In dental terminology impacted means that a tooth has failed to emerge fully into its expected position. This may occur either because there is not room enough in the jaw for the tooth, or else because the angulation of the tooth is improper.

If a dentist can clearly tell that there are good reasons to remove a wisdom tooth, it is usually best to go ahead and have it removed as soon as possible. While there is no specific age by which a persons wisdom teeth should be extracted, as a rule of thumb, the younger a person is when they have their wisdom teeth extracted the fewer complications they experience. Usually, a persons wisdom teeth should be removed in their later teens or early twenties.

Dry sockets are one of the most common problems people experience following dental surgery. They are caused by the premature loss of a blood clot in the empty tooth socket and affect approximately one out of five patients. This seems to occur with greater frequency in people who smoke or are taking birth control pills. While both jaws can be affected, they usually occur in the lower jaw on the third to fifth day. They cause a deep, dull, continuous aching on the affected side(s). Patients may first notice the pain starting in the ear radiating down towards the chin. It frequently begins in the middle of the night, and the Motrin medication usually doesnt help. Treatment involves placing a medicated dressing in the empty tooth socket. This will help decrease the pain and protect the socket from food particles. The effectiveness in alleviating the pain lasts for 24-48 hours and usually will require dressing changes every day or two for five to seven days. The dressings are usually removed when you have been pain free for 2-3 days. The dressing doesnt aid in healing. The only reason to place a dressing is for pain control. If Motrin is controlling the pain, the socket will heal without a dressing. An irrigation device will be given to you to help keep food particles from lodging in the extraction site following removal of the dressing.

During dental and oral surgical procedures, local anesthesia (Novocain) is administered to block sensations. However, the anxiety that some people have can be controlled by administering sedative drugs, such as Valium-type medications. A sedated patient may remember the procedures, but will be more relaxed. Additional medications such as agents similar to pentothal are sometimes used to cause anesthesia, which places the patient more deeply asleep.

The sedative and anesthetic medications are typically given intravenously (IV). Since the effects are so rapid by this means of administration, your doctor can precisely give the correct amounts of the medications to make you relaxed and comfortable. Also, if more medications are needed during the procedure, the IV allows easy administration of additional medications.

The use of sedation and anesthesia in dentistry has a commendable record of safety. This is due to the advanced training your doctor has and his/her commitment to your overall health. It is important to advise your doctor of all medications that you take as well as any changes in your health since your last visit.

In most states a special permit is required to administer intravenous medications. In order to qualify, your doctor had to provide evidence of advanced training in anesthesia and often a site visit is required. The ability to handle emergency situations as well as having specific emergency medications and equipment is also mandatory.

Depending on the depth of the sedation and anesthetic being used, as well as your own medical condition, various monitors are used. These vary from automatic blood pressure cuffs, to the use of pulse oximeters which through a light sensor measure the oxygen concentration in your blood. Sometimes an EKG may be used as well.The doctor along with at least one trained member of the staff will always be with you and closely observe you throughout your treatment.

Isolated injuries to teeth are quite common. Because of the specific needs of the dental structures, certain actions and precautions should be taken if someone has received an injury to his or her teeth or surrounding dental structures.

There are several reasons: Why sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge a space? In addition, removing a denture or a partial at night may be inconvenient, not to mention that dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and rather embarrassing. Dental implants involve none of these complications.

Are you missing one or more teeth? Are you lacking confidence because of your teeth or smile? Do you want natural-looking replacement teeth? Does wearing a denture restrict your ability to eat and smile comfortably? Dental implants can replace missing teeth for people of all ages, young and old. Nearly everyone is a candidate for dental implants, and there are very few medical conditions that would rule out dental implant treatment.

The use of sedation and anesthesia in dentistry has a commendable record of safety. This is due to the advanced training your doctor has and his commitment to your overall health. It is important to advise your doctor of all medications that you take as well as any changes in your health since your last visit.In most states a special permit is required to administer intravenous medications. In order to qualify, your doctor had to provide evidence of advanced training in anesthesia and often a site visit is required. The ability to handle emergency situations as well as having specific emergency medications and equipment is also mandatory.

Depending on the depth of the sedation and anesthetic being used, as well as your own medical condition, various monitors are used. These vary from automatic blood pressure cuffs, to the use of pulse oximeters which through a light sensor measure the oxygen concentration in your blood. Sometimes an EKG may be used as well.