santamonicaoms12

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Preparing for Wisdom Teeth Surgery: Do’s and Dont’s

Nine out of 10 people have at least one impacted wisdom tooth, leading millions of Americans to require wisdom teeth removal. This makes it one of the most common surgical procedures in the country.

Still, the idea of oral surgery can be a bit daunting. However, if you prepare correctly and follow the proper steps after the procedure, you will be on your way to a swift recovery. 

Wisdom teeth are the last of our teeth to show up, and they do so long past childhood when we are between 17-25 years old. Also known as third molars, wisdom teeth cause frequent trouble as they often struggle to find a place to grow normally in our gums and end up impacted. 

Despite their positive-sounding name, wisdom teeth can cause extreme discomfort when they develop. This can also lead to infection, damage to neighboring teeth, tooth decay, and receding gums. 

So now that you have booked your surgery and are ready to relieve your pain for good, how do you prepare? 

The Day Before Wisdom Teeth Removal

Your preparation will depend on what treatment is being offered.

If your dentist is extracting more than one wisdom tooth you may need to get ready to undergo general anesthesia. This means no eating or drinking for eight hours before the surgery. Not following your anesthesia instructions can lead to serious complications.

Smoking in the 12 hours leading up to surgery is also a no-no.

Inform your doctor of any other medication you may take, and be honest about drug and alcohol consumption.

Make sure you have arranged for a friend or family member to accompany you to your surgery, as you will be too unable to drive yourself if you underwent general anesthesia. Stock up on soft foods, to see you through the coming days.

And importantly, if for any reason you are not feeling well, please give us a call, and we will discuss how to proceed.

Surgery Day: What to Expect

Our surgeons use advanced procedures which ensure less pain and swelling and will make the healing process more comfortable.

It is best to arrive early to give yourself time to complete any necessary paperwork and avoid stress. Arrive in the office dressed in comfortable, loose-fitting clothes, without make-up or jewelry. 

Then relax in the safe hands of our expert surgeons, who are on the teaching faculty at the UCLA School of Dentistry and also serve as surgical staff at Providence Saint Johns Health Center.

Wisdom teeth removal can take up to an hour, depending on the complexity of the case. It is usually easier if the tooth has fully emerged, whereas a partially erupted third molar can take a bit more time. 

Once you have been safely escorted home by your friend or family member, it is time for a few days of rest and recovery.

What Can I Eat?

Yes, it’s true, you can’t dive right into your regular diet right after surgery, and ice cream will only get you so far. So how do you eat after wisdom teeth removal?

The most important thing is to eat soft, smooth foods that don’t require chewing so you can avoid disturbing the wound.

Once the numbness wears off after surgery, smoothies, yogurts, mashed potatoes, or other pureed vegetables are ideal. Soup is also a good option but be careful not to eat it too hot as this can irritate the wound. 

You will also need to avoid hot beverages for the first few days as this can increase your chances of a painful condition called dry socket. In addition, stay away from any hard or crunchy foods, spicy food, or soda for a few days. Visit our website to see what foods are recommended for post oral surgery. 

Avoiding Dry Socket

Normally after surgery, a blood clot will form where the wisdom tooth was removed that will protect the wound and aid healing. If this clot is dislodged, it can expose painful nerve endings, make it even harder to eat, and lead to a slower recovery period.

A dry socket is one of the main complications after oral surgery. Still, it is easy to avoid if you follow your surgeon’s instructions.

Firstly, use an ice pack on the outside of your face for the first day or two. Don’t use a straw – as the sucking pressure can dislodge the clot. Smoking has the same effect so if you are a smoker, avoid doing so for as long as you can after your wisdom teeth removal.

When doing your oral hygiene routine, brush your teeth as gently as you can, and use any mouth wash or salt-water solution your surgeon suggests.

Swelling is expected after your surgery, reaching its peak 48 hours after your wisdom teeth have been extracted. To limit minor bleeding, make sure to elevate your head with two or three pillows when you lie down. Avoid strenuous activity for 5-7 days.

Further Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Removal

You may experience several other side effects from your surgery, such as bruising, difficulty opening your mouth, a slight earache, or a bit of a high temperature.

Use any pain medication as directed, and if you have any concerns contact our office where our surgeons will happily guide you through your recovery.

And if you are still hesitating over whether wisdom teeth removal is right for you, or are interested in learning more about our cutting-edge dental implant technologies, book an appointment today.

The post Preparing for Wisdom Teeth Surgery: Do’s and Dont’s appeared first on Santa Monica Center for Oral Surgery.

source https://santamonicaoms.com/2022/05/17/preparing-for-wisdom-teeth-surgery-dos-and-donts/

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Preparing for Wisdom Teeth Surgery: Do’s and Dont’s

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Table of Contents

The Day Before Wisdom Teeth Removal

Surgery Day: What to Expect

What Can I Eat?

Avoiding Dry Socket

Further Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Nine out of 10 people have at least one impacted wisdom tooth, leading millions of Americans to require wisdom teeth removal. This makes it one of the most common surgical procedures in the country.

Still, the idea of oral surgery can be a bit daunting. However, if you prepare correctly and follow the proper steps after the procedure, you will be on your way to a swift recovery.

Wisdom teeth are the last of our teeth to show up, and they do so long past childhood when we are between 17-25 years old. Also known as third molars, wisdom teeth cause frequent trouble as they often struggle to find a place to grow normally in our gums and end up impacted.

Despite their positive-sounding name, wisdom teeth can cause extreme discomfort when they develop. This can also lead to infection, damage to neighboring teeth, tooth decay, and receding gums.

So now that you have booked your surgery and are ready to relieve your pain for good, how do you prepare?

The Day Before Wisdom Teeth Removal

Your preparation will depend on what treatment is being offered.

If your dentist is extracting more than one wisdom tooth you may need to get ready to undergo general anesthesia. This means no eating or drinking for eight hours before the surgery. Not following your anesthesia instructions can lead to serious complications.

Smoking in the 12 hours leading up to surgery is also a no-no.

Inform your doctor of any other medication you may take, and be honest about drug and alcohol consumption.

Make sure you have arranged for a friend or family member to accompany you to your surgery, as you will be too unable to drive yourself if you underwent general anesthesia. Stock up on soft foods, to see you through the coming days.

And importantly, if for any reason you are not feeling well, please give us a call, and we will discuss how to proceed.

Surgery Day: What to Expect

Our surgeons use advanced procedures which ensure less pain and swelling and will make the healing process more comfortable.

It is best to arrive early to give yourself time to complete any necessary paperwork and avoid stress. Arrive in the office dressed in comfortable, loose-fitting clothes, without make-up or jewelry.

Then relax in the safe hands of our expert surgeons, who are on the teaching faculty at the UCLA School of Dentistry and also serve as surgical staff at Providence Saint Johns Health Center.

Wisdom teeth removal can take up to an hour, depending on the complexity of the case. It is usually easier if the tooth has fully emerged, whereas a partially erupted third molar can take a bit more time.

Once you have been safely escorted home by your friend or family member, it is time for a few days of rest and recovery.

What Can I Eat?

Yes, it’s true, you can’t dive right into your regular diet right after surgery, and ice cream will only get you so far. So how do you eat after wisdom teeth removal?

The most important thing is to eat soft, smooth foods that don’t require chewing so you can avoid disturbing the wound.

Once the numbness wears off after surgery, smoothies, yogurts, mashed potatoes, or other pureed vegetables are ideal. Soup is also a good option but be careful not to eat it too hot as this can irritate the wound.

You will also need to avoid hot beverages for the first few days as this can increase your chances of a painful condition called dry socket. In addition, stay away from any hard or crunchy foods, spicy food, or soda for a few days. Visit our website to see what foods are recommended for post oral surgery.

Avoiding Dry Socket

Normally after surgery, a blood clot will form where the wisdom tooth was removed that will protect the wound and aid healing. If this clot is dislodged, it can expose painful nerve endings, make it even harder to eat, and lead to a slower recovery period.

A dry socket is one of the main complications after oral surgery. Still, it is easy to avoid if you follow your surgeon’s instructions.

Firstly, use an ice pack on the outside of your face for the first day or two. Don’t use a straw – as the sucking pressure can dislodge the clot. Smoking has the same effect so if you are a smoker, avoid doing so for as long as you can after your wisdom teeth removal.

When doing your oral hygiene routine, brush your teeth as gently as you can, and use any mouth wash or salt-water solution your surgeon suggests.

Swelling is expected after your surgery, reaching its peak 48 hours after your wisdom teeth have been extracted. To limit minor bleeding, make sure to elevate your head with two or three pillows when you lie down. Avoid strenuous activity for 5-7 days.

Further Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Removal

You may experience several other side effects from your surgery, such as bruising, difficulty opening your mouth, a slight earache, or a bit of a high temperature.

Use any pain medication as directed, and if you have any concerns contact our office where our surgeons will happily guide you through your recovery.

And if you are still hesitating over whether wisdom teeth removal is right for you, or are interested in learning more about our cutting-edge dental implant technologies, book an appointment today.

The post Preparing for Wisdom Teeth Surgery: Do’s and Dont’s appeared first on Santa Monica Center for Oral Surgery.

source https://santamonicaoms.com/2022/05/17/preparing-for-wisdom-teeth-surgery/

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Sedation Dentistry and Oral Surgery: Everything You Need to Know

Almost 24% of people around the world have a fear of the dentist. Are you a little worried about your upcoming oral surgery? Most first-time patients are, especially when the procedure involves sedation.

The biggest concern is whether or not sedation at the dentist is safe. Specifically, are there any possible dangers you should worry about? The good news is, that there’s virtually no risk involved with sedation dentistry.

Still, patients also wonder, “How long does oral surgery take?” And, for that matter, how long does the sedation last?

The answers largely depend on the type of sedation and the particular oral surgery procedure involved. Fortunately, we explain everything you need to know in this guide.

What follows is a complete overview of oral surgery with sedation. Read on to put your mind at ease.

What Is Dental Sedation?

Dental sedation means that the dentist or oral surgeon administers drugs to put the patient into a deeply relaxed state. There are different levels of sedation used for oral surgery.

Minimal sedation means that the patient is fully awake but very relaxed. Moderate sedation has added effects, such as slurred speech and no memory of the procedure.

Deep sedation means that the patient is almost asleep but still conscious and aware. General anesthesia renders the patient fully unconscious.

Which Patients Need Sedation Dentistry?

Not all patients require sedation for oral surgery. But it’s usually recommended for patients who have:

Fear, anxiety, or phobia about dental procedures

Fear, anxiety, or phobia about needles

A claustrophobic fear of being confined to the chair for the procedure

A hypersensitive gag reflex

Very sensitive teeth

An above-average immunity to local anesthesia

Symptoms of certain medical conditions/special needs that may interfere with the procedure

Put simply, sedation is used to keep the patient calm and compliant so that the oral surgeon can perform the surgery.

Types of Sedation Used in Dentistry

Here, we list the different types of sedation used for oral surgery. This list describes how each sedative is administered and how long it lasts. It’s also helpful to ask your surgeon (before surgery) which sedative they’ll use for your particular procedure. 

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is combined with oxygen and inhaled through the lungs. Thus, it’s a great option for patients who don’t like needles or pills.

Nitrous oxide tends to have a happy and euphoric effect on patients. The sedated patient is still aware of the procedure. But they won’t feel it and they may not remember it.

These effects happen within minutes however, they fade quickly once the gas is stopped. Therefore, nitrous oxide is administered continuously throughout the duration of the procedure.

Oral Sedatives

The dentist may offer oral medication to sedate the patient. It takes about 20 minutes for these sedatives to take effect. And the effects can last for over an hour.

Patients sedated this way may be drowsy. But they’re usually kept awake during surgery. Additionally, these patients are asked not to consume any food or drinks before the surgery.

Intravenous Sedatives

Intravenous sedatives are only ideal for very long procedures. The effects are instant and administered continuously. This allows the surgeon to control the exact level of sedation at all times.

General Anesthesia

General anesthesia is the last resort for patients who will not or cannot remain calm and still any other way. Anesthetized patients will be unconscious and completely unaware of the procedure.

While complications are rare, this method poses a slight risk of danger to the patient. Conversely, the other methods do not.

Preparing the Patient/Yourself For Oral Surgery

For specific instructions, ask your surgeon how you or your loved one should prepare for oral surgery with sedation. Here, however, we describe some general instructions.

Emotional Preparation/Support

If the surgery is for your child, you’ll know best how to comfort him/her. For example, ask the surgeon if your child can hold their favorite toy/stuffed animal during the surgery.

Also, some children feel better knowing the details of the procedure. Use discretion and explain the procedure to the child, if it helps. During the procedure, speak to and touch the child (when allowed), keeping his/her focus on you.

On the other hand, if you are the patient, recruit a loved one to comfort you in these ways. 

General Instructions/Safeguards

For nitrous oxide sedation, patients may consume a light meal beforehand. Other types of sedation have more strict requirements. Specifically, no food or drinks are allowed after midnight on the day of the procedure.

Typically, however, clear drinks like water or apple juice are allowed before the surgery. This includes any translucent beverage with no solids in it (namely, pulp).

As such, milk, coffee, and orange juice are not allowed. Artificial/sugary drinks like soda aren’t okay, either. Regardless of these general guidelines, though, please get specific instructions from your surgeon. 

Instructions For Infants Younger Than 12 Months

Babies younger than 12 months may sometimes require oral surgery. These patients should be fed within 4-6 hours before surgery. Formula-fed infants should finish their feeding 6 hours prior.

Aftercare

Immediate care after surgery depends on the level of sedation. For instance, there are no residual effects of nitrous oxide sedation whatsoever. The patient simply feels as though he/she is waking from a dream.

This is also true of IV sedation. Although, oral/IV sedation may have mild side effects, such as nausea.

In contrast, oral sedatives have to run their course. The amount of time before they wear off depends on the type/amount given. In any case, the patient should not drive until the effects are completely gone.

Once these sedatives wear off, some patients experience post-surgery pain. Thus, the surgeon might prescribe pain medication and provide some before the patient leaves. 

Patients should not drive under the influence of certain pain medications, either. Vicodin, for example, can cause drowsiness and other side effects that impair driving ability.

Find Out More About Oral Surgery With Sedation

We hope this guide has eased your concerns about sedation at the dentist. If you still have more questions, we’re here for you.

Call our office at (310) 315-1034 to find out more about your oral surgery sedation options. Or, book your exam right now so you can speak with us directly.

The post Sedation Dentistry and Oral Surgery: Everything You Need to Know appeared first on Santa Monica Center for Oral Surgery.

source https://santamonicaoms.com/2022/04/13/sedation-dentistry-and-oral-surgery-everything-you-need-to-know/

[santamonicaoms12]

Sedation Dentistry and Oral Surgery: Everything You Need to Know

Almost 24% of people around the world have a fear of the dentist. Are you a little worried about your upcoming oral surgery? Most first-time patients are, especially when the procedure involves sedation.

The biggest concern is whether or not sedation at the dentist is safe. Specifically, are there any possible dangers you should worry about? The good news is, that there’s virtually no risk involved with sedation dentistry.

Still, patients also wonder, “How long does oral surgery take?” And, for that matter, how long does the sedation last?

The answers largely depend on the type of sedation and the particular oral surgery procedure involved. Fortunately, we explain everything you need to know in this guide.

What follows is a complete overview of oral surgery with sedation. Read on to put your mind at ease.

What Is Dental Sedation?

Dental sedation means that the dentist or oral surgeon administers drugs to put the patient into a deeply relaxed state. There are different levels of sedation used for oral surgery.

Minimal sedation means that the patient is fully awake but very relaxed. Moderate sedation has added effects, such as slurred speech and no memory of the procedure.

Deep sedation means that the patient is almost asleep but still conscious and aware. General anesthesia renders the patient fully unconscious.

Which Patients Need Sedation Dentistry?

Not all patients require sedation for oral surgery. But it’s usually recommended for patients who have:

Fear, anxiety, or phobia about dental procedures

Fear, anxiety, or phobia about needles

A claustrophobic fear of being confined to the chair for the procedure

A hypersensitive gag reflex

Very sensitive teeth

An above-average immunity to local anesthesia

Symptoms of certain medical conditions/special needs that may interfere with the procedure

Put simply, sedation is used to keep the patient calm and compliant so that the oral surgeon can perform the surgery.

Types of Sedation Used in Dentistry

Here, we list the different types of sedation used for oral surgery. This list describes how each sedative is administered and how long it lasts. It’s also helpful to ask your surgeon (before surgery) which sedative they’ll use for your particular procedure. 

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is combined with oxygen and inhaled through the lungs. Thus, it’s a great option for patients who don’t like needles or pills.

Nitrous oxide tends to have a happy and euphoric effect on patients. The sedated patient is still aware of the procedure. But they won’t feel it and they may not remember it.

These effects happen within minutes however, they fade quickly once the gas is stopped. Therefore, nitrous oxide is administered continuously throughout the duration of the procedure.

Oral Sedatives

The dentist may offer oral medication to sedate the patient. It takes about 20 minutes for these sedatives to take effect. And the effects can last for over an hour.

Patients sedated this way may be drowsy. But they’re usually kept awake during surgery. Additionally, these patients are asked not to consume any food or drinks before the surgery.

Intravenous Sedatives

Intravenous sedatives are only ideal for very long procedures. The effects are instant and administered continuously. This allows the surgeon to control the exact level of sedation at all times.

General Anesthesia

General anesthesia is the last resort for patients who will not or cannot remain calm and still any other way. Anesthetized patients will be unconscious and completely unaware of the procedure.

While complications are rare, this method poses a slight risk of danger to the patient. Conversely, the other methods do not.

Preparing the Patient/Yourself For Oral Surgery

For specific instructions, ask your surgeon how you or your loved one should prepare for oral surgery with sedation. Here, however, we describe some general instructions.

Emotional Preparation/Support

If the surgery is for your child, you’ll know best how to comfort him/her. For example, ask the surgeon if your child can hold their favorite toy/stuffed animal during the surgery.

Also, some children feel better knowing the details of the procedure. Use discretion and explain the procedure to the child, if it helps. During the procedure, speak to and touch the child (when allowed), keeping his/her focus on you.

On the other hand, if you are the patient, recruit a loved one to comfort you in these ways. 

General Instructions/Safeguards

For nitrous oxide sedation, patients may consume a light meal beforehand. Other types of sedation have more strict requirements. Specifically, no food or drinks are allowed after midnight on the day of the procedure.

Typically, however, clear drinks like water or apple juice are allowed before the surgery. This includes any translucent beverage with no solids in it (namely, pulp).

As such, milk, coffee, and orange juice are not allowed. Artificial/sugary drinks like soda aren’t okay, either. Regardless of these general guidelines, though, please get specific instructions from your surgeon. 

Instructions For Infants Younger Than 12 Months

Babies younger than 12 months may sometimes require oral surgery. These patients should be fed within 4-6 hours before surgery. Formula-fed infants should finish their feeding 6 hours prior.

Aftercare

Immediate care after surgery depends on the level of sedation. For instance, there are no residual effects of nitrous oxide sedation whatsoever. The patient simply feels as though he/she is waking from a dream.

This is also true of IV sedation. Although, oral/IV sedation may have mild side effects, such as nausea.

In contrast, oral sedatives have to run their course. The amount of time before they wear off depends on the type/amount given. In any case, the patient should not drive until the effects are completely gone.

Once these sedatives wear off, some patients experience post-surgery pain. Thus, the surgeon might prescribe pain medication and provide some before the patient leaves. 

Patients should not drive under the influence of certain pain medications, either. Vicodin, for example, can cause drowsiness and other side effects that impair driving ability.

Find Out More About Oral Surgery With Sedation

We hope this guide has eased your concerns about sedation at the dentist. If you still have more questions, we’re here for you.

Call our office at (310) 315-1034 to find out more about your oral surgery sedation options. Or, book your exam right now so you can speak with us directly.

The post Sedation Dentistry and Oral Surgery: Everything You Need to Know appeared first on Santa Monica Center for Oral Surgery.

source https://santamonicaoms.com/2022/04/13/sedation-dentistry-and-oral-surgery-everything-you-need-to-know%ef%bf%bc/

[santamonicaoms12]

A Quick Guide to Dental Implant Aftercare

Roughly 120 million people in the United States have at least one missing tooth. Another 36 million people have no teeth at all. 

As you can imagine, missing one or more teeth can be a challenging reality. Everyday tasks such as chewing food and pronouncing certain words can quickly become a challenge. In addition, it can take the shine out of your smile.

The good news is that there’s a perfect solution for missing teeth. Dental implants can instantly restore your dental appearance, making it a joy to smile again. It’s no wonder that 500,000 Americans get dental implants each year.

To reap the full benefits of dental implants, there are certain things you need to do following the procedure. These simple things help ensure a smooth and speedy recovery.

In this blog post, we will discuss post-implant care tips that will help you recover quickly and avoid any potential complications.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Post-operation, it is highly recommended to not do any of your routine oral hygiene such as brushing or flossing. You want to avoid this the day/night of your surgery because it can affect the healing process. The following day,  continue your normal brushing but make sure to be sensitive and gentle around your implant. Proper oral hygiene is important after post-surgery to ensure healing and prevent infection. 

Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly. You may also want to use an antibacterial mouthwash to help keep your mouth clean and free of bacteria.

Avoid Potentially Harmful Foods and Drinks

Another dental care tip for people who’ve just gotten implants is to ditch potentially harmful foods and drinks. For a few days following surgery, it is imperative to avoid crunchy, spicy, hot temperature foods as well as alcohol and tobacco products because these can negatively affect the implant and create complications in the healing process. 

Cutting these things out of your diet will help you recover quickly and reduce your risk of complications.

Foods You Can Safely Enjoy 

Following your surgery, your mouth will most likely be sore which is normal and expected. To avoid further pain or strain on your teeth, eating soft foods is important. Things such as smoothies, soft fruits, room temperature soups, eggs, tofu, cottage cheese, oatmeal, yogurts, mashed potatoes, and other pureed vegetables are all great options. 

A balanced diet is important for dental implant healing, so be sure to consume plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.

Understand How to Deal With Bleeding

Following the dental implant procedure, you may notice some bleeding from your gums. This is normal and nothing to be concerned about.

If you experience bleeding, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater. When brushing, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid flossing around the implant site for the first week or two. If the bleeding persists or gets worse, then contact your surgeon right away.

Tackle Any Swelling

You may also experience some swelling after dental implant surgery which is normal and will usually go away within a few days.

To help reduce the swelling, apply a cold compress to your face for 20 minutes at a time. You can do this several times a day as needed. Just be sure not to put the ice directly on your skin, as this could cause frostbite.

If the swelling persists or gets worse, see your surgeon right away.

Deal With the Pain

Some patients may experience pain and discomfort after dental implant surgery, but this is usually mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.

If you’re in a lot of pain, contact your surgeon to see if they can prescribe something stronger. The pain should go away within a week or two in most cases.

Take Prescribed Medications

It’s not unusual for your surgeon to prescribe antibiotics after dental implant surgery to help prevent infection. Be sure to take the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed and follow all other instructions from your surgeon. 

Note that you may experience some side effects from taking antibiotics, such as nausea, diarrhea, or a rash. If you do stop taking the medication and contact your surgeon or general doctor right away.

Slow Down on Physical Exercise

If you’re an avid exerciser, you’ll need to take it easy for a few weeks after dental implant surgery. Avoid strenuous physical activity and give your body time to heal.

Walking is a great way to get some exercise without putting too much strain on your implants. Be sure to listen to your body and take things at a slow and steady pace.

Make Follow-up Dental Visits

Following your dental implant procedure, you’ll need to make several follow-up visits. These appointments are important as they allow your surgeon to check on your progress and make sure that everything is healing properly.

Be sure to keep all of your follow-up dental appointments and call your surgeon’s office right away if you have any concerns or problems.

Use Your Implants Correctly

Due to their metal composition, dental implants tend to be stronger than natural teeth. However, this doesn’t mean that they’re indestructible. If you use them incorrectly, they’ll eventually fail.

Be sure to avoid biting your nails, chewing on ice, or using your teeth as tools. This will only damage your implants. Instead, use your implants only for chewing food.

Treat Your Dental Implants Well for Fast Recovery

Dental implant surgery is a relatively minor procedure, but it’s still important to take care of yourself afterward to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery. By following these simple tips, you can rest assured that your dental implants will heal fully and quickly.

Are you considering dental implants and would like to see a reliable surgeon for the procedure? Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment.

The post A Quick Guide to Dental Implant Aftercare appeared first on Santa Monica Center for Oral Surgery.

source https://santamonicaoms.com/2022/03/30/a-quick-guide-to-dental-implant-aftercare/

[santamonicaoms12]

A Quick Guide to Dental Implant Aftercare

Roughly 120 million people in the United States have at least one missing tooth. Another 36 million people have no teeth at all. 

As you can imagine, missing one or more teeth can be a challenging reality. Everyday tasks such as chewing food and pronouncing certain words can quickly become a challenge. In addition, it can take the shine out of your smile.

The good news is that there’s a perfect solution for missing teeth. Dental implants can instantly restore your dental appearance, making it a joy to smile again. It’s no wonder that 500,000 Americans get dental implants each year.

To reap the full benefits of dental implants, there are certain things you need to do following the procedure. These simple things help ensure a smooth and speedy recovery.

In this blog post, we will discuss post-implant care tips that will help you recover quickly and avoid any potential complications.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Post-operation, it is highly recommended to not do any of your routine oral hygiene such as brushing or flossing. You want to avoid this the day/night of your surgery because it can affect the healing process. The following day,  continue your normal brushing but make sure to be sensitive and gentle around your implant. Proper oral hygiene is important after post-surgery to ensure healing and prevent infection. 

Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly. You may also want to use an antibacterial mouthwash to help keep your mouth clean and free of bacteria.

Avoid Potentially Harmful Foods and Drinks

Another dental care tip for people who’ve just gotten implants is to ditch potentially harmful foods and drinks. For a few days following surgery, it is imperative to avoid crunchy, spicy, hot temperature foods as well as alcohol and tobacco products because these can negatively affect the implant and create complications in the healing process. 

Cutting these things out of your diet will help you recover quickly and reduce your risk of complications.

Foods You Can Safely Enjoy 

Following your surgery, your mouth will most likely be sore which is normal and expected. To avoid further pain or strain on your teeth, eating soft foods is important. Things such as smoothies, soft fruits, room temperature soups, eggs, tofu, cottage cheese, oatmeal, yogurts, mashed potatoes, and other pureed vegetables are all great options. 

A balanced diet is important for dental implant healing, so be sure to consume plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.

Understand How to Deal With Bleeding

Following the dental implant procedure, you may notice some bleeding from your gums. This is normal and nothing to be concerned about.

If you experience bleeding, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater. When brushing, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid flossing around the implant site for the first week or two. If the bleeding persists or gets worse, then contact your surgeon right away.

Tackle Any Swelling

You may also experience some swelling after dental implant surgery which is normal and will usually go away within a few days.

To help reduce the swelling, apply a cold compress to your face for 20 minutes at a time. You can do this several times a day as needed. Just be sure not to put the ice directly on your skin, as this could cause frostbite.

If the swelling persists or gets worse, see your surgeon right away.

Deal With the Pain

Some patients may experience pain and discomfort after dental implant surgery, but this is usually mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.

If you’re in a lot of pain, contact your surgeon to see if they can prescribe something stronger. The pain should go away within a week or two in most cases.

Take Prescribed Medications

It’s not unusual for your surgeon to prescribe antibiotics after dental implant surgery to help prevent infection. Be sure to take the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed and follow all other instructions from your surgeon. 

Note that you may experience some side effects from taking antibiotics, such as nausea, diarrhea, or a rash. If you do stop taking the medication and contact your surgeon or general doctor right away.

Slow Down on Physical Exercise

If you’re an avid exerciser, you’ll need to take it easy for a few weeks after dental implant surgery. Avoid strenuous physical activity and give your body time to heal.

Walking is a great way to get some exercise without putting too much strain on your implants. Be sure to listen to your body and take things at a slow and steady pace.

Make Follow-up Dental Visits

Following your dental implant procedure, you’ll need to make several follow-up visits. These appointments are important as they allow your surgeon to check on your progress and make sure that everything is healing properly.

Be sure to keep all of your follow-up dental appointments and call your surgeon’s office right away if you have any concerns or problems.

Use Your Implants Correctly

Due to their metal composition, dental implants tend to be stronger than natural teeth. However, this doesn’t mean that they’re indestructible. If you use them incorrectly, they’ll eventually fail.

Be sure to avoid biting your nails, chewing on ice, or using your teeth as tools. This will only damage your implants. Instead, use your implants only for chewing food.

Treat Your Dental Implants Well for Fast Recovery

Dental implant surgery is a relatively minor procedure, but it’s still important to take care of yourself afterward to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery. By following these simple tips, you can rest assured that your dental implants will heal fully and quickly.

Are you considering dental implants and would like to see a reliable surgeon for the procedure? Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment.

The post A Quick Guide to Dental Implant Aftercare appeared first on Santa Monica Center for Oral Surgery.

source https://santamonicaoms.com/2022/04/05/a-quick-guide-to-dental-implant-aftercare/

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How to Care for Your New Dental Implants

Roughly 120 million people in the United States have at least one missing tooth. Another 36 million people have no teeth at all. As you can imagine, missing one or more teeth can be a challenging reality. Everyday tasks such as chewing food and pronouncing certain words can quickly become a challenge. In addition, it can take the shine out of your smile. The good news is that there’s a perfect solution for missing teeth. Dental implants can instantly restore your dental appearance, making it a joy to smile again.

It’s no wonder that 500,000 Americans get dental implants each year.

To reap the full benefits of dental implants, there are certain things you need to do following the procedure. These simple things help ensure a smooth and speedy recovery.

In this blog post, we will discuss post-implant care tips that will help you recover quickly and avoid any potential complications.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Post-operation, it is highly recommended to not do any of your routine oral hygiene such as brushing or flossing. You want to avoid this the day/night of your surgery because it can affect the healing process. The following day,  continue your normal brushing but make sure to be sensitive and gentle around your implant. Proper oral hygiene is important after post-surgery to ensure healing and prevent infection. 

Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly. You may also want to use an antibacterial mouthwash to help keep your mouth clean and free of bacteria.

Avoid Potentially Harmful Foods and Drinks

Another dental care tip for people who’ve just gotten implants is to ditch potentially harmful foods and drinks. For a few days following surgery, it is imperative to avoid crunchy, spicy, hot temperature foods as well as alcohol and tobacco products because these can negatively affect the implant and create complications in the healing process. 

Cutting these things out of your diet will help you recover quickly and reduce your risk of complications.

Foods You Can Safely Enjoy 

Following your surgery, your mouth will most likely be sore which is normal and expected. To avoid further pain or strain on your teeth, eating soft foods is important. Things such as smoothies, soft fruits, room temperature soups, eggs, tofu, cottage cheese, oatmeal, yogurts, mashed potatoes, and other pureed vegetables are all great options. 

A balanced diet is important for dental implant healing, so be sure to consume plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.

Understand How to Deal With Bleeding

Following the dental implant procedure, you may notice some bleeding from your gums. This is normal and nothing to be concerned about.

If you experience bleeding, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater. When brushing, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid flossing around the implant site for the first week or two. If the bleeding persists or gets worse, then contact your surgeon right away.

Tackle Any Swelling

You may also experience some swelling after dental implant surgery which is normal and will usually go away within a few days.

To help reduce the swelling, apply a cold compress to your face for 20 minutes at a time. You can do this several times a day as needed. Just be sure not to put the ice directly on your skin, as this could cause frostbite.

If the swelling persists or gets worse, see your surgeon right away.

Deal With the Pain

Some patients may experience pain and discomfort after dental implant surgery, but this is usually mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.

If you’re in a lot of pain, contact your surgeon to see if they can prescribe something stronger. The pain should go away within a week or two in most cases.

Take Prescribed Medications

It’s not unusual for your surgeon to prescribe antibiotics after dental implant surgery to help prevent infection. Be sure to take the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed and follow all other instructions from your surgeon. 

Note that you may experience some side effects from taking antibiotics, such as nausea, diarrhea, or a rash. If you do stop taking the medication and contact your surgeon or general doctor right away.

Slow Down on Physical Exercise

If you’re an avid exerciser, you’ll need to take it easy for a few weeks after dental implant surgery. Avoid strenuous physical activity and give your body time to heal.

Walking is a great way to get some exercise without putting too much strain on your implants. Be sure to listen to your body and take things at a slow and steady pace.

Make Follow-up Dental Visits

Following your dental implant procedure, you’ll need to make several follow-up visits. These appointments are important as they allow your surgeon to check on your progress and make sure that everything is healing properly.

Be sure to keep all of your follow-up dental appointments and call your surgeon’s office right away if you have any concerns or problems.

Use Your Implants Correctly

Due to their metal composition, dental implants tend to be stronger than natural teeth. However, this doesn’t mean that they’re indestructible. If you use them incorrectly, they’ll eventually fail.

Be sure to avoid biting your nails, chewing on ice, or using your teeth as tools. This will only damage your implants. Instead, use your implants only for chewing food.

Treat Your Dental Implants Well for Fast Recovery

Dental implant surgery is a relatively minor procedure, but it’s still important to take care of yourself afterward to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery. By following these simple tips, you can rest assured that your dental implants will heal fully and quickly.

Are you considering dental implants and would like to see a reliable surgeon for the procedure? Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment.

The post How to Care for Your New Dental Implants appeared first on Santa Monica Center for Oral Surgery.

source https://santamonicaoms.com/2022/04/04/how-to-care-for-your-new-dental-implants/

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Six Benefits of the Teeth-In-A-Day Process

Are you wondering what the fastest, most convenient way to get dental implants is? If you’re missing multiple teeth, chances are you’re eager to undergo oral surgery and have them restored. The appearance of your teeth affects so many aspects of life, in ways you would not have expected.

Multiple broken or missing teeth can make eating difficult. They can make speaking normally impossible. And worst of all, broken or missing teeth can make you feel embarrassed to smile.

Fortunately, there is a clear way forward and with modern, state-of-the-art dental technology, it does not have to take any longer than one day.

In this article, we’re going to go over the Teeth-In-A-Day dental procedure. We will explain what the Teeth-In-A-Day procedure is and how it’s different from traditional implants, then discuss six major benefits of Teeth-In-A-Day.

To discover how you might be able to restore your smile and get back to life as usual quickly with Teeth-In-A-Day, keep reading.

What Is the Teeth-In-A-Day Process?

Teeth-In-A-Day are customized dental implants that restore full sets of upper or lower teeth. The process is ideal for those with severe damage to several of their teeth, or those who need to have all their natural teeth removed.

Teeth-In-A-Day uses all-on-four technology to restore full sets of teeth quickly.

With All-on-four teeth, a full set of teeth is fastened to just four implants. In traditional implant procedures, there must be multiple implants to replace a full set of teeth. The Teeth-In-A-Day process with all-on-four technology is much less extensive.

Five Benefits of Teeth-In-A-Day

Now that you have a basic idea of what Teeth-In-A-Day is, let’s talk about the procedure’s benefits. Read on for more details about Teeth-In-A-Day.

1. Faster Than Traditional Implants

Traditional teeth implants are done over a period of between six months and one year. Sometimes they take even longer. This is because you may need bone grafting first after your teeth are extracted and before the implants can be placed.

The procedures involved in traditional multiple implants can be much more time-consuming than Teeth-In-A-Day implants.

With Teeth-In-A-Day, you will get a working set of temporary teeth on day one. Then, your new permanent teeth should be ready to implant within a few months.

2. Only Four Implants Are Required

Teeth-In-A-Day is for people who need to replace multiple teeth. With traditional implants, these people had no option but to get a separate implant for each tooth.

But with the all-on-four process, an entire arch of teeth is replaced with just four implants. This means the surgery is less severe, resulting in less discomfort and less time required to heal.

With traditional implants, multiple surgeries and bone grafting to prepare for the implants are typically necessary. But since only four implants are needed for Teeth-In-A-Day, bone grafting is usually unnecessary.

3. A More Comfortable Experience

As we have touched on a few times, the innovative Teeth-In-A-Day process is considerably more comfortable than traditional alternatives. Increased comfort is one of the procedure’s biggest advantages.

For one thing, the entire surgical procedure is completed in a single day. There is no time spent waiting between surgeries.

And in dental offices like Santa Monica Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, your comfort and relaxation are our priority. Learn more about our state-of-the-art office here.

4. Gives You a Smile to Feel Proud Of

When it’s all said and done, what matters most is that your new dental implants allow you to live your life in comfort and confidence. Besides having functional teeth, you need to feel good about the way your new smile looks.

Teeth-In-A-Day can give you that confident smile in less time than ever before. You do not have to wait long—from the very first day, you will be able to speak and interact normally with a healthy-looking smile.

5. You Get Back to Life as Usual Quickly

Although a procedure’s end results are always what matter most, for most people time is a critical issue too.

The great news is, with Teeth-In-A-Day, you can be back to normal in no time. It’s a convenient, noninvasive, and fast procedure that can give you a smile to feel proud of in a matter of hours.

Learn About Oral Surgery and Find the Right Options for You

Teeth-In-A-Day is an innovative and convenient oral surgery with many benefits over traditional implants. But where can you go? 

For residents in or near the West Los Angeles area, Santa Monica Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is an obvious choice.

Besides being the oldest practice in West LA, we incorporate the latest forefront surgical technology to improve every aspect of your experience and recovery. We are members of the California Dental Association, and our patients tell us that our communication and execution are unmatched.

To discover the best oral surgery options for you, visit us today.

The post Six Benefits of the Teeth-In-A-Day Process appeared first on Santa Monica Center for Oral Surgery.

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Everything You Need to Know About All-on-4 Dental Implants

Before the development of dental implants, tooth loss could only be addressed using prosthetics like dentures and bridges. Unlike traditional prosthetics, implants are placed in the jawbone and function like natural tooth roots. With a global market value of nearly $4 billion, dental implants have become a popular solution for tooth loss. 

If the thought of extensive oral surgery keeps you from enjoying a new smile, you may be a great candidate for all-on-4 dental implants. In this article, we’ll explore the all-on-4 process and whether you are a good candidate for the advanced treatment.

Are You a Candidate?

If you are missing an entire arch of teeth, you are likely a great candidate for All-on-4 dental implants. The advanced implants support a 12 or 14-tooth denture that restores form and function to your smile.

Initial Consultation 

Our esteemed doctors will listen to your personal goals and perform an exam to determine if you are a candidate for this advanced dental implant solution.

Exam and X-rays

Candidates should be in good oral health and free from jawbone atrophy. Our doctors use x-rays, or 3D CT scans to look for signs of jawbone loss. Candidates who have lost extensive jawbone mass may be required to undergo sinus lift surgery or another procedure to augment their jawbone. 

Alternate Treatment Options

If you are missing one tooth or a few adjacent teeth, you may be a better candidate for a bridge or a partial denture. Whatever your tooth loss needs are, one of our doctors can describe your treatment options. All of our patients benefit from cutting-edge surgical technology and classic patient-centered care.

How Do All-on-4 Dental Implants Work?

Implant-retained dentures typically require several implants. Each implant has to be surgically placed in the jaw. All-on-4 implants work differently. 

Fewer Dental Implants 

All-on-4 dental implants support a denture and only require the placement of four dental implants. Fewer implants mean a quicker recovery and lower risk of side effects following treatment. Fewer implants can also mean a lower overall treatment cost. 

Incredible Stability

Our surgeon will place two implants near the front of your jaw and two implants near the rear of your jaw.

The All-on-4 treatment allows one of our doctors to angle the implants in a manner that maximizes available jawbone space. This allows the prosthetic to be fully supported, so it doesn’t shift.

Ideal Treatment Following Bone Loss 

The All-on-4 option also allows one of our doctors to strategically place the implants in areas where jawbone density is highest. This can be a great option for people who have suffered jaw bone atrophy. Following tooth loss, it is natural for the bone that supported a tooth to be reabsorbed. 

All-on-4 implants are also ideal for people who have close anatomical features. New implants offer a safer alternative for these patients.  

Teeth In a Day

You may have heard the term “teeth in a day” associated with this treatment. Following the surgical placement of four implants, you can be immediately fitted with an implant-supported denture.

Traditional dental implant treatments require patients to wait months before they can finally be fitted with implants. Sometimes, extra follow-up surgeries to attach abutments are needed. With the All-on-4 treatment option, you can skip those extra steps and go straight to enjoying the benefits of an implant-supported denture.  

Treatment Overview

Although you will require fewer dental implants, oral surgery is still required for you to enjoy the benefits of gaining all-on-four teeth. Once one of our doctors creates a custom treatment plan, a date will be set for your oral surgery. 

Once your oral surgery has been carefully planned, you’ll arrive at our office, where you’ll be directed to the surgical room.

Sedation Dentistry

Our doctors are Diplomates of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and they care about your comfort. That is why we offer sedation dentistry to help patients relax or even sleep during dental procedures for painless dental care.

Oral Surgery

Once you feel relaxed and comfortable, one of our doctors will remove any remaining teeth. The next step involves the placement of the implants.

One of our surgeons will place your implants. Your doctor will attach a special device called an abutment to the top of the implant. The abutment connects the implant to the denture. 

Our doctor will make an incision in the gums and will place an implant in the jawbone. Once They have placed all four implants, they will then attach your implant-supported denture. Someone from our team will walk you down from our office with your brand new set of teeth.

Recovery from Surgery   

There will still be a recovery period. During your initial recovery, you may experience minor side effects. You will be given recovery guidelines that should be closely followed. 

Long-term recovery takes three to six months. During that time, your implants will fuse with the surrounding jawbone through a natural process called osseointegration. 

Schedule Your Dental Implant Surgery Today

Our patients tell us that they feel heard by our staff. Our team has a reputation for giving patients the best experience every time they step into our office. If you are looking for a dental surgical team that goes above and beyond every time, you should consider working with Santa Monica Center for Oral Surgery & Dental Implants.

Our surgeons specialize in surgically placing all-on-4 dental implants. To schedule your oral surgery consultation, contact our office today. 

The post Everything You Need to Know About All-on-4 Dental Implants appeared first on Santa Monica Center for Oral Surgery.

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Your Smile Guide to Types of Dentures and How to Choose Between Them

Did you know that by the age of 17, around 7% of people have lost a tooth to decay? If you’re missing one or more teeth, you might find it difficult to speak or eat. As a result, you might experience a decrease in self-confidence. If you’re missing any amount of teeth, you deserve to receive quality dental care. One option is dentures. There are different types of dentures that you can choose from that will address your unique needs. 

This guide will go over what you need to know about dentures and where you can find a qualified dental care specialist. 

Full or Complete Dentures

Full or complete dentures are traditional, full-coverage dentures. This type of denture will replace your entire lower or upper arch of missing or damaged teeth. 

Your oral surgeon will start by extracting any remaining teeth. Then, your dental specialist will start with a plastic base to prepare complete dentures for you. This supports a full set of porcelain or plastic teeth. 

The dentist will then use bone grafting or a sealant to hold the dentures in your mouth. Full dentures can also be held in place by dental implants. 

Complete dentures are entirely customizable. They help restore the look and shape of your natural teeth. This type of denture also helps you chew and grind teeth as you would with natural teeth. 

The average candidate for full dentures are those who are elderly or people who have lost all of their teeth. With full dentures, you’ll achieve a more youthful appearance and a healthier smile. 

Partial Dentures

Partial, or removable dentures work to restore the functionality of your jaw by replacing missing teeth. 

Your dental specialist will create a metal framework or plastic base for your partial dentures. This is then held in place by multiple clasps. The dentures rest around your remaining teeth. 

Partial dentures are typically recommended for patients that can’t receive an implant-supported bridge. They’re easy to remove when it comes time to clean them.

All-on-4 Dental Implants

Another name for All-On-Four dental is “full arch dental implant bridges.” Four screws are placed into the jawbone and gums and left to heal sufficiently before the implant bridge can be secured in place. Once implanted, the bridge will never need to be removed and will resemble the appearance of your natural teeth.

As with all dental implants, All-On-Four dental implants are placed during an outpatient surgical procedure with an oral surgeon. Most patients will want to take advantage of some sort of sedation for this procedure, in addition to the local anesthetic that will be used.

Before leaving Santa Monica Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants, patients are typically fitted with a comfortable set of “fixed” temporary teeth. After the implants have fully healed with the bone (which can take up to 4 months), the patient will receive a permanent new set of teeth from their general dentist.

Traditional approaches to restoring a full arch of teeth (upper jaw or lower jaw, or both) usually involve six or more dental implants and as many as 18 months of treatment. This approach typically requires a patient to often be without any teeth or with ill-fitting temporary dentures for more than a year.

All-On-Four implants are more stable and secure and function just like natural teeth.

What Are the Benefits of All-on-4 Dental Implants?

The technology behind dentures and All-on-4 implants has evolved over the years. They’re designed to be comfortable while helping you smile, chew, and look confident. 

After surgery, your dentist might give you a list of certain foods to eat in moderation to increase the longevity of your dentures. Once your dental implants are fully integrated,  you won’t have any restrictions on the food you eat. You can eat all the food you love with a restored smile.

All-on-4 implants also work to increase the support in your facial muscles. The bone structure in your mouth can deteriorate if you have missing teeth. Dentures will improve the rate of disintegration of the bones in your mouth and alleviate some of the wear and tear on your remaining teeth. Chewing with dentures on will equally distribute the pressure throughout your entire mouth. 

Dental Implants

A dental implant is a screw-like device that gets inserted into your jawbone. The screws function like artificial tooth roots and are typically made from titanium.

Once the implant is secured into the jawbone, a crown is placed on top. 

Implant Supported Dental Bridges

Implant supported dental bridges are permanent and replace one or more missing teeth. It’s comprised a dental implant, to replace both the lost natural tooth and its root, and a crown that is formed to fit into the open spaces in your mouth where your teeth used to be. 

Am I a Good Candidate for Dentures?

Patients who have significant tooth loss are good candidates for dentures. Receiving false teeth isn’t dependent on your age. The quality and condition of your teeth are the primary consideration point. 

Another thing to keep in mind is if you have healthy gum tissue and a good amount of jawbone. Dentures need support from your mouth’s natural teeth so they can stay in place for a long period of time. 

How Do I Choose the Right Dentist for Me?

There are many options for dentures and other tooth restoration procedures. It can be overwhelming trying to figure out what’s best for you. That’s why making an appointment at a dentist and oral surgery office is important. 

At Santa Monica Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants, we’re committed to helping you achieve a healthy and flawless smile. We’ll welcome you into our calm and relaxing office space. Our innovative treatments help our patients reach their goals, no matter the health of their smile. 

Our services are unique because we incorporate the innovation of cutting-edge surgical technology with classic patient-centered care. Make an appointment with us today to learn more about our services. 

Learn About Different Types of Dentures

Our dental care staff is ready to help you discuss the various types of dentures. We’ll create a customized treatment plan that has your needs and goals in mind. We can’t wait to give you high-quality and professional dental care services. 

The post Your Smile Guide to Types of Dentures and How to Choose Between Them appeared first on Santa Monica Center for Oral Surgery.

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How to Choose the Best Center for Oral Maxillofacial Surgery

Getting dental implants or oral surgery can be daunting but it doesn’t have to be. Are you in need of oral surgery and want to be heard?

At Santa Monica Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants, we stay committed to providing positive and fulfilling experiences for our patients. We specialize in oral maxillofacial surgery and this is why we strive to provide excellent care. We do this through revolutionary concepts with cutting-edge technology.

The dental industry is always changing and we like to evolve with it. We do this to provide our patients with the best results through the most efficient methods. No patient goes unheard at Santa Monica Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants.

Read on to find out more. 

What You May Not Know About Dental Implants Or Oral Maxillofacial Surgery

Many people assume that dental implant surgery is extremely complicated and involves implanting a prosthesis into the jawbone. In fact, dental implant surgery is a pretty routine procedure. Dental implant surgery on average has a success rate of over 98%.

Of course, cases will fluctuate on a patient-to-patient basis. This is why a consultation and x-rays are always conducted. This is done to help determine the health and candidacy of a potential dental implant oral surgery patient.

If you were thinking of dental implants as an option for tooth replacement, you will find it reassuring to know that people often experience an ability to bite or chew as they did before they received the implants. These motions are just about identical to those same motions that were being made with their natural teeth.

Dental implants are as strong and feel like your natural teeth. Additionally, dental implants guard against bone loss. Tooth loss is often associated with the loss of bone. That bone is usually what was supporting that missing tooth the entire time.

The loss of bone can, unfortunately, result in the mouth looking sunken or may cause wrinkles. Dental implants, however, portray the same shape and strength as the roots of your natural teeth. This is what helps to preserve the jawbone itself. It also helps to prevent the side effects from tooth decay and bone loss from occurring at all.

Dental implants come with health benefits. Although they are used for cosmetic purposes, their uses span well beyond that. You may notice after receiving dental implants that you have the natural ability to do things that you were able to do before you replaced your natural teeth.

Some of these things could be chewing or biting down on things. This can increase your opportunity of maintaining a healthy diet. There are many benefits to different procedures and there are also multiple procedures to achieve the same or different things.

This is why we focus on patient care and create individual care plans based on what you need and what is appropriate for you and your health.

How Are We Different?

You won’t only notice the difference in our practice through just the services that we offer. You will notice a difference in how you’re treated, and how our team greets you as soon as you step foot into our waiting room. You will also feel a sense of security and understanding with our team of talented and knowledgeable oral maxillofacial surgeons.

We don’t just focus on patients that need reconstructive surgeries, or even dental alveolar surgeries. We also offer innovative treatments such as all-on-four dental implants and teeth-in-an-hour procedures.

We take pride in our ability to stay innovative and offer our patients care through the latest methods in the industry. A great example of this is our use of the revolutionary concept of teeth in a day.

We can provide patients with functioning teeth on dental implants with only one procedure by focusing more on implant placement precision. Our patients love that this type of procedure decreases postoperative discomfort.

That means that you will experience less swelling and less bruising. Many patients can resume normal activities as soon as the next day. This is a prime example of what we do for our patients and why we do it.

What Services Do We Offer?

A few of the procedures that we offer are all-on-four dental implants, sinus lifts, removal of wisdom teeth, and even procedures to address facial trauma. We also offer sedation dentistry.

You can think of the Santa Monica Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants as your one-stop shop for all your dental and oral health needs.

We have structured ourselves this way so that we can ensure all our patients receive a particular continuity of proper care that is designed to their needs. If oral surgery makes you nervous, that’s okay as it can be intimidating for many people.

This is why you want to work with an Oral Maxillofacial Surgery clinic that makes patient care a top priority.

Your comfort and understanding of the procedure are our top priority. We provide detailed pre-and post-op instructions to alleviate the chance for misunderstanding or misinformation as well.

If you’re curious about the services that we offer you can always contact our office. We will be glad to explain our procedure list to you, how your first visit will go, and what may be best suited for your personal needs.

Here’s Why We Want To Add You To Our Family

The results that you want are within reach. By working with a knowledgeable, innovative, and compassionate team you will have an experience like no other.

Whether you require oral maxillofacial surgery, are interested in finding out more about a specific service we offer, or want to talk to us and ask us questions about your concerns, we can guarantee that you will always receive exceptional care.

We can’t wait to meet you and make a difference in your life. If you’re interested in becoming a patient with the longest-standing OMS practice in West Los Angeles, schedule your first visit with us now.

The post How to Choose the Best Center for Oral Maxillofacial Surgery appeared first on Santa Monica Center for Oral Surgery.

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Dental Implants: What Does the All-on-Four Teeth Process Entail?

Are you missing teeth or have dentures that often slip? Does this make you feel self-conscious? Do you find that you tend to smile less and have trouble talking and eating?

Dental Implants offer a way to replace missing teeth and enhance your daily life. The Journal of Oral Implantology reports a 98 percent success rate with implants.

If you’ve lost a significant number of teeth, the All-On-Four implant procedure may be right for you. Keep reading to learn more about this type of implant and its benefits.

What Are All-On-4 Dental Implants?

All-On-Four implants are often recommended to replace all the upper or lower teeth. Four dental implants act as anchor points. The dentist attaches overdentures or bridges to the implant for a permanent prosthesis.

This technique allows the replacement of 12 to 14 teeth without the need for bone grafting. Now you can replace missing and/or damaged teeth and avoid wearing dentures. Plus, dental implants look and function like natural teeth.

What Does a Single Dental Implant Procedure Involve?

The dentist will remove damaged teeth and their roots. A titanium screw (implant) is then placed into the jawbone. You’re given sedation and/or local anesthesia for this in-office procedure.

The jawbone tissue then grows around the screw. This forms a permanent base that helps preserve the bone.

You may wear a comfortable set of temporary “fixed” teeth while the bone heals. The healing process usually takes up to four months.

Once the implant heals, a crown (false tooth) is secured to the implant. If you’re missing several teeth, the dentist may insert two implants at each end of the missing area. A bridge is then bonded to the implants to permanently replace the row of missing teeth.

Can I Get All-On-Four Dental Implants in One Day?

State-of-the technology has made same-day “All-On-Four” implants an option. This means that you’ll leave the office with a full set of temporary teeth. Now you can more quickly achieve a confident, beautiful smile in one day.

This special technique has a lower risk of the implants becoming loose in the jawbone. It’s important to know that the same-day procedure isn’t an option for replacing one or a few teeth.

The All-On-Four Procedure

All-On-Four systems fuse with your jawbone easier than single implants. This creates more stability. The dentist inserts four titanium posts (implants) spaced across the treatment area. These become the anchor points for your bridge of replacement teeth. Sedation may be an option for this procedure. Next, the dentist will attach temporary teeth to the implants.

You won’t need to worry about the bridge shifting, slipping, or falling out. It gives you stable, usable teeth while the implants heal. You’ll be instructed to avoid biting on hard foods to promote proper healing.

In some instances, the dentist may use removable bridges. For example, if you grind your teeth the dentist will ask you to remove the bridge when sleeping. This ensures quicker and full implant healing.

Once the implants have bonded with the jawbone, you’ll get permanent bridges. This may take place up to six months after the first procedure.

How Much Are Dental Implants?

The cost of dental implants varies based on your specific needs and location. On average, All-On-Four dental implants cost between $12,000 and $25,000 per arch.

Often, same-day procedures cost less. This offers a more affordable dental implant option because it takes fewer visits.

Check with your dental insurance to find out how much they cover for this procedure. If you have to pay part or all of the bill, there are options available to help you. The Cosmetic Dentistry Grant Program helps patients by covering part of the cost.

Many dentist offices have payment programs that allow you to pay your bill over time. Some individuals choose to take a loan to cover the dental implant cost.

Benefits of Dental Implants

There are many benefits to choosing dental implants in place of dentures. Those who wear dentures for a long time begin to experience shrinkage of the jawbone. This prevents the dentures from adhering properly so they slip and fall out.

The implants stimulate the jawbone to keep making bone cells, so this doesn’t happen. Implants also look and function like natural teeth. You can eat normal food that’s safe for all teeth.

They only require routine oral care. Brush them twice a day, floss, and see your dentist twice a year.

Dental implants improve your daily life in the following ways:

Enhanced self-esteem and confidence with a beautiful smile

Restored natural facial contours to provide a younger look

Reduced cavities and other dental problems of adjacent teeth

Decreased sensitivity of your natural teeth

Increased ease of eating which improves your health

If you’ve worn dentures in the past, you’ll enjoy not having to remove them or use messy adhesives. There won’t be any unattractive metal clasps holding the bridge in place. This gives you the closest look of natural teeth you can achieve.

Oral health affects your general health. Bacterial infections in your mouth can trigger chronic inflammatory diseases. This may cause infections in other parts of your body as well.

Untreated oral infections can lead to strokes, heart attacks, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. Thus, oral health isn’t just about having white teeth and a pretty smile.

Do You Have Special Dental Care Needs?

If you’re missing several teeth, dental implants can restore your facial features and function. Santa Monica Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, founded in 1975, is the oldest practice in West Los Angeles. Our Board-Certified doctors offer state-of-the-art treatment options.

We’re committed to giving our patients an exceedingly positive experience. Our staff emphasizes compassion, integrity, honesty, and teamwork. We’re told by dental referrals that our communication and execution are unmatched.

You can trust that you will receive the best care in a supportive environment. Book your exam today let us help you achieve better dental health.

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Wisdom Tooth Extraction: How Does It Work and Why Should You Get It?

Every single year, 5 million people in the United States get their wisdom teeth removed. While these procedures aren’t always necessary, wisdom teeth can cause significant damage to the rest of your mouth when they are not removed.

Do you want to learn more about the wisdom tooth extraction process and why you should get yours removed? Keep reading to learn more about how it works and the benefits of getting your wisdom teeth removed. 

The Wisdom Tooth Removal Process

The wisdom tooth removal process is quite simple and will typically take about half an hour. Here is what you can expect before your procedure, during your wisdom teeth removal, and after your procedure. 

Before Your Wisdom Tooth Extraction

First, you will need to get a consultation with your oral surgeon or dentist. This can help you determine how many wisdom teeth you have in your mouth, whether they are impacted, and if there will be any complications with your wisdom teeth removal. 

You can also ask your oral surgeon if they accept your dental insurance, as these surgeries can be expensive. 

Next, you will need to prepare for the surgery. These are outpatient procedures, meaning you will be going home after your procedure is complete.

Make sure you have someone who is able to drive you home and ask your oral surgeon how long you should avoid eating and drinking before your wisdom tooth extraction. 

During Your Procedure

During your procedure, you will be given a form of anesthesia. This will be determined by your surgeon. Some people will only require local anesthesia at the site of their wisdom teeth so you do not feel any pain. This means that you will be awake during your procedure. 

However, some people are given sedation anesthesia or general anesthesia which will keep you asleep during your procedure. 

After you are given anesthesia, your oral surgeon will make an incision to expose any impacted wisdom teeth. Then, they will remove any bone that blocks their access to the roots of your wisdom teeth. 

Next, your oral surgeon will split the tooth into sections to make them easier to remove. After they remove your wisdom teeth, they will clean up the space where your wisdom teeth were, stitch the wound closed, and will use gauze to help control the bleeding. 

After Your Procedure

After your procedure, you will receive instructions from your oral surgeon to help your recovery. They will tell you how you can change your gauze and protect the blood clot at your wisdom tooth site. 

They will also likely provide you a prescription to help you with pain management. Otherwise, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs to help lessen the swelling. 

Finally, you will need to give yourself plenty of time to rest. You want to avoid any strenuous activities, food, and drink that could damage your stitches or dislodge your blood clot. 

Typically, you will only be able to eat soft foods that do not require chewing for at least a day or two. You also want to avoid any drinks that are alcoholic, carbonated, or caffeinated.

It is vital that you do not use a straw to drink, as the suction can remove your blood clot and cause damage to your extraction site. 

By following your dentist’s instructions on how to keep your mouth clean, you can protect your mouth until it is completely healed. 

Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Removal

Some people have a big enough palate that they do not need to get their wisdom teeth removed. However, most people will eventually have to get their wisdom teeth extracted. Here are some of the benefits of wisdom teeth removal. 

1. Prevents Damage to Other Teeth

One of the main reasons why people need to get their wisdom teeth removed is that it prevents damage to their other teeth. First, leaving your wisdom teeth may crowd your other teeth and cause them to shift. 

This can create a misaligned jaw and can cause damage to the adjacent molars in your mouth. 

Wisdom teeth can also be difficult to keep clean, especially if they are impacted wisdom teeth. If they are not kept clean, they can cause tooth decay on your other teeth and may even weaken the roots of your nearby teeth. 

2. Relieves Pain

Next, wisdom teeth removal can help relieve pain. When your wisdom teeth are erupting through your gums, it can cause gum inflammation and can be quite painful. 

Removing your wisdom teeth will help alleviate pressure in your mouth and will make your gums less sensitive. 

3. Prevents Oral Disease

If you do not get your wisdom teeth removed, it can lead to oral diseases, like cavities and gum disease. When you have impacted wisdom teeth that haven’t completely broken through your gums, it is easy to get bacteria trapped which can cause infections. 

To prevent oral disease and problems with your oral health, you can get your wisdom teeth removed. 

4. Reduces Risk of Jaw Damage

Finally, wisdom teeth removal can help prevent jaw damage. As mentioned before, impacted wisdom teeth can cause infections. When these are left untreated, it can lead to bone loss in your jaw, TMJ, and more. 

Get Help With Wisdom Tooth Extraction Today

While wisdom tooth removal is not necessary for everyone, there are many benefits that come from getting these teeth removed. By learning more about the wisdom teeth extraction process, you can better prepare for your oral surgery and know what to expect!

Are you looking for an oral surgery center to help with your wisdom tooth extraction? The Santa Monica Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants can help! We offer services to help prevent crowded teeth and oral disease, and we offer corrective surgery to improve your oral health. 

Contact our team today to learn more about our services or book your exam today!

The post Wisdom Tooth Extraction: How Does It Work and Why Should You Get It? appeared first on Santa Monica Center for Oral Surgery.

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Wisdom Tooth Extraction: How Does It Work and Why Should You Get It?

Every single year, 5 million people in the United States get their wisdom teeth removed. While these procedures aren’t always necessary, wisdom teeth can cause significant damage to the rest of your mouth when they are not removed.

Do you want to learn more about the wisdom tooth extraction process and why you should get yours removed? Keep reading to learn more about how it works and the benefits of getting your wisdom teeth removed. 

The Wisdom Tooth Removal Process

The wisdom tooth removal process is quite simple and will typically take about half an hour. Here is what you can expect before your procedure, during your wisdom teeth removal, and after your procedure. 

Before Your Wisdom Tooth Extraction

First, you will need to get a consultation with your oral surgeon or dentist. This can help you determine how many wisdom teeth you have in your mouth, whether they are impacted, and if there will be any complications with your wisdom teeth removal. 

You can also ask your oral surgeon if they accept your dental insurance, as these surgeries can be expensive. 

Next, you will need to prepare for the surgery. These are outpatient procedures, meaning you will be going home after your procedure is complete.

Make sure you have someone who is able to drive you home and ask your oral surgeon how long you should avoid eating and drinking before your wisdom tooth extraction. 

During Your Procedure

During your procedure, you will be given a form of anesthesia. This will be determined by your surgeon. Some people will only require local anesthesia at the site of their wisdom teeth so you do not feel any pain. This means that you will be awake during your procedure. 

However, some people are given sedation anesthesia or general anesthesia which will keep you asleep during your procedure. 

After you are given anesthesia, your oral surgeon will make an incision to expose any impacted wisdom teeth. Then, they will remove any bone that blocks their access to the roots of your wisdom teeth. 

Next, your oral surgeon will split the tooth into sections to make them easier to remove. After they remove your wisdom teeth, they will clean up the space where your wisdom teeth were, stitch the wound closed, and will use gauze to help control the bleeding. 

After Your Procedure

After your procedure, you will receive instructions from your oral surgeon to help your recovery. They will tell you how you can change your gauze and protect the blood clot at your wisdom tooth site. 

They will also likely provide you a prescription to help you with pain management. Otherwise, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs to help lessen the swelling. 

Finally, you will need to give yourself plenty of time to rest. You want to avoid any strenuous activities, food, and drink that could damage your stitches or dislodge your blood clot. 

Typically, you will only be able to eat soft foods that do not require chewing for at least a day or two. You also want to avoid any drinks that are alcoholic, carbonated, or caffeinated.

It is vital that you do not use a straw to drink, as the suction can remove your blood clot and cause damage to your extraction site. 

By following your dentist’s instructions on how to keep your mouth clean, you can protect your mouth until it is completely healed. 

Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Removal

Some people have a big enough palate that they do not need to get their wisdom teeth removed. However, most people will eventually have to get their wisdom teeth extracted. Here are some of the benefits of wisdom teeth removal. 

1. Prevents Damage to Other Teeth

One of the main reasons why people need to get their wisdom teeth removed is that it prevents damage to their other teeth. First, leaving your wisdom teeth may crowd your other teeth and cause them to shift. 

This can create a misaligned jaw and can cause damage to the adjacent molars in your mouth. 

Wisdom teeth can also be difficult to keep clean, especially if they are impacted wisdom teeth. If they are not kept clean, they can cause tooth decay on your other teeth and may even weaken the roots of your nearby teeth. 

2. Relieves Pain

Next, wisdom teeth removal can help relieve pain. When your wisdom teeth are erupting through your gums, it can cause gum inflammation and can be quite painful. 

Removing your wisdom teeth will help alleviate pressure in your mouth and will make your gums less sensitive. 

3. Prevents Oral Disease

If you do not get your wisdom teeth removed, it can lead to oral diseases, like cavities and gum disease. When you have impacted wisdom teeth that haven’t completely broken through your gums, it is easy to get bacteria trapped which can cause infections. 

To prevent oral disease and problems with your oral health, you can get your wisdom teeth removed. 

4. Reduces Risk of Jaw Damage

Finally, wisdom teeth removal can help prevent jaw damage. As mentioned before, impacted wisdom teeth can cause infections. When these are left untreated, it can lead to bone loss in your jaw, TMJ, and more. 

Get Help With Wisdom Tooth Extraction Today

While wisdom tooth removal is not necessary for everyone, there are many benefits that come from getting these teeth removed. By learning more about the wisdom teeth extraction process, you can better prepare for your oral surgery and know what to expect!

Are you looking for an oral surgery center to help with your wisdom tooth extraction? The Santa Monica Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants can help! We offer services to help prevent crowded teeth and oral disease, and we offer corrective surgery to improve your oral health. 

Contact our team today to learn more about our services or book your exam today!

The post Wisdom Tooth Extraction: How Does It Work and Why Should You Get It? appeared first on Santa Monica Center for Oral Surgery.

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Types of Dental Implants & How to Choose the Best One for You

Are you missing one or more teeth and have lost all confidence in social interactions?

People with missing teeth face a myriad of difficulties. Missing teeth can cause a loss of confidence to talk, smile, or indulge in social interactions. This condition can contribute to major insecurity, self-consciousness and can even lead to poor eating habits which include difficulty in chewing. Difficulty with proper mastication can create other health complications as well.

If you have this condition, and if you visit your dentist, chances are high that after an initial consultation, your dentist would suggest that you require dental implants. However, there is no need to get overwhelmed about how to choose the best one for you. As with your dental expert, you can discuss the following main types of dental implants and make an educated decision.

Endosteal Implants

Endosteal implants are among the most common types of implants best suited for most patients, no matter their condition. Although they require a strong jawbone structure and integrity to fuse the implants together, they are safe and effective. Sometimes endosteal implants are also used as an alternate option to bridges or removable dentures, making them a popular choice among people of all ages.

The implant itself can have three types of finishes:

The Screw (Threaded) Type

The Cylinder (Smooth) Type

The Bladed Type

It is advisable to talk to your oral surgeon to determine which type would work the best for you, as the screwing of the endosteal implant will require sufficient jawbone density. They provide the most natural feeling and mouth stability without making the patient feel that they have something artificial embedded.

The only drawback patients often find when considering endosteal implants or dental implants, in general, is how long they take to heal before moving on from the first step. Drilling a titanium screw-like root deep under their gums where bone may be missing for stability and comfort against chewing food (or talking) requires time. Soft tissue needs to form around these screws then fully integrate with the bone so that once fully healed, dentists will attach an artificial tooth over the top of them which fits snuggly among other natural ones within your mouth cavity.

Subperiosteal Implants

A lesser-known but still possible alternative to endosteal implants is subperiosteal implants. They were mainly used in the past when people would opt for complete dentures, and sometimes they could be necessary if a patient had insufficient bone height as well. The process is much simpler than that of an endosteal implant due to its placement on top of the periosteum rather than inside it like with other methods, so now many patients opting for this procedure don’t have any trouble at all.

Rather than the screw being drilled in the jawbone, the subperiosteal implant sits on top of the bone structure, fixed underneath the gum. A metal frame is used to fix the implant under the gum with the post attached to it. For the complete success of the process, the gum surrounding the metal frame needs to heal to hold it in place as the false teeth are attached to the exposed poles.

Subperiosteal implants do not integrate with your jawbone and are only held in place with your gum’s soft tissue. Hence, even though the subperiosteal implants have a faster recovery and process completion time as it is completed just within two to three sittings without invasive oral surgery, it doesn’t have the same level of stability as an endosteal implant.

Moreover, now that you know about the two main types of dental implants, you can discuss this with your oral surgeon and see what they suggest as per your condition and requirements. However, if your jaw cannot support an implant and both the options are out of the question, your dental team may suggest other options.

Other Options

Several techniques have been recently developed and are in practice to rebuild bone and structural integrity and restore your natural jawline to provide a stable and strong base for an implant. These include:

Bone augmentation techniques restore and restructure the jaw to support an implant which is can’t otherwise.

Sinus lift or sinus augmentation, also known as the sinus elevation technique, involves adding an actual bone below the sinus if a bone structure has been injured or deteriorated.

A ridge expansion is exactly what its name suggests, as it involves expanding your jaw through bone graft material being added to a small ridge along the top of your jaw.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know all about types of implants and other techniques that may help your jaw become eligible for one, you can have an educated discussion with a dental implant expert and ask them to clear any doubts whatsoever that you might have regarding your choice of implants.

Finding your long-lost smile and gaining your confidence back isn’t as challenging as it seems. Especially if you consult our dental experts at Santa Monica Center for Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, we are committed to providing our patients superior oral surgery care and can give you new teeth within a matter of time to get your smile and confidence back for the rest of your life. Call us to book our exam for dental implants today.

The post Types of Dental Implants & How to Choose the Best One for You appeared first on Santa Monica Center for Oral Surgery.

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Why Santa Monica Center for Oral Surgery & Dental Implants as Your Dental Replacement Specialist

Dental appointments seem to be daunting and invasive, even if it is nothing but a regular checkup. People are often met with intimidation when in the dental office. With a variety of sharp tools and confusing equipment to deal with, perception can deter people from pursuing their dental health.

However, according to a 2019 survey, 84% of adults in the US age gap of 18 to 34 years say that bad teeth negatively impact their personal and professional life. Considering these statistics, oral hygiene is not only important for self-care and health reasons but for self image as well. Therefore, neglecting oral hygiene for one reason or the other doesn’t make sense. One must invest in dental checkups, and regular oral hygiene appointments with a dentist for long-term desirable results.

Do you need a dental replacement? Looking for a reliable and experienced specialist near you? Santa Monica Center for Oral Surgery & Dental Implants has served the residents from Santa Monica and surrounding areas for more than 40 years now. From a wide range of dental services available for all age groups, the expert surgeons at Santa Monica Center are committed to providing their patients, community, and fellow healthcare professionals with superior oral surgery and care.

The following are some reasons why you should choose Santa Monica Center for your dental replacement appointment.

45+ Years of Practice in Oral Hygiene

Over the last 45 years, we have prided ourselves in providing our patients with the highest quality care. We provide a specific and specialized degree of treatments including the pathology of the jaws that requires subsequent reconstructive surgery, temporomandibular joint disease, dentoalveolar surgery, and orthognathic surgery. Our practice is deeply rooted in the Santa Monica community, and it has given us a purpose to serve our fellow community members with the best oral healthcare services.

Reputable Name

The inspiration for our company was founded back in 1975, and today we are the oldest OMS practice in West Los Angeles. While all these years our outpatient services have resided in Santa Monica, we seek hospital privileges at Providence St. John’s Health Center for more intensive and emergency dental surgeries. Our clients of 20 years and more have helped our well-established company grow to what it is today. It is our goal to continue to grow our community recognized brand through the excellence and value we provide to our patients.

Amazing Team of Surgeons

Our founders Dr. Rick Rutkowski and Dr. Bruce Sanders were the masterminds behind our oral surgery brand. And then there were three, when Dr. John Given joined the team a few years after the launch. Over the years, we have worked hard to establish our name and gain recognition in the dental health professionals’ community. Our growing reputation for excellence allowed us to recruit and introduce new and amazing surgeons to our team making Santa Monica what it is today. This list includes Dr. Howard Park who joined us in 1999, Dr. Richard Ting who joined in 2009, followed by Dr. Gil Ivry in 2016. In July of 2018, Drs. Park, Ting, and Ivry decided to add a fourth partner for the first time in the history of our practice, Dr. Jeffrey Tanner.

Centrally Located Office

Our office is centrally located in Santa Monica. We are however proud to serve residents from all over Santa Monica and surrounding areas including; Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Brentwood, Westwood, Marina Del Rey, Playa Del Rey, Playa Vista, Westchester, Culver City, West Los Angeles, Venice, Century City, and the San Fernando Valley.

Timely Checkups and Scheduling

We work diligently to stay on schedule and minimize our patient’s wait time. We are always striving to provide the best care for our patients. We do everything in our power to stay on schedule, but sometimes emergencies come up that may prolong your appointment. Don’t worry – we will make sure you get excellent service at any given time!

Bottom Line

So what are you waiting for? If you reside in Santa Monica or any of the nearby areas, no need to neglect your dental hygiene. Visit Santa Monica Center for your next oral checkup, surgery, or dental replacement and enjoy the best services and utmost dental care there is to offer.

Book your appointment today!

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Dental Implants After Surgery Care

Dental Implants After-Surgery Care

If you’ve just received dental implants, you may be wondering what you can do to speed up the recovery process for yourself. Dental implant aftercare is an overlooked but important part of recovering from oral surgery. Here at the Santa Monica Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants, we understand that receiving implants can be a strenuous process, and we believe that prioritizing your initial healing period can lead to a reduction in severe pain following your dental procedure.

Receiving implant treatment isn’t fun by any stretch of the imagination, but we’ve created a list of instructions to help you better navigate the healing process from your dental implant procedure. 

Dental Implant Aftercare

Knowing which foods you can safely enjoy on the day of surgery and within the couple of days following your surgery will be essential to expediting your individual healing process. Crunchy food, hot drinks, hot food, alcohol, and spicy food should be avoided at all costs. Instead, you’ll want to enjoy softer food in order to reduce the amount of food debris available to irritate your mouth. Alcohol consumption can similarly irritate the gums on the night of surgery and in the days immediately following your procedure. 

Soft food is your best choice to reduce your risk of infection in the period following your dental implant procedure. In order to best preserve your oral hygiene, ice packs on the jaw may be used to reduce swelling of the gums. Drinking plenty of fluids and water on the days after surgery can speed up the initial period of healing from your procedure by indirectly flushing your mouth of food debris, while ensuring that you also remain properly hydrated. Cold drinks are your best friend. 

Strenuous exercise should be avoided immediately after dental implant surgery so as not to cause unnecessary bleeding of the gums. Excessive bleeding and even tooth implant infection can result from failing to follow implant aftercare tips. In the event that your implants become infected, so as to avoid implant removal you may be given antibiotics by your doctor. Using a traditional toothbrush is also not recommended, as this kind of toothbrush can cause excessive pressure to impact your dental implant placement. 

Care Following A Bone Graft

Achieving proper dental implant placement can sometimes require a bone graft to be conducted. Bone grafting requires the use of transplanted natural bone to restore sections of bone loss in the jaw. Synthetic bone material may also be used to induce bone growth for the precise placement of dental implants. 

You may receive prescription pain medication for additional pain relief. While prescription pain medicines can be used in the weeks immediately following surgery, pain killers are not recommended for long-term use in situations where pain post implant would be a sign of implant failure.

Dental implant cleaning can provide a natural remedy for pain following surgery, and you may find additional pain relief from adhering to aftercare tips in combination with taking your prescribed dose of pain medication. 

You may find that consistently using water flossers with gentle pressure and gentle heat provides pain relief from swelling while expediting the healing period. Traditional floss can cause unnecessary pressure on the gums and induce unhealthy blood flow in the mouth. 

In the event that your mouth is filling with blood or you notice bleeding wounds in the days following your surgery, you may find it helpful to frequently apply and replace gauze sponges to the irritated portion of your gums. While not a long-term solution to excessive bleeding, using a gauze pack can contribute to experiencing minimal bleeding in the weeks following surgery.  

Keeping Your Mouth and Dental Implants Clean

Excessive alcohol consumption, even after you initially heal from your procedure, can be a catalyst for gum irritation. Sticking to a normal diet and avoiding strenuous activity for the first few weeks after your surgery gives you the best chance of reducing your risk of experiencing implant failure. Receiving regular cleanings and avoiding unnecessary physical exertion in the weeks following surgery can significantly reduce discomfort and minor bleeding commonly associated with the healing process. 

Bleeding after surgery is a common cause of discomfort for those going through the aftermath of a dental implant process, but this kind of bleeding can be reduced with regular salt water rinses while avoiding overly crunchy food. While hot water is not recommended, a warm saltwater solution can reduce your infection risk while prioritizing oral hygiene maintenance with minimal discomfort. 

Wearing a night guard may also be helpful if you find yourself grinding your teeth during sleep (this is most commonly recognized in the presence of moderate pain when waking up). 

Contact Us Today!

If you’re wondering if you might be an eligible patient for a dental implant procedure, we’d love to speak with you. Feel free to contact us via our website or via email to go over your treatment options with one of our qualified and experienced oral surgeons. You can schedule your free pre-operative consultation online.

With the right treatment plan discussed during your dental consultation, you can prioritize your oral hygiene and experience minimal pain throughout your recovery process. At Santa Monica’s premier oral surgery center, our dental patients overwhelmingly report successful implant procedures.

While implant recovery symptoms are not uncommon to experience, they can be minimized through strict adherence to post-operative instructions. Precise cleaning instructions and additional implant care instructions will be given to you by your doctor following your implant procedure. 

Eliminating unnecessary pain is not only possible, but achievable by any patient who follows implant aftercare instructions in the time period immediately following their surgical procedure. Your implant treatment outcome can reflect long-term success when you trust the Santa Monica Center for Oral Surgery with your implant treatment. Contact us today for additional instructions or more information!

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