We’ve Got the Answers for You

We’ve heard a lot of questions in our office from our patients over the years. Some questions are quick and easy to answer and some are more complex and require knowledge of a particular patient’s medical history. Some questions are even the same questions that we hear frequently from our patients. Today, we want to answer some of those frequently asked questions for you.

– Do oral surgeons do veneers, crowns, dentures or fillings?

No. Although oral surgeons graduate from dental school, we go through an additional four years of training and specialization in oral and facial surgery. Our practice does not include general dentistry because our focus is in oral and facial surgery rather than dentistry.

– If I take an antibiotic and the symptoms of tooth pain go away, does the tooth still need to come out?

Yes. The antibiotics may have fought off the infection and relieved you of your symptoms, but it is only a temporary fix. The source of the infection is still there if the tooth is not removed and the infection will inevitably return.

– I am over 65 years old. Aren’t I too old for dental implants?

No. Age is not a limiting factor when it comes to placing implants. I hear many people say that they are “too old” for implants or that they “shouldn’t be spending money on such things.” I think that the improved quality of life is worth it, and that you shouldn’t limit yourself based on your age.

– My wisdom teeth don’t hurt so do I have to get them removed?

This will vary on a case-by-case basis but we evaluate the risk factors and the pathology of the teeth for each patient. Wisdom teeth have the ability to cause irreversible gum disease without causing a lot of pain in the process.

Did we answer any of the questions that you have about oral surgery?? If not, give us a call or write them down for your next visit with us. We are more than happy to discuss any questions or concerns that you might have!