Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars and the last adult teeth to erupt into the mouth. Most people have four wisdom teeth, two on the bottom and two on top. Many people do not have enough room for these molars to emerge completely, causing them to become impacted in the gum. Impacted wisdom teeth are difficult to clean, making them more susceptible to decay and disease. Other dental problems caused by impacted wisdom teeth include pain, damage to surrounding teeth, and bite alignment issues. For these reasons, your dentist may recommend having the impacted teeth removed to prevent future problems.
Surgery to extract an impacted wisdom tooth or set of wisdom teeth is usually an outpatient procedure done in your dentist or oral surgeon’s office. If the tooth or surrounding area are deemed to have an infection prior to the procedure, surgery will be delayed, and your dental professional will likely prescribe antibiotics to help heal the area.
On the day of surgery, local anesthesia will be administered to numb the area where the extracted tooth will be removed. Depending on the severity of your case, your dentist or oral surgeon may also utilize a general anesthetic.
Once the anesthesia has taken effect, an incision will be made to open up the gum and any bone blocking the tooth will be removed. Your dentist or surgeon will then separate the tissue connecting the bone to the tooth and extract the tooth. Some teeth are too large to remove in one piece, in which case your surgeon will cut the tooth into smaller pieces to make it easier to remove. Finally, the incision is closed with stitches and packed with gauze to help alleviate bleeding.
Long-term complications from impacted wisdom tooth surgery are rare. To ensure a successful recovery from this or any oral surgery, be sure to follow all aftercare instructions provided by your dentist or oral surgeon.
Take the first step towards optimal oral hygiene. Reserve your dental appointment at our Ottawa dental office now and experience personalized care.
Modern advancements in technology are revolutionizing dentistry, including the field of teeth straightening. Achieving your dream smile no longer requires enduring unsightly and uncomfortable metal braces. With the introduction of Invisalign, a hidden and innovative solution, transforming your smile has never been easier.
What is Invisalign?
Also known as invisible braces, Invisalign uses clear plastic aligner trays to reposition your teeth into better alignment. These custom-designed trays are tailored specifically for your mouth, gently moving your teeth over time. Because they are created uniquely for each individual, Invisalign provides a comfortable experience with minimal soreness, a significant improvement over the discomfort associated with traditional braces.
How Invisalign Works
Wearing the clear aligners gradually shifts your teeth, and every few weeks, your dental professional provides a new set of aligners to continue the process. This cycle is repeated until your teeth reach their desired positions, leaving you with a straight and attractive smile. For the best results, the aligners should be worn for approximately 22 hours a day.
Who Can Benefit from Invisalign?
Invisalign is suitable for patients of all ages. Adults often prefer this discreet option as it eliminates the embarrassment of visible braces during professional and social interactions. Teenagers also find Invisalign appealing, as it spares them the discomfort of wearing metal braces during a sensitive phase of life. Additionally, Invisalign offers a special version for teens, featuring a blue-dot display that serves as a reminder for consistent wear and tray replacement.
Key Advantages of Invisalign
One of Invisalign’s major benefits is its removable nature, making eating and maintaining oral hygiene significantly easier. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign imposes no dietary restrictions and eliminates the cleaning challenges posed by metal brackets and wires.
Why Choose Invisalign?
If you’re looking to enhance your smile through orthodontics, consider the revolutionary Invisalign system. It offers a comfortable, convenient, and nearly invisible way to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted—all while keeping you confident throughout the process.
Take the first step towards a confident smile. Contact our Ottawa dental office to schedule your consultation!
Severe dental phobia can cause people to completely avoid dental examinations and treatments. Anxiety about dental treatment can develop for many reasons, including fear of pain, the feeling of not having control, fear of needles, a strong gag reflex, or a history of bad dental experiences. If you suffer from extreme dental fears causing you to neglect necessary oral care, sedation dentistry may be the answer to your problem.
A trained sedation dentist can offer a variety of options to address your situation:
- Minimal sedation in the form of nitrous oxide allows you to be awake but relaxed during dental treatment and may be a good option for cleanings, routine examinations, or minor procedures. Your dentist is able to control the amount of sedation you receive.
- Oral conscious sedation also allows you to remain awake during procedures, but may cause you to feel drowsy and will keep you from having much memory of the treatment. A stronger dose can be given to produce more moderate sedation, in which case you may fall asleep but can easily be awakened.
- IV sedation is when a sedative drug is administered through a vein. This type of sedation works rapidly and also allows your dental professional to adjust the level of sedation during treatment.
- General anesthesia provides deep sedation through medications administered that cause nearly complete or total unconsciousness. With general anesthesia you cannot be awakened until the effects of the drugs have dissipated.
Sedation dentistry can be used for any type of dental procedure, from routine cleanings to more complicated, invasive procedures. Thanks to advances in sedation dentistry, you no longer have to fear the dentist and avoid necessary oral health care.
Our dental office is located in Ottawa
If you feel anxious about visiting the dentist, you’re certainly not alone. Studies show that around 50% of adults experience some level of fear regarding dental visits, with about 5% of those individuals experiencing severe anxiety. Despite these fears, the desire for a beautiful smile and good oral health often motivates patients to push through their anxiety and see their dentist.
Here are some techniques many patients use to manage their fear and successfully get through dental appointments:
- Using internal resources – Encouraging yourself that you can manage the situation, even if you’re nervous.
- Prayer – Turning to a higher power for strength during the procedure.
- Self-distraction – Engaging in activities like singing or playing mental games to keep your focus off the treatment.
- Distancing – Convincing yourself that any discomfort is temporary and imagining it as something else, like numbness.
- Optimism – Focusing on the positive aspects and reminding yourself of what comes after the appointment.
Interestingly, optimism is often one of the key strategies in overcoming dental fear. Patients who use this mindset tend to visit the dentist more regularly and report lower levels of anxiety. Additionally, humor has been found to be an excellent way to reduce stress during dental visits. A lighthearted atmosphere can break down psychological barriers and make patients feel more comfortable with their dentist and the dental team.
However, if these methods don’t work for you, sedation dentistry may be a viable option to consider. At [practiceName], we offer a range of sedation options tailored to help you feel relaxed and at ease during your treatment.
Whatever strategy you choose to help you manage dental anxiety, the most important thing is to continue to prioritize your oral health by returning for regular visits. Consistent dental care is essential to maintaining optimal dental health.
Porcelain veneers can transform your smile from one that embarrasses you to one that you’re proud to show off. A thin shell of porcelain is bonded onto the fronts of your teeth to improve the shape and color. If you’re looking to close gaps between your teeth, reshape your teeth, or brighten stained teeth, porcelain veneers may be your answer. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about veneers.
How do veneers work?
Made from durable and natural-looking porcelain, veneers are customized to fit your teeth. Your face shape, skin tone, eyes, height, and even your personality are considered when designing your dental veneers. They are bonded securely to your teeth to give you the smile you always wanted.
Is it a long process to get them?
The process for getting veneers usually takes about four to six weeks. At your first appointment, your teeth will be shaped and their surface will be slightly roughened. Impressions will be taken to create models of your mouth so that the veneers can be personalized for you. At the next appointment, your teeth will be cleaned and polished before a special adhesive is used to bond the veneers to your teeth. A high-intensity light is used to set the adhesive.
What will my teeth look like while I’m waiting for veneers?
After your teeth have been prepared for veneers, usually you will be fitted with specialized temporary veneers. These interim veneers look better than your original teeth, so you won’t feel self-conscious during the waiting period.
How long do veneers last?
Porcelain veneers typically last from ten to twenty years. Porcelain is very strong and durable, and resistant to stains and wear.
What are the advantages to veneers?
Since the bond to your original teeth is strong, porcelain veneers can be treated just like your own teeth. They appear very natural because the porcelain looks similar to your tooth enamel. Veneers can also protect your teeth from further damage if they are chipped or worn down, so they not only cover your teeth with a layer of protection but also create a beautiful bright smile.
Do not wait any longer. Book your appointment now and achieve the smile you have always wanted. Dr. Dzajkovski is accepting new patients from Ottawa and the surrounding area.
Common Questions After Oral Surgery
If you or a loved one is scheduled to have or has recently had oral surgery, you probably have a lot of questions. Here are some of the most common ones:
1. One of my stitches came out after my surgery, should I be worried?
Losing a stitch isn’t a problem in most cases. Stitches are typically placed during surgery to help control bleeding and assist in clot formation. However, if you’ve had a bone-graft procedure, contact your surgeon, as you may need to be seen immediately.
2. What can I eat after surgery?
After surgery, eat only soft foods that are at room temperature. Avoid foods that are too hot or cold. Don’t eat anything crunchy or chewy to avoid damaging the surgical site.
3. I am having a lot of pain following my procedure, what should I do?
If you’ve been prescribed pain medication, take it as directed. If you haven’t been given a prescription, over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can help, as they have natural anti-inflammatory properties. Drink plenty of water at room temperature and get adequate rest.
4. I had a tooth extracted, how can I tell if I have a dry socket?
Dry socket occurs when the blood clot in the extraction site is lost. Activities like smoking, using a straw, poor oral hygiene, or not resting enough after the extraction can lead to this condition. Dry socket typically develops within a week of extraction. It can be treated with sterile washes and medicated gauze for pain relief.
5. I had a procedure this morning and am still bleeding. Is that normal?
Bleeding is common after extractions or other surgical procedures. If the bleeding seems excessive, bite down on sterile gauze or a damp teabag for 20-30 minutes. Avoid removing the gauze to check for blood, as this can worsen the bleeding. If the bleeding persists or feels abnormal, call your surgeon.
Your oral surgeon can answer these questions and more. Don’t hesitate to call their office for any concerns or to ensure you are healing comfortably after your procedure.
Ready to transform your smile? Schedule your appointment today at our Ottawa dental office.
