Procedures
Third Molar (Wisdom Teeth Extractions)
Adults have 32 teeth. The wisdom teeth are the last to erupt into the mouth. If the teeth erupt normally with healthy tissue around them they likely don’t need to be removed. However, this is generally not the case and many wisdom teeth need to be removed.
It is recommended that you visit us for a consultation to determine if your wisdom teeth need to be removed. We will perform an oral exam and review x-rays to recommend the next phase of treatment. There are multiple reasons to remove wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth can develop a cavity; periodontal disease or bone loss around them and adjacent teeth, inflammation and infection or in some cases can develop cysts or tumors around them. If wisdom teeth need to be removed we generally offer I.V. sedation to alleviate and anxiety and help with comfort during the surgery. After extraction of wisdom teeth you will bite on gauze for one hour, eat soft food, rest, take prescribed medication, and avoid strenuous activity. Generally, it takes 3 to 5 days for the pain to begin subsiding. The surgical site should be substantially healed in two weeks.
Dental Extractions
There are many reasons a tooth may need to be extracted. Examples include cavities, crowding, pain, swelling, and tissue or bone loss around the tooth. Extractions may also be necessary in preparation for a bridge, partial denture, complete denture or placement of dental implants.
For 30 to 60 minutes after the procedure you will bit on gauze. In the following 24 hours, refrain from rinsing your mouth, sucking through straws, smoking, drinking hot beverages and strenuous activity.
It is ok to take pain medication during this time. If you are prescribed an antibiotic, please follow the instructions you are given. To keep swelling at a minimum, you may use an ice pack for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. When the numbness has subsided, drink plenty of fluids and eat soft food on the other side of your mouth, away from the extraction site.
You may resume a normal diet when the pain and discomfort subsides. Continue brushing and flossing your teeth and clean gently around the site until it heals. You may use medications as prescribed for pain relief. Use caution when combining prescribed medications with over the counter medications such as Tylenol.
Guided Dental Implant Surgery
Cone beam CT guided dental implant surgery uses an advanced technology and imaging to precisely place dental implants for patients. This technique offers a number of benefits for patients considering dental implants. With CBCT guided implant placement, implants can be placed in a precise location. It also allows surgeons to clearly see available bone, surrounding tissues and the proposed restoration while planning the implant.
Intraoral Biopsies
An intraoral biopsy tests for abnormal appearing tissue in the mouth or jaws. A sample is removed and sent to a laboratory where a pathologist can determine what the abnormal tissue is. While most oral lesions are benign it is important to have an oral cancer screening annually.
Often, intraoral biopsies can be performed under local anesthesia and are pain free. In most cases the biopsy leaves a small hole that may require sutures and generally heals well. Depending on the biopsy, dissolvable sutures may be used. After a biopsy you will be seen for follow up to provide the results of the biopsy and to confirm that the site is healing well.
I.V. Sedation
I.V. sedation generally begins with the administration of nitrous oxide in our office. A small I.V. is placed in your hand or arm to administer medication. Dr. McPherson is trained to safely provide various levels of I.V. sedation from light I.V. sedation to deep sedation or general anesthesia. The option of I.V. sedation will be discussed during the consultation. The patient is evaluated to make sure it is safe in an outpatient setting. If you are scheduled for surgery with I.V. sedation it is important to avoid eating or drinking eight hours prior to surgery. It is generally safe to take medications with a small sip of water. Dr. McPherson will review your medication list at the consultation and give specific instructions about medications that need to be withheld prior to surgery. Patient’s who undergo I.V. sedation need an escort that accompanies them to the appointment and remains with them after the surgery.