There are a number of reasons that dentists or oral surgeons recommend surgery, but facial injuries are probably the most unexpected and alarming cause. Maxillofacial injury, or facial trauma, refers to any injury to the mouth, jaw, and face. Most of these injuries result from sports, car accidents, job accidents, violence, or an accident at home.
Let’s learn about oral surgery resulting from facial trauma.
Broken bones are a common type of serious facial injury. Fractures can occur in the upper or lower jaw, cheekbones, palate, and eye sockets. Injuries in these locations may affect vision and the ability to eat, talk, and breathe. Hospitalization is often required for treatment, which is similar to that for fractures in other parts of the body. The bones must be lined up and held in place to allow time to heal them in the correct position. Because casts are not possible in facial injuries, the surgeon may use wires, screws, or plates to treat fractures. Sometimes healing takes as long as six weeks or more.
Even though some facial injuries are worse than others, all of them should be taken seriously. They affect an important area of the body, so it is recommended to seek treatment from an oral surgeon to make sure you receive optimum care. Even if stitches are all that’s required, it’s best to have them performed by an oral surgeon who can place them exactly as needed to produce the best results.
It’s no surprise that the best solution for facial injuries is to prevent them in the first place. Oral surgeons suggest consistent use of mouth guards, seat belts, and masks and helmets as required. Improvements have been made to safety gear to make these items more comfortable and efficient, so there should be no excuses for not using them to protect yourself and avoid injuries that can lead to oral surgery.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a type of orthodontic brace consisting of removable plastic aligners that are virtually invisible. It’s popular with adults, especially as it’s so discreet, but it can often be suitable for teenagers. Invisalign is able to treat most common orthodontic issues which include problems with the way the teeth bite together, gaps in between teeth, and overcrowded or rotated teeth.
What Is the Process for Getting Invisalign Braces?
You’ll need to visit your dentist for an assessment to see if Invisalign will work well for you. Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth, and dental x-rays and photographs. These are sent to Invisalign so the information can be used to create a 3-D digital image of your teeth. This information is then sent back to your dentist so they can plan your treatment. You’ll also be able to see virtual images of how your teeth will move, and how they should look at the end of treatment.
What to Expect during Treatment
Your dentist will supply you with your clear aligners that are custom-made to fit over your teeth, and will show you how to insert and remove them, and how to clean them. You need to wear these aligners for 22 hours each day, preferably only removing them whenever you eat, and for brushing and flossing. It’s important to stick to wearing them for the recommended length of time each day as this will help ensure treatment is completed within the predicted timeframe. You’ll be able to look after your teeth and gums exactly as normal, and you won’t need to make any adjustments to your diet since the braces are removed before eating. Every two weeks you simply replace your aligners for a new set that will continue to move your teeth. Your dentist will need to see you at regular intervals to check the teeth are moving as predicted in your treatment plan. Treatment is fast, simple and effective, and most adults will have straighter teeth within a year. Treatment times for teenagers are similar to fixed braces.
The oral health needs of children differ somewhat than those of adults. Pediatric dentists specialize in the unique dental needs that kids have. It’s important to focus on your child’s teeth at a young age, when you can take steps to prevent problems and teach your child the best ways to care for their oral health. Having a pediatric dentist who can help you with these goals can make a big difference in preventing issues and promoting good health.
Parent involvement
One of the biggest parts of making sure your children’s teeth are healthy is parent involvement. Parents need to bring children for regular checkups and cleanings, and ensure they are comfortable with going to the dentist. This establishes a lifelong habit of dental visits and realizing the importance of maintaining a healthy smile.
Sealants
Your pediatric dentist may give you the option of using sealants on your child’s teeth. Dental sealant is painted right onto the teeth to provide protection from decay. It is a helpful and painless way to help prevent cavities, especially in children who are prone to eating sugar and drinking sodas. Sealants act as a barrier from cavity-forming acids and plaque.
Fluoride
Another suggestion your pediatric dentist might have is using fluoride on your child’s teeth. It makes teeth stronger and protects them from damage. Fluoride is added to drinking water in most communities, but your dentist may advise additional fluoride treatments for your child.
Dr. Cruz is dentist in Toronto that treats kids
Approximately 40 million Americans avoid dental visits because of fear; however, routine exams protect your oral health. Without treatment, you could develop problems like tooth decay, gum, disease, and oral cancer. Oral health can also impact overall wellness, contributing to bigger issues such as diabetes complications, increased risk of stroke, Alzheimer’s, and pre-term births.
Minimize your fears by:
Choosing the right dentist
When you are looking for a provider, schedule consultation appointments with those on your list so that you can talk with the candidates and get a feel for their personalities. Having a dentist that you like and trust will go a long way toward making you feel better about visiting the office regularly.
Sharing your concerns
If you don’t let the dentist know how you feel, your doctor can’t help you. Be honest about your feelings and allow your dentist the chance to assuage some of your fears by answering questions and providing reassurance.
Finding helpful distractions
Many dental practices offer headphones, DVDs, and special glasses to help patients feel comfortable during their treatments. If your dentist doesn’t have these options, bring your iPod and listen to your own musical selections.
Considering sedation
Thanks to dental advances, dentists have a variety of options to keep patients relaxed during treatment. Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, creates feelings of warmth and only lasts as long as you breathe in the gas. Oral conscious sedation combines nitrous oxide and a dose of anti-anxiety medication to provide a state of total peacefulness. For patients with high levels of fear, those with a strong gag reflex, and anyone who requires multiple procedures at one time, sedation offers the deepest level of relaxation.
Teeth that cause you to be embarrassed about your smile may be hidden using a popular dentistry technique called veneers. Broken, chipped, discolored, or misaligned teeth can easily be hidden with this long-lasting dental solution.
Veneers are very thin shells, usually made of durable porcelain, placed over your teeth to hide the flaws. It is a simple process for your dentist to attach them to your teeth, and you and your dentist can even choose the color of your veneers for the most natural and appealing look. The process is pain-free and does not require lots of time at your dentist’s office. Veneers feel like regular teeth and do not cause irritation of your gums.
One of the greatest things about veneers is that the porcelain resists stains, so you can eat and drink whatever you would like without avoiding items that are known to discolor teeth. Caring for veneers does not require anything additional to your normal oral hygiene routine. Proper maintenance will help keep your veneers looking great and your teeth healthy.
Finding a dentist to do your veneers is usually easy. Many dentists practice this technique, it is just a matter of inquiring to find out which ones provide the service and determining who you are most comfortable with to do your dental work. You should make sure that the dentist you choose is experienced and qualified in providing dental veneers. Asking for before and after photos of other patients with veneers is a good idea too.
Once you have chosen a dentist and decided together that veneers will be helpful in your case, you will be on your way to a beautiful smile.
Oral surgery has become increasingly common, not only for medical treatment but also for cosmetic purposes. It can bring tremendous relief if you have a painful oral health problem, and can also bring amazing results if you’re seeking a cosmetic improvement. If you’ve got an oral surgery approaching on your calendar, here are some common questions and answers to help you prepare.
Why do I need to see a specialist?
Make sure that your procedure is to be performed by a professional who is qualified for oral surgery. It should be considered with the same importance as any medical surgery. As with all surgeries, you want to be in the best of hands and in a reputable medical facility.
Is sedation really necessary?
With today’s technology, oral surgery poses few risks to patients. Most surgeries require sedation to avoid discomfort and to help you remain relaxed during treatment. There’s typically no reason to forego sedation, since it is a safe and effective way to maintain your comfort during oral surgery.
Do I have to follow the instructions?
Your surgeon will provide you with a list of instructions to follow, both before and after surgery. It’s important for you to stick to the rules so that you have as much success as possible with your surgery. You usually will receive the instructions a week prior to surgery, so that you have time to make any necessary arrangements. Some of the instructions are very specific about what you should and shouldn’t do the day before surgery, and following the guidelines will help you avoid complications.
Why do I have to stop eating the night before?
If you will be sedated, your surgeon will instruct you to avoid eating and drinking after midnight the day before your procedure. Having an empty stomach will help you avoid nausea, as well as prevent unwanted reactions to the medicines that you will be given.
If you are looking for a dentist in Toronto, contact our office today.
E-Mail Us 
416-595-5490
