Elite Oral Surgery Associates Blog

If you take blood thinners, whether for a heart condition, a history of blood clots, or another medical circumstance, you might assume a tooth extraction is off the table since it’s a surgical procedure. That said, this isn’t necessarily the case! With the right planning, tooth extractions are still very safe, comfortable, and common for patients on blood thinners. Here’s what you should know before your procedure.

If you wear traditional dentures, you probably already know that they come with some frustrations, like slipping while you eat, making it difficult to speak clearly, or even simply having to apply adhesives to ensure they fit snugly. These daily challenges are what lead many patients to look into All-on-4 dental implants, which offer all kinds of quality-of-life benefits. But how do you know if switching is the right move for you? Here are some pros and cons worth weighing.

If you’ve recently had a tooth removed, or you’re getting ready to undergo a tooth extraction, you might’ve heard something called “dry socket” mentioned while your dentist was explaining the process and post-op period. While it does sound unpleasant, with the right preparation and care, it’s rarely something you need to worry about—and if it does occur, it can thankfully be handled quickly and gently! Here’s a quick breakdown of dry socket and how it’s prevented and treated.

If you’re preparing for dental implants, then your dentist might’ve told you that a bone graft will be one part of your overall treatment plan. This procedure is designed to rebuild your jawbone density so that your implants have a strong, stable foundation to fuse with. But while the graft itself typically takes several months to fully heal, the choices you make in the days and weeks following your procedure can have a big impact on how smoothly and efficiently that healing process goes! Here’s what you’ll want to keep in mind to support your recovery.  

If you or your teen is getting ready for wisdom tooth surgery, or you’ve just had it done, you might be wondering what your recovery is going to look like—and more specifically, what you’ll need to do about the stitches your dentist will leave inside your mouth to close up the extraction site. Will they dissolve naturally, or will you need to come back and have them removed? The answer depends, but in either case, there isn’t much you need to worry about managing; here’s what you need to know.

When you lose a tooth toward the front of your mouth, replacing it quickly probably feels like a must; after all, everyone will notice the gap as soon as you smile! However, can the same be said for missing molars that are essentially hidden in the back of the mouth? It might be easy to assume that replacing these back teeth isn’t as much of a priority, but in reality, leaving a gap in the back of your mouth can lead to a surprising number of oral health problems over time. Here’s what you need to know and why dental implants are one of the best solutions for lost teeth.

If you’re hoping to rebuild your smile with dental implants, you might be worried about how it’ll affect your ability to travel. Whether you’re a frequent flyer for your job or you’ve got a family vacation in the near future, needing dental implants doesn’t necessarily mean you have to put your plans on hold! Here’s what you need to know about air travel and road trips following dental implant surgery, so you can plan your recovery appropriately. 

If you have a dental implant, or you’re thinking about getting one, you may be wondering if the metal component of the restoration could cause problems with airport security or metal detectors. After all, whether you enjoy traveling for business or pleasure, you wouldn’t want to put your plans on hold at the expense of maintaining a healthy smile. However, patients with dental implants really don’t have to worry about this occurring and can normally travel with confidence. Here’s what you need to know.

Simply put, dental implants are one of the most reliable and long-lasting solutions for replacing missing teeth. They look, feel, and function just like natural teeth, and better yet, with proper care, they can last for several decades or even a lifetime! With that in mind, if you’ve decided to move forward with dental implant treatment, preparation plays a very important role in ensuring your surgery goes smoothly and your recovery is successful and without any painful complications.

As a child and teenager, you couldn’t wait to gain your independence and be responsible for yourself. However, even as a grown-up, you’ll find you need assistance every now and then. When you have a tooth extraction, you will likely be told you must have a friend or family member drive you home. Why is this so common? Why would your oral surgeon recommend asking for help in this type of situation? Keep reading to learn why you might want to consider dental sedatives for this treatment and get a ride home instead of driving by yourself.