2023 – OFSI

Recovery After Oral Implants

Venture Creative on May 1, 2023

The process of placing implants has several steps, and recovery is one of the most important ones. Following any medical or oral procedure requires tedious aftercare and careful maintenance. After the long process of getting ready to receive your implants, you don’t want to compromise the procedure with poor hygiene or aftercare. Dr. Davis will discuss your specific care needs once your surgery is complete, but first we’ll discuss what to expect following your procedure to help you better prepare for your recovery.

What to Expect After Oral Implant Surgery

The recovery time for an oral implant procedure can take several months. As the bone begins to heal, the implant will start fusing into the bone and become part of your jaw. Titanium materials are used specifically because of their ability to bond with bone tissue and improve stability over time compared to other options. Following any oral surgery, aftercare is essential in the healing process.

Side effects following surgery are expected. Over the first 24 hours, you might experience a nominal amount of bleeding from the site, some pain or discomfort, and most likely some swelling and bruising. Because we administer a local anesthetic for all procedures, you might still feel numb even if you have opted for general anesthesia. This numbness will wear off between six and 12 hours post-op. While your mouth is numb, be careful not to bite down on your tongue, cheek, or surgical site. It’s important to take pain medications and follow aftercare instructions as directed by Dr. Davis.

Tips for Managing Pain and Discomfort

Pain management is one concern of many patients. Dr. Davis will prescribe pain medications following your procedure to help subside discomfort. Always follow specific instructions from your doctor when taking prescription medications. Reduce swelling with ice packs. Wrap the ice pack in a cloth to protect your skin from the cold. If you are experiencing significant bleeding, bite down on a piece of gauze for 30 minutes to help create a blood clot. Be sure to eat soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, or apple sauce. Avoid smoking before your procedure and especially during recovery.

Oral Care and Hygiene During Recovery

Your implants and the surrounding area are highly susceptible to infection, and it’s essential to care for your implants during recovery and the entire lifespan of your implant. It’s vital to keep your mouth clean during your recovery. Maintaining oral hygiene during recovery can prevent infections and ensure successful implant integration.

Your gums will be extra sensitive to brushing and flossing. Invest in a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid heavy brushing near the implant site. Rinse the area thoroughly and regularly with salt water to help eliminate any possibility of infection. Avoid activities that could crack or damage your new implants, such as chewing on hard candies or ice or opening bottles with your teeth. The failure rate of implants is typically very low, but there is a direct correlation between smoking and tobacco use and dental implant failure. If you smoke, quitting before your procedure will boost your chances of a successful implant and smooth recovery.

Follow Up Appointments and Care

As discussed, taking extra care when brushing and flossing after getting implants is essential. Increase your oral hygiene habits following any treatment. If Dr. Davis requires follow-up visits, be sure to put them on the calendar and take any advice he has seriously to ensure a smooth route to recovery. Remember to stick to the aftercare instructions that we give you and discuss any concerns with our office. Once recovered, be sure to implement new practices when maintaining oral hygiene.

It’s important to discuss any significant discomfort with your Oral Surgeon following your procedure. Be aware of the signs of infection, including fever, unusual drainage, or redness around the site. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact us immediately. If you feel concerned about a specific element of recovery, contact the Oral and Facial Surgery Institute for additional tips on caring for your new implants.

How Oral Facial Surgery Can Correct Sleep Apnea

Venture Creative on April 15, 2023

Sleep apnea and oral surgery might not sound directly related, but they are. Typically oral surgery is not the first step in treating sleep apnea; however, it might be the next stop in some patients’ situations. Sleep apnea refers to any breathing interruption when a person is asleep. Interrupted breathing is taxing to the brain and body. Oral or facial surgery might be the most effective option to correct any sleep interruptions you might be experiencing. There are various procedures available to help correct sleep apnea. Dr. Davis at Utah Oral and Facial Surgery Institute can help address your concerns. Let’s better understand what’s in store when treating sleep apnea.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea refers to any interruption that occurs during sleep. When experiencing sleep apnea, the tissues in the back of the throat collapse and block your airway while you sleep. This can happen for several seconds or up to a minute. After a minute, your brain wakes up just enough to restart breathing, and in some cases, this can happen over 500 times per night. You will never enter a deep sleep cycle if you are frequently experiencing breathing issues during the night.

Why is it important to treat sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea can be linked to many health concerns, especially if not treated. Because you are not getting enough sleep, you are probably experiencing fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day. You might even be experiencing headaches and some irritability. Sudden drops in blood oxygen can increase blood pressure causing strain on your cardiovascular system and increasing your risk of coronary artery disease, heart attacks, heart failure, and strokes.

Certain medications or anesthesia might relax your upper airway, but because they are sedatives, this can worsen obstructed airways. Major surgery, especially after sedation, can cause people with obstructive sleep apnea to be more prone to complications following their procedure.

Snoring and restless sleep can cause someone sleeping next to you to be sleep-deprived because of your condition. Sleep deprivation might eventually disrupt relationships and cause partners to sleep in the other room. Don’t let sleep apnea disturb your health or personal relationships. Contact OFSI today to consult Dr. Davis regarding your obstructive sleep apnea.

What kinds of surgeries are associated with sleep apnea?

There are various surgeries to attempt to correct sleep apnea if conservative treatments are not working for you. There are several options available to discuss further, but here are some of the procedures we recommend if you are looking for a permanent solution:

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, or UPP
Nasal Surgery
Soft Palate Implants
Hyoid Advancement
Tongue Surgery
Jaw Surgery
Tracheostomy

Considering the health concerns sleep apnea can cause, there are plenty of reasons why you might need to get treated sooner than you think. In some cases, conservative treatments, such as an oral appliance or a CPAP machine, might not effectively treat sleep apnea. Oral surgery might be the next step in treating your sleep apnea. For many patients, oral surgery can permanently end sleep apnea and snoring. That said, consult Dr. Davis at Utah Oral and Facial Surgery Institute to determine if oral surgery is the best option for you!

Why is it Important to Replace Missing Teeth?

Venture Creative on April 1, 2023

Missing teeth can be harmful to your oral health. After losing a tooth or multiple teeth, your remaining teeth will shift to fill the gap left behind, and your body will absorb bone tissue in the jaw to be used elsewhere. An implant might be necessary to prevent bone loss and misalignment of teeth. The Oral & Facial Surgery Institute team is well-versed in replacing teeth and has multiple procedures available to you.

Prevent Loss of Bone Tissue

After losing a tooth, bone loss can begin just six months following the loss. Over time the bone loss can cause facial sinkage altering your face shape. The sinkage is caused by the chewing force no longer stimulating the jawbone. This results in your body absorbing the tissue in your bone to be used elsewhere, which is called reabsorption. Bone loss and tissue loss can increase the risk of losing other teeth. Implants are artificial teeth, with the implant or ‘screw’ being the new ‘root.’ The new implant will prevent any further bone loss.

If you have experienced bone loss and have been told you are ineligible to receive implants, reach out to our office for a better solution that might fit your situation called Teeth in a Day. Contact Dr. Davis at the Oral and Facial Surgery Institute for a Teeth in a Day consultation! In this procedure, we will completely replace your smile in just one day with four implants to hold your dentures securely in your mouth.

Keep your Bite Even

Your teeth will naturally shift to close the gap a missing tooth leaves. After your teeth have begun to move, your upper and lower arch will meet at an awkward and unnatural position, which can cause discomfort. Being uncomfortable may cause you to favor one side of your mouth when chewing. Favoring one side over another can lead to facial asymmetry, meaning your face shape will begin to change. When your teeth shift, your teeth will become misaligned or crooked. Crooked teeth are increasingly difficult to clean and maintain. Misalignment of teeth can result in cavities or further tooth loss.

Prevent Overgrowth

Gaps in the teeth cause teeth to shift horizontally, but they can also affect their growth. Opposing teeth, directly below or above missing teeth, can grow longer to fill the space between teeth. When no tooth is opposite to an existing tooth, there is no force to communicate to the jaw to maintain its position. Dental implants can be the force to tell the tooth to maintain its position.

Retain Function

The main functions of teeth are to bite, grind food, and help you speak. Missing a tooth can affect how you eat hard or chewy foods. Rather than opting for soft food options because of discomfort, you can expand your diet simply by replacing a missing tooth. Gaps in teeth can change how air flows through the mouth, altering speech and the pronunciation of words. In severe cases, it can cause you to develop a speech impediment.

Improve Visual Smile

Having a friendly smile has been proven to have many social, professional, and emotional benefits. You might be experiencing insecurities surrounding your missing teeth, and replacing missing teeth can improve self-esteem. As mentioned, missing teeth can cause bone loss or favor one side of your mouth when chewing and cause facial asymmetry. Replacing missing teeth can improve your self-esteem, making you more excited to show off your smile!

Schedule a Consultation

Missing teeth can affect not only your oral health but your mental health as well. When missing, your remaining teeth will naturally shift or overgrow to fill the gap. When teeth shift, they can cause misalignment and crooked teeth making you more susceptible to cavities and further tooth loss. Bone deterioration can begin as soon as six months after losing a tooth. Restoring your smile can relieve pain, and you start eating your favorite foods again. If you are experiencing tooth loss or any discomfort surrounding it, it might be time to weigh your options for replacing teeth.

Dr. Davis and his incredible staff are willing to direct your journey to a new smile. Replacing missing teeth can be a simple procedure at the Oral & Facial Surgery Institute with the Teeth in a Day program.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Venture Creative on March 15, 2023

Dental implants are the best option for replacing teeth. If you have teeth that have been broken, or missing, or if you are experiencing issues with dentures, dental implants could be a better solution for you. Dr. Davis encourages dental implants because they are more permanent than other options and can be more comfortable. Depending on oral care and other lifestyle choices, dental implants will last a lifetime. Choosing dental implants over other solutions can be a tough decision, but our team at Oral & Facial Surgery Institute can help answer your questions and devise a plan tailored to your situation.

Why Implants?

Replacing a tooth can help a patient’s self-esteem, correct chewing patterns, and prevent bone in the jaw from deteriorating. Dental Implants are used when a patient is missing a tooth or multiple teeth. They are the closest to natural teeth because they are made of porcelain which resembles the hardness and appearance of natural teeth. The implant is comprised of three separate parts:

Implant: Titanium or zirconia post resembling a screw embedded into the jawbone and serves as the root for the new crown. The post bonds with teeth through a process called osseointegration.
Abutment: This is a fastener to hold the implant to the crown.
Crown: The crown is a false tooth mounted to the abutment providing the appearance and functionality of a natural tooth.

Dental implants are sturdy and meant to have some wear and tear as time goes on. However, the crown is the most visible piece of an implant, which makes it more susceptible to damage. Implants located at the back of the mouth are used more frequently, which means they will wear more quickly than an implant near the front. The abutment and the crown are most commonly damaged and replaced. Replacing either of these pieces is inexpensive and can be done relatively quickly. Be sure to notify our office if you are experiencing any discomfort from a damaged implant.

Increase the Longevity of Your Implant

Dr. Davis recommends regular brushing and flossing for all his patients, especially those who have received an oral implant or any oral procedure. Assuming that you are attending routine checkups and maintaining a proactive oral hygiene routine, the screw portion of the implant should last a lifetime. The crown section of the implant lasts about 10-15 years before you may need a replacement due to normal wear and tear. Depending on the age you receive your implant, you may never need to replace a crown.

Along with your oral hygiene habits, other things factor into the overall maintenance of your implants. Your lifestyle and diet choices can affect your overall oral health. Drinking and smoking are leading causes of gum disease which can adversely affect your implants, not only the crown but also the tissue surrounding the implant abutment or ‘screw.’

In the end…

Dental implants can be a life-changing decision on the road to improving your quality of life and oral health. Maintaining your implants is very important in increasing their longevity. As you learn to care for your implants, be strict with your oral hygiene habits and adjust your lifestyle where necessary. This could help your implants last longer than the projected 10-15 years. If you are considering implants or experiencing discomfort with a previous solution, consult Dr. Davis and his experienced staff at Oral & Facial Surgery Institute to discuss an effective treatment plan.

When Should I Have My Child Evaluated for Wisdom Teeth Extration

Venture Creative on March 1, 2023

Over 90% of Americans have their wisdom teeth removed. Impacted wisdom teeth are the most prevalent medical and developmental disorder, making wisdom tooth extraction a general preventative procedure that we perform. As your child enters their teenage years, it might be necessary to take them to a dentist to evaluate their wisdom teeth by performing a panoramic x-ray. Often a dentist will refer you to an oral surgeon, like Dr. Davis, for this procedure. Early evaluation and knowledge of the symptoms of emerging wisdom teeth can help determine when your child might be ready to schedule an appointment with the Oral Facial Institute for removal.

Why Remove Them?

Wisdom teeth can cause discomfort as they emerge. They are also very prone to complications if left in the mouth for too long. Most people do not have room in their mouths to allow wisdom teeth to grow correctly, causing them to become impacted. Without space to emerge, wisdom teeth apply pressure on the rest of the teeth causing other teeth to shift in the jaw. If the teeth have room to grow, they are still in a hard-to-reach position and encroach on a major nerve in the jaw as the roots develop.

Because the teeth are located so far behind the second molars, it becomes difficult to clean them properly, which can cause a buildup of plaque and bacteria. As plaque accumulates on the back teeth, cavities form on the second and third molars. Not only can decay in the form of cavities occur, but a large number of bacteria can also cause soft tissue infections, cysts, and other abnormalities around the teeth.

What Are the Signs

Wisdom teeth take a significant amount of time to develop completely. However, early detection can allow monitoring before determining whether the teeth need removal. As your child nears age 16, your dentist might point out the growth of the third molars on an x-ray at a regular appointment. When these teeth emerge, they tend to cause some discomfort, although some patients might not experience any. If your child is experiencing pain at the back of their mouth, wisdom teeth could be the suspect cause.

The common symptoms or signs that the third molars might be erupting include:

Pain
Infection
Facial Swelling
Swollen Gums

Bottom Line

Wisdom tooth extraction is very common. As your child nears age 16, their wisdom teeth are most likely emerging. Whether your child is experiencing any signs or symptoms, it could be a sign to consider an assessment with our Oral Facial Institute team. Dr. Davis can offer your child an accurate evaluation and timeline for wisdom tooth extraction.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Davis and his trusted team at the Oral Facial Institute for a consultation for Wisdom Teeth removal today!

Issues Caused by Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Venture Creative on February 15, 2023

Wisdom teeth are your third molars that typically begin to emerge between the age of 17 and 25. They can become impacted if they don’t have enough room to come in or develop normally. Neglecting to have impacted wisdom teeth removed can cause dental problems. On the other hand, some wisdom teeth are without issues, and the teeth line up with the others and don’t require removal.

What causes the tooth to become impacted?

A tooth may only partially emerge or never break through the gums. Whether the tooth is partially or fully impacted, the tooth can grow in a variety of directions: at an angle towards the second molar, an angle toward the back of the mouth, toward the other teeth, or essentially ‘lay down’ in the jawbone or even grow straight but become trapped in the jawbone.

Do I have Impacted Wisdom Teeth?

It is essential to be aware of the signs of impacted wisdom teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth don’t always present symptoms, but they can become infected and present these signs or symptoms:

Unpleasant taste in your mouth
Tender or bleeding gums
Jaw pain
Red or swollen gums
Bad breath
Swelling around the jaw
Difficulty opening your mouth

Longterm Consequences & Complications

Impacted teeth can cause several issues in the mouth. Impacted teeth can invade space near the second molar, which increases the risk of infection. The pressure from the tooth can cause teeth to shift and require orthodontic treatment to realign your teeth. Because of the location of your wisdom teeth, they can be tough to clean; this can leave food trapped between the gum and the partially erupted tooth.

Because a partially impacted tooth is more difficult to clean, this increases the risk of developing a painful inflammatory gum condition called pericoronitis. Cysts can also develop within the jawbone, causing damage to nerves, teeth, and the jawbone.

Will an Impacted Tooth Fix Itself?

The short answer is no. Impacted teeth are stuck and will not resolve on their own. Without treatment, impacted teeth will continue to cause discomfort, cavities, and gum disease. If you are experiencing any symptoms of an impacted tooth, please contact Dr. Davis at Utah Oral and Facial Surgery Institute to set up a consultation.

Maintaining Oral Implants

Venture Creative on January 31, 2023

Caring for dental implants is not a demanding task. Obviously, some things differ from regular maintenance. Learning how to make necessary adjustments to your routines can increase the longevity and overall health of your implants.

What are Oral Implants?

Oral Implants are put in place after losing a tooth, whether to disease or injury. The loss of a tooth can cause many issues, including rapid bone loss, speech issues, or changes to chewing patterns. These things can often cause extreme discomfort, both physically and in self-esteem. Receiving an implant can significantly improve the overall quality of life for the patient.

After receiving an implant procedure, patients should be aware of the healing process, best practices when caring for implants, and things to avoid to protect the integrity of the implant. The longevity of the implant relies on attentive care and knowledge of the implant itself.

Implants have three structures that make up the entire implant. The crown is the visible portion of the implant that is at risk of breaking or deteriorating over time. There are two systems below that attach to the jaw and keep the implant in line with the gums. These systems are not visible but require care, especially directly following the procedure.

Things to Avoid

Following the initial procedure, be sure to follow the oral hygiene instructions provided by the surgeon. The main things to avoid are smoking, using a straw, spitting, and touching the surgical site with the tongue or fingers. Following these directions can help avoid infection and prevent potentially dislodging the blood clot that has formed.

The products you usually use may be too harsh to use on an implant. Your toothbrush bristles, if too rough, can irritate the gums around the implant, which can cause intense discomfort or pain. Consider trading your flavored (i.e., mint or cinnamon) toothpaste and mouthwash with sensitive cleaning products instead.

Avoid certain foods such as caramel, dried fruits, hard candies, and steak. These foods can result in damage to the implant as well as the surrounding teeth. Abstaining from smoking and drinking alcohol is not only good for your overall health but is necessary for the healing process. Implants take about six months to heal. Alcohol slows down the healing process and can cause implants to take more time to heal; this should be avoided as much as possible.

Best Practices

Be sure to visit the dentist regularly. Receiving routine cleanings can help upkeep oral health. These visits should be scheduled twice yearly. Any signs of irritation or infection shouldn’t be taken lightly. Schedule an appointment with a dentist or surgeon as soon as possible.

Swapping products such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, and mouthwash is extremely beneficial to the long-term health of implants. Choosing a nylon brush with gentle bristles can help avoid scratching the surface of your implants. Not flossing regularly is detrimental to oral health in general, but now that implants are present, this can cause even further damage. There is a wide range of specific types of floss for implants meant to prevent irritation.

Caring for dental implants is not a demanding task. Some things differ from regular maintenance, but making necessary adjustments to your routines can increase the longevity and overall health of your implants.

For other questions or concerns regarding the care of your implants, reach out to Dr. Shawn Davis at the Oral and Facial Surgery Institute here!

The Role of An Oral Surgeon in Overall Health and Wellness

Venture Creative on January 18, 2023

Your body, especially your mouth, has germs that are harmless like other parts of the body. However, some of these bacteria can spread disease as your mouth enters your respiratory and digestive systems.

The body’s natural defense system keeps in check the bacteria in your mouth. Bacteria may build up with bad hygiene habits and can cause oral infections, including gum disease and tooth decay.

What is the Role of an Oral Surgeon in Your Overall Health and Wellness

Oral surgeons are the medical professionals in charge of preserving the health of the orofacial region and the anatomy and function of the mouth.

In addition to providing dental care, dentists are expected to emphasize and integrate the link between oral and systemic disease as a factor in their patient’s overall health and quality of life. They must acknowledge and emphasize their contributions to mental health as oral surgeons.

Specialized Treatment

Oral surgeons perform various procedures than only extracting your tooth. Oral surgeons are dental specialists who have undergone further training to provide specialty treatments, including dental implant surgery, corrective jaw surgery, and manage anesthesia. Their training mainly includes the body’s face, mouth, and jaw areas.

Provide Guidance

Oral surgeons are dental health practitioners. Their duties include instructing and counseling patients on oral health issues, they provide restorative and preventative care, and managing several oral disorders affecting the teeth, gums, and mouth as a whole.

Detailed Examinations

The general responsibilities of an oral surgeon also include performing examinations. They conduct an in-depth analysis of the head, neck, and soft and hard tissues of the mouth, taking radiographs, diagnosing dental disease, developing treatment plans, coordinating with specialists, maintaining clinical records, and often participating in the operation procedure.

Oral Pathology

Oral pathology is a specialty of oral surgeons that is useful in diagnosing various oral disorders. They help with the diagnosis and choose the best course of action. They might perform a biopsy on affected tissues or review x-rays and other imaging for a detailed analysis.

How Can You Protect Your Oral Health?

You can protect your health by practicing good oral hygiene. The following are the best oral health practices:

Spend two minutes brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush at least twice daily.
Always floss and after brushing and flossing, use mouthwash to remove food particles in your mouth.
Eat healthy food and avoid sugary food and beverages.
Replace your toothbrush after every three to four months and visit your oral surgeon for cleanings and checkups.
Avoid using tobacco.

Importance of Oral Health for Maintaining a Positive Lifestyle

You should maintain proper dental hygiene to live a healthy, happy life. You’ll feel confident and empowered when you take control of your health. Preventative care can help you save time, money, and stress, just like it does with any medical procedure.

Restore your beautiful smile and discuss your concerns with our experts at Oral & Facial Surgery Institute.

Recovery After Oral Implants

How Oral Facial Surgery Can Correct Sleep Apnea

Why is it Important to Replace Missing Teeth?

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

When Should I Have My Child Evaluated for Wisdom Teeth Extration

Issues Caused by Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Maintaining Oral Implants

The Role of An Oral Surgeon in Overall Health and Wellness

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