Do Your WISDOM TEETH Hurt?

WISDOM TEETH, or third molars, are usually the last teeth to develop and appear in your mouth between the ages of 17 and 25, often times called the “Age of Wisdom.” Approximately 90% of the population has at least one or more wisdom teeth that do not completely erupt and become impacted.  An impacted wisdom tooth can damage neighboring teeth or become infected. Wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean, allowing bacteria to grow that lead to gum disease.  These Oral bacteria can also travel through your bloodstream and lead to additional infections and illnesses that affect your heart, kidneys and other organs.  In some cases, a cyst or tumor can form around the base of the impacted wisdom tooth, which can lead to more serious problems as it hollows out the jaw and damages surrounding nerves, teeth and other parts of your mouth and face.

Problematic Wisdom Teeth that are causing infections, have non-restorable cavities, forming cysts, tumors or other pathologies, or are in danger of damaging adjacent teeth, are best surgically removed by a dental specialist trained in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 

IMPACTED WISDOM TEETH

Proper treatment of IMPACTED WISDOM TEETH oftentimes requires their removal using special surgical techniques appropriate for each individual case. Problematic WISDOM TEETH are best treated by a specialist who has been trained in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. 

What are some Common Uses for DENTAL IMPLANTS?

• Single Tooth Replacement
• Multiple Tooth Replacement
• Removable Partial and Complete Denture Support and Stabilization
• Fixed Full Arch Prosthetic Support and Stabilization

Dental Implants are titanium anchors that are placed into the jaw bones to replace a missing tooth, missing teeth, secure or keep a denture from moving, or can be used to reconstruct an entire dentition. Dental Implants can be used to replace or support artificial teeth where the real teeth are missing.  Dental Implants can help restore your normal eating and speaking abilities while improving your facial aesthetics.  Dental Implants can look and function just like your natural teeth.  When properly cared for, Dental Implants can last a lifetime.  Dental Implant treatment requires surgical procedures that are best performed by a dental specialist trained in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

What are my Choices for ANESTHESIA?

• Local Anesthesia
• Nitrous Oxide Sedation
• IV Sedation/General Anesthesia

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons(OMS’s) are extensively trained in all aspects of anesthesia administration.  After completion of Dental School, OMS’s complete a minimum of four years in a hospital-based surgical residency training program in which they work alongside with many different medical specialty residents including General Surgery, Anesthesia, SICU, and Emergency Medicine, becoming proficient in both the medical and surgical aspects of patient care as well as the necessary anesthetic management for the patient.  This allows for the OMS to provide uniquely safe and time-proven anesthetic options based on the anesthetic needs and desires of each individual patient. 

What are the ADVANTAGES of IV Sedation?

• You do NOT experience the administration of Local Anesthesia or “shots”
• You do not hear, see, feel or “experience” your surgical procedure.
• After the IV is Started, YOU get to SLEEP through your procedure.

As a result of their extensive training, every Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon (OMS) is well-prepared to appropriately administer all forms of IV SEDATION and general anesthesia. They are experienced in airway management, endotracheal intubation, establishing and maintaining intravenous lines, and managing complications and emergencies that may arise during the administration of anesthesia.

Before your surgery, your OMS will review the type of anesthetic to be used for your procedure and what you should expect, before, during and after your procedure. It is important to be honest with regards to your medical history prior to administration of your anesthesia so as to avoid any problems. This is the time to discuss any concerns you may have about any facet of the operation. Usually, patients describe their feelings during surgery as comfortable and surprisingly pleasant. After your surgery, you and your escort will be given oral and written instructions regarding you prescription medications and post-operative care.for your post-operative care. 

What are the Advantages of NITROUS OXIDE?

• SHORT TERM option for a RELAXING, MILD-Sedative effect
• Ability to be self-sufficient both BEFORE and AFTER your procedure
• Ability to continue on with reasonable daily activities

NITROUS OXIDE was first used for anesthesia in Dentistry by Horace Wells.  Horace Wells performed the FIRST 12 or so dental operations using the “Laughing Gas” in December 1844.  NITROUS OXIDE is a safe and effective sedative agent that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose to help you relax. NITROUS OXIDE is sometimes called “laughing gas” because it oftentimes makes the patient laugh.  NITROUS OXIDE completely wears off and leaves your system within minutes after discontinued use so as to not cause any additional impairment.

What is LOCAL ANESTHETIC?

• Pain Control and Relief
• Loss of Sensation
• A REVERSIBLE local analgesic effect inducing absence of pain sensation

LOCAL ANESTHESIA involves numbing a specific part of the body to prevent any feeling of pain during a surgical procedure.  This is usually performed with a series of injections of a specific type of LOCAL ANESTHESIA.  There are different types of LOCAL ANESTHESIA used in dentistry specifically designed for different patient needs and desires.  Some are shorter acting than others.  Some are better suited in areas of infection.  Some have a faster onset of action.  Some even have the ability to soak through dense bone.  Local anesthetic is almost always used for any surgical procedure performed in the mouth and maxillofacial region.