Oral Surgery 101: Types of Procedures & How to Prepare

Anytime you hear the word “surgery” it’s important to understand what is being done, and who is doing it. Oral surgery is no different. Everyone probably has some sense of what oral surgery is, but we promise it’s not the generous, painful and expensive nightmare you’re imagining. Most oral surgery procedures are very common, safe, and affordable.

Of course, every oral surgery case is different, and your dentist or oral surgeon will walk you through your unique circumstances, but let’s start by covering the basics.

What Is Oral Surgery?

Oral surgery includes any surgical procedure performed in or around your mouth and jaw. Oral surgery can be performed by a prosthodontist, oral surgeon, or dental specialist who’s trained to perform certain kinds of oral surgeries.

The CDC defines oral surgery as, “Oral surgical procedures involve the incision, excision, or reflection of tissue that exposes the normally sterile areas of the oral cavity.”

Types of Oral Surgery Procedures

You wouldn’t get a hysterectomy to fix your gallbladder, would you? Of course not. Just like general surgery, there are specific oral surgery procedures to fix specific issues. Depending on your specific needs, your dentist or oral surgeon will recommend the procedure that will best resolve your problem.

In some cases, multiple procedures may be done in conjunction like in full mouth reconstructions.

Here are just a few of the most common oral surgery.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction

This is the most common of all dental surgeries most often done by oral surgeons. Almost everyone will have their wisdom teeth out at some point because the average mouth has no room to support the two extra teeth at the back. Today’s wisdom teeth removal is quick, easy, and more comfortable than ever before.

Tooth Extraction

Another very common oral surgery is a tooth extraction. Some don’t even consider this a full “surgery” because generally the patient is not put completely under anesthesia and instead just uses a little bit of “laughing gas” during the procedure. Tooth extraction is very common for both kids and adults to make room in the mouth for incoming teeth or upcoming procedures.

Dental Implants

Although the human body can do amazing things, it cannot produce replacement teeth once you lose your adult teeth. We are born with all the natural teeth we will ever have. Dental implants are the only way to replace missing teeth that look, feel, and function just like natural teeth. A dental implant could be for one tooth, or several teeth. Dental implants work just as well (and sometimes even better) than your natural teeth.

Bone Grafting

In some cases, the jawbone isn’t strong enough to support a dental implant. When that happens, bone grafting is used to actually transplant bone into the jaw and create a strong foundation for the dental implant.

Root Canal

A root canal is another very common procedure that occurs in millions of mouths every day. Root canal surgery is designed to clean out an infected root canal and seal it to prevent future infection. Most patients walk away from a root canal feeling much better than they did when they walked in because the pain of infection has been alleviated.

Sinus Lift

If you need dental implants, but don’t have enough bone to support them, a sinus lift can give the additional bone structure necessary. This is done by inserting a bone graft in the upper jaw and allowing that to heal thoroughly before moving forward with dental implants.

Orthognathic (Jaw) Surgery

This is generally used when the upper and lower jaws are not aligned. Braces can reposition teeth, but surgery is required to realign jaw and facial bone structure. This may be due to accident, disease, or birth defects. It’s also a procedure that can improve one’s airway and breathing capabilities.

Difference Between An Oral Surgeon and Dentist

Dentists and oral surgeons work closely together. Dentists handle the everyday while oral surgeons handle the rare. You should see your dentist twice a year and only visit the oral surgeon if your dentist refers you.

Qualifications:

• Dentist: In order to become a dentist, a person needs a Doctor of Dentistry degree and must be licensed.
• Oral Surgeon: Dental surgeons must have a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, as well as a license for their specialty including a residency program. Dental surgeons are more highly trained in the use of anesthesia than dentists.

Who should I call?

While there is some overlap in what dentists and oral surgeons do there are clear differences.

• Go to the dentist first: This should always be your first stop. The dentist is there to check on the health of your teeth and gums. They perform routine check-ups, fill cavities, treat early-stage gum disease, take x-rays, order and fit dentures, place crowns and bridges, perform root canals and prescribe medications. A dentist can easily perform a tooth extraction but will often refer you to an oral surgeon if it’s for wisdom teeth.
• Head to the prosthodontist: If you or your dentist believe you would benefit from dental implants, then a consultation with a prosthodontist is your very next stop.
• Head to the oral surgeon if: Your dentist may send you to an oral surgeon if your teeth or jaws do not align or if your dentist sees a suspicious lesion in your mouth. Anytime your dentist recommends you to an oral surgeon, they will often send along x-rays and other information so that the oral surgeon can pick up right where your dentist left off.
• In case of emergency: In cases of facial trauma, such as a car accident, you want to call 911 first and the paramedics/hospital will determine where you need to go. If you have one or several teeth get knocked out, call your dentist first.

How To Prepare For Oral Surgery

First and foremost, follow the instructions given to you by your oral surgeon. That will always be your best bet. But in general, here are some helpful tips on how to prepare for your oral procedure to ensure you’re ready when the time comes.

• Start by making sure that you will be comfortable for the next couple of days after your procedure. This may include ensuring that your home is clean and neat, errands are run, and your calendar is cleared.
• Change the sheets and set up your bed and add in additional pillows so that you can sit at an incline if necessary.

• Follow all pre-surgery instructions your oral surgeon gives you. This typically includes fasting for 8-10 hours before your surgery.
• Arrange for transportation back home depending on what kind of anesthesia you’ll be getting. If you are having an IV anesthesia, you’ll need someone to drive you home. It may also be nice to have someone there the first day to be there with you throughout your recovery.

Oral Surgery Aftercare

Your oral surgeon will give you very specific aftercare instructions and guidelines. Be sure to follow those carefully so you can recover as quickly and thoroughly as possible. Do not smoke or drink alcohol afterward and rinse your mouth with saltwater every few hours to kill off any bacteria. You may be given ice packs for swelling, pain medication, and antibiotics which should be taken as prescribed.

Be patient with yourself.

Depending on the type of oral surgery you’ve had, recovery can range from 48 hours to 1 month. Make sure you follow up with your oral surgeon as directed.

How Much Does Oral Surgery Cost

We hate to burst your bubble, but when it comes to the cost of oral surgery, there is no one flat rate for each type of procedure. In the U.S. there are several factors that go into the cost of any dental procedure. This includes the following:

• Type of procedure
• Complexity of your situation
• Type of anesthesia
• Availability of insurance
• The choice of oral surgeon and hospital

Your oral surgeon will be able to give you an exact dollar amount after your consultation and can check your insurance coverage so you should know exactly how much you will pay before the procedure takes place. In many cases, the office staff may be able to assist in finding ways to afford oral surgery such as discount programs, or financing options.

Oral Surgery FAQs

Why should I have my wisdom teeth removed?

Simply put, the average mouth doesn’t have room for wisdom teeth and therefore, they cause problems. The most frequent clinical problem we see is infection. Without room to grow, the gum tissue around the wisdom tooth becomes irritated and infected. Other complications may be cysts forming in the jawbone as a result of wisdom teeth that are “stuck” without anywhere to go, or damage to the other healthy adjacent teeth.

What kinds of foods can I eat after having oral surgery?

It’s time to swap out the steak dinner and have ice cream for dinner instead. More health options also include any cool, soft foods like applesauce, cottage cheese, or yogurt. Avoid hot foods like soup because they may disturb initial clot formation in the extraction sites. Crunchy foods such as popcorn, nuts, and potato chips can get packed down into the extraction sites so avoid those for several days.

What is a “Dry Socket” and how do I know if I have one?

The term “dry socket” is often the big bad wolf of oral surgeries. It is basically when a blood clot bursts 3-5 days after the surgery. You’ll know if you have a dry socket because it usually comes with increased pain, and a foul odor/taste. This condition is very easily treatable but does require an office visit. Smoking, failure to take care of the procedure site, or overexertion are usually the causes of a dry socket. If you are experiencing symptoms consistent with “dry socket,” it’s time to call the office and arrange to be seen as soon as possible.

I have terrible bad breath after the surgery. Does this mean I have an infection?

No, not necessarily. Usually this means that you have food in the socket area. This could lead to infection if not cleaned thoroughly. Be sure to clean the surgery site as instructed and this should resolve on its own.

How much pain is involved with oral surgery?

Here at renew Institute, we utilize total IV Sedation Dentistry and many of our patients report no pain at all. Others are amazed at how little discomfort and pain they experience.

You Deserve A Better Mouth and Smile

If you’ve never had more than a filling, the idea of going to an oral surgeon can be overwhelming.

The good news is, you’ve got a team of professionals that are here to ensure you are taken care of every step of the way!

Oral surgery is very common, and is often the key to ensuring a healthy mouth and happy smile. We keep our patients’ pain-free and comfortable throughout the entire process so all you have to worry about is what flavor of milkshake you’ll have for dinner.

The post Oral Surgery 101: Types of Procedures & How to Prepare appeared first on Renewinstitute.com

Renew Institute
4938 Brownsboro Rd Ste 205
Louisville, KY 40222
502-423-8323
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Sinus Lift Surgery: What Happens Before, During & After the Procedure

The road to strong and healthy dental implants isn’t always simple, but when necessary, a sinus lift procedure is definitely a step on the road to a full and healthy smile. This relatively common procedure makes it possible to enjoy the full benefits of dental implants, even after significant bone loss.

We will break down each step of the sinus lift procedure, recovery, risks, costs, and commonly asked questions to give you all the information you need to know.

What is a Sinus Lift Procedure?

A sinus lift, also called sinus augmentation, is a procedure that makes it easier to place dental implants. Some patients need dental implants but have suffered bone loss, thus not having sufficient bone support necessary for implants. You can get the support you need by having a sinus augmentation.

This procedure increases the amount of bone in the upper jaw that is required for dental implants. This is one of the most common bone grafting procedures for dental implant patients.

Often times, sinus augmentations are one of the many procedures done during a full mouth reconstruction.

Who Needs A Sinus Augmentation?

Over the last 25 years, dental implants have become more readily available, making them an increasingly common dental procedure. As more people get dental implants to replace missing teeth, sinus lifts also have become more common.

A sinus augmentation may be necessary if you are missing teeth and jawbone in the back of your jaw, near your sinuses. Jawbone and teeth in this area could be lost due to birth defects, periodontal disease, cancer, other medical conditions, or just the natural healing process. A sinus lift can also be used if your sinuses are too close to your upper jaw and you need more space to place the implant.

What Happens Before a Sinus Augmentation Procedure?

A sinus lift is basically a bone transplant. You’re using a bone from one place and using it in your upper jaw. The first step is to determine where the bone used in the surgery will come from. The three most common types of bone used in sinus lift surgeries are:

• Bone from your own body (autogenous bone) usually taken from other areas of your mouth or body.
• Bone from a cadaver (allogenic bone)
• Bone from a cow (xenograft)
• A synthetic bone-like material

After the bone source is identified, your surgeon and/or dental specialist will take great care to study the anatomy of your jaw and sinus. Accurate measurements will be taken to evaluate the height and width of your existing bone and to evaluate your sinus. Once the doctor and you have chosen the bone to use, they will move forward with the procedure.

What Happens During the Sinus Augmentation Procedure?

The sinus lift procedure is a safe and straightforward procedure. A sinus augmentation is generally performed at the prosthodontist’s or oral surgeon’s office. The entire process takes between 90 minutes to two hours.

1. First, the patient is sedated using local and/or general anesthesia. If necessary, a doctor may use nitrous oxide, but this is less common.
2. Next, the surgeon will cut the gum tissue where your back teeth used to be to expose the jawbone.
3. With the tissue raised, and the jawbone exposed, the surgeon will cut a small circle in the bone through which they can gently push on the membrane of the sinuses.
4. As the bony piece is lifted into the sinus cavity space the hole is filled with the previously determined bone graft.
5. After this is done, the procedure is complete and the surgeon will close the incision with sutures.

What Happens After a Sinus Augmentation?

Patients are able to go home after they wake from the anesthesia. After the sinus lift procedure, most patients experience a little swelling and bleeding, but only minimal discomfort. The most important part of recovery is to keep the bone graft in place, so it’s important to avoid blowing your nose (or sneezing, if possible) Either of these things could cause the bone-graft material to move and loosen the stitches.

When you go home, you will likely get a saline spray to keep your nose moist, a prescription to prevent congestion and swelling, a prescription for pain medicine, an antibiotic, and/or an antimicrobial mouthwash to help prevent infection. Most patients will be in bed with ice around the area for a day or so until they can resume normal activities.

You will have a follow-up appointment with the dental specialist 7-10 days after your surgery. During this appointment, the specialist will examine the surgical site and may remove any stitches that have not dissolved on their own. In some cases, patients are asked to return a few more times just to make sure the area is healing properly and to take necessary x-ray images.

A full recovery from a sinus lift takes a minimum of 6 months for the sinuses to heal and the bone to be strong enough to support dental implants. Although the process may seem slow, you are working towards results that will last a lifetime.

How Much Does A Sinus Augmentation Cost?

The cost for a sinus lift is usually between $1,500 for a small and simple lift to $5,000 for more complicated cases. Where there is more bone graft material required, the cost of the surgery typically increases. You want to ensure you are working with a thorough and qualified professional when considering major surgery.

Risks of a Sinus Augmentation Procedure

A sinus lift is a surgical procedure and therefore carries some inherent risks. The main risk of this surgery is the piercing or tearing of the membrane. If this happens, it can be repaired and the surgery can continue. Sometimes, in the case of a larger tear, the membrane would need to be given time to heal before the lift can take place again later.

The bigger risk is a sinus infection. Your surgeon will give you medication to protect against this and you should be careful not to sneeze or blow your nose too heavily to avoid moving the bone graft material or dislodge your stitches. For this reason, we don’t recommend getting a sinus augmentation during your allergy season.

Sinus Augmentation FAQs

What is used for bone grafting material?

The best type of grafting material comes from your own body because it has living tissues that aid growth and healing. However, bone grafting material from other sources can be used such as human derived cadaver bone, cow bone, or synthetic products.

Is a Sinus Lift necessary for dental implants?

Yes. In cases without sufficient bone to support the implant, dental implants are not an option.

Will I have problems with my sinuses after the procedure?

No, you should not experience any change to your sinuses, allergies, or breathing.

Making the Impossible, Possible Again

While sinus lift surgery might seem like a major undertaking, those who have gone through it report the benefits are completely worth it. To have dental implants put into place, you must have a supportive base. For many patients, the only way of achieving this adequate support system is with a sinus augmentation procedure.

This relatively new, but effective surgery is the answer to patients that don’t have any other means to support their dental implants. With a sinus augmentation, you can enjoy all the benefits of natural, strong, and beautiful teeth – even if you have missing or failing jaw bones. Our surgical team will walk you through every step to give you the smile you’ve always wanted.

For more information on a sinus lift, give us a call today.

The post Sinus Lift Surgery: What Happens Before, During & After the Procedure appeared first on Renewinstitute.com

Renew Institute
4938 Brownsboro Rd Ste 205
Louisville, KY 40222
502-423-8323
https://www.renewinstitute.com/map/
https://www.renewinstitute.com/info/

Choosing the Best Types of Dental Implants: What You Need To Know

People who have lost teeth often are too self-conscious to smile or talk confidently. They can develop poor eating habits when food is difficult to chew which often leads to secondary health problems. Dental implants provide individuals with a complete restoration option for missing teeth. Dental implants aren’t just dentures, they should provide a complete tooth replacement acting as artificial roots to support full function and to stop or prevent jawbone loss.

By replacing missing tooth roots, these types of dental implants provide people with the strength and stability required to eat all the foods they love, without struggling to chew. Additionally, these types help stimulate and maintain jawbone, preventing bone loss and helping to support facial features.

Different Types of Dental Implants

With each type of dental implant, there are different coating, connector, and size options that your Prosthodontists will choose from. While there are several methods to placing implants, the different types typically fall into one of two categories.

Endosteal (Endosseous) Implants: Endosteal is the most commonly used type of dental implant. They are sometimes used as an alternative to a bridge or removable denture. Endosteal implants include screw types (threaded), cylinder types (smooth) or bladed types. Your prosthodontist can help determine which type of dental implant will work best for you, but endosteal implants are safe, effective and the most popular choice used today.

• Treatment: Endosteal implants begin by first drilling into the jawbone to insert a titanium screw that acts as an artificial root. Before you can finish the treatment, you must wait for the soft tissue and bone to heal around the root. This can often be a couple of months.
• Stability: Endosteal implants are well known for having one of the most stable, natural-feeling results.

An endosteal implant starts by screwing the implant into the jawbone, which requires sufficient jawbone health and density. If you have a narrow jawbone ridge naturally or one that is short or narrowed and worn down due to trauma or disease, you might not have enough bone needed to properly support an endosteal implant. In this case, a subperiosteal implant may be an option.

Subperiosteal Implants: Subperiosteal are rarely used today. They were once primarily used to hold dentures in place in patients with insufficient bone height. When subperiosteal implants are used, they are placed on the jawbone within the gum tissue, with the metal implant post exposed through the gums to hold the denture.

• Treatment: With subperiosteal implants, the overall treatment process is done in two appointments and is often a far shorter treatment plan than with an endosteal implant.
• Stability: Subperiosteal implants don’t have the same level of stability since the implant doesn’t go into the jawbone but rather rests on top of the bone and is held in place by only soft tissue. This still gives more support than dentures without implants but is still less stable than a full endosteal implant system.

Dental Implant Coatings, Connectors and Sizes

More than 60 companies manufacture types of dental implants and/or the materials used to create them. As a result, dentists have many options for identifying the right treatment for specific patient needs.

Coatings: There are several different coating types or surface treatments your implants can have. While the actual implant will most likely be made of titanium, the outer surface can vary.

• Why do I want a coating? By increasing the surface roughness, the implant can heal seamlessly and become stronger than ever before. A porous surface contributes to more bone contact than a machined titanium surface.
• Types of Dental Implant Coatings Available: Possible surfaces include a grit-blasted or acid-etched and roughened surface, a microgroove or plasma-sprayed titanium surface, a plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite coating, or Zirconia. While Zirconia is a metal, it is a transition metal. It’s typically very white and ceramic like in its appearance unlike titanium and many other colored metals.

Dental Implant Connectors: All types of dental implants require the screw or implant to be in the jaw and be attached to the abutment (or connector for the fake tooth) on top. There are three main connector types:

• Internal Hex Connectors: Shaped like a hexagon, an internal hex connector is an opening in the implant head into which the restoration/abutment is screwed.
• External Hex Connectors: Also shaped like a hexagon, these types of connectors are atop the implant head rather than inside.
• Internal Octagon Connectors: Shaped like an octagon, an internal octagon connector has an opening in the implant head into which the restoration/abutment is screwed.

Sizing Your Dental Implants: Where in the mouth the implant needs to be placed will determine the size of implant that is needed. Because every mouth is different, individual spacing and bone availability needs may dictate the use of different sized implants.

• Standard Platform: Standard dental implants are shorter and narrower to match the size of the teeth at the front of the mouth. They range in size from 3.5 mm to 4.2 mm in diameter.
• Wide Platform: Wide platform dental implants sit in the back and the mouth and range in size from 4.5 mm to 6 mm in diameter and are placed primarily in the back of the mouth.
• Mini or Narrow Body: If you don’t have sufficient space between your existing teeth, your prosthodontist may choose a mini or narrow body implant. These can also be used when the patient has insufficient bone density or as temporary support while larger dental implants are healing.

Different Methods of Dental Implants

There may be implant alternatives that could work well depending on the strength of your jawbone, and your specific situation. These types may be used instead of or in addition to traditional types of dental implants. Common types of dental implant methods include:

Immediate Load Dental Implants (also known as Teeth in a Day): Immediate load implants allow you to walk out of your appointment with a full set of teeth without the delay typically required for healing. The teeth you get initially are temporary until the implant heals and you have the healthy bone contact to support a permanent prosthetic. This can be a great way to get your smile back as soon as possible.

All-on-4 (or 5 or 6): This type is ideal for people who have lost most or all of their teeth due to decay or gum disease. It allows you to place implants without bone grafting by using a set of temporary teeth placed the same day or very soon thereafter.

Single Tooth Implants: This is great for those who have one or a few missing teeth. A single implant can fill in the gap and create a seamless look and perfectly functioning teeth.

Multiple Implants: If you have several missing teeth creating larger gaps, but still don’t need a full mouth replacement, you can use multiple implants in only the areas with large gaps.

Two-Stage Dental Implants: This is the typical process for the types of dental implants described above. The first day involves a surgical procedure to place the implant into the jawbone. Several months later, a minor surgery is performed to attach an abutment and tooth (crown).

Single-Stage Implants: This is similar to two-stage implants, but the implant healing cap remains visible so the abutment and temporary restoration can be attached without the need for surgery to expose the head (top of the implant).

Mini Implants: These are small or narrow diameter implants that may be placed through less-invasive techniques to stabilize a lower denture. Mini implants can prevent the spontaneous “floating” or shifting of a lower denture. The proper position of the top of the mini implant is most important so there is space for your denture! The opportunity to get the replacement teeth right where they belong for your smile should not be lost by mini implants that are too tall or poorly positioned, nor should the denture base holding the teeth be too thin or too thick in critical places!

A Better Smile Is in Your Future

Today’s dental implant restorations are virtually indistinguishable from other teeth. This is partly because of the structural and functional connection between the implant and the living bone and modern technology that makes the teeth match perfectly. If cared for properly, all types of dental implants may remain in place for a lifetime. Your dental implant expert, or Prosthodontist, can help you determine which option is best for you, depending on your particular needs. If you’re looking to get back a fully functioning mouth and want to smile with confidence in the future, give us a call today!

The post Choosing the Best Types of Dental Implants: What You Need To Know appeared first on Renewinstitute.com

Renew Institute
4938 Brownsboro Rd Ste 205
Louisville, KY 40222
502-423-8323
https://www.renewinstitute.com/map/
https://www.renewinstitute.com/info/