Q&A
Do you have questions about your treatment? Keep reading to get the answers to some of the most common inquiries about our oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures. If you can't find your question on this page, or if you need additional clarification, please don't hesitate to contact us!
Does everyone need to get their wisdom teeth removed?
No, wisdom teeth do not always need to be removed. That said, removal is common because these teeth are often impacted. They can also cause crowding issues, pushing other teeth into misalignment.
Will orthognathic surgery change the appearance of my face?
While it varies from patient to patient, orthognathic surgery can change your appearance. We will speak with you before the procedure to discuss any effects it could have.
Who is a good candidate for anesthesia?
Some people may be at higher risk with anesthesia, or certain kinds of anesthesia. Thankfully, there are several different kinds of anesthesia you can get, which means we have many tools at our disposal to minimize discomfort while also keeping you safe. This will all be discussed with you before the procedure.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a “man-made” replacement for a missing tooth or tooth root. Made from titanium, this screw-like object is inserted under your gum and directly into your upper or lower jaw bone. There’s usually minimal discomfort involved with this procedure. After a period of a few months, the dental implant and your bone fuse together, creating an anchor for the new tooth to be placed onto the dental implant.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
There are numerous benefits of dental implants, some of which:
Look and function like your natural tooth.
Are a permanent solution for missing teeth.
Can be maintained during routine hygiene visits to your dental office.
Decrease the possibility of bone loss, periodontal disease, tooth movement, and further tooth loss.
Replace the need for a removable full or partial denture.
Focus only on the tooth or teeth that are missing, unlike traditional bridges.
Who is a candidate for dental implants?
Thanks to major advancements in dentistry, most people are candidates for dental implants. However, there may be a few exceptions due to chronic illness, heart disease, and severe osteoporosis.
What does a dental implant procedure entail?
During the first visit, we x-ray the area and take an impression. This impression allows us to create a surgical guide and a temporary prosthesis to cover the implant.
During the second visit, we place the implant. For this procedure, local anesthesia is applied to the area (any additional sedation isn’t necessary unless deemed by your dentist). Next, your dentist makes a minor incision to place the implant, and the implant is placed into the jaw bone. The area is then covered with sutures, and the procedure is complete.
In about three months, you will be able to get a crown to place over the implant.
How much does a dental implant cost?
The costs for dental implants vary. It’s essential to schedule an implant consultation to discuss the procedure and the fees involved.
How long does a dental implant last?
Dental implants can last approximately 30 years to a lifetime with proper dental hygiene and home care.
Does your office offer financing?
We list the financing options available on our site. If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
