed.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction Even if no pain is present or your wisdom teeth have fully erupted, your oral surgeon may decide that wisdom tooth extraction is needed. He will discuss the extraction procedure with you beforehand to address any concerns or questions you may have. Depending upon your specific needs, you will be given local or general anesthesia during the procedure. After the wisdom teeth are removed from your mouth, stitches are placed in the gums to facilitate healing. You may experience some swelling and discomfort for a few days following your surgery. Extraction aftercare includes rest and a liquid or soft diet as the gum tissue heals over the extraction site.
Contact the Center for Oral & Facial Surgery of San Diego at (619) 312-4417 for the answers to your questions about wisdom teeth and tooth extraction. Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons can provide you with the information you need to ensure a happy, healthy smile. You can learn more about wisdom tooth extraction and how it can benefit your dental health on our website.
