One of the greatest advances to modern dentistry in recent years is the development of dental implants.

If you have gaps in your smile from missing teeth, have an accident that knocks teeth out, or have had to have teeth pulled, these implants might be right for you. But what materials make up the implants that we put in our mouths? First, let’s take a look at what these implants are, and then the various materials that make them up.

What are Dental Implants?

These implants are screws that are placed into the jaw to act as an anchor and support artificial teeth such as crowns or dentures. Implants are a great long term solution to restoring smiles. They are made to blend in with the other teeth to look as natural as possible and are more comfortable and much lower maintenance than removable dentures. Additionally, these implants are not susceptible to decay like natural teeth are. As long as the gums remain healthy, implants can last for a very long time.

Materials in Dental Implants

• Titanium – Nearly all implants are made of titanium alloy, a very safe metal that poses no harm to existing living tissue in the mouth. Allergies to titanium are extremely rare, and the same material is used in hip implants, shoulder implants, and knee implants. Titanium has been the leading material for implants since its first use in the 1960s. The most common complaints against titanium implants are about their color and an aversion to having metal in the mouth. In most cases, however, the benefits of using titanium implants far outweigh the drawbacks.
• Zirconia – Ceramic implants, made of zirconia, are much newer to the dental industry and are increasing in popularity and use. Zirconia is an element derived from minerals. When formed into implants and/or crowns, it’s white in color, which many people prefer to the silver metal appearance of titanium. The idea of a “metal-free” implant is also appealing to many individuals, contributing to the increasing numbers of ceramic implants. For those with titanium allergies, a ceramic implant may be their only option. The largest drawback to zirconia implants in the dental industry is the newness of it. While titanium implants have been tested, studied, and reviewed for nearly 60 years, ceramic implants have had very little time to have medical studies done, proving the long term effectiveness. It seems that ceramic implants will never fully replace titanium implants, but instead provide a solid alternative for those seeking a metal-free implant option.

Oral & Facial Surgery of Utah is Your Dental Implant Expert

The decision to get dental implants can be stressful. The board-certified oral surgeons at Oral & Facial Surgery of Utah are experts in dental implant insertion. If you’re worried about needing implants or choosing an implant material, we can answer all of your questions and do our best to set your mind at ease. We have offices in South Jordan, Cottonwood Heights, and Tooele, Utah. Schedule your free consultation today.

If you’re getting dental implants, you are probably daydreaming about what it will be like to have a healthy, beautiful, gap-free smile again. No more embarrassment about your teeth, the ability to eat your favorite foods — the list of what you can look forward to goes on and on.

On the other hand, when you rewind to the present and try to imagine the day after dental implant surgery, you might not be as clear on the details. However, recovery shouldn’t cause you any concern. The healing period is smooth and easy for the vast majority of patients.

You Won’t Have Much Pain or Discomfort

Contrary to what many patients think, recovering from dental implant surgery doesn’t involve a lot of pain — just a bit of discomfort. Over-the-counter pain medication and ice should keep you comfortable, and you won’t need to use either for long.

If you to experience any serious pain, contact our office as soon as possible so we can evaluate your implant site for any potential problems.

You May Have Visible Swelling and Bruising

Although you won’t feel too bad after you get dental implants, your facial appearance may indicate otherwise. Occasionally, patients experience some swelling in the gums and cheeks, along with the possibility of facial bruising. This is normal and does not indicate any problems.

If this is a concern for you, plan ahead. In other words, don’t schedule your surgery the day before an important event.

You May Not Remember the Procedure

Most dental implant patients opt for some form of anesthesia. Whether you use oral medication, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or have IV sedation, you’ll be relaxed and drowsy during the procedure. Anesthesia also tends to have an amnesia-like effect, so you may not remember much about your implant surgery.

Take Time to Rest and Relax

The day after your dental implants are placed, you may want to get some rest. Taking it easy is recommended, so don’t plan on doing anything too strenuous. If you work a desk job, you might not have to take time off — unless, of course, you’d rather not go to the office with a swollen, bruised face.

Are you looking for an experienced northern Utah oral surgeon to handle your dental implant surgery? Dr. Partridge and Dr. Maxfield, the board-certified oral surgeons at Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Utah, are tooth restoration experts with over 10 years of experience successfully placing dental implants.

Contact our Cottonwood Heights, South Jordan or Tooele office today to schedule a dental implant surgery consultation.

Has your dentist recommended oral surgery?

Whether you need wisdom tooth extraction, reconstructive jaw surgery, dental implants or another type of oral and maxillofacial surgery, your first consultation sets you on the path toward restoring your smile.

If you’ve never seen an oral surgeon before, you might appreciate knowing what to expect when you come in for a consultation with Dr. Maxfield or Dr. Partridge.

Review of Your Medical History and Health Conditions

The oral surgeon needs to know everything about your health status to plan your treatment and to avoid potential risks and oral surgery complications.

To that end, you’ll be asked for a comprehensive medical history, including information about health problems, drug allergies, past surgeries and previous adverse reactions to anesthesia. In addition, you’ll need to provide a list of the prescription and over-the-counter medications you take.

During your oral surgery consultation, our treatment team will request details about your oral health problems. Your dentist probably sent over a referral, but the oral surgeon will ask for clarification on your specific symptoms and their duration.

Visual Examination and Imaging Tests

Next comes the examination. The oral surgeon will visually inspect your teeth, gums and jaw to get a better idea of the scope of your problems.

Imaging tests may also be ordered or completed at this time. X-rays and CT scans provide clear pictures of the bones, teeth and soft tissues in your mouth and jaw. These images can be used to create detailed, three-dimensional pictures for help in planning and performing any oral and maxillofacial surgery procedures you may require.

The surgery team may also need a dental impression of one or both of your jaws. You may be asked to bite down on a soft material or a special mouth tray for a few minutes to create a detailed cast of your mouth.

Discussion of Your Oral Surgery Treatment Plan

After the examination and imaging tests are complete, the surgeon will design an appropriate treatment plan. Then you’ll sit down with the oral surgeon learn the details about your upcoming procedure, including how to prepare and what to expect during recovery.

You’ll also be presented with options for sedation. Complex procedures may require general anesthesia, but for most procedures, you can choose the method of anesthesia you prefer.

At the end of the oral surgery consultation, you will have a chance to ask any questions you may have. That way, you can feel comfortable and confident about your upcoming procedure.

The professional team at Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Utah looks forward to helping you restore your bright, healthy smile. Contact our Cottonwood Heights, South Jordan or Tooele office today to schedule your oral surgery consultation.

Even if only one or two of your wisdom teeth are causing you pain, your oral surgeon is likely to recommend that you get all four of them removed.

Is this really necessary? Wouldn’t it be better to space out the tooth extractions, or simply keep the teeth that aren’t causing any problem?

The truth is that for most patients, removing all four wisdom teeth at once is the best option. Here’s why.

Healthy Wisdom Teeth May Not Need to be Removed

Any wisdom tooth that is healthy and growing properly may not require extraction. So you could certainly opt to remove only the painful teeth now and adopt a wait-and-see approach for the others.

Keep in mind, though, that the third molars are notorious for causing a variety of dental problems. As they grow in, they frequently become impacted (stuck inside the gums). And if they do manage to erupt, these teeth don’t always come in straight. Irregular growth can damage nearby teeth or crowd the mouth.

Keeping your third molars can also increase your risk of developing gum disease. This area of the mouth is difficult to clean well and is a major breeding ground for the bacteria that cause gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Why Extracting All 4 Wisdom Teeth at Once Is Wise

For these and other reasons, leaving your third molars in place may not be a good idea. But why should you have all four wisdom teeth extracted at once, rather than removing them at different times?

Financially, multiple extractions will cost more than having them all removed at once. If you space out the extractions, you’ll have to pay for multiple oral surgeon office visits as well as additional procedural and anesthesia costs.

Also, your discomfort and inconvenience will essentially be the same whether you have one or four extractions. Do you really want to go through that process multiple times? For most patients, the answer is no.

Healing from Wisdom Teeth Extraction

With proper aftercare, patients typically experience the same amount of overall discomfort, regardless of how many wisdom teeth are removed. The extraction sites usually heal within about three to five days, and the gums are completely recovered within a few weeks.

Most patients who require extraction for one or two wisdom teeth eventually face having to remove the remaining third molars. Ultimately, however, the answer to this question will depend on your diagnosis and what the oral surgeon believes is the most appropriate treatment approach.

Dr. Maxfield and Dr. Partridge of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Utah can answer questions and address all of your concerns. Contact our Salt Lake City, Utah, office today to schedule a consultation for your wisdom tooth extraction.