Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General anesthesia is a method of safely putting you completely to sleep during your procedure. Unlike typical “sedation dentistry,” where you might take a pill or stay partially awake, IV general anesthesia allows you to be fully unconscious so you feel no pain and have no memory of the procedure. Our team carefully monitors you throughout surgery to ensure your safety and comfort from start to finish. Many patients find it helps reduce stress and makes even complex procedures much easier to manage.

Dental implants are the gold standard for teeth replacement, providing a long-term, reliable solution. However, if the bone in your jaw is degenerative or genetically thin, the dental implant may fail. An oral surgery specialist can perform bone grafting in the area so that the dental implant has a strong support.

Bone needs stimulation to grow, and if a tooth is missing, the body begins to reabsorb bone in the empty space. This process can result in facial hollowness, changes to your gum line, and even misalignment of other teeth.

One of the main benefits of dental implants is that it stimulates bone growth in the area of the missing tooth. In this process, called osseointegration, the post of the dental implant fuses with the jawbone, causing new bone growth around the post and better oral health.

If you don’t have enough bone in the area of a missing tooth, an oral surgery specialist can perform a bone graft using your own tissue or a biocompatible synthetic material. The bone graft will stimulate new bone cell growth and allow you to benefit from a dental implant.

Bone grafting is a routine procedure that requires local anesthesia and sometimes sedation, if needed. An oral surgery specialist can tell you if you’re a good candidate.

Dental implants are intended to blend in seamlessly with your natural teeth.

One of the advantages of this is that you can brush them and floss them the same as you would with your regular teeth. While implants never get cavities (and never need root canals!), you still want to continue brushing and flossing to keep your natural teeth and your gums healthy.

Oral pathology involves identifying and diagnosing unusual changes in your mouth, including lumps, sores, or other tissue abnormalities. Early detection is key, as some conditions can be serious if left untreated. Dr. Smith will carefully examine your mouth, often using advanced imaging, and provide a clear explanation of any findings. If needed, we’ll guide you through the next steps, whether it’s treatment, monitoring, or referral to a specialist. Regular oral pathology evaluations help protect your overall oral health and give you peace of mind.

Pre-prosthetic surgery prepares your mouth for dentures, implants, or other restorative dental work. This can include reshaping the jawbone, removing excess tissue, or performing minor bone grafting to create the ideal foundation for your new smile. The goal is to make sure your future dental restorations fit comfortably, look natural, and function properly. Dr. Smith works closely with your dentist or prosthodontist to plan the surgery and ensure the best long-term results.

One of the priorities in our dental office is to provide comfortable, gentle dentistry for our patients. Dental extraction treatment is no different. Before we begin, we will discuss your history with dental care. If you have difficulty getting numb, let us know. We can take some extra time anesthetizing your tooth to make sure you have a comfortable experience. Gentle care is important to us and since each patient is different, we will discuss any concerns you may have before we even begin.

It is normal to have some discomfort and swelling following a dental extraction. Typically, this can be addressed with over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen. We will talk to you about dosing recommendations and what to expect as you recover. Fortunately, the human mouth heals fairly quickly, as long as you avoid certain behaviors such as smoking and drinking through a straw following treatment.

You will likely feel a dramatic improvement in a couple of days and will feel completely healed within a week or two. We will schedule a follow-up exam to monitor your healing and make sure that everything is on track. We will be here with you every step of the way.

We also offer a number of options for replacing missing teeth, if necessary. Contact us for an appointment and we will go over everything with you, so you feel comfortable with your dental treatment.