Conestoga Oral Surgery Blog

Have you ever wondered why your oral surgeon takes X-rays of your teeth and jaw, even though you’re getting an examination right there in person? While they may seem unnecessary, dental X-rays actually serve a very important purpose. Here’s a closer look at why your oral surgeon still relies on radiographs to help make your dental treatment better, and what exactly he or she is looking for when they read them!

A sinus lift is a specialized procedure that some patients need before getting dental implants. It increases the amount of bone in the rear of the upper jaw, creating a sturdy foundation for implant posts that act as new tooth roots. Not all patients need a sinus lift prior to implant placement, but will you? How does the procedure actually work? Read on to find answers to these questions and more.

If you’re going to build a house, what is the first thing you do? Probably make sure it has a strong foundation to support the rest of the structure. For dental implants, your jawbone is the foundation, and your new teeth are the house. While some patients with missing teeth are able to undergo dental implant surgery after just an exam, others may require a bone graft first to ensure their new smile remains stable, functional, and healthy for decades to come. When is this procedure necessary, and more importantly, will you need it?

You had a feeling that something was wrong with your tooth before your dental appointment, but since it wasn’t causing any pain, you weren’t too concerned. Maybe you just need whitening or a filling? So, it came as a big surprise when the dentist confidently told you that the tooth needed to be extracted, and that it should be done as soon as possible.

Teeth only need to be extracted when they hurt, right? Actually, that’s not the case for many patients. In many cases, removing a tooth can address a variety of problems, and more importantly, prevent more serious problems from developing.

Many people experience anxiety when it comes to their dental care, especially when it comes to tooth extractions. If you’re feeling nervous about a procedure, these simple strategies can help you feel more informed and alleviate your fears.

If you have ever had to get sutures (stitches) removed, you might remember a somewhat annoying and uncomfortable experience. Not only did you have to make an extra trip to see your care provider, but you also had to wait patiently while they removed the stitches. Will you have to go through the same thing after getting your wisdom teeth removed? No, probably not! That is because, in most cases, dentists and oral surgeons use dissolvable sutures after the procedure. Continue reading to learn more about this unique aspect of your treatment.

You’ve probably heard the saying, “The first step is always the hardest.” It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when considering your options to replace missing teeth, especially if you think it requires hours of research and comparing options. Thankfully, restoring your smile doesn’t have to be complicated. By scheduling a dental implant consultation, you’ll receive the guidance and information you want without the need for endless searching. Here’s what to expect from your visit…

Approximately 54,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer each year in the United States. Unfortunately, most of these diagnoses are made when the disease has already progressed to more advanced stages, making it more difficult to treat. In recognition of Oral Cancer Awareness Month in April, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with the risk factors and warning signs of oral cancer. Understanding this information can increase your chances of having the disease identified early, which can greatly improve your prognosis and treatment outcomes!

If you’ve ignored your wisdom teeth, talk to your dentist. Leaving your wisdom teeth in can put you at risk for quite a few dental problems. Wisdom teeth usually grown in between the ages of 17 and 25. In many cases, wisdom teeth don’t have enough space to grow properly.

Many Americans are missing one or more teeth. This can drastically affect a patient’s self-esteem and confidence, but it is important to remember that there are replacement options available.  Read on to learn more about tooth loss and the complications that result when spaces are left vacant in the mouth.