Conestoga Oral Surgery Blog

According to the Journal of the American Dental Association, a staggering 73 percent of adults in the US have some level of dental anxiety, with over a quarter describing that fear as extreme. While many patients can manage their anxiety well enough to maintain routine dental care, others may be overwhelmed by the thought of undergoing dental treatment or oral surgery. In some cases, anxiety may even lead patients to delay or avoid the care they need.

At Conestoga Oral Surgery, we understand that visiting an oral and maxillofacial surgeon can feel intimidating. Our team is committed to helping you feel informed, supported, and as comfortable as possible throughout your visit. Understanding what causes dental phobias and knowing how to communicate your concerns can help make your next visit feel more manageable.

Have you ever been told you need dental X-rays and wondered, “Can’t you already see what’s going on?” When it comes to your oral health, what lies beneath the surface matters just as much as what can be seen during an examination. Radiographic imaging provides valuable information about the teeth, jaws, and surrounding structures that cannot be assessed through a visual exam alone. These images help your dental team in making informed decisions and ensuring that your dental treatment is based on a comprehensive understanding of your oral health.

If your dentist or endodontist has referred you for oral surgery, you might be wondering why another consultation is necessary before treatment. At Conestoga Oral Surgery, we often hear this question from our patients. While your general dentist or another specialist may have identified the need for oral surgery, it’s important for your oral surgeon to perform their own comprehensive evaluation. This allows them to fully understand your condition and create the best surgical plan for you.

Choosing the right dental care provider is not always easy or straightforward. Most people are familiar with their general dentist. They are the providers patients see for routine exams, fillings, crowns, and oral hygiene maintenance. However, when a dentist refers a patient to an oral surgeon, a common question arises: “Why can’t my dentist just do this?” The answer lies in specialized education, training, surgical expertise, and the scope of care.

A sinus lift is a specialized procedure that some patients need before getting dental implants. It increases the amount of bone in the rear of the upper jaw, creating a sturdy foundation for implant posts that act as new tooth roots. Not all patients need a sinus lift prior to implant placement, but will you? How does the procedure actually work? Read on to find answers to these questions and more.

If you’re going to build a house, what is the first thing you do? Probably make sure it has a strong foundation to support the rest of the structure. For dental implants, your jawbone is the foundation, and your new teeth are the house. While some patients with missing teeth are able to undergo dental implant surgery after just an exam, others may require a bone graft first to ensure their new smile remains stable, functional, and healthy for decades to come. When is this procedure necessary, and more importantly, will you need it?

You had a feeling that something was wrong with your tooth before your dental appointment, but since it wasn’t causing any pain, you weren’t too concerned. Maybe you just need whitening or a filling? So, it came as a big surprise when the dentist confidently told you that the tooth needed to be extracted, and that it should be done as soon as possible.

Teeth only need to be extracted when they hurt, right? Actually, that’s not the case for many patients. In many cases, removing a tooth can address a variety of problems, and more importantly, prevent more serious problems from developing.

Many people experience anxiety when it comes to their dental care, especially when it comes to tooth extractions. If you’re feeling nervous about a procedure, these simple strategies can help you feel more informed and alleviate your fears.

If you have ever had to get sutures (stitches) removed, you might remember a somewhat annoying and uncomfortable experience. Not only did you have to make an extra trip to see your care provider, but you also had to wait patiently while they removed the stitches. Will you have to go through the same thing after getting your wisdom teeth removed? No, probably not! That is because, in most cases, dentists and oral surgeons use dissolvable sutures after the procedure. Continue reading to learn more about this unique aspect of your treatment.

You’ve probably heard the saying, “The first step is always the hardest.” It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when considering your options to replace missing teeth, especially if you think it requires hours of research and comparing options. Thankfully, restoring your smile doesn’t have to be complicated. By scheduling a dental implant consultation, you’ll receive the guidance and information you want without the need for endless searching. Here’s what to expect from your visit…