A board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon has at least 4-6 years of experience in postdoctoral, hospital-based training in dental oral surgery. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the only specialists in the medical field qualified to administer this specialized form of dental oral surgery. It is, therefore, prudent to conduct preliminary research on prospective OMS (oral and maxillofacial surgeons) before starting treatment. Dental health is critical at any age. It is advisable to find a qualified, board-certified oral surgeon for a successful procedure outcome.
The most important questions to ask a dental oral surgeon before deciding on dental oral surgery:
What are the credentials of the qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon?
An effective way to identify a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon is by determining whether they are certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS). Qualified dental oral surgery specialists, like Dr. Christopher Johnson, D.M.D., have undergone preliminary undergraduate training and have completed postdoctoral training with a hospital resident program. Thus, they have the knowledge and experience to administer oral dental surgery successfully.
Am I a qualified candidate for dental implants?
Despite good oral hygiene, cases of impacted wisdom teeth necessitate oral dental surgery. Dental implants offer a practical option for the removal of wisdom teeth and replacement. However, apart from impacted teeth, there are other considerations to determine the suitability of dental oral surgery implants would require.
- First, the placement of an oral implant requires sufficient bone tissue to support the osseointegration process.
- Jaw bone or tissue that cannot support the oral implant will rule out the dental implant procedure.
- The intersection of the jaw surface and the oral implant must allow for the proper conjoining so that normal chewing and functioning of the mouth can be restored after the procedure.
- However, a qualified oral surgeon will be able to determine if this problem arises and advise accordingly. The oral surgeon will evaluate if minimizing post-operative risks the patient may experience can qualify the patient for the procedure.
The patient is exempted from the procedure if severe pre-existing conditions may lead to more complications, like jaw bone death.
Do I need a bone graft?
In case the patient has inadequate bone tissue to facilitate the oral implants, a bone graft is used to supplement it and allow for the successful placement of the implants. Today’s leading-edge technology and the ongoing advancements in bone reconstruction techniques offer practical solutions for both aesthetic and functional bone graft outcomes.
As a result, placing dental implants restores oral function. However, special cases may require bone augmentation procedures, which allow for the three-dimensional positioning of oral implants.
When do I need to wear a prosthetic?
Some dental problems allow for the immediate placement of the crown or a prosthetic arch. This is not the norm in standard dental oral surgery procedures.
A patient qualifies for a prosthetic arch to support a fixed implant if they have partial edentulism or full-blown edentulism. The latter is an irreversible condition that marks the extreme degradation of oral health.
However, with oral implants, there are excellent rehabilitation procedures. The use of prosthetic arches supports the rehabilitation of oral health for patients missing teeth. The patient may require several arches (hybrid prosthesis) to replace single or several teeth and gum tissue.
What should I expect during the recovery process?
Dental oral surgeries are a delicate medical intervention and affect the patient’s quality of life significantly; therefore, it is relevant to inquire what the outcome and the recovery process will present. For instance, it may affect normal routines such as brushing and diet.
Besides, some cases dictate a significant break from work.
Naturally, oral dental surgery doesn’t cause a burden to the patient. In most cases, procedures for dental oral surgery involving oral implants are split into two steps, which span several months.
The oral surgeon will mount the implants into the jawbone and allow them to bond with the jaw. The oral implants are affixed to the permanent teeth after several months. The process ranges from 3-9 months, and the recovery process might last as long.
What materials make up the dental implant?
Dental implant costs are determined by the material and technology they are made with. In particular, as a permanent fixture for oral health treatment, a dental implant must be of made of quality and certified materials.
In most cases, it is a combination of various metals and other elements. Usually, titanium, combined with other non-alloy titanium components such as carbon, is the major element. These components, must be of high tensile strength and be biocompatible. This is stipulated in the American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) medical appliance guidelines.
The quality of the metals used must meet stringent metal quality standards for raw materials. For example, alloying titanium with iron should provide resistance to corrosion and offer high tensile strength. These properties allow for maximum durability and comfort of dental implants.
When choosing a dental implant, these qualities are key for better oral health by providing reliable performance and excellent appearance.
What materials make up the dental crown?
Although there are different materials certified for the manufacture of dental crowns, the most common is the plain metal crown.
However, an oral surgeon will guide the patient on the selection of the dental implant material according to the suitability in their treatment.
For instance, metal is a top choice because it has high mechanical strength, but it has no aesthetical appeal.
On the other hand, ceramic dental crowns offer an unbeatable choice that utilizes digital imaging technology. This enables precision cutting of the dental crown, resulting in durability due to the high tensile strength of the ceramic mold.
Ceramic dental crowns are functional and offer irresistible aesthetic value and look magnificent after placement in the mouth.
Other dental crowns are made of resin. This is the most cost-effective type and provides a remarkable aesthetic appeal. It is, however, less durable, and may require faster or more frequent crown replacement.
Overall, crowns made of low-grade materials are expensive in the long-term.
Is the dental implant certified?
Despite being made of the permitted raw materials, dental implants must be certified, too. The process involves the quality assurance of the method of delivery and the origin of the implants.
Without certification, there’s no sure way to tell if oral implants are made by an authorized manufacturer.
Dental implants with certifications provide detailed information. Examples include the geographic origin of the material as well as the process of delivery. If an oral implant has no accompanying certification, then, it is bogus.
All certifications reference the standards set by the ASTM international standards. For example, titanium medical implant provisions allow four grades of titanium composition, 1 to 4. For reference, grade 4 is superior and the superlative choice for biocompatibility.
Is it possible my body could eject the implant?
The success rate of dental implants is high. However, rejections are possible, especially for patients with rare allergies to the titanium alloy.
Another cause of oral implant rejection is substandard oral care after the oral dental surgery. Without proper oral hygiene, natural teeth can decay and fall out, eventually.
The same principle applies to a dental implant; poor oral health leads to their decay, and structural failure. It is, therefore, pertinent to adhere to high hygienic standards to reduce the risk of oral implant rejection.
Are dental implants noticeable?
Unlike metal braces, a dental implant is almost completely unnoticeable. It fits perfectly and feels natural in the mouth. Dental implants are made to match both the color and shape of the patient. A radiograph detects the metal used in the root of the oral implant.
As a result, they are an excellent aesthetic choice in the replacement of impacted and decayed teeth.
What is the estimated lifespan of oral implants?
Quality dental implants last several decades, however, with standard care, they can last over 40 years. Interestingly, with professional oral health interventions, they may last a lifetime. This entails coordinated dental checkups with a dentist and routine flossing, brushing, and oil pulling. This typically does not require regular attention by a maxillofacial and oral surgeon but can be accomplished with your regular dentist/dental hygienist. Only in rare situations does this call for another visit to an oral surgeon.
Does smoking damage a dental implant?
Essentially, oral implants are made to last several decades, but smoking accelerates their wear. Smoking causes gum recession and oral health complications, which impacts the integrity of the structure of the oral implant.
It is commendable to quit smoking and chewing tobacco to support the viability of dental implants.
Can I pay for oral dental surgery with insurance coverage?
Many insurers offer insurance coverage in dental care, but some insurance plans only provide partial coverage for dental implants. Also, some don’t include oral surgery at all.
However, patients should check with their insurer whether they have insurance for surgical placement of oral implants. If so, then use medical insurance to pay for oral dental surgery including jawbone reconstruction surgery.
Otherwise, the insurer will cover partial payments and the patient will pay the rest of the fees out-of-pocket.
Why Dr. Christopher Johnson is the right choice for your oral dental surgery
As a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Christopher Johnson D.M.D. is a perfect match for patients in need of oral dental surgery. This includes facial cosmetic procedures or orthognathic surgery for wisdom teeth removal.
His team offers a free consultation and a review of the available options to meet each client’s specific needs for a comfortable oral dental surgery intervention in Leesburg and the greater Central Florida area. He is also one of the most accomplished and respected oral surgeons in Central Florida. For more information about dental oral surgery, please contact our office by calling 352-728-6600.