What Are My Options for an Impacted Tooth?

Root Canal

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 Jesse Lanzon, DDS, 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.

At Jesse Lanzon Oral & Maxillofacial 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.

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 Camarillo, CA. 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 our Camarillo oral surgeon, and our friendly 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!

Are There any Differences Between Mouth Washes?

oral health

Mouthwash is used to help rinse away bacteria or food particles after you brush and floss each day. Using mouthwash is an additional way to help protect your teeth and gums. Knowing the differences between mouthwashes can help you choose the right one to incorporate into your oral hygiene routine.

What Are The Different Types of Mouthwashes Available?

Mouthwash With Fluoride

Fluoride mouthwash contain sodium fluoride, and this helps to protect your teeth from decay and cavities. Fluoride is also found in toothpaste and is added to our tap water. Only using the required amount each day is important because too much fluoride can be harmful to your health. Reading the labels can help to ensure you are only using the appropriate amount that is recommended daily.

Antiseptic Mouthwash

Antiseptic mouthwash is the most common mouthwash used by most patients. This type of mouthwash contains alcohol and can help to stop bacteria in its tracks. Using an antiseptic mouthwash can help fight bad breath, and prevent infections. Patients must be careful using this type of mouthwash. Overuse can lead to stains or discoloration on your teeth. Following the recommended daily guidelines is important to keep your teeth and mouth healthy.

Cosmetic Mouthwash

This type of mouthwash is used to only freshen your breath. Cosmetic mouthwash does not do anything to help with your oral health. Using this type of mouthwash can help rinse food particles away, and is a temporary solution for bad breath.

Natural Mouthwash

Natural mouthwash is a common type of mouthwash that helps keep bacteria away and freshens your breath, but contains only natural ingredients. Natural mouthwash brands do not contain alcohol, and the ingredients are safer compared to other types of mouthwashes available.

During your routine cleaning it is important to discuss what products you are using at home including your mouthwash. Our team is available to access your dental health, and recommend the best mouthwash for you to use at home.

Interested in Finding Out More?

During your routine cleaning it is important to discuss what products you are using at home including your mouthwash. Our team is available to access your dental health, and recommend the best mouthwash for you to use at home.

If you are interested in finding out more about what mouthwash may be best for you, or to schedule your next exam, contact our office and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.