Oral Surgery Blog for Patients

A young girl sits in a dentist chair with her hand on her cheek, indicating pain from a wisdom tooth.

How Do Wisdom Teeth Get Infected?

Wisdom teeth are notorious for causing trouble—and infection is one of the most common issues our patients face. Because these “third molars” sit at the very back of the mouth, they can be difficult to reach with a toothbrush or floss. Food particles and bacteria often get trapped around the teeth, leading to cavities, gum […]

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How Long Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Take?

For most patients, wisdom tooth extraction surgery takes less than one hour. For complex cases, the procedure can take up to 90 minutes. Several factors affect the total time required for your wisdom teeth removal and completion of your appointment, including: Number of teeth being removed: extracting all four will naturally take longer than removing one […]

Patient asks an oral surgeon a question before getting dental implants

Dental Implants for Diabetics: What to Know Before Moving Forward

Dental implants are one of the most effective and long-lasting solutions for replacing missing teeth. Designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth, they can restore not only your smile but your confidence and comfort as well. While dental implants are safe and successful for most patients, individuals with diabetes may face additional considerations. […]

A single dental implant replaces a missing tooth

What Causes Dental Implant Failure?

Fortunately, over 95% of dental implants are successful. However, when a patient comes to us with dental implant failure, it’s most often due to gum disease, teeth grinding or other excessive stress on the implant, smoking, or insufficient bone structure.

A photo of different dental implants.

Who are Good Candidates for Dental Implants?

Dental implants are one of the most effective and long-lasting solutions for tooth replacement, but many factors impact whether you can safely and successfully receive them. Your oral health, bone structure, medical history, and lifestyle habits all play a role in determining whether dental implants are right for you. A good candidate for dental implants […]

A single dental implant replaces a missing tooth

Can You Get Dental Implants If You Have Rheumatoid Arthritis?

The answer is yes; many patients with rheumatoid arthritis successfully receive dental implants. However, the condition does introduce certain risks that require extra planning and care. Patients should both be aware of these considerations and ready to discuss them with their oral surgeon and rheumatologist. In this guide, you’ll learn how rheumatoid arthritis impacts oral […]

A young teen smiles in the dentist chair.

Can You Get Wisdom Teeth Removed With Braces?

If your teen is in the middle of orthodontic treatment and suddenly needs their wisdom teeth removed, don’t panic. It is not only possible, but also perfectly normal to remove the wisdom teeth during orthodontic treatment.  Many parents are surprised to hear that their child may need oral surgery while still in braces, but it’s […]

A woman holding a tooth brush tries to determine if she has bad breath.

Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Bad Breath? (Yes, And Here’s What You Can Do)

Wisdom teeth are a common source of bad breath. Because they are located at the back of the mouth, and difficult to clean—a buildup of plaque, bacteria, decay, and infection around wisdom teeth can cause unpleasant odors that easily translate into your breath. In this article, we’ll explore how wisdom teeth can cause bad breath, […]

A photo of different dental implants.

Considering Molar Tooth Implants? Find Out if You’re a Good Candidate

Located at the back of the mouth, the molars are the large, flat teeth responsible for grinding, crushing, and chewing food. Losing a molar can significantly impact your ability to eat—particularly crunchy or tough foods—and may also cause other teeth to shift, throwing off your bite. Dental implants are a modern, long-lasting solution to missing […]

A smiling older woman in a yellow floral shirt

Wisdom Tooth Removal in Older Adults: What You Need to Know

Key takeaway: Generally speaking, a patient is never too old for wisdom tooth extraction. However, there are risks for older adults or elderly patients to consider when removing teeth. While getting your wisdom teeth out is often considered a rite of passage for teens and young adults, wisdom teeth extraction can happen at any age. […]