wisdom teeth removal

Removing impacted wisdom teeth is a little more involved compared to a simple tooth extraction for an erupted tooth. Taking care of yourself after surgery is very important. Our team at North Texas Oral & Facial Surgery will discuss how to care for your mouth at home after your wisdom tooth removal, and give you post-operative care tips to keep you feeling great.

What To Expect After My Wisdom Tooth Removal?

Bleeding and Swelling

Many wonder why they feel nauseous after their wisdom tooth removal surgery, and do not know what to expect. After your surgery you may experience some bleeding or oozing and this is very common. We recommend you rinse gently or wipe the blood away. You can use gauze pads provided to help stop the bleeding. You may also experience some swelling around the cheeks or area where the teeth were removed. Ice can be used to help minimize swelling, and should subside after a few days.

Pain and Diet

After your wisdom tooth removal procedure, you may experience some pain. Patients may be prescribed pain medication or antibiotics after their surgery, or we may recommend over the counter pain medication. The pain should subside after a few days, but if you have any persistent pain that does not go away, we recommend calling our office right away.

Following a soft food diet is recommended after wisdom tooth removal while your mouth is healing. Patients should avoid straws and any sucking motions during recovery. Patients should eat balanced meals and stay hydrated.

Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are common after wisdom tooth removal. In some cases, patients feel nauseous after anesthesia. To help your nausea you can sip coke or ginger ale to help the feeling subside. Typically, nausea should go away after 4-6 hours. If your nausea does not go away, we recommend calling our office. In some cases, patients can feel nauseous 2-4 days after their surgery. This is due to pain medication, or can be caused by dehydration.

What Are Other Complications?

Most patients recover easily, but if you experience any fever or feel dizzy, we encourage you to contact our office right away. Patients may feel stiff after their procedure or have a sore throat. This should also subside, but if these symptoms do not go away, we recommend contacting our office.

Taking Care of your teeth after surgery is important. Patients should still brush and floss gently after having their wisdom teeth removed. If you experience any prolonged pain, this should be addressed right away, and we recommend calling our office.

Interested in Finding Out More?

If you are interested in finding out more about wisdom tooth removal and the recovery process, contact North Texas Oral & Facial Surgery. Our highly trained staff is happy to answer any questions or concerns you have, and we welcome you to schedule an appointment. If you think you may need wisdom tooth removal the first step is scheduling a consultation with us. Our doctors will complete a thorough exam, and create a customized treatment plan. Your oral health is our priority, and we always provide the very best care for all of our patients.

To schedule your appointment, contact North Texas Oral & Facial Surgery, and our staff will be happy to assist you.

all on 4 teeth implants

If you are looking at dental implants and want the process to be quick, then All-On-4 dental implants may be right for you. All-on-4 implants are also known as Teeth in a Day, and can be placed in a single appointment. All-on-4 implants are a fixed denture that is implant supported typically by 4 dental implants.

How Do All-on-4 Dental Implants Work?

All-on-4 dental implants can provide patients with dental implants in just one visit to our office. The implants are strategically placed in the top and bottom of the mouth. The benefit of this type of implant is that an implant is not needed for every tooth, making the process easier compared to traditional implants. All-on-4 dental implants are reliable and can last for years. During the healing process the implants fuse to the bone and this creates a stable base.

How Does the Healing Process Work?

Many patients wonder how the healing process works with All-on-4 implants compared to other options. The good news is the healing time is quicker with All-on-4 compared to traditional implants. Patients should still plan for a few months of healing as the implants fuse to the jawbone. Patients can experience the benefits of implants, and restore their smile in one day.

Once the implants are placed, we do recommend a liquid diet as the area heals. Patients can slowly incorporate soft foods into their diet, and be careful while chewing. Gradually patients can add normal foods back into their diet as your mouth heals. Patients are required to return for follow up visits to our office. This ensures the implants are healing properly, and allows our doctors to spot any potential issues. We also want to make sure the implants feel comfortable in the mouth, and listen to feedback our patients have about their new smile.

Interested in Finding Out More About All-On-4 Dental Implants?

If you are ready to take that next step towards a beautiful smile, contact North Texas Oral & Facial Surgery. Our doctors have years of experience in implant dentistry, and love to give patients a smile they can show off. Dental implants restore confidence, and allow you to speak and eat normally. Implants are life changing, and can help you feel better about yourself and your smile. Let our team help you move towards that smile you have always wanted!

To schedule your implant consultation, or to find out more about the benefits of All-on-4 dental implants, contact Centers for Dental Implants, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

impacted tooth

An impacted tooth is when you have a tooth that is blocked from breaking through the gum. In some cases, teeth are partially impacted, but can still cause issues. Impacted teeth are usually found during your regular exam in the dentist office on an x-ray. Impacted teeth are usually because your mouth does not have the proper space for the tooth, or are caused from genetics.

At North Texas Oral & Facial Surgery, we provide the highest level of care, and our exams can identify impacted teeth, and provide the proper treatment to avoid complications in the future.

Symptoms of an Impacted Tooth

• Bad breath
• Bleeding or swollen gums
• Pain or difficulty when you open your mouth
• Pain during chewing or biting

What Teeth Are Typically Impacted?

Wisdom teeth are the most common teeth that are typically impacted. They are the last teeth to erupt, and typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 21. In some cases, the jaw and mouth are just too small to allow the wisdom teeth to come in. Wisdom teeth are usually removed if they are causing a problem, or if they are impacted because wisdom teeth are not needed.

In addition to wisdom teeth, the canines are another tooth that is typically impacted. These are the upper eye teeth in the mouth. Canines play an important role in our mouths, and treatment is typically recommended to help these teeth erupt properly.

How Are Impacted Teeth Treated?

Waiting

Impacted teeth may not cause any symptoms or pain, and in some cases waiting is the appropriate approach. Regular visits to the office are required to keep a close eye on the impacted tooth to ensure no problems develop.

Oral Surgery

If the patient is experiencing any symptoms or pain, extraction surgery may be recommended. This is when the impacted tooth is extracted surgically. Tooth extraction surgery is an outpatient procedure, and usually takes between 40-60 minutes. Local anesthesia is used to keep you pain free and comfortable. The recovery can take between 7-10 days, and patients can return to their normal routine a few days after surgery.

When the canine teeth are impacted instead of removing the teeth, doctors can install chains, or other orthodontic appliances to help the teeth erupt into place. If there are teeth blocking the canines, tooth extraction may also be necessary. In rare cases, if the tooth can not erupt, the impacted tooth is removed, and a dental bridge or implant can be used to replace the tooth.

If impacted teeth are not treated properly problems may develop including decay, infection, crowding, or absorption of bone. If you think you have symptoms of an impacted tooth, or are due for your regular exam, we encourage you to contact our office.

Ready To Find Out More About Impacted Teeth?

If you think you may have an issue, or are due for your regular exam, contact our oral surgeon in North Texas Oral & Facial Surgery. Treating impacted teeth is important to help prevent infection or damage to surrounding teeth. Attending your regular visits to our office can help identify impacted teeth early, and get in front of any issues before they develop. Our doctors have years of experience in oral surgery, and always treat patients with the highest level of care. We want you to know you are in good hands when you visit our office, and our staff will work to ensure your experience is positive.

To schedule your appointment, contact North Texas Oral & Facial Surgery, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

operation facet gloves teeth grind dentist health

Oral pathology is the identification process of certain diseases or disorders of the mouth or jaw. Thorough examination and accuracy in diagnosis are extremely important to ensure the patient is treated properly. Our surgeons have years of experience in oral pathology and treating disorders. Our detailed examination process allows our team to determine the cause of an issue, and provide the proper diagnosis and treatment.

What Procedures Is PRF Commonly Used?

  • Bone grafting to prepare for dental implants
  • Sinus Lift
  • Ridge augmentation
  • Cleft lip or cleft palate
  • Removal of teeth or cysts
  • Sinus cavity repair
  • Mouth Repair

What Are the Advantages of PRF?

  • Promotes faster healing and increases tissue regeneration.
  • PRF is a by-product of our own blood and is safe to use.
  • PRF is convenient, and can be generated during a surgical procedure quickly and efficiently.
  • PRF is cost effective and can be done right at the doctor’s office.
  • PRF is easy to use and can be applied quickly.

How Does the PRF Process Work?

When you visit our office for a surgical procedure, we begin by taking a small amount of your own blood using an IV. The blood is placed into a centrifuge machine and spun down. In about 15 minutes PRF is formed, and is ready to be used during your surgery.

Interested in Finding Out More About Platelet Rich Fibrin?

If you are interested in finding out more about PRF, contact North Texas Oral & Facial Surgery. Our doctors have years of experience in oral surgery and using PRF. We always provide quality dental care, and make your oral health a priority. At North Texas Oral & Facial Surgery, we use state of the art technology and equipment, and bring our patients the latest techniques in the dental industry. We provide a calm and relaxing environment, and welcome you to join our dental family.

To schedule an oral consultation with us, contact North Texas Oral & Facial Surgery, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

oral surgery

When you have oral surgery, the recovery is important to ensure you heal properly. During the healing process, it is important to eat the right foods. If you are well prepared at home your recovery will go smooth. We recommend patients plan ahead and purchase soft food items prior to their surgery, so they have choices ready to go when they return home from their procedure.

At North Texas Oral & Facial Surgery, our team will discuss what to eat and what to expect during the recovery period. This allows our patients to ask questions, and ensures they are prepared for the healing process. We provide a detailed list of recovery tips and food items patients should have on hand at home during their recovery.

What Are Examples of Oral Surgery Procedures that Require Special Foods Afterwards?

• Dental Implants
• Sinus Lift
• Bone Grafting
• Ridge Augmentation
• Wisdom Teeth
• Impacted Canines
• Jaw Surgery
• Teeth-in-a-Day

What Are Examples of Oral Surgery Procedures that Require Special Foods Afterwards?

• Soups
• Juices
• Scrambled Eggs
• Jell-O
• Pudding
• Popsicles
• Applesauce
• Ice cream
• Smoothies
• Oatmeal
• Mashed Potatoes
• Rice
• Pasta
• Fish
• Soft Fruit

What Foods Should I Avoid After Surgery?

• Hard or sticky foods
• Chewy foods
• Spicy Foods
• Alcoholic beverages

On the day of your surgery, we recommend only drinking clear fluids. Patients can gradually move towards soft foods as they heal. It is important to make sure you eat during recovery to promote proper healing. Drinking out of a straw should be avoided, as this can disrupt the surgery area. To optimize healing, patients can increase their protein intake to help the healing process. Stay hydrated and avoid strenuous physical activity. Patients can resume brushing and flossing, but should be careful around the surgery area. Keeping up with oral hygiene and keeping the area clean is important.

Interested in Finding Out More?

If you are interested in finding out more about oral surgery and the recovery process, we encourage you to contact our oral surgeon in North Texas Oral & Facial Surgery. Our doctors have years of experience in oral surgery, and always provide the highest level of care to all of our patients. We provide a calm and welcoming environment, and use state of the art technology to make your experience exceptional. When you choose an oral surgeon, you want to know you are in good hands, and at North Texas Oral & Facial Surgery, we provide quality dental care that you can trust.

To schedule your appointment contact us and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

Root Canal

Oral pathology is the identification process of certain diseases or disorders of the mouth or jaw. Thorough examination and accuracy in diagnosis are extremely important to ensure the patient is treated properly. Our surgeons have years of experience in oral pathology and treating disorders. Our detailed examination process allows our team to determine the cause of an issue, and provide the proper diagnosis and treatment.

What Are Examples of Common Oral Problems?

  • Misaligned jaw
  • Cleft lip or cleft palate
  • Periodontal disease
  • Oral cancer
  • Oral ulcers
  • Infections
  • Prolonged pain
  • Cavities
  • Tooth Loss

Why Is Oral Pathology Important?

Finding out the true cause of your problem is very important. This allows our team to treat you properly. If we know what is causing the problem, we can treat the issue quickly. Our team will look at not only the physical symptoms you are experiencing, but your background and any existing medical conditions you may have. Oral health and your overall health are directly connected, and oral pathology evaluates the entire picture to provide the proper diagnosis.

How Can I Protect My Oral Health?

Keeping your teeth and mouth healthy can avoid problems and multiple trips to the dental office. Following good oral hygiene habits at home is essential to keeping your teeth and mouth feeling great. Make sure to brush and floss each day, and attend your regular dental visits twice a year. Stick to a healthy diet, and avoid foods or drinks that contain high levels of sugar. Stay hydrated and make sure to get proper sleep. Your overall health directly affects your oral health, and you can protect your oral health with good hygiene and lifestyle habits.

Interested in Finding Out More About Oral Pathology?

If you are interested in finding out more about oral pathology, or have a concern you would like to discuss, please contact North Texas Oral & Facial Surgery. Your oral health is our priority, and we address issues promptly to help you get on the road to recovery. Come experience quality dentistry at North Texas Oral & Facial Surgery, and join our dental family.

To schedule your appointment, contact North Texas Oral & Facial Surgery, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

Right Dentist for Dental Implants

When you decide to invest in dental implants to restore your smile, you want to make sure you find the perfect dentist. Quality dentistry you can count on is important to ensure your implant procedure is successful.

There are many things to look out for when choosing a dentist in your area. Dentists should have proper training and years of experience in implant dentistry. It is important that the dentist you choose is heavily involved in continuing education. This ensures they are staying on top of the latest trends and techniques available in the dental industry. If you need a source or list of dentists in your area, you can visit the American Academy of Implant Dentistry website to locate an implant expert.

What Are Tips To Consider When Choosing My Dentist?

  • Complete research on your own and find out what services your dentist offers, and how many years they have been treating patients.
  • Check on their continuing education experience to ensure your dentist is providing the highest level of care and technology to all patients.
  • Research or ask questions about the dentist’s experience and background on implant dentistry, and how many patients they have treated successfully.
  • Ask friends or neighbors that have had implant surgery, and have them provide feedback on the procedure and recovery process.
  • Look for a full-service practice that can handle the entire process from start to finish. You don’t want to have to visit multiple offices when you are going through an extensive process like dental implant surgery.
  • Talk to your dentist about sedation options and what may work best for you. It is important to feel comfortable about the dental implant process, and your dentist should want to help choose the best option for sedation that works for you.

At North Texas Oral & Facial Surgery, we are a full-service practice, and our passion is restoring smiles for our patients. If you are unhappy with your smile, or have broken or cracked teeth, our team can help. We have years of experience in implant dentistry, and we love to help patients restore their confidence with a brand-new smile.

Don’t live with a smile that causes you to be embarrassed around others. Implants offer a permanent solution, and can last a lifetime if cared for properly. Dental implants are durable, and can function just like our natural teeth.

Looking for a Dental Implant Specialist in Your Area?

If you are interested in finding out more about how dental implants can benefit you, contact North Texas Oral & Facial Surgery today. Our staff would love to welcome you to our practice, and help you achieve the smile of your dreams. Dental implants are a big decision and can be life changing. Let our doctors get you started with our dental implant consultation process today.

To schedule your appointment, contact North Texas Oral & Facial Surgery, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

Popcorn and Dental Implants

Dental implants are an investment, and after you go through the process and finally have that perfect smile, it is important to care for them properly. Watching what you eat or chew on helps to ensure your implants stay in great condition. There are certain foods patients should avoid with their dental implants to help keep them looking and feeling great.

At North Texas Oral & Facial Surgery, we specialize in implant dentistry, and our team is trained to work with each patient throughout the entire process. We prepare our patients on what to expect, and discuss how to care for your implants at home. Practicing good oral hygiene is always key to ensure you keep your implants clean and free of harmful plaque.

Can I Eat Popcorn?

Popcorn is one of the foods that should be avoided if you have dental implants. Any food that is a seed can be dangerous, and can cause you to have potential issues. Popcorn specifically can get stuck between the teeth and gums, and damage your implants. If you chew on an un-popped kernel, this can put stress on your implant, and can cause the implant to become weak or unstable. Implants are durable, but in some cases, they can break or crack if they are not treated with care.

We always recommend patients treat their implants just like their natural teeth. Keeping your dental implants clean and healthy can avoid unnecessary or painful trips to the dentist. After investing in your smile, you want to avoid the need for repair. There are plenty of snacks and foods that are softer, and are safe to eat with dental implants.

Looking to Schedule an Appointment?

If you are interested in finding out more about dental implants and how they can benefit you, contact North Texas Oral & Facial Surgery today to schedule your appointment. Our office is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, and we provide a comfortable and welcoming environment for our patients.

If you are unhappy with your smile, and are looking to restore the functionality of your teeth and mouth, North Texas Oral & Facial Surgery can help. Let us get you started with the process towards a smile you can be confident to show others.

To schedule your appointment, contact North Texas Oral & Facial Surgery, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

Oral Surgery

Dental surgery is needed for many reasons such as a smile makeover, or to correct an injury. Other dental surgery may be a simple extraction such as wisdom teeth removal. Dental surgery allows doctors to correct conditions or to improve a patient’s smile. Typically, dental surgery is outpatient, and your dentist may have referred you to an oral surgeon nearby.

At North Texas Oral & Facial Surgery , we focus on prevention and practicing good oral hygiene habits to keep our teeth and mouth healthy. Our doctors have years of experience in oral surgery, and always put our patient’s health first. Many people need oral surgery at some point in their life, and finding a good oral surgeon you can trust is important.

What Are the Common Types of Dental Surgery?

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a popular restorative option for patients seeking to correct their smile. Implants typically involve multiple appointments in our office. Dental implants are durable, and can last a lifetime if cared for properly.

During the implant process the post acts like an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jawbone. A healing process is needed to allow the implant to fuse to the jawbone, and create a sturdy and stable base for the crown. After the healing process is complete, the patient returns to our office to have the crown affixed securely on top of the implant.

Crowns are custom made to match the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth. Implants restore the function of our teeth and look natural. If a patient does not have enough bone present in the jaw to support dental implants, bone grafting can be done. This is an additional step that requires a separate healing process before your implants can be placed.

Root Canal Therapy

Root canals involve cleaning out the infected or inflamed pulp area of a tooth. Root canals can save a tooth and restore its functionality. This procedure can eliminate pain, and prevent future bacteria from entering the area. Root canals are extremely common, and can prevent the patient from requiring tooth extraction.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom teeth erupt between the ages of 17 and 25, and in some cases, they can be impacted. Often times wisdom teeth cause crowding, and if not removed can cause damage to the other adult teeth around them. To avoid issues in the future, wisdom teeth are extracted. Wisdom tooth extraction is a routine surgery, and anesthesia is used to keep the patient calm and comfortable. Once the teeth are removed the area is stitched, and patients can begin the healing process.

Cosmetic Surgery

If a patient is unhappy with their appearance, or are ready to rejuvenate their smile, cosmetic surgery is an option. Cosmetic surgery involves multiple procedures that are combined to improve a patient’s smile. Common cosmetic procedures include teeth whitening, dental bonding, or orthodontics. Most procedures can be done right in our office and do not need an oral surgeon.

Reconstructive Surgery

Reconstructive surgery is needed if a patient has an injury to their mouth or jaw. This type of surgery can help repair the jaw or teeth, and restore the functionality of your mouth. Other issues that may require reconstructive surgery include patients that have lost their teeth or have severe decay. The condition of your teeth will determine what surgical procedures are necessary to restore your smile. Procedures such as implants or bone grafting are examples of what may be needed to reconstruct your smile.

Interested in Finding Out More?

If you are interested in finding out more about the benefits of dental surgery, contact North Texas Oral & Facial Surgery. Our team has years of experience in creating beautiful smiles, and we strive to provide exceptional service. We provide quality dental care you can trust in a friendly and welcoming environment. Let our team help you restore your confidence with a new smile.

To schedule your consultation, contact North Texas Oral & Facial Surgery, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

Dental Bone Graft

A dental bone graft is typically used for patients that have jawbone issues. Bone grafts are a common procedure and have been done for years. The procedure is relatively minor and can be done quickly. If patients have lost a tooth or have severe gum disease, bone grafts can be used to help restore your gums and jaw. Over time gum disease can progress if not treated and cause bone loss. This can affect your appearance, and cause your jaw to sag or look sunken in. At this point there is no bone left to support your face. Bone grafting can help to restore the support needed.

How Does Bone Grafting Work?

Typically, the procedure is done before your implant is placed. If you need to have a tooth removed that is done first, and then we will prepare the area for a bone graft if the patient does not have enough bone present to support the dental implant. This graft will help to create a stable base for your new tooth. Bone grafts can be taken from your own body, and are commonly taken from the back of the jawbone. Another option is to use a bone grafting material. This option is common because the patient does not need a surgical incision to reach the bone.

The area is cleaned and the bone grafting material is placed. Once the bone graft is complete the patient will need to heal for a few months before you can come back to have your implant placed. This gives the graft time to heal and develop new bone around the graft area. The procedure takes a few hours and is relatively simple.

What Can I Expect During Healing?

Some pain is expected after a bone graft procedure, but should subside after a few days. Patients can treat the area with a cold compress and take over the counter medications to help ease the pain. We recommend a liquid diet after your bone graft procedure. Slowly patients can introduce soft foods, and eventually resume their normal diet. Patients should avoid any strenuous activity that may affect the bone graft area during healing.

Interested in Finding Out More?

At North Texas Oral & Facial Surgery, we offer may procedures to help you get the smile of your dreams. Bone grafting can help create a sturdy base for dental implants, and is a great option for patients who have bone loss. Our doctors have years of experience in oral surgery and we strive to provide the highest level of service to all of our patients.

To find out if bone grafting can benefit you, or to inquire about dental implants, contact North Texas Oral & Facial Surgery, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.