Oral & Facial Surgery of Oklahoma

The water flossing has recently become increasingly popular. If you are getting a special toothbrush with water flossing capabilities or some other sort, water flossing becomes easier. What is it, then? Is that very good for you? Will it replace your usual traditional floss with string floss? See what dental surgeons have to say.

Water flossing

The flossing of water, also known as water picking, has many benefits. Water picking is an easy to use machine which uses a high-pressure stream of water to extract food particles and plaque from teeth. This action will relax gums, boost gum health and touch areas that could not be covered by conventional floss. Water pressure will move and clean alimony particles away from the teeth at the same time.

Water picking requires a tool to pick water which can be expensive. It is relatively easy to use a water pick. Fill the reservoir with water, and set the pressure. It is important to use the tip of the water pick to spray water between teeth and along the gum line, when leaning over a drain. Start with the teeth in the back and continue. Upon complete, eject tip and clean system.

For decades, dentists have been promoting modern flossing — and for a good reason. It’s an incredibly effective way to clear food contaminants and residue from your teeth. Flossing is an oral care procedure which is cheap and readily available. This can be done with little effort, anytime.

Regular flossing has long been a custom for those who have good oral hygiene. You are vulnerable to gum disease when the flossing is not part of your everyday routine. When gum disease occurs, the gums swell and bleed as soon as you floss. Nevertheless, flossing is still important. Less flossing can lead to greater sensitivity to the gums.

Difference between the Two

Although both of these methods can be helpful for your oral health, water flossing does not replace conventional flossing. Water flossing is an ideal addition to the routine for oral hygiene but is no replacement for the traditional one.

According to a report carried out in the Journal of Clinical Dentistry, those using both conventional string floss and water flossing reported a plaque reduction of 74.4%. By comparison, those who only used string floss had a plaque reduction of 57.7%.

Both the use of water flossing and conventional flossing will battle plaque and keep your teeth cleaner for longer. Reduce chances for gum disease and tooth decay use various flossing techniques.

With the best oral health brush twice occasional, occasional floss with string floss, floss with a water pick where possible, and frequent visits to the skilled dentist for cleaning and check-up you can assure the best hygiene. Use fluoride in your routine for better performance where possible.

You can book your appointment with Dr Wooten from Oral and Facial Surgery. Our dental surgeons of Oklahoma City can help you get rid of oral health issues.

**Disclaimer: This site content is not intended to be medical advice nor establishes a doctor-patient relationship.

An apicoectomy is a dental process on which an oral surgery specialist exposes the root structure under the gums and the structure of the jaw bone. This process is done to remove the infected soft tissue that is located at the root of the tooth. This process is often referred to as root end resection and retrograde root canal treatment.

Why It Is Performed?

This apicoectomy is performed if a root canal treatment goes wrong. Though the majority of root canal treatments are successful there are still chances of failure. In these cases the root canal treatment is incapable to remove all infected pulp effectively from a tooth. In such cases this apicoectomy saves the tooth. Generally, an x-ray helps in determining if this is the ideal option.

Who Can Go for It?

The candidates for this treatment are the people who have undergone failed root canal treatment. After this failure an apicoecctomy still gives a chance to save the tooth. This process stops the infected pulp to spread to the entire jawbone. But you should make a visit to the oral surgery specialists to assure you are in safe hands.

The Apicoectomy Process

This process is done with local anesthesia. A small incision or cut is made along the gum line for root end and jaw bone structure access. Next a small microscope is used to see the condition in details. Now the surgeon can clearly see the condition of infected tooth pulp. Next the root tip is removed and for healing the surgeon does a small bone grafting. The surgeon will stitch up the area for faster healing.

Many patients recover soon from this condition. Some start working from the next day but some may get swelling and a little discomfort. The patients should follow all the instructions given by the oral surgery specialists about diet and brushing. Contact Dr. Wooten at Oral and Facial Surgery of Oklahoma for this treatment.

**Disclaimer: This site content is not intended to be medical advice nor establishes a doctor-patient relationship.

You need to go for liquid or semi-liquid edible items after wisdom teeth removal. Best food that can bring back your strength and immunity are boiled vegetables, potatoes, and yogurt. Also, applesauce, and smoothies can cool your
mouth and heal inflamed tissues. Do not forget to drink plenty of water.

**Disclaimer: This site content is not intended to be medical advice nor establishes a doctor-patient relationship.

Though regenerating bone sounds like a story but it is scientifically proven for treating bone loss in upper jaw. The sinus surgery or sinus membrane lift or sinus augmentation process is well-known in restorative dentistry to help in bone growth. This is the treatment that allows dental implant process and also preferable for replacing failing or missing teeth.

Many people get insufficient bone in their upper jaw after an extended time of tooth extraction. If there are less bone that means, there is less space for anchoring a dental implant. Considering that dental implants are perfect for natural teeth restoration, sinus surgery is essential for a good oral appearance. If you also need different options, talk to a dental surgeon.

Bone Grafting for Dental Implants

When you lose teeth due to periodontal disease, infection or other injuries, a dental implant gives you a safer and excellent option that is long-lasting at the same time. This is an artificial tooth that is inserted to the jaw for holding a replaced tooth or bridge in the place. Implants do not look artificial, this is natural and after completion of the process, the tooth functions like a natural tooth. Implants are also beneficial for other teeth as they do not need support to stand strong from other neighboring teeth.

Dental Implant Surgery

Dental implant surgery is done in multiple stages. Once the damaged tooth is removed, the jawbone is made ready for surgery. This is the time for bone grafting. This bone grafting process helps in replacing and regenerating the missing bone. This is also beneficial for restoring the facial contour. A person may also lose bone because of a trauma, injury, decay or rot. A bone grafting also gives a base for the dental implant.

Reason for Insufficient Bone

The upper jaw supports the upper back teeth. There are sinus cavities in the upper jaw and the size depends on individual person. Even the two different jaws of a person could have different sizes. The bone needs a stimulation otherwise it will go weak. The teeth are the place from where the bone gets needed stimulation. After teeth loss, the bone stimulation of the area along with the bone cells in the area. It results in low volume and density of bone. Gum infections or diseases are also contributing factors to bone loss.

Sinus Surgery for Bone Regeneration

After opening the sinus cavity, the dental surgeon places the bone graft material inside the sinus membrane. The body’s natural bone growth will cover the grafted material and the bone is ready for a new dental implant.

You can reach to Oral & Facial Surgery in Oklahoma and contact Dr Wooten to perform your dental implant surgery.

**Disclaimer: This site content is not intended to be medical advice nor establishes a doctor-patient relationship.

After wisdom teeth removal, the throbbing pain from that socket that stays for two to three days is dry socket. This pain is often associated with bad breath and odor in the mouth. When this pain stays for a long time, probably the healing is not in order.

Dry socket happens when the jawbone is inflamed after extracting a tooth. This is also referred to as “alveolar osteitis” and it is one of the major complications that occurs after a tooth extraction. Dry socket is very rare to occur, and it occurs in only 2% of tooth extraction cases. This percentage rises to 20% when the mandibular impacted third molars or the wisdom teeth are removed.

When the tooth is extracted, a blood clot forms there in the open tooth sockets and fills the area. It helps in fast healing. If the blood clot breaks down or it is dislodged – it would cause dry socket.

Reasons of Dry Socket

Bacterial

If the mouth had preexisting infection, it may suffer from a dry socket. Treat your mouth for diseases like periodontal disease (or periodontitis) to prevent blood clot. Some oral bacteria can also cause clot breakdown.

Chemical

Smokers’ mouths have decreased blood supply due to the chemical nicotine. It results in problem to blood clot formation at the tooth extraction site.

Mechanical

Aggressive sucking, using a straw, spitting etc. may pressure the tooth extraction site.

How to Prevent Dry Socket

• Do not smoke for the first few days after the tooth extraction. You may have to return to the dentist’s office if you smoke after a tooth extraction with a dry socket.
• Do not spit. Rinse your mouth gently for a few days.
• Do not use straw or suck anything aggressively. When you suck anything, that movement or suctional force will dislodge the blood clot.
• Do not eat anything solid. Try to eat foods like applesauce, yogurt, mashed potato etc.

If after wisdom teeth removal, you are suffering from dry socket, you should start looking for a doctor. At Oral and Facial Surgery of Oklahoma, we would help you to get relief from a dry socket.

**Disclaimer: This site content is not intended to be medical advice nor establishes a doctor-patient relationship.

There can be a lot of different causes of tooth loss. If you are suffering from a tooth decaying issue and consulting a dentist for long, then tooth loss may not be something surprising to you. But there are other sudden causes as well that can turn out to be a shock. It may happen that you need to go for tooth extraction when your tooth has cavity or any serious infection. However, it is important for you to learn about the other causes.

Common Causes of Tooth Loss

Accidents in Vehicles

If you get involved in a car or bike accident and result in serious injury, it can also lead to tooth injury. If you get hit on your mouth, it can cause tooth loss. Bike accidents give a high chance of tooth loss.

Slip & Fall Accidents:

Slip and fall accidents are also one of the causes of tooth loss. If you fall in a dangerous way and injure your mouth or teeth. If the condition is serious, it may need tooth extraction.

Injuries Related to Work

Sometimes, you can also face accidents in your workplace. It may happen that your work is dangerous and may induce life risk.  If you get injured while working and get injured, tooth loss is not uncommon in this case.

Gum Disease & Cavities

It is already mentioned above that gum disease and cavities are primary reasons of tooth loss. Sometimes, it may also happen that the infection is so deep rooted, it can lead to tooth extraction.

When tooth loss takes place due to any accident, then it can cause huge blood loss as well. If you witness any such accidents in your life, you need to visit Oral & Facial Surgery and consult Dr Wooten. Our doctor will decide whether you need to go for tooth extraction.

**Disclaimer: This site content is not intended to be medical advice nor establishes a doctor-patient relationship.

Our teeth are one of the important parts of human body right from their birth. Baby teeth are also a very significant part and should be taken care of just life adult teeth. There are different types of risk involved for teeth decaying. One of such risks is baby bottle decay for which you may need to contact an oral surgeon to the earliest.

What Baby Bottle Decay Is All About?

When baby teeth are exposed to sugary drinks then a kind of oral disease can develop among children. If precautions are not taken, it can create obstacle in the path of new teeth formation. It might not seem to be a gruesome problem as infant teeth fall and adult teeth start growing. But the oral disease lasts for long and can have an adverse effect on the newly grown adult teeth as well.

Maintaining a proper dental hygiene at the infant age is also very necessary to allow healthy adult teeth grow. This decay can cause great loss and lasting damage.

What Are the Reasons Behind Baby Bottle Decay?

Your child’s need for healthy teeth for chewing, speaking and performing normal basic human function is very essential. The risk of baby bottle decay increases when your child consumes a lot of sugary drinks. Some of those drinks are:

• Packaged juice
• Soda
• Cold drinks
• Formula

The tooth decay can build over time, if you do not go for proper treatment from experienced oral surgeons. Otherwise, this sugar gets attached with your teeth and create cavities and tooth decay gradually.

How to Avoid Baby Teeth Decay & Maintain Basic Oral Hygiene?

• One step that should be taken for baby teeth decay is avoiding sugary drinks. Do not allow your child to intake packaged sugary drinks much.
• Use washcloths to clean your gums and teeth right after drinking a sugary drink.
• Never put your toddler to bed with a bottle.

Maintaining Hygiene-

• Make your kids brush twice a day.
• Use proper mouthwash twice a day.
• Clean your mouth after taking any meal.
• Drink enough water.

Visit Oral & Facial Surgery to get experienced oral surgeons in Oklahoma. Our surgeons will provide flawless treatment if your child is suffering baby bottle decay.

**Disclaimer: This site content is not intended to be medical advice nor establishes a doctor-patient relationship.

Are you one of them who avoid visiting a dentist? Doing so and not making the appointments to the dentist for hygiene check-up you are putting your oral health at risk. You could be busy with your daily chores but ignoring the professional hygiene appointment is not wise. Your teeth may get plaque buildup, tartar or cavities or other serious dental problems and end up visiting an oral surgeon. It is not troublesome, and you may have to pay more, and everything could be prevented by regular professional hygiene appointment.

Professional Hygiene Appointment Every Six months

You should go for this appointment every six months. This gives benefit to your teeth and this is your first line of defense against the dental issues. Most of the dental problems are preventable with on-time care. Here are the benefits.

No Cavities

For removing natural plaque buildup between teeth and gums a toothbrush and floss are enough. As the plaque is acidic, it affects teeth enamel and makes ways for teeth cavities and decay. With the regular hygiene appointment, you can prevent this.

Gum Disease and Tooth Loss

If the plaque is not removed or professionally not done it can cause gum problems. Gums will be weak and will not support the dental bones anymore. It will also affect the jaw resulting in teeth loss.

Bright Smile

Regular drinking and eating stain the teeth. The more you drink acidic food or drink like coffee, tea and wine, the more teeth will get stains. Sugar substances also are a reason of the stain. Nicotine also does the same to the teeth. Contact professionals every six months for dental clean up.

Fresh Breath

There could be multiple reasons behind bad breath. Cavities, tooth decay and gum diseases are reasons of bad breath. Contact a doctor to know the reason and eliminate the reason.

Why Professional Clean up Is Important?

• The doctor will remove all the stain marks from the teeth. The stains make the teeth look dull and discolored. Once those are removed you will have a bright smile.
• Cleaned teeth prevent gum disease and also tooth loss.
• In America, in every hour a person dies in oral cancer. This can be prevented with on-time dental clean up and hygiene maintenance.
• There are strong connections between cardiovascular disease and gum disease. Cleaning the teeth twice a year will help prevent dental problems and keep you away from risks from heart attack or other cardiovascular diseases.

If you do not maintain this checkup, you could end up with severe dental problems and even a dental surgery. At that time only an oral surgeon in OKC will help you. For appointment today, visit Oral and Facial Surgery of Oklahoma.

**Disclaimer: This site content is not intended to be medical advice nor establishes a doctor-patient relationship.

Serious facial and dental injuries can occur in multiple ways. Let’s consider some common causes of facial trauma and dental injuries.

Facial and oral injuries are quite common. It is both emotionally upsetting and physically draining. It is quite important to get medical care and dental care with any facial or oral injuries. This care would help to address the damages medically, psychologically and also to correct aesthetical changes. Here we will cover the reasons of facial trauma and dental damage and different injury types through which it can occur. There could be several reasons for facial injury. Here it goes-

Types of Injuries

Every year three million people have the treatment for facial trauma and often people look for maxillofacial surgeons. There could be different types of injuries on face. The gums and face may get soft tissue trauma. Teeth may get avulsed or knocked out and these need to be implanted immediately. Jaws, cheekbones and noses may get fractured bones or other types of bone injuries. Nerves of the eyes, facial and salivary glands are also prone to damage. Therefore, it is immense importance to check the severity of facial trauma and treat by an expert. Even if we keep the aesthetic perspective aside, there are chances of serious health complication even from a small damage. It depends on the injury location – gum, dental or nose injury can affect speech abilities, breathing or swallowing etc. Teeth loss or loose tooth in the socket can make eating troublesome and may cause speech issues. If teeth are misaligned, chipped or broken it can cause temporomandibular joint dislocation.

Causes of Injuries

Car Accidents

A serious car accident or motor vehicle accident or even a collision can cause facial trauma and injury to a pedestrian or a bicyclist. The severity of the injury decides the severity of the facial injury. You must wear a helmet while riding a bicycle and follow traffic rules.

Fall and Slip

If you play connect sports like football, hockey or participate in combat sports like boxing you have a major risk of facial trauma and dental damage. Even while practicing sports you have risks of serious injuries. You should wear protectors like headgear, helmets, facial protection, mouth guards when you are engaged in such physical activities.

Occupational Injury

Some jobs have more risks. Employees who are involved in construction work, industrial job are at more risk of injuries. You should wear goggles, mask and other protective gear.

Contact your maxillofacial surgeon in OKC Dr Wooten at Oral and Facial Surgery of Oklahoma.

**Disclaimer: This site content is not intended to be medical advice nor establishes a doctor-patient relationship.

Parents and dentist both can make a child’s first experience at a dentist’s office pleasant and not at all fearful. This first positive experience will make them stronger further with the treatments. If the parents show anxiety while taking the children to the dentist, the child will be fearful. At the same time, a jovial and friendly dentist can help a child to overcome the fear of visiting a dental surgeon.

What a parent Must do

• Tell the child about the appointment but do not go into the details. Try to give short and to the point answers. Leave the rest to the dentist. The dentist can answer all the complex queries better as he is a professional. The way of explanation of the queries must be unthreatening and approach must be cordial.
• Do not use words like ‘hurt’, ‘shot’, ‘painful’ etc.
• Do not tell the child about any unpleasant dental experiences that can make him/her traumatized.
• Make the child understand the importance of keeping good dental hygiene as well as gums. Tell that dentist is the person or doctor who helps to do that.

Only your right attitude can help the child to be steady while visiting a dentist. How to help them? See here.

Start Early

Find a dentist or dental surgeon who can take care of all the oral issues of child in future. If you make the child meet the dentist at an early stage or age, he/she will become comfortable with the doctor by spending time and growing old. It will also be easy for the doctor to explain the oral hygiene facts to your kid.

Be Careful with Word Choice

Have a positive tone and approach when talking with the children about dental checkup. Make sure your children think the dentist will only clean up their teeth with a ‘special toothbrush’. Do not use any negative words with them.

Home Practice

Practice a mock test with the children. Set a fake dentist visit with the child. Explain how it is going to be in the dentist’s office. It will help them to grow a positive attitude about the entire process. But make them understand the process better and learn why should they visit a dentist.

No Bribe

Do not promise any gifts to the children for going to the dentist’s office. You must avoid this technique. When you promise any bribe, it will make them feel there is something unpleasant and the gift is a compensation. But praise the child for the courage and good attitude on the visit.

Visit Oral and Facial Surgery of Oklahoma with your child. Dr. Wooten would help your child with any kind of dental problems.

**Disclaimer: This site content is not intended to be medical advice nor establishes a doctor-patient relationship.