Foothills Oral Surgery- Drs. Darab & Richardson

1306 Davie Ave, Statesville, NC 28677

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.

  • Wisdom teeth, either partially or fully erupted, can often be very difficult to clean effectively (erupted means that the wisdom tooth has, to some degree, penetrated through the gums). This increases the risk of developing dental problems such as tooth decay (cavities), periodontal disease (gum disease), or reoccurring infections.
  • Tooth crowding. Wisdom teeth, as part of their efforts to come fully into place, can put pressure on a persons other teeth and cause them to become misaligned (crowded and shifted). The misalignment of a persons lower front teeth, especially, is frequently blamed on pressure created by a persons wisdom teeth.
  • 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.

  • If a tooth is knocked out, it should be placed in salt water or milk. The sooner the tooth is re-inserted into the dental socket, the better chance it will survive. Therefore, the injured person should come to our office as soon as possible or go immediately to the Emergency Department of a local hospital.
  • 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.

    Reviews

    Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 126 reviews

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    Alesha Moran
    a year ago
    Loved the staff here! My daughter's surgery went great and the Dr. Robertson called himself the evening after and a nurse followed up the next day!


    Jasper Goble
    a year ago
    And it's a little pricey I got the surgery done as quick as I possibly could for 4 wisdom teeth and a one more tooth because was wrapped around the jawbone and needed a root canal and my dentist sent me to the endodontist and they wanted to cancel my appointment and move it to the next day so when I found out I was having surgery on my mouth there was no sense of having it looked twice To have those like that and did not go and went to Foothills Oral Surgery appointment in hickory and they gave me medicine to take before I got there doctor J. Onekhena was doing it done my surgery and he was gonna be in Statesville that day, so took the earliest moment he had and they had a cancellation so they moved up an hour the and took the appointment to get my teeth done on Friday 10/28/22 It is all most like putting a down payment for a car but you haven't been in a long time so you end up paying more than what you should


    Brandy Rowe
    a year ago
    Our family loves Dr. Richardson, he has taken care of four of us. We have used Hickory and Statesville offices. All of the staff are AWESOME. You do not feel like a number there, they treat you like family.


    Robin Boan
    2 years ago
    These doctors & their staff are engaging, courteous, professional, informative and I believe I had the very best care, given my excellent recovery.


    Connie Nuttall
    2 years ago
    Dr. Jesse Onekhena was excellent! He removed two teeth and did a bone graft and I had no pain during or after surgery at all. I have also seen Dr. Darab and Dr Richardson. They are all highly trained and professional. Their staff makes you feel so comfortable, as well. Connie Hill


    Shawn Simpson
    2 years ago
    Great customer service and staff


    Elizabeth Nsimba
    2 years ago
    Dear Dr. Onekhena, Thank you so much for the wonderful, relaxing and excellent oral surgery service you had provided during my surgery day. I would love to recommend your company especially you to anyone who needs oral dental care in the future. Please feel free to add my appreciation to any promotional materials you have in the future. Sincerely, Elizabeth Nsimba


    Kimberly Moore
    2 years ago
    Great experience through the whole process and would definitly do it again when I can afford it.


    John Downs
    2 years ago
    Friendly, professional and thorough


    G S
    2 years ago
    Staff and Doctor were very reassuring


    Tamiko Robinson
    2 years ago
    The staff at foothills oral surgery are the best. Thank you for taking great care of me. Would highly recommend anyone who needs oral surgery to come and see you guys.


    Carol Rautiola
    2 years ago
    My daughter recently had her wisdom teeth removed. Very professional, informative and caring. My daughters' procedure went well with no complications. My son had the same experience a couple years ago. Wouldn't have gone anywhere else!


    Jen Nonofurbus
    2 years ago
    Horrible experience. After waiting a long time for an appointment with a sore tooth. The doctor wouldn't even consider doing an extraction with out sedation. I get really sick from anesthesia. He didn't seem to care or even look at xrays to determine if it was necessary. He just won't do it unless he can put you under.


    Travis Berry
    2 years ago
    Super awesome staff very friendly will walk you through every part of the procedure Dr.Onekhena is especially cool super great doc.


    Curt A
    2 years ago
    Dr. Darab and his office (Statesville and Hickory) is very well run. Dr. Darab is extremely knowledgeable and good at what he does. All his staff where also very helpful and helped to provide a great personal touch. They have their business down and perform services in a friendly comforting manner. One note on billing. Just be prepared, unfortunately oral surgery is not inexpensive but their billing office is very easy to work with. I have had two extractions there; both fully under. And next year I plan to do an implant. I have had these teeth plus wisdom teeth pulled, and being awake for the procedure is not an option. Finally, they can sometimes take a while for a consult, but they were kind enough to fit me in due to a cancellation. Also, once they see you it is not a long wait for the surgery. I saw them on a Thursday, and the tooth was out on Tuesday morning.


    Melissa Grainger
    2 years ago
    Very courteous, told me everything they were preparing to do just before hand!! Extremely knowledgeable and explain things well! Everyone is on the same page in the office and work as a team!


    Janet Austin
    2 years ago
    Wonderful experience! Very caring and professional.


    Jason Mitchell
    2 years ago
    A great place


    Josh Spillman
    2 years ago
    I went in last Wednesday to get a consult for wisdom teeth removal with Dr. Richardson and had them taken out the next Wednesday. I was told it would be 45 minutes for the surgery but it was only 45 from the time I entered and left. All 4 were removed and I have no pain at all. Later that day Dr. Richardson called me personally to make sure I was good give him a call on his personal phone if I needed anything. Great business and great people


    Angelia Walk
    2 years ago
    When I went in for a consult and scheduled surgery for mandibular tori removable I was told this would be considered under medical insurance. My plan is awesome and would pay 100%. I got a call from "Macy" today and she told me to bring the full amount when I came for the surgery because Dr Onekhena put in a dental code. I don't actually think she talked to him to change it. I don't need dentures. I have horrible pain from ulcers where the tori are located, as well as jaw pain radiating up to my ear. I believe SOMETHING could be done to make this surgery medically necessary. I don't feel like anyone tried. Dr Onekhena was extremely nice and explained things well


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