Having your wisdom teeth removed can seem like a hassle, not to mention an inconvenience. Fortunately, our team at San Tan Oral Surgery in Gilbert, AZ can take care of your teeth with competency and care. You don’t need to take a lot of time to take care of yourself and your family with our experienced tooth extraction removal team.

FAQ About Wisdom Teeth Removal 

How Much Time Does the Actual Tooth Extraction Take? 

The time it takes to extract a tooth depends on several factors, including: 

• If the tooth has come in
• Infection or pain in the tooth
• If the tooth is impacted
• If one or more of the surrounding teeth are damaged
• Gum disease

Surprisingly, removing a wisdom tooth without any complications only takes a few minutes. However, an impacted tooth could take up to 20 minutes to extract. Without complications, you could be in and out of our office in about an hour!

How Long Will I Be Waiting? 

We want you to be able to rest in the comfort of your own home as quickly as possible. Your surgery should be finished in about an hour, so you can go home and relax at that point. Before you leave our office, we may take a few minutes to talk to you about your recovery and how to take care of yourself.

If you need more extensive surgery, we’ll want to keep an eye on you until we know you are doing well. This usually takes only a few extra minutes.

How Long Do I Need to Take Off Work or School? 

Most of our patients only need one day off after an extraction. If you have an impacted tooth, you may want another day to recover. We can also schedule your extraction close to the weekend if that helps you with more recovery time.

Why Should I Take the Time to Get My Teeth Removed? 

The 4 extra teeth in the back of our mouths are a genetic product of a time when mankind needed a few extra teeth, just in case. After centuries have passed, however, we don’t really need our wisdom teeth anymore. Our mouths just don’t have the room.

Leaving your extra teeth in your mouth almost always causes complications later on in life. Removing the extra teeth now can take less time and eliminate future problems like: 

• Tooth decay
• Swollen or bleeding gum tissue
• Headaches
• Jaw pain
• Overcrowding
• Tooth misalignment

Although you may need a day to rest after your tooth extraction, you can avoid quite a few visits to the dentist in the future by having all 4 of your wisdom teeth removed now.

What Should I Expect if I Have an Impacted Wisdom Tooth? 

Many people experience an impacted wisdom tooth or two. An impacted tooth happens when the tooth is stuck under gum tissue or isn’t able to break through the gums. Luckily, we have an experienced care team skilled in impacted wisdom tooth extraction.

Most impacted teeth extractions take about 20-30 minutes. Our expert oral surgeon and our team work together to make sure your surgery runs as smoothly as possible.

Preparing for Your Treatment

When you first come into our office, we check you in and set you up in a room. Our staff can answer your questions and help you feel comfortable. The anesthesiologist then administers anesthesia.

The amount of anesthesia or sedation we use depends on your situation. A patient with an impacted wisdom tooth will need heavier sedation, whereas a patient without complications may just need local anesthesia. The local anesthesia may take 15-30 minutes to fully take effect.

Taking Time to Recover

Removing your teeth doesn’t take much time, but you’ll want to take some time to recover from your extraction. Following a few guidelines can decrease your recovery time and help you get back to normal as soon as possible.

1. How Long Do I Need to Stay Down?

Most patients who have all 4 wisdom teeth extracted should plan on taking at least one full day to rest. This allows your body to repair and heal after the surgery. You should also avoid: 

• Too many bumps or jostles  
• Brushing and flossing
• Drinking through a straw
• Solid food or soda
• Hot drinks or alcoholic beverages
• Chewing gum
• Any food that is hard or sticky

When you do feel like eating again, choose soft foods like yogurt, pudding, applesauce, eggs, smoothies, or soup. You can use your extraction as a reason to watch your favorite movie and eat ice cream!

2. How Long Do I Need to Refrain From Normal Activities? 

That depends on which activities you want to resume. While going back to school or work may be okay, you don’t want to start playing contact sports right away.

For a normal surgery, wait at least three days before you start participating in high-intensity activities again. For a surgery that involved impacted teeth or other complications, wait about a week to do things like play basketball or go water skiing.

3. How Can I Speed Up My Recovery Time? 

We know you want to get back to your regular life as soon as possible. We do everything we can on our end to ensure a speedy recovery but you can help by doing the following: 

• Avoid rough activity that could dislodge the blood clot
• Use an ice pack to reduce inflammation and swelling
• Use a pain reliever or anti-inflammatory per our instructions
• Wait one full day and then use salt water to gently rinse your mouth

Save any big activities for later. Don’t plan on moving any furniture or running with the bulls until you are fully recovered.

Contact Us Today! 

We believe your time is valuable and we want to get you on the road to recovery as quickly as possible. Don’t let your wisdom teeth complicate your life. Call San Tan Oral Surgery in Gilbert, AZ today to schedule an appointment or to find out how we can help you feel better faster!

When all reparative treatments are exhausted, tooth extraction is often the solution for deeply damaged teeth. While it may sound intimidating, removing a tooth isn’t the scary, painful process many are lead to believe. You can put those fears at ease when you choose San Tan Oral Surgery of Gilbert, Arizona. We pride ourselves on providing a comfortable, efficient experience. 

What Should I Expect From a Tooth Extraction Appointment?

A Personalized Treatment Plan

When you visit San Tan Oral Surgery for your tooth extraction, our lead oral surgeon, Dr. Colson, will begin by creating a personalized treatment plan. This begins with a full x-ray of the oral cavity to reveal the nature of the affected tooth. There several factors that can affect the extraction, including the positioning of new teeth or an infection. 

With the results of your x-rays, we can determine the best approach for removal based on the positioning of the tooth and other potential variables. Our oral surgeon will review your x-rays with you and explain the determined strategy. If the nature of your treatment does not allow the extraction to take place the same day, a date will be scheduled in addition to any other necessary preparations. 

Before the Treatment

Depending on the nature of the treatment and the specific instructions given at your consultation, the way you must prepare may differ. However, it’s safe to say arriving with clean teeth, brushed, and flossed is good practice. If local anesthesia or an injected numbing agent, such as novocaine, will be used, you may eat a light meal first. If Dr. Colson has prescribed any pre-operation medication, be certain to follow their specific instructions. 

We recommend that you dress comfortably and warmly to avoid discomfort or chill during the treatment. A clear schedule for rest and recuperation is also highly recommended post-extraction. You should not drive yourself to the appointment if local anesthesia or any other performance impairing medication is to be used. Consider making plans with a friend or relative for an escort home. 

How Tooth Extraction Works

Once we’ve received you and you have been checked in with our receptionist, if applicable, the anesthesiologist will treat you with local anesthesia. Novacaine may be injected in addition to or in place of local anesthesia. Both take time to set in and fully remove feeling from the treatment area. This ensures optimal patient comfort and a smooth procedure. Once the appropriate time has passed, we will begin treatment. 

In a simple extraction, the tooth is first loosened with a special tool called an elevator. Another instrument called forceps is then used to remove the tooth. A surgical procedure may be needed in more severe cases, such as a tooth breaking off in the gums. During the procedure, a small incision is made within the gum to successfully remove the tooth. Local anesthetic and novocaine prevent any feeling beyond light pressure. 

We then clean any debris that may remain from the tooth cavity and disinfect it carefully. If necessary, stitches are used to close the gum incision. Gauze is pressed to the wound, held in place by the jaw to staunch the bleeding. After that, it’s over. You may find that the treatment or procedure itself is actually much faster than the preparation prior. All that you will have to focus on now is healing well. 

Post-Extraction Healing

Detailed instructions will be provided by Dr. Colson following your tooth extraction. If any post-treatment medication is prescribed by the doctor, be certain to follow these instructions carefully, as well. Typically, following an extraction, a few dietary guidelines must be followed to prevent complications such as excessive bleeding, infection, or dry socket. Following these aftercare instructions to ensures optimal healing results. 

Best Practices for Healing Well

While you may not feel it yet, your body is experiencing trauma from the removal and needs rest. After the first day, resume normal activities but remember to let yourself relax. While you may not feel pain, you may feel tired and should listen to your body.

Stay hydrated. You cannot heal effectively unless you take care to stay hydrated. Drink only water for the first 24 hours, and remember to avoid soft drinks entirely, as the carbonation can irritate the wound, especially around the stitches. Do not use a straw for at least a week, as the sucking action can cause the blood clot to dislodge from the socket. Consider replacing soft drinks with black tea, a natural clotting agent. 

Eat soft foods like yogurt and applesauce, though many have trouble maintaining an appetite for the first 24 hours. Only begin eating semi-soft foods when you can tolerate them. Avoid tough and chewy foods. Hot and spicy foods or small, sharp foods can irritate the area.

Post-Treatment Check In

Depending on the nature of your treatment, we may need to schedule a follow-up visit. We’ll let you know and help you schedule a follow-up treatment at the right time. 

Contact Us to Learn More

If you are searching for an exceptional dentist for you and your loved ones, or are interested in learning more about extractions and oral care, reach out to the professionals here at San Tan Oral Surgery of Gilbert, Arizona to speak to one of our caring specialists. Contact us today and schedule your consultation to reach a beautiful and healthy smile! 

The Fotona Laser has a variety of applications and can provide treatments with no contact and no noise. It’s a safe and effective technology that can handle a variety of treatments, including soft-tissue treatments and surgeries, teeth whitening, collagen production, and more. At San Tan Oral Surgery in Gilbert, Arizona, we have extensive experience performing various treatments with this laser technology.

What Is the Fotona Laser and How Does It Work?

This laser treatment is non-invasive and incredibly convenient, with low levels of discomfort, shorter postoperative healing periods, and fewer complications than other treatments, making it an excellent treatment method for a variety of problems. The speed of the lasers can be adjusted to administer precise treatments to tissues.

Fotona was the first manufacturer to create a dental laser that outperformed a traditional rotary drill. Their LightWalkerAT system was the first dental laser system to use Quantum Square Pulse (QSP) technology, which improves the laser’s interaction with dental tissues, allowing for more comfort, quicker treatments and better results. Their LightWalker ASP-Powered Laser can be used to tighten facial features from within the mouth. 

The laser reduces the need for scalpels or sutures, reduces bleeding, and disinfects as it works, reducing future complications and recovery time, making it an excellent technology that can provide a wide variety of high-quality, comfortable treatments. 

What Can the Fotona Laser Be Used for?

Smoothlase

SmoothLase is a non-surgical, non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment designed for facial rejuvenation. It uses a laser to penetrate layers of skin and deposit laser energy and heat below the surface of the skin, which helps stimulate elastin and collagen production.

Unlike other treatments, like dermal fillers or Botox, SmoothLase doesn’t use any foreign substances in its treatment, as it merely stimulates your body’s natural collagen and elastin production. 

SmoothLase can help remold damaged tissue as well as non-invasively lift and tighten the skin in the face around the lips, mouth, jawline, and chin, which may have started to sag or wrinkle with age and sun exposure. This treatment results in more youthful, healthier skin, and there are no requirements or medications following treatment as well as no downtime, so you can continue with your daily activities immediately after a SmoothLase treatment. 

NightLase

NightLase uses lasers on the collagen in the oral mucosa tissue, causing the collagen to contract and resulting in a tightening effect which can reduce the effects of sleep apnea and decrease snoring. It’s a non-invasive laser treatment that can greatly improve a patient’s sleep quality. 

The Er:YAG laser modality optimizes the length of the laser’s pulses, which allows the oral mucosa tissue to be safely penetrated by the laser’s heat. 

NightLase is non-invasive and requires three treatment sessions over a six week period. It has a high success rate in reducing snoring and lessening the effects of sleep apnea, and its positive effects can last for up to a year. 

LipLase

Many people who want plump, more youthful lips turn to injecting dermal filler, using lip implants, or grafting fat and other tissue. LipLase is a non-invasive, non-injection, and non-surgical laser treatment that will also result in fuller lips.

Through targeting the inside of the mouth and surrounding outer lip area, LipLase stimulates collagen production by heating the deep layers of skin, which can result in fuller, tighter lips and a more youthful look.

A LipLase treatment takes around twenty minutes and there is no required downtime or risk of bruising and the treatment results in plump, natural-looking lips with a defined shape.

TouchWhite Laser-Assisted Tooth Whitening

Fotona’s TouchWhite tooth whitening process is a fast, gentle, and minimally invasive tooth whitening treatment. Its whitening speeds can be five to ten times as fast as other lasers!

While bleaching gels cannot fully absorb other laser wavelengths, which results in the tooth being heated and potentially compromised, the bleaching gels can fully absorb the Er:YAG laser beam so it doesn’t penetrate the hard tissue or the pulp, which means that the underlying tooth is not directly heated and isn’t compromised.

Soft Tissue Treatments

The Fotona Laser can also be used in soft tissue treatments and oral surgery procedures and will not require using a scalpel or sutures. The laser makes soft tissue treatments and surgical procedures precise, pain-free, and blood-less. When the laser meets the tissue, there is immediate coagulation. 

Fotona’s Nd:YAG and Er:YAG lasers have fast treatment times, as well, as a scanner can be used to move the laser’s beam quickly and accurately across the treated tissues. Additionally, post-operative healing is much quicker and has fewer complications with this treatment.  

Cavities

Cavities can be dealt with quickly, and often without anesthetic, because the laser beam can be precisely and easily controlled by the operator.

Implantology

The LightWalker’s Er:YAG laser is ideal for treating peri-implantitis, an infectious disease that causes the gum and bone structure around a dental implant to become inflamed and can lead to bone loss or the implant falling out. 

The Er:YAG laser removes granulomatous tissue and microbial composition from the inflamed surface, stimulates the bone, and decontaminates the implant. The laser can perform precise incisions and fine, targeted tissue removal which makes treatment quicker and more accurate. 

Periodontics

The laser can also be used in periodontics in a variety of treatments. Two systematic laser wavelengths can be employed to prevent infection and promote the reduction of bacteria in pocket depths in a minimally invasive manner. 

Schedule a Consultation Today

To schedule a consultation and learn more about the Fotona Laser’s usage in oral surgery, contact San Tan Oral Surgery in Gilbert, Arizona! We have been serving the East Valley since 2005 and would love to use our extensive experience to help you.

Should you wait for a tooth to become painful or visibly damaged before visiting a dentist for restoration? Dental restorations can provide pain relief, aesthetic improvement, and greater function for teeth that are damaged from decay or illness. Restorations can also be a solution for missing teeth, providing you with a full functioning set of teeth. At San Tan Oral Surgery in Gilbert, AZ, we can restore your healthy and glowing smile.

Dental Restoration FAQs:

What Is Dental Restoration?

The goal of dental restoration is to restore the mouth and teeth to its ideal function and aesthetic appearance. Restoration can include a variety of treatments and procedures to replace and repair teeth, such as fillings or prosthetics. If you are missing teeth or have a damaged tooth, restoration can address many problems that come from tooth loss and damage.

When Should a Tooth Be Restored?

While restoration may be an obvious choice when the damage to a tooth is visible or painful, it can also be a measure to prevent further complications. Regular visits to the dentist will help catch issues before they require significant restoration. If you notice minor damage or pain coming from a tooth, you should visit your dentist immediately for assessment.

Teeth with visible stains can be whitened through restoration. A cavity is a bacterial decay that can be painful and have an undesirable appearance. If a cavity is left untreated, the tooth may require extraction or a crown to provide stability. Missing teeth should also be restored to prevent gum damage and improve the functionality of the mouth.

If you are missing a single tooth or multiple teeth, they can be replaced with a dental implant. The implant will restore the appearance of your smile and help you with normal functions like chewing. If all or most of the teeth are missing, a solution like all-on-four implants or bridges may be necessary.

What Types of Restoration Are There?

Direct

A direct restoration is one that is directly applied to a prepared tooth. This can include fillings meant to restore a decayed tooth and veneers to correct discolored teeth and fix minor damage like chips and cracks. Direct restorations are meant to improve the appearance of a tooth or teeth and stop the process of decay, but the teeth are left intact. Direct restorations rarely have the same quality of appearance and longevity as indirect restorations.

Indirect

An indirect restoration is one that is prepared outside of the mouth, usually using a mold to make a prosthetic, which is then applied to the prepared tooth or gums. Crowns, bridges, and implants are all examples of indirect restorations. The prosthetic may be made in a laboratory or molded from your existing teeth. Indirect restorations may be needed to replace teeth after an illness, extraction, or accident.

A crown is an indirect restoration meant to support a tooth by covering the entire surface of the natural tooth after it is prepared. The crown looks like and provides the function of a natural tooth. Implants are also indirect restorations made in a laboratory as a replacement for an extracted or missing tooth. The implant is placed in the mouth using a titanium root attached to the upper or lower jawbone.

How Long Will It Take to Restore a Tooth?

The amount of time a tooth restoration takes may vary. For direct restoration, we may be able to complete the treatment in a single visit. Resin fillings can be applied in several minutes, while amalgam and porcelain fillings may require a second visit. An indirect restoration takes more than one visit because we need to prepare the tooth and create the prosthetic mold. You will need to return for the prosthetic to be applied. After the restoration, your mouth and teeth will need time to heal. Expect a filling to be sensitive for several weeks and an implant to take four to six months before it is fully healed.

How Long Does a Restoration Last?

While indirect restorations tend to last longer than direct restorations, the amount of time the restoration will last depends on the material and the location of the restoration. Proper care can also ensure the restoration lasts as long as possible. A resin filling may last five or more years, but it tends to last half the time of porcelain or amalgam fillings. Crowns meant to save a tooth can last 5 to 15 years, and a prosthetic implant can last over 25 years. If you visit the dentist regularly, you can replace the restoration before it has outlived its usefulness.

Will My Restoration Be Expensive?

The cost of dental restoration can vary based on the type of restoration and the condition of your teeth. If we need to address the underlying cause of the restoration, this may also be part of your treatment expenses. While some restorations are covered by dental insurance providers, implants are not covered in many dental plans. If you need implants, you will most likely have to cover them out-of-pocket. Regular visits to the dentist can help us catch teeth in need of restoration early to treat them before they become more involved and can save you money and time.

See if Tooth Restoration Is Right for You

If you are unsure if your tooth needs restoration, visit San Tan Oral Surgery in Gilbert, AZ for an initial consultation today. We will find the restoration that is right for you and ensure that you are satisfied with the functionality and appearance of your teeth.

Cigarettes, unprotected sun exposure, dehydration, and more can prematurely age your skin. At San Tan Oral Surgery in Gilbert, AZ, we often see clients with fine lines, moderate wrinkles, deep folds, sagging skin, and sunken cheeks and lips. Radiofrequency treatment can reverse all these signs of premature aging. Today, we look at nine benefits of choosing Pelleve for anti-aging purposes.

9 Benefits of Choosing Pelleve

1. Treatment Doesn’t Take Long

The primary benefit of Pelleve over invasive anti-aging procedures is that these anti-aging procedures take hours. This often means you have to take a whole day off of work. With this radiofrequency treatment, treating a portion of your face takes only half an hour. Treating your entire face will only take 45 minutes to an hour.

2. You Will See the Results Quickly

With a facelift, brow lift, neck lift or other anti-aging procedure, it can take several months to see the results of the procedure. This is due to significant swelling. With this revolutionary radiofrequency treatment, you will instantly see the skin-tightening results of treatment. You can also see an immediate improvement in fine lines, moderate wrinkles and severe folds.

For localized volume increase, such as knifeless cheek augmentation, it can take two to three treatments spaced four weeks apart to achieve the ideal aesthetic. However, there will be a noticeable increase in localized volume.

3. The Results Are Durable

Some anti-aging treatments offer results that only last a few months. This isn’t the case with this radiofrequency anti-aging treatment. In fact, the results of treatment continue to improve for three months after your initial treatment. This is because it stimulates your body’s production of collagen and elastin: crucial proteins and fibers for keeping your skin young and healthy.

4. You Are Probably a Good Candidate

Contrary to invasive anti-aging procedures, you don’t need a healthy heart and lungs to be a good candidate. With this radiofrequency anti-aging treatment, you just have to be concerned with the appearance of sunspots, age spots, wrinkles, volume loss, hyperpigmentation or dull, ruddy skin.

To determine if this is the right anti-aging treatment for you, we will review your aesthetic goals during your initial consultation. The best candidate for this treatment has realistic expectations about the results.

5. You Can Treat Your Whole Face

There are invasive anti-aging procedures that can treat your whole face collectively. However, you would need several separate procedures to enhance your entire aesthetic. For instance, you may need a neck lift, facelift, lip augmentation and cheek augmentation.

With this radiofrequency treatment, you can quickly and easily treat your whole face. For instance, you can correct smile lines, frown lines, worry lines, crow’s feet and marionette lines. At the same time, you can lift sagging skin around your jowls and add volume to your cheeks. Again, all of this takes only 45 minutes to an hour.

6. Treatment Is Comfortable

Another incredible benefit of this treatment is how comfortable it is. The warmth of this treatment penetrates the deepest layers of your skin and feels just like a hot stone massage. Some of our clients walk away from the treatment feeling relaxed and soothed. Others walk away feeling refreshed and invigorated.

Either way, there is no need to receive any sort of anesthetic. There are several benefits to this. First, it saves you a significant amount of money. Second, it saves you a great deal of time. There is no need to wait for the anesthetic to work. Moreover, there is no recovery time or downtime as you wait for the anesthetic to wear off.

7. Preparation Is Easy

Preparation for this treatment is unbelievably easy. Let us know if you have an active cut, wound or infection in the treatment site within two weeks of your scheduled treatment. Wear SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen in the weeks leading up to treatment and let us know if you suffer from sunburn. Drink between 64 and 128 ounces of water the day before treatment.

Do not wear facial jewelry or makeup when you come in for your treatment. You can apply makeup immediately after treatment. Males should shave completely the night before treatment. Stop using topical prescription-strength creams, such as Retin-A and Hydroquinone, three to five days before your treatment.

8. Aftercare Is a Breeze

Self-care following this revolutionary treatment is just as easy as preparation is. Drink between half a gallon and a full gallon of water within 24 hours of your treatment. This treatment does not cause photosensitivity.

However, you should still apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily to your neck and face. Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser. Avoid steam and hot water on the treatment site for the first few hours after treatment.

9. Treatment Is Safe

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration only gives its seal of approval to products that are extremely safe and effective. Pelleve has been through rigorous clinical trials to prove its safety and efficacy. In 2009, it received the FDA’s seal of approval for the treatment of volume loss, sagging skin and skin texture issues.

Learn How to Put a Fresh Face Forward Today

Do you think a radiofrequency anti-aging treatment could benefit you? If so, Pelleve may be just the aesthetic solution you need. To learn more, contact us today at San Tan Oral Surgery in Gilbert, AZ to schedule your initial consultation. We can’t wait to meet you and help you achieve your ideal aesthetic. 

Dental bone grafting has made it possible for dentists to restore oral health and confidence by introducing new ways to solve old problems. At San Tan Oral Surgery in Gilbert, Arizona, we offer bone grafts to help restore your bone structure, allowing for dental solutions that were not possible in the past. There are various reasons for you to have a bone graft. Understanding how it works and talking to a qualified dentist can help you decide whether you are a candidate for the procedure.

What Is Dental Bone Grafting?

As children, we lose our “baby” teeth, which are then replaced with our permanent “adult” teeth. But what happens when you lose your permanent teeth through gum disease or an accident? Your bones become less dense and weaker. The body absorbs the bone material because it’s no longer needed.

The loss of bone tissue may eliminate tooth replacement options such as dental implants. Dental bone grafting is a minor procedure usually done in our dental office. It can help stimulate bone growth needed to restore oral health by stimulating bone growth to save a tooth or prepare your mouth for dental implants.

Uses for Dental Bone Grafting

Dental bone grafts are relatively new advancement. It has given people options that did not exist or only existed for people who could afford what used to be an expensive option. It is now a treatment available to the general population and at all phases of restorative dental care from teeth preservation to implants.

Saving Natural Teeth

A traumatic injury or severe periodontal disease can cause enough bone loss to risk tooth loss. Bone grafts can help support and save your teeth from extraction.

Preserving Tooth Extraction Areas

Sometimes tooth extractions are inevitable. At the time of removal, it is common for the dentist to perform a bone graft, allowing for future tooth replacement options.

Preparing for Dental Implants

Dental implants provide a better option than removable dentures. They permanently replace missing teeth. Dental implants require the target area to have good bone volume and density. Patients who suffer from bone loss may need to have a graft to rebuild the affected site. Bone grafting can help regenerate the bone making it possible to perform a dental implant.

Material Used for Grafting

The source for a bone graft can either come from the patient, a human donor, an animal, or from synthetic material. The term used for the grafting depends on the source material.

Autografting is when the material used for the graft comes from the recipient’s body. The source area is usually the jaw or hip one. Allografts are sourced from human donors. Xenografts are bone grafts done with material from an animal. And finally, alloplasts are graph done using synthetic materials that include calcium, phosphorous, and hydroxylapatite.

Naturally, the most optimal source for a bone graft is your own tissue. There are pros and cons to each graft type, however, and you can discuss each option at the time of your consultation.

How Does Bone Grafting Work?

Bone grafting is a simple yet fascinating minor surgical procedure that usually takes place in a dental office under local anesthesia. The material for the graft may come from the patient, a human cadaver, synthetic material, or an animal.

An incision is made and then the grafting material is added to the bone underneath the gum. Your body then grows new bone at the graft site, restoring structure and healthy bone to the area. The actual workings of the grafting depend on the type of bone graft you receive.

Socket Graft

The socket graph is the most common type of bone graft. Usually, the piece of bone used to make the graft material comes from a human donor. This is preventative to keep the bone in a socket from deteriorating.

Lateral Ridge Preservation Graft

Like the socket graft, the lateral ridge graft is preventative and is used to make the jawbone wider, preparing it for a future dental implant. This graft often helps reduce the need for a major bone graft in the future.

Block Bone Graft

Patients with a sizeable defect in the jaw may need a block bone graft. The donor material may either come from the patient or a substitute. If the graft comes from the patient, a small block of bone is harvested from the back of the jaw. The graft is screwed or tacked into place, priming it to become part of the patient’s body. It takes about four to six months to heal, and only then is the area ready for a dental implant.

Sinus Lift Bone Graft

Sometimes the implant area is located in the upper jaw near the maxillary sinus. In this case, a sinus lift bone graft may be needed to create enough space between the jaw and the sinus cavity so that the sinus cavity is not compromised.

Find Out More

Bone loss no longer means a permanent loss of your brilliant smile, facial aging, or your ability to eat certain foods. There are preventative and restorative grafting options to pave the way to restore your facial structures, your smile, and your confidence! Your journey starts with a phone call. Contact San Tan Oral Surgery in Gilbert, Arizona and schedule your consultation today.

Are you experiencing pain or imperfections in your teeth but don’t want to undergo painful and time-consuming surgical procedures? Laser-assisted surgery and treatment from a Fotona laser can help you undergo your surgery or treatment faster, with no pain or long healing times. At San Tan Oral Surgery in Gilbert, AZ, we use laser-assistance for surgical procedures and treatments like teeth whitening to offer you a painless experience.

What Is the Fotona Laser?

Fotona is a well-known brand in aesthetic, surgical, and dental lasers. Laser technology is an incredible tool for surgery and skin treatments, but it is also aids in dental procedures. Lasers can be used for soft and hard tissue surgery, implanting, cavity preparation, and tooth whitening treatments. Laser-assisted oral surgery is safer than traditional surgery.

Laser-assisted procedures reduce bleeding and damage to the tissue, resulting in faster healing times with fewer complications. Laser surgery may not require sutures, is often painless, and requires anesthetic less frequently. Fotona allows dental surgeons a greater degree of precision and can be used in the place of drills and scalpels.

How Does Fotona Work?

Fotona is a laser system used in dentistry that emits a low intensity and high-frequency light pulse. The specific handheld dentistry laser from Fotona is called the LightWalker laser, using Er:YAG and Nd:YAG technology. The laser replaces steel cutting instruments like scalpels for oral surgery. The Fotona allows for cuts that are painless, fast, precise, and coagulate blood instantly.

The disinfection and fast healing associated with using the Fotona laser makes surgery possible with fewer sutures and less chance of infection. The Fotona system, known as TouchWhite Tooth Whitening, uses the LightWalker laser for aesthetic whitening treatments. We apply a gel to the teeth that absorbs the laser so patients will not feel discomfort.

We go over the teeth with the laser to activate the bleaching agent in the gel and whiten the teeth. Laser-assisted whitening is more effective and quick than other whitening treatments. The treatment is faster than other lasers because the tooth is not directly heated. The gel is specifically formulated so there is no risk of damage to the tooth while using the Fotona system.

Fotona for Oral Treatments and Procedures

Laser-assisted surgery is an incredible technology that helps dental surgeons conduct procedures with greater efficiency. The laser system from Fotona is adjustable, allowing surgeons to cut and disinfect with one tool. Dentists can make precise cuts with no scalpel and often complete surgery with no sutures. The laser makes bleeding less frequent as the incision heals quickly with instant coagulation and no pain. The clean surgery makes for fewer complications.

The laser can be used to prepare cavities faster than with drilling. Laser drilling is safer than mechanical drilling, and patients will feel no pain from the laser. Patients may not even require an anesthetic when undergoing treatment. Minor treatments like frenectomies can be completed in just 15 minutes with no pain. Laser treatments can be used for the quick and painless removal of white spots on the gums and oral tissue called leukoplakia.

Faster Healing After Surgery

Traditional oral surgeries will have a healing time and may require sutures. With laser surgery, there is less healing time because the cuts are not made with scalpels. The laser makes clean cuts in place of a traditional scalpel and has the added benefit of coagulating the blood instantly, so the cut heals quickly with no bleeding. Most patients feel no pain from a laser-assisted procedure.

Tooth Whitening With Fotona

The Fotona TouchWhite Tooth Whitening system uses the LightWalker laser to whiten teeth 5 to 10 times faster than traditional whitening methods. A gel is applied to the teeth when using the whitening laser. The gel will not penetrate hard tissue or the pulp of the tooth, so there is no damage or pain associated with the treatment.

With other whitening lasers, there is a risk of damage due to direct heat to the tooth. The gel is a bleaching formula that absorbs the light from the laser to bleach the teeth without directly heating the teeth. The laser is more efficient due to the minimized risk of damage.

Is the Fotona Laser Safe?

Laser-assisted surgery and treatment are safer than traditional surgery in most cases. Patients will enjoy fast and painless surgery. Anesthetic is required less frequently when lasers are used and bleeding is reduced. Patients will have faster healing times than traditional surgical procedures as most incisions will heal instantly after the cut as the blood coagulates from the laser. No scalpels or sutures are required with laser-assisted surgery, and the laser disinfects the surgical area so there are fewer risks of complications.

Fotona Laser for Your Next Oral Surgery

Oral surgery can be painful, but it doesn’t have to be with Fotona. Experience the painlessness and reliability of laser-assisted surgery with your next procedure at San Tan Oral Surgery. Laser surgery provides a faster surgery time with less healing and fewer risks. We can use Fotona for fast and effective tooth whitening with no pain or damage to the teeth.

If you think Fotona laser might be the right option for your next surgery or whitening, visit San Tan Oral Surgery in Gilbert, AZ today for a consultation. We offer painless cavity treatments, quick tooth whitening, and worry-free surgery with laser-assisted technology for your convenience and comfort.

Do you want a full and healthy smile without having to deal with dentures? Dentures are not a permanent solution and require significant care and maintenance. Zygomatic implants are an excellent way to restore your teeth without dentures. The implants look natural, are low maintenance, and do not require drastic lifestyle changes. Implants are a permanent alternative to dentures. Here at San Tan Oral Surgery in Gilbert, Arizona we have the dental solution for you.

What Are Zygomatic Implants?

Zygomatic implants are a dental implant that is permanently anchored to a dense bone within the mouth. The Implants are commonly used when there is not enough upper jaw bone to affix the dental implant. Instead of anchoring to the jaw, the implants are anchored to the cheekbones.

The loss of jaw bone may be due to age, disease, or trauma. For those with significant bone loss, the alternative would be rebuilding the jaw bone with grafts, which can be more invasive and cause complications.

The implant can also be used on both sides of the face in situations where bone loss is more severe. This can be helpful to provide adequate support for the implants. The implants have a natural look and do not require care beyond normal cleaning and check-ups.

The Difference Between Zygomatic and Traditional Implants

Traditional implants are anchored to the jaw bone using a titanium screw for each tooth. Implants that replace multiple teeth, such as All on Four implants, use four anchors to mount the entire prosthetic. For these types of implants, the patient must have enough support from their jaw bone.

If the jaw bones do not offer substantial support, a professional may recommend an implant that attaches to the cheekbone with a zygomatic procedure. The implant is mounted on the cheekbone, called the zygomatic region, by professionals. This can be helpful for older patients with a greater loss of bone in the maxillary or jaw bone or for those who have lost bone density due to disease or trauma.

The zygomatic bone is more dense, allowing for greater support than implants attached to the jaw bone. The prosthetic can often be attached to the bone with a less complicated procedure because of the wider distribution of stress. The implant can help patients avoid more invasive and complicated procedures like grafts.

Benefits of Zygomatic Implants

Zygomatic implants may seem like just a substitute for traditional implants when the jaw bones do not have enough density to support dental implants, but they offer several benefits over traditional implants that you may consider. Implants look natural and require a smaller amount of maintenance when compared to dentures.

Long-Term Solution

The implants are not removable like dentures. After the procedure, the implants are permanent and can last a lifetime if they are well taken care of. Just like with real teeth, you should have a daily routine to take care of your implants and gums. Continued cleanings and checkups from a dentist are also important.

Alternative solutions to jaw bone loss used to reinforce the jaw bone, such as grafts, can be complex. The grafts can be rejected and the procedure can take a long time.

Zygomatic implants can help you avoid complications that are associated with grafts, and the prosthetics can be implanted in less time. The implants can help provide more jaw structure, resulting in a better appearance. The implants appear to be natural and look like your real teeth.

Quick and Safe Procedure

Due to the wider area sharing the stress and the faster healing time associated with a zygomatic implant procedure, the prosthetics are usually mounted at the time of the procedure. Patients do not have to wait for the area to heal and come back for the prosthetics to be applied.

This implant procedure is safer than with implants that have a long healing time and a more concentrated area. The area has less risk of complications and heals quickly. The implants also have great stability due to being mounted on a dense bone.

The implants can be used much like your normal teeth, and you do not need to make changes to your diet. There is no need to remove the implants to clean them like dentures. The prosthetics can be cleaned just like real teeth. For a specific care routine, always consult with a dentist. It is important to keep the prosthetics clean for longevity. Even though the teeth are prosthetic, the gums will benefit from routine cleaning and maintenance.

Are Zygomatic Implants Right for You?

Dental implants are an excellent way to replace your smile after tooth loss. Implants are a long-term option to tooth replacement and can be used to replace one or several teeth. You can treat implants much like normal teeth, and they do not require significant lifestyle changes.

If you have missing teeth due to trauma, age, or disease, implants may be right for you. Implants require less care and are not removable like dentures. Implants can dramatically improve the look of your smile and quality of life, giving you a confidence boost and a normal lifestyle. If you are interested in dental implants, you should talk to a specialist about the benefits dental implants can have on your life.

If you are ready to restore your smile, check with our specialists if zygomatic implants are right for you. Implants are a simple and permanent solution requiring few changes to your daily routine and diet. Contact San Tan Oral Surgery in Gilbert, Arizona for a consultation today.

If you are considering All on Four dental implants as a restoration solution for your smile, you may be wondering how long they will last. Here at San Tan Oral Surgery in Gilbert, Arizona, we can help you understand what dental implants can do for you and why you might choose it over other solutions.

If you already have dentures or are weighing the benefits of dentures and implants, the dental implant system provides a long-term solution with less maintenance. You can continue to live much as you did with natural teeth, and the solution has a natural and youthful look.

What Are All on Four Implants?

These dental implants are a way to dramatically improve the quality of life for adults with significant tooth loss. Instead of individual implants for each tooth, this dental implant system replaces several at once. The process reduces surgical time and the amount of hardware needed to affix each and every tooth. Four implants are precisely placed and anchored to hold the entire dental implant in place.

The dental implant system has benefits over individual implants by strengthening the jawbone. The dental implant system is attached to the jaw using titanium, which can fuse to the jawbone over time for a stronghold. The implants create a stronger foundation than traditional implants that will give your jaw more structure so it is less noticeable you are wearing implants. The fusing also keeps bone loss to a minimum when compared to traditional dental implants.

Who Can Benefit From All on Four Dental Implants?

The dental implant system is excellent for an entire restoration of the teeth. Patients missing all, or a significant amount of teeth should consider the dental implant system as a total solution. Dental implants work to replace teeth that have been lost to disease, decay, and accident. Adults who lose teeth as they age may see dental implants as an excellent solution.

If you want to restore your smile to a youthful look with all of your teeth and a strong jaw, the dental implant system is an effective way to have a full smile. Dental implants do not need to be removed and are like your natural permanent teeth. You won’t need to change your diet when using these dental implants.

Caring for All on Four Dental Implants

Just like natural teeth, dental implants require cleaning through brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash daily. Dental implants also require routine checkups from your dentist and must be professionally cleaned at your dentist’s recommendation.

The dental implants themselves cannot decay, but cleaning the teeth just like natural teeth will help keep your gums healthy. With proper care, the implants can last much longer and you can prevent compromising the health of your gums.

How Long Do All on Four Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants are a permanent solution to tooth loss. Dental implants fuse to the bone with titanium, so they will not come off. You can still chew all types of food and get jaw exercise. The structure of your jaw will not degrade as much as with traditional implants, so you will keep a youthful jaw profile. The implants are not susceptible to decay, but proper care should be practiced to keep your gums healthy. Always consult your dentist for the dental care routine you require.

If you keep your gums healthy with daily cleaning and visit the dentist for check-ups and cleanings, a dental implant that is kept in top condition can last for life. The implants are anchored and do not require removal. This can improve your quality of life socially and allow you to keep to a normal balanced diet. Dental implants have been in use for over 50 years, and many people live a better life thanks to this life-changing restoration treatment.

Zygomatic Restoration for Jaw Bone Loss

In addition to full tooth replacement with dental implants, some patients may need a different type of restoration if there is significant bone loss on the upper jaw. The Zygomatic implant system is a tooth restoration process that attaches the implants to your cheekbones rather than your jawbones. This procedure is only needed if the loss of the jawbone makes it impossible to attach the implants with the necessary stability. You can consult your dentist to determine which implant is right for you.

The Zygomatic implant system provides a youthful smile and healthy structure for those with bone loss that provides much better results than with other treatments. Your teeth and gums will look natural and your smile will be full. The implants do not require the same maintenance as dentures or other types of implants and the procedure is quick and easy. The teeth are permanent and you do not need to make changes your eating habits or lifestyle.

How to Get Treatment

If you are considering All on Four dental implants, contact San Tan Oral Surgery in Gilbert, AZ for a consultation for details about the procedure. We can provide a cost and timeframe summary to explain everything you need to know, and you can decide to act when you are fully ready. The process can be completed in as little as two to six months and may only take four to six visits to ensure a stable and complete restoration of your smile…and your confidence!