Extractions
Extractions
An extraction is the process of having a tooth removed, usually because of decay, disease, trauma or crowding. As teeth age, even with proper dental care, they can decay or crack. The removal of a tooth or teeth can be necessary for a number of reasons, including:
- Joint problems in the jaw
- Shifting teeth
- Trauma
- Tooth decay or infection
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth
- Baby teeth that do not fall out
- The Need to create room for other primary teeth (often before or in conjunction with comprehensive orthodontic treatment)
Our gentle approach and use of IV Sedation will help alleviate any anxiety you may have about the procedure. Your comfort will remain our top priority before, during, and after your extraction.
After your mouth has healed, we can guide you through the process of choosing a best-suited prosthetic based on your needs.
With the exception of wisdom teeth, dental implants are most often recommended for the replacement of extracted teeth to prevent bone loss and improve functionality.
Full-Mouth Extractions
A full-mouth extraction is often necessary for patients with severe tooth decay, periodontal disease, infections, abscesses, or fractured teeth. A full-mouth extraction can provide the patient relief from acute or chronic pain. Once we have decided that a full-mouth extraction is necessary, we’ll create a step-by-step plan for what we can do to restore your smile following the procedure.
Wisdom Teeth
About Widsom Teeth
Your mouth goes through many changes throughout your lifetime. One major milestone is the development of the last set of molars in the back of the mouth, referred to as wisdom teeth or third molars.
Most individuals develop four wisdom teeth - 1 in each quadrant. However, it is possible to develop less or even more than four wisdom teeth. It is vital to visit your dentist regularly in order to detect the presence of wisdom teeth before they present symptoms. If you have been recommended for wisdom teeth removal, Artisan Smiles can help.
Why do I need to have my wisdom teeth extracted?
Not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth extracted. The best way to know if you need your wisdom teeth removed is to visit your oral surgeon. Wisdom teeth are very large and often do not have enough room to grow into their right position in the dental arch. This can cause the molars to get stuck below the gums, which are referred to as impacted wisdom teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a wide variety of serious health issues including root damage, infection, cysts, dental crowding, and tumors. Having your wisdom teeth removed at the proper time can prevent such health problems from arising. Furthermore, earlier wisdom teeth removal enables an easier procedure, quicker recovery, and eliminates the discomfort your wisdom teeth may be causing.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure
The process of wisdom teeth removal is unique for each patient depending upon the number of teeth that need to removed, their position, their level of impaction, and other factors. Treatment at Artisan Smiles always begins with a consultation, which provides our oral surgeons with the opportunity to get to know you and your specific needs. From there, a personalized treatment plan can be created.
Dental Implant Surgery
About Dental Implants
Dental implants have become the current standard of care to replace missing or damaged teeth. They are a long-term solution that is embedded in your jawbone, just like your natural teeth. Unlike fixed bridges or removable dentures, dental implants will not affect neighboring healthy teeth or lead to bone loss in the jaw. In fact, dental implants provide patients with more health benefits than any other tooth replacement solution. If properly cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are comprised of three parts: the implant post, abutment, and the prosthetic crown. These three parts work together to form a natural-looking and fully functioning tooth replacement. The implant post is uniquely designed to mimic the function of your tooth root.
Once the post has been placed in the tooth socket, it assimilates with the jaw bone and provides the essential supportive foundation for the prosthetic crown. The metal abutment attaches to the implant post and links it to the crown, which is custom designed to match the appearance of your other teeth.
Benefits of Dental Implants
The unique three-part design of dental implants offers patients many benefits. Unlike many other restorative solutions that simply restore the appearance of your smile, dental implants restore the appearance and function of your mouth. The most common advantages of dental implants over other replacements options are:
- Dental implants protect your jaw bone and surrounding healthy teeth. Leaving empty spaces in your mouth after losing one or more teeth can lead to health issues such as jawbone deterioration and decay of surrounding teeth. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that actually help prevent bone loss and stimulate bone growth. Getting dental implants as soon as possible after losing a tooth helps to prevent bone loss at the site. Furthermore, dental implants do not require grinding down adjacent teeth to anchor bridges or attach partial dentures.
- Dental implants do not require any special care. Unlike dentures, which require a special solution to prevent extensive wear, dental implants simply require the same care as natural teeth. With regular brushing and flossing dental implants can last a lifetime.
- Dental implants are permanent. Many other restoration options, including certain types of dental bridges and dentures, may need to be replaced as often as every 5 to 10 years, requiring a more significant investment of time and money. If properly cared for, your dental implants may never need to be replaced or repaired.
- Dental implants are wonderfully versatile. Dental implants can be utilized to restore a single tooth, multiple teeth, or as a base to restore an entire arch of teeth. If you are healthy enough to undergo a minor procedure, dental implants can likely restore your teeth.
Dental Implant Surgery
Dental implant surgery is, of course, surgery, and should be done by a trained surgeon. Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons have the highly specialized education and training in the complexities of the bone, skin, muscles and nerves involved, to ensure you get the best possible results.
Your dental implant treatment will vary depending on your condition. Our doctors will happily personalize your treatment plan to your needs and preferences. When you visit our office for your consultation, the best course of action will be determined.
If you’re interested in receiving a dental implant, please contact our office. A member of our team will happily answer any questions you may have, provide you with more information, and schedule you a consultation appointment with one of our oral surgeons.
Alveoplasty
About Alveoplasty
Alveoplasty is the dental procedure performed to smooth or reshape the jawbone. When one or more teeth are lost due to extraction, injury or accident, each absent tooth leaves a hole in the jawbone. Although the gums will heal over the hole, the underlying jaw bone will have high and low points causing a prosthetic such as dentures or partials to create discomfort or fit poorly. In such situations, the oral surgeon will smooth, redesign, and/or contour the bony edges of the alveolar ridge and its surrounding structures, allowing for a proper, comfortable restoration. Furthermore, alveoplasty facilitates the healing process following an extraction.
Frenectomy
About a Frenectomy
A frenectomy is a simple surgical procedure that involves the removal of one or both frena from the mouth. A frenum is the connective tissue membrane that links one surface of the mouth to another.
A frenectomy is recommended for patients with elongated or extended frenums, which can create orthodontic and speech problems.
If it is discovered that you or child are suffering the undesirable side effects of an elongated frenulum, a frenectomy may be recommended as a permanent solution. An Artisan Smiles oral surgeon can properly assess the frenum or frena in question to determine the right course of treatment.