What is a Dental Bone Graft?

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 Jesse Lanzon DDS MD, 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 Jesse Lanzon DDS MD, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

Is it Likely for a Man to Die During Oral Surgery?

Oral Surgery

If you have been recommended for dental surgery it is normal to feel anxious or wonder about the safety of anesthesia. With any surgery there are risks involved. Asking questions is important, and knowing what the risks are is also another factor the patient should research before they move forward with surgery. At Jesse Lanzon, we provide safe and effective anesthesia methods only when necessary, for our patients. We safely monitor the patients during any oral surgery, and make sure they are comfortable.  Our team provides uncompromised safety using high end technology to give patients an exceptional experience when they visit our office.

What Are the Types of Anesthesia Used During Dental Surgery?

Local Anesthesia

Local anesthetics are commonly used in dentistry, and this is used to block the nerves so there is no pain. Local anesthesia is typically used for routine dental procedures such as fillings or crowns. Risks with this type of anesthesia are rare and this method is a great way to keep patients calm and relaxed during a procedure.

Sedation

Sedation dentistry is administered by breathing in nitrous oxide, medication, or via IV into the patient’s arm. This form of anesthesia allows the patient to be somewhat conscious during their procedure. Sedation dentistry is safe, and doctors undergo extensive training to be able to provide this service.

General Anesthesia

General anesthesia is typically done in a hospital setting, and requires an oral surgeon and anesthesiologist. This type of anesthesia can have side effects such as nausea or vomiting. The patient must be monitored closely while under general anesthesia.

A tube is used for breathing, and this tends to get in the way of dental surgery. Sedation is more commonly used because it can be controlled and reversed easier, compared to general anesthesia. Most dentists offer sedation dentistry because it is also easier to administer, and safely perform the surgery when the patient is somewhat conscious.

What Are the Risks Involved?

During your consultation we will thoroughly review your medical history and make sure you understand what is involved. We will discuss the method of sedation with you, so you are comfortable and know what to expect. Our doctors have extensive training in sedation dentistry, and this includes handling emergencies. Complications or death with anesthesia are rare, but it is always important to discuss your medical history before you undergo any surgery. Allergies and alcohol abuse are a common factor that could increase your risk for complications.

Complications of Anesthesia

  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Swelling or numbness in the mouth
  • Swelling at the injection site

Dental surgeries are very common and when done by a skilled doctor, they are completely safe. At Jesse Lanzon, we provide an environment where patients can remain relaxed, and know they are in good hands.

Interested in Finding Out More?

If you are interested in finding out more about dental surgery contact Jesse Lanzon, and our staff will be happy to assist you.

How is a Broken Jaw Treated?

Broken Jaw

Jaws are an important part of our oral health and help us to function normally. Eating, speaking, breathing, and drinking are all essential functions of the jaw. When you have an injury to your jaw it is important to watch out for certain symptoms that may indicate you need to call an oral surgeon.

At Jesse Lanzon, we are trained to identify and treat jaw injuries or fractures. Our doctors have years of experience in oral surgery and jaw complications. We encourage patients that think they may have an issue with their jaw to contact our office, and be seen as soon as possible.

What Are the Symptoms of a Jaw Injury?

  • Swelling or bruising on your face
  • Protrusions on the side of your face
  • Pain that does not subside, or pain when you chew or move your jaw
  • Abnormal bite
  • A sudden overbite

If you have any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. If jaw fractures are not treated promptly an infection could develop.

What Are My Treatment Options?

Any jaw injury is treated as an emergency, and we encourage you to contact our office. Our doctor will meet with you, and evaluate the severity of your injury. A thorough exam will be done and x-rays will be taken. Depending on the issue, our doctor will try and move your jaw into the correct position. Local anesthetics may be used to help with pain, and allow our team work on your jaw.

If the break is severe, surgery may be required. Some jaw breaks can heal on their own if the patient can keep their jaw still. If there are multiple issues and fractures, the only solution may be oral surgery to repair the jaw.

What To Expect During Recovery?

After jaw surgery your mouth will be bandaged and wired shut. This helps to prevent you from moving the jaw and damaging the area that was fixed. Patients will not be able to use their jaw, or open their mouth for at least six weeks. We recommend a liquid diet with some soft foods only if the patient can chew them. Our staff will discuss recommended nutrition during your recovery. We want our patients to remain healthy and maintain their weight. Eating a nutritious diet to make sure you are consuming enough calories is important. Overall, the recovery will take several months until your jaw heals successfully.

Will There Be Any Long-Term Effects?

Most patients heal perfectly after their jaw surgery. The function of the jaw is restored, and they can go back to their normal routine. Some patients may experience side effects such as jaw pain or temporomandibular joint disorder. Protecting your jaw from future injury is important. Patients who have dislocated or broken their jaw are more susceptible to future injuries.

Do You Think You May Have A Jaw Injury?

If you suspect you may have a jaw injury, we encourage you to call our office to be seen right away. Jaw injuries are considered emergencies, and should always be treated promptly to avoid complications. At Jesse Lanzon, we are trained to handle any dental emergency, and want our patients to know they are in good hands.

To schedule your appointment contact Jesse Lanzon, and our friendly staff will assist you.

Does Jaw Surgery Correct Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea

Most often patients turn to jaw surgery to correct their appearance, or to improve speaking and chewing. Many don’t realize that jaw surgery can also help patients that suffer from obstructive sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea is when a patient stops breathing while sleeping and tends to gasp for air. This happens when the muscles and jaw bones aren’t working together to support the airway. Common symptoms of sleep apnea include fatigue, loud snoring, headache, and constantly feeling sleepy.

How Can Jaw Surgery Help And Who is a Good Candidate?

Jaw surgery can help patients and realigns the jaw and teeth. This opens up the airway and allows the patient to sleep soundly. Many patients wonder if they are a good candidate for jaw surgery. We recommend patients go through our consultation process which includes a detailed examination of your mouth, teeth, and jaw bones. Our team will take x-rays to evaluate the details of your jaw and mouth.

Common Factors That Indicate You Are a Good Candidate

  • People suffering from sleep apnea
  • Jaw deformities
  • Underbite issues
  • Other bite issues
  • Jaw asymmetries

How Does Jaw Surgery Work?

Corrective jaw surgery is done using general anesthesia. During the surgery our doctor will make an incision in the gums and around the jaws. This gives access to the bones underneath. The bones are then repositioned appropriately using splints. Small plates or screws are used to stabilize the bones in place. The area is then stitched with dissolvable stiches.

If you suffer from sleep apnea, jaw surgery may be right for you. Many patients come back after surgery and rave about how their life has changed, and they can sleep peacefully.

What Can I Expect During Recovery?

After jaw surgery we typically require patients to stay overnight in the hospital. They then return home to recover and relax. We recommend patients follow a liquid diet for six weeks after the surgery. This will help the jaw and mouth to heal properly. Heavy lifting of anything is not recommended, and normal everyday tasks are perfectly fine.

After two weeks patients can begin light exercise, but should refrain from heavy exercise until six weeks after surgery.

What Can I Do To Prevent Sleep Apnea?

With sleep apnea weight is a common risk factor. We recommend patients exercise daily and eat a healthy diet. There are nonsurgical treatments such as the continuous positive airway pressure machine or CPAP mask to help limit symptoms. This is not a permanent solution, but another way for patients to alleviate symptoms at home.

Looking to Find Out How Jaw Surgery Can Benefit You?

If you suffer from sleep apnea and are interested in finding out how jaw surgery can benefit you, contract our office to schedule a consultation. Our detailed consultation process will allow our team to determine a treatment plan, and answer any questions you may have. Your health is our priority, let our team help get you on the road to better sleep.

To schedule your consultation please contact our office and our staff will be happy to assist you!

What is an Apicoectomy and Why Do I Need it?

Root Canal

Root canals are a common procedure and have a success rate of 95%. There are procedures in place that can help your root canal last such as placing the crown immediately following the root canal. It is also important to practice good oral hygiene habits after your root canal at home.

There are some cases where patients do have an issue after their root canal is complete. Even though it is unlikely, root canals can fail. Failed root canals can be due to cracks in or around the root area, or from an obstruction that can make cleaning the area difficult.

There are symptoms you can look out for that may indicate you may have an issue. These symptoms include sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling, or pain while chewing. If you experience any of these symptoms we urge you to call our office as soon as possible.

How Does an Apicoectomy Work?

If a patient has a blockage around the tooth that is preventing access to the root canal they may need an apicoectomy procedure. This procedure involves creating a small flap in the gum to access the root. The infected area is cleaned out and sealed to prevent further infection. This is a great way for our team to access the root area that has the blockage and save your tooth.

Other Treatment Options

Retreatment

The most common option for failed root canals is retreatment. This involves removing the original filling, and cleaning and disinfecting the canal. The area is then resealed to prevent further infection. This treatment has the highest success rate.

Extraction

If both the apicoectomy and retreatment are not effective, removing the tooth is the last resort. With this option dental implants can be used to fill the empty space where the tooth was extracted.

Our team works closely with each patient to determine the severity and treatment options for a root canal failure. We want to choose the best option to save your tooth. Your health is our priority and we strive to provide the highest level of care for all of our patients.

Interested In Finding Out More?

If you are interested in finding out more about root canal therapy and treatment options for failed root canals, we encourage you to schedule an appointment. If you are experiencing symptoms of a failed root canal please do not hesitate to call our office. You should be seen as soon as possible.

To schedule your appointment contact our office, and our friendly staff will assist you.

Why is it Necessary to Perform Underbite Surgery?

Oral Surgery

A normal bite is when both the upper and lower jaws align perfectly. The upper teeth overlap the lower teeth, and the jaw functions normally. If alignment is off this causes a malocclusion or issue with your bite. With an underbite the lower jaw protrudes further out than the upper jaw.

What Can Cause an Underbite?

An underbite can be caused by a child using a pacifier or thumb sucking. Most underbites are genetic and run in families. Irregularities in jaw size and shape cannot be prevented and require professional help.

An underbite can cause issues with chewing or speech, and can even cause decay. Tooth enamel can be lost where the teeth overlap, and jaw pain is common with patients that have an underbite. We want our patients to feel confident about their smile, and we are always happy to help each patient get that smile they have always wanted.

How Can My Orthodontist Help?

Orthodontic treatment for an underbite is common. Part of our detailed consultation process is to take a detailed look at your mouth, teeth, and skeletal structure. Depending on the severity of the underbite will determine the treatment plan. We look at severity, the patient’s age, and potential cause of the underbite.

If your child shows signs of an underbite, we recommend parents bring their child in by the age of seven. Early intervention is always best, and allows our team to get in front of any underbite issues at an early age.

In many cases braces can help reposition the lower teeth. Dental extractions may also be necessary to make room. Other appliances such as expanders can be used to help correct bone development. Unfortunately, braces and appliances are typically not enough for every patient that has an underbite.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

An oral surgeon can help correct an underbite by reshaping and repositioning the jawbone. This type of surgery is called orthoganic surgery. This surgery can help to lengthen or shorten the lower jaw depending on the severity. In some cases bone may need to be added or removed. Small plates or screws are used if necessary to stabilize the bone after surgery.

Surgery is usually recommended to correct an underbite for patients that are in their late teens or adults, and their jaw bones are already fully formed.

Interested in Finding Out More?

Our goal is to provide each patient with a healthy bite that functions normally. If you are interested in finding out more about how oral surgery can help your underbite, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with us. Underbite surgery can give you confidence, and make you happier with your appearance. Our team is here to help correct your smile and get you the results you want.

To schedule your oral consultation please contact our office, and our staff will be happy to assist you!

Is Oral Surgery Worth It?

Oral Surgery

You may have been recommended to have oral surgery, and are concerned if you should go through with it or not. Oral surgery has many benefits, and patients need to weigh their options. Our staff will only recommend oral surgery if it is absolutely necessary, or if the patient is unhappy with their mouth, jaw, or smile. 

Our team is here to work with each patient to address their goals, and to keep your teeth and mouth healthy and feeing great. We have an extensive consultation process to discuss all oral surgery options or recommendations. Our team will work with each patient to help them choose the best option.

Why Do You Need Oral Surgery?

When a patient is evaluating their oral surgery decision, it is important to think about why you need the oral surgery. If the surgery is to correct a serious condition or complex issue this should weigh into your decision. Oral surgery does involve recovery, but your oral health is more important than the time it takes for the surgery and recovery. 

With our high end technology, our patients receive the very best care. Your surgery can be done quickly and with minimal recovery depending on what is required. Our staff is available to provide you with all of the necessary support and supplies for a successful oral surgery.

What Are Your Alternatives to Oral Surgery?

When deciding to have oral surgery many patients would like to discuss if there are any alternatives instead of surgery. Part of our evaluation process is to discuss what alternatives are available, and give our patients all of their options. For example, if you have issues with snoring we may advise you try a night time mouthguard to help before we explore corrective surgery. 

In some cases there are no alternatives to oral surgery, and the situation is serious and needs to be addressed immediately. An example of this type of situation would be an impacted tooth or an infected tooth.

Will Oral Surgery Give Me a Better Quality of Life?

If oral surgery will give you a better quality of life and improve your appearance this is a good reason to go through with your decision. Surgery that corrects facial issues or replaces missing teeth to improve your appearance will benefit you immensely. In addition, if the oral surgery is to remove an infected or impacted tooth there is no alternative, and waiting is not an option.

Our team wants you to stay healthy, and if oral surgery is needed to keep you looking and feeing great, we will give you the very best care available. Our team uses the latest technology to help make your oral surgery a smooth process. We want our patients to remain relaxed and pain free. Our team is here for you every step of the way to ensure your oral surgery is a success! Patients can trust our team to help you make the right decision about your oral health.

Looking to Schedule an Appointment?

If you are interested in finding out more about your oral surgery options, or have a concern you would like to discuss, contact our office to set up your oral surgery consultation.

Our staff is happy to help schedule an appointment for you, and answer any questions or concerns you have about your oral health. We can help you take charge of your oral health, and get you on the road to a beautiful smile.