Oral Surgery:
Oral surgery is a part of dentistry that involves both the functional and aesthetic aspects of the hard and soft tissues of the head, mouth, teeth, gums, jaw and neck.
Our doctors have extensive experience with the removal of teeth including 3rd molars also known as wisdom teeth. Most extractions can be done in our office however there are circumstances that require an oral surgeon. Rugby Dental works with and refers to several oral surgeons in the surrounding area in those instances.
Simple and Surgical Extractions
The area around the tooth to be extracted will be numbed to lessen any discomfort. A simple extraction is just that – simple. There is no sectioning of the tooth or surgical intervention. After the extraction you will be advised of what post extraction regimen to follow. In most cases a small amount of bleeding is normal.
Some surgical extractions can be done in our office. As with simple extractions the area around the tooth will we numbed to lessen any discomfort. The extraction process is more involved with a surgical extraction to include sectioning the tooth, cutting of the soft tissue, and/or bone removal.
Avoid anything that might prevent normal healing. It is usually best not to smoke, rinse your mouth, or drink through a straw for 24 hours. These activities could dislodge the clot and delay healing. For the next few days if you must rinse your mouth, rinse gently. For pain or swelling apply a cold cloth or ice bag in half hour increments (half hour on, half hour off). Pain medication can be prescribed for necessary cases. You can brush and floss the other teeth as usual being careful not to bother the extraction site.
After treatment you will be sent home with follow-up care instructions.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and also provide a fixed solution to having a removable partial or complete dentures. Implants provide excellent support and stability for these dental appliances.
Dental implants are artificial roots and teeth (usually titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone usually by a dentist and Oral Surgeon. The teeth attached to the implants are very natural looking and often enhance or restore a patient's smile.
Dental implants are very strong, stable and durable and will last many years, but on occasion, they will have to be re-tightened or replaced due to normal wear.
Reasons for dental implants:
- Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
- Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space.
- Restore a patient's confident smile.
- Restore chewing, speech, and digestion.
- Restore or enhance facial tissues.
- Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable.
What does getting dental implants involve?
The process of getting implants requires a number of visits over several months.
X-rays and impressions are taken of the jaw and teeth to determine bone, gum tissue, and spacing available for an implant. While the area is numb, the implant will be surgically placed into the bone and allowed to heal and integrate itself onto the bone for up to six months. Depending on the type of implant, a second surgery may be required in order to place the "post" that will hold the artificial tooth in place. With other implants the post and anchor are already attached and placed at the same time.
After several weeks of healing the artificial tooth is made and fitted to the post portion of the anchor. Because several fittings may be required, this step may take one to two months to complete. After a healing period, the artificial teeth are securely attached to the implant, providing excellent stability and comfort to the patient.
You will receive care instructions when your treatment is completed. Good oral hygiene, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new implant