oral surgeon

Southern Utah’s Best Oral Surgeon

Venture Creative on November 13, 2020

When you are looking for an oral surgeon, one of the most important things is to find a doctor that really, truly cares about their patients. Not only are you looking for someone who is obviously skilled, well-trained, and proficient at what they do, but you also want them to be enthusiastic about getting the results that are going to make your smile look its best. That is why Dr. Shawn Davis is among the best in his field, and the absolute best oral surgeon in Southern Utah.

In the words of Dr. Davis himself, “The most rewarding part of my practice is being able to give my patients a healthier lifestyle, a beautiful smile, transforming their lives, and making them happy. That is the reason I come to work every day!” This is the sort of enthusiasm and drive that makes Dr. Davis the premier oral surgeon in his region.

Education

Earning his Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in 1999, he hit the ground running that same year and began training for his Doctorate at Temple University College of Dentistry. During this time he also completed a Masters of Business Administration concurrently. Four years later he had completed his Doctorate and gained acceptance to the University of Oklahoma and their top-tier oral and maxillofacial surgery program. Following his love of dentistry and his skill in his studies, he was chosen as the Chief Resident in the Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, where he still participates as an occasional guest lecturer.

Memberships And Industry Achievements

In addition to being on the leadership committee of the Resident Organization of the American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, Dr. Davis helped create and author the American Associate of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons Pocket Reference Guide. This guide is now given to all students of dentistry who enter Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Residency nationwide and is used consistently by surgeons across the country.

Dr. Davis stays at the forefront of dentistry developments, attending and lecturing at multiple meetings and conferences every year to learn about and in some cases provide cutting-edge technology and emerging surgical techniques to his patients. He helped to found the Seattle Study Club of Southern Utah, ad the Spear Continuing Education Study Club. He also holds and maintains membership in scholarly organizations such as:

American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons
American Dental Association
American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery
Utah Society of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons
American Society of Dental Anesthesiologists
University of Oklahoma Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Lecturer
Southwest Society of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons

Dr. Davis also is also the team surgeon for facial trauma, in the Dixie State University Department of Sports Medicine.

Personal Achievements

Dr. Shawn Davis was raised in Idaho and northern Utah, and now for nearly a decade as lived in St. George. He and his beloved wife are the parents of three children, with whom he loves to spend a large portion of his free time. He also enjoys playing multiple sports, reading, and camping.

Will My Oral Surgery Procedure Be Painful?

Venture Creative on August 21, 2020

We get a lot of questions from patients before a procedure, but, without a doubt, one of the most common questions is, simply put: “Will it hurt?” This is a natural question. Surgery is something most of us only go through a small number of times in our lives, and it’s simply instinct to be worried about and strive to avoid pain. Thankfully, we don’t have a hard time answering that question.

We strive to do our absolute utmost to ensure that every patient has a painless oral surgery experience.

Given the scope of our procedures, this may seem like a lofty goal, but we have a variety of techniques and a boatload of experience to know that we can provide this ideal procedure to our patients every time. Curious about how we accomplish these painless procedures? Read on to learn a bit about or various sedation techniques.

Minor Procedures

For the most minor oral surgeries, such as any gum treatment and tooth extraction, we will use a simple and common local anesthetic injected directly into the surgical area. Most commonly, this anesthetic is lidocaine, which is popular because it is incredibly effective and causes very few adverse reactions. In fact, it’s such an effective painkiller that it is used in almost every single one of our procedures, in conjunction with other techniques. It wears off quickly after surgery, and you can drive yourself home if we only use a local anesthetic for a procedure.

Moderate Procedures

For some of our lengthier procedures, including extractions, wisdom teeth removals as well as dental implant placements, we will add the use of nitrous oxide to the painkilling regimen for a surgery. Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide will be given to patients via a small mask. When combined with lidocaine, laughing gas can greatly increase your pain tolerance as well as relieve any anxiety. The laughing gas also wears off very shortly after the procedure.

Major Procedures

Either in our office or in a hospital setting, the most major procedures can require IV sedation or general anesthesia. For IV sedation, patients technically got in and out of consciousness during the surgery but frequently have no recollection of the treatment. We are also licensed to administer full general anesthesia. In these situations, you will need a friend or relative to drive you after the procedure.

With the full array of pain management tools are our disposal, we can ensure you have a painless procedure. Contact us to learn more!

The Best in Southern Utah

Venture Creative on August 14, 2020

More than anything else, if there is one reason, we have our practice, it’s because we are dedicated to serving our patients and providing them with the best possible outcomes. It’s why most medical professionals get into their field: to help people. That is enough reward. However, it is exceptionally gratifying when we receive recognition for our dedication to patient safety and satisfaction.

That’s why we were so humbled and honored to find out that we’d received not one, but multiple gold badges in 2020’s Best of Southern Utah awards. We earned awards as the Best Medical Facility, the Best Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon, and Best Doctor in Southern Utah, all in the most recent year. It’s not the first time we’ve earned accolades for our practice, but, to us, it confirms our commitment to excellence year in and year out. These awards may be humbling, but we aren’t too humble to say that we think you should choose us for your next oral surgery, and here are some of the reasons why we’ve been voted the best in Southern Utah.

Constant Communication

We get that the world of oral surgery can be daunting and confusing. After all, we spend every day dealing with it, but most of our patients only have a couple of oral surgeries in their entire life. We aim to take away some of the more unknown aspects of undergoing oral surgery with communication. This isn’t just focused on the dry (at least, to some of our patients!) medical details, but we also want to ensure that patients’ emotions, financial concerns, and expectations are all clearly communicated. Proper communication is an underrated key to patient success and happiness.

Incredible Patient Results

It may sound hyperbolic to say that our treatments are life-changing, but, for many of our patients, that is absolutely true. Our top of the line dental implants gives people a boost in self-esteem and quality of life, including being able to eat a wider array of foods again, that is priceless to many patients. For those who suffer the devastating pain of TMJ, our procedures can alleviate huge levels of pain and provide long-lasting and incredible relief. These are just a couple of prime examples of how some of our treatments can literally alter a patient’s life for the positive.

Convenience is Key

Access to your medical professional sometimes feels like it comes at a premium. We are always available to answer a patient’s questions, and we are even available for emergency care. Before your first visit, we check with your insurance provider to ensure you receive a clear and concise financial estimate with a lower wait time. We remove the guesswork and get you the information you need in a faster time.

These reasons are just a few to showcase why we earned so many gold badges in 2020’s Best of Southern Utah awards. Contact us to learn more!

Exploring the Benefits of Teeth-In-A-Day

Venture Creative on June 19, 2020

Are you happy with your current smile? Have you tried dentures, or are you looking for a better alternative to standard dentures? Due to genetics, disease, or trauma to the teeth, you may need a full cosmetic overhaul of your smile–but dentures? Even the thought of dentures can be overwhelming and disappointing. But there are other options available to you, even if you have been turned away for dental implants.

Dentures can be uncomfortable, ill-fitting, and bothersome, but our state-of-the-art oral surgical procedure, All-on-4 treatment, replaces those dentures with 4 perfectly fitted dental implants. This full dental restoration will restore your smile and renew your quality of life by taking the worry and discomfort out of chewing, talking, and smiling.

All-in-4 is a better alternative to dentures

All-on-4 has a myriad of welcome benefits over other dental restoration services. With our dental restoration services and our other dental services, we are here to answer any questions or concerns you may have about a procedure.

No more adhesive! No more taking out your dentures to clean or soak them! No more embarrassing slippage of your dentures while you are talking.

You won’t have to worry anymore about food that slips beneath your dentures, causing discomfort and unpleasant odor.

Sleeping in dentures can cause health problems.

All-in-4 can replace yesterday’s dentures with the confident smiles of tomorrow.

Here are some of the great benefits you can expect with this one-day dental transformation:

All-in-4 is done in one day. Walk out with the winning smile you have always wanted.
Offering full-arch restoration and only 4 dental implants are used, which means less healing time for you.
With All-in-4 cosmetic dentistry services, you will have a lower need for bone graft surgery.
All-in-4 feels like your natural teeth, making it far more comfortable than dentures.
All-in-4 looks like your natural teeth. Cosmetically speaking, they are far superior to the often oddly-colored dentures. You can find some before and after pictures and the beautiful smiles of our satisfied clients here.
They won’t wear out like dentures can after 5-10 years. One procedure and you are on your way with a worry-free smile.
No-worry perfect fit.
Better for younger people who do not want the stigma of dentures, but still need cosmetic repair.
Advanced, state-of-the-art dental care and technology.
No more dentures!

All-in-4 Helps people who have been turned away

All-in-4 is perfect for those who have been turned away for other dental implant surgeries. Sometimes bone loss can make dental implant procedures more difficult for those patients. All-in-4 can be the answer for those patients. Not only is it easier to do with less bone, but it can also ensure greater stability for existing bone.

This procedure can also remove the worry over the further deterioration of your gum line due to the pressure of dentures and restore your smile. This will work even if you have already suffered bone loss or been turned away.

Consider All-in-4 for your winning smile–today! Give us a call or set up an appointment online. We look forward to serving you.

What is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?

Venture Creative on May 28, 2020

Oral and maxillofacial surgery is one of the nine dental specialties currently recognized by the American Dental Association and the American College of Surgeons. Oral Maxillofacial surgeons are highly specialized surgeons that are trained to treat a wide range of disorders and jaw and tooth emergencies.

What Kinds of Situations do Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Treat?

If you had your wisdom teeth removed, chances are they were removed by an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon. These surgeons treat a wide variety of oral issues, as well as injuries and diseases in and around your jaw.

They aren’t the kind of specialist you’ll call in if you have a chipped tooth. But if you lose a tooth and need a replacement, you might find yourself talking to an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon. They handle implants, and more extensive oral and jaw repairs and reconstructions after accidents.

You might also need an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon if you need a jaw re-alignment. They also treat tumors and cysts that develop on or near your jaw and can earn additional specializations to treat complex issues like cleft palates.

Some Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons can also perform a variety of cosmetic procedures, including cosmetic implants.

Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons can also be called on to consult with other doctors for some issues. If you have sleep apnea, you might go to an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon so that they can work with your doctor as a consultant. They might also get called in to help correct and treat obstructive sleep apnea and other condition that involve your mouth and jaw.

This type of surgeon can also be critical in the treatment of certain types of oral cancers.

How are Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Trained:

Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons need to complete dental school before they can move on to their specialization. That means that they have the same skills and expertise as your dentist, plus additional training, and specialization. It also means that your Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons can also notice and diagnose a variety of mouth and tooth issues, just like your dentist.

Depending on why you’re seeing an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon, they make recommendations for your oral health and future care.

After dental school, Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons study for another 4-6 years learning the additional surgical skills needed for the base specialty. Beyond that, Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons can also spend another 1-2 years earning additional specialties.

Their specialties include:

Cosmetic facial surgery
Craniofacial surgery and pediatric maxillofacial surgery
Treating craniofacial traumas

The result is that these are some of the most highly specialized and skilled surgeons out there. Other than anesthesiologists, they are the only specialists able to use all forms of sedation. They have a strong understanding of your face and jaw, as well as the inner workings of your mouth and teeth.

If you ever find yourself in the care of an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon, rest assured that you’re in good hands. Their extensive training and specialization makes them some of the most qualified people out there to help you diagnose and treat issues starting with your mouth and jaw.

Your mouth and jaw are important for your whole body’s health, so these treatments are about a lot more than just having good teeth for a family picture. Taking care of your mouth and jaw can have a huge effect on your overall health.

Why You Should Have an Oral Surgeon Perform Extractions

Venture Creative on May 21, 2020

One of the stereotypes of the dentist, especially in cartoons, is that they are known for pulling out teeth. In fact, one can argue that this stereotype (along with constant drilling for cavities) can be the root of the fear of the dentist that many children (and some adults) have. While dentists perform a wide amount of oral care and will pull teeth when needed, the procedure of tooth extraction is best left for oral surgeons for a variety of reasons. Many dentists will refer extractions to oral surgeons, but surgeons should be considered in all cases – and here’s why.

Oral Surgeons Perform FAR More Tooth Extractions

Dentists cover a wide variety of procedures and care information during their education and residency. Oral surgeons specialize in just surgical procedures. While there are obviously far more procedures than just extractions, this specialization means that an oral surgeon will perform hundreds, if not thousands, of extractions during their residency, which is far more than a dentist. This gives an oral surgeon loads of hands-on, practical experience to make the procedure an exceptionally successful one.

If You Want Sedation, Go with a Surgeon

Even routine surgical procedures can cause anxiety in patients, and the thought of being awake and cognizant during the procedure can just add to the nerves. Most dentists don’t have the ability or the certification to use anesthesia during a tooth extraction. However, oral surgeons are all licensed to use full anesthesia for a procedure, rather than just local. While this doesn’t impact the actual outcome of the procedure, it can certainly make you feel a whole lot better about going in for an extraction!

Prepared for All Circumstances

Even practiced dentists and oral surgeons can’t perfectly predict how an extraction will go. Sometimes, an extraction that seems routine can shift with a tooth cracking or extra tissue needing to be removed. An oral surgeon has the know-how and all the facilities to handle these unforeseen issues quickly and successfully. Even more, if an extraction has notable difficulties going into the procedure such as multiple curved roots, an oral surgeon will absolutely be the best option to get a positive result.

If you are in need of an extraction, it is always worth considering and selecting an oral surgeon to perform the procedure, whether or not your dentist actually refers you to one or not. It is hard to match the expertise and experience of a good oral surgeon when it comes to tooth extraction.

Give us a call or set up an appointment online. We look forward to serving you.