Recent Graduate? Book a Wisdom Teeth Consult Before You Head Off to College!

wisdom tooth before college

You’ve tossed your cap in the air! You did it, you graduated from high school! You did all the work, completed all the exams, and passed. There may be one exam that still needs to be completed before you head off to start your new college life. That is an exam to check your wisdom teeth!

We know you probably don’t want to spend your summer thinking about your wisdom teeth or having them removed. That would just interfere with all of your plans. Or perhaps you have a job for the summer and you’re not sure you will be able to get time off for surgery or the recovery afterward.

Before you run ahead with all the scenarios that present a challenge to wisdom teeth removal, let’s just start with the consultation.

Booking a Wisdom Teeth Consultation

There are steps that need to be taken before you can have your wisdom teeth removed. A consultation is the first step. If you or your dentist have some concerns about your wisdom teeth, a consultation with our oral surgeon is where you’ll get the clarity you need with regard to treatment.

It’s a good opportunity to meet our oral surgeon and use this time to ask as many questions as needed in order to feel comfortable with any decision that needs to be made. We recommend you bring one of your parents with you as well so they are also fully aware of what is going on.

A few questions you can start with include:

  • Will I need surgery?
  • How long will it take?
  • Will I be awake or asleep?
  • Do all of my wisdom teeth need to be removed?
  • How long will it take to recover?
  • Who should come with me on the day of my surgery?

Advanced Preparation for Wisdom Teeth Removal

The benefit of having a wisdom tooth consultation booked is being able to prepare in advance. If a parent is with you, this is a good time to go over what will be needed before, during, and after the surgery. Ideally, before you head off to college!

Your parents can take a look at dates on the calendar with you to figure out what will be the best time to have surgery performed. If it’s important to have the wisdom teeth removed sooner than later, something can be scheduled before leaving for college. This way you won’t run into issues while you’re away from home. If it’s not urgent, then an appointment can be booked at a later date perhaps when you are home for the holidays.

 

Finances and Insurance (Wisdom Teeth)

Finances may not be on the top of your list but we’re sure it is something your parents need to consider. Your parent(s) can take the opportunity at the consultation to speak with our treatment coordinator about the cost of treatment and options for payment. They will also help with submitting any insurance estimates to see if wisdom teeth removal is eligible for coverage.

Contact our Ellis County oral surgery office today to find out if you have healthy wisdom teeth before heading off to college in the next few months.

 What is a Traumatic Bone Cyst?

Did you know you can develop a cyst within your jaw bone? This is one area of the body a lot of people don’t consider a place they should be concerned about when checking for cysts or tumors. That’s why dental checkups are important; so issues like a traumatic bone cyst can be spotted and treated at the right time.

bone cyst surgery

How is a Bone Cyst Detected?

A cyst is a fluid filled sac which can be found in the jaw bone and is usually asymptomatic, meaning there are no symptoms indicating something is wrong. In rare cases, the cyst may grow and become large in size but usually will not result in any facial deformities. The cyst creates an empty cavity in the bone and can only be seen when an x-ray is taken.

When a patient has x-rays taken regularly, the dentist can detect any abnormalities or dark shadowing in the bone and will have the patient sent to an oral surgeon for further analysis. If a cyst is left untreated, it can grow and cause weakening of the bone in that space. This can result in the patient fracturing the jaw at any time.

Who is Affected By Bone Cysts?

Anyone can be affected by a traumatic bone cyst but it is typically found in youth and young adults between the ages of 10-20. The cyst frequently develops in the area behind the canine tooth (eye tooth) and around the molar region. The cause of such a cyst is still widely unknown but is very treatable without further cause for alarm in most cases.

How Can a Bone Cyst be Treated?

At Texas Institute of Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery, we believe in providing our patients with innovative care which improves their postoperative period and quickens the healing process. This is why we offer innovative Platelet Rich Fibrin or PRF during treatment. PRF is the use of your body’s own healing properties placed into the surgical area using platelets, white blood cells, fibrin, and stem cells to promote healing and repair the bone. The fluid will be drained from the cyst as any involved tissues are surgically removed and biopsied. After the area is cleaned out the PRF can then be inserted in and around the void inside of the surgical site. PRF increases the ability for the blood to clot greatly reducing the risk of any infections post-surgery, making it a successful option for treatment. Healing from a bone cyst can take anywhere from 3 months to a year. During this time healthy bone will be regenerating and there will no longer be any risk of bone fracturing occurring.

 

Speak With Expert

As with all procedures, there are instances where you may not be a candidate for certain forms of treatment. Texas Institute of Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery serves patients in the Midlothian, Waxahachie, Mansfield, Cedar Hill, and the greater Ellis, Tarrant, and Dallas County areas. If you are looking for friendly expert advice about a bone cyst, feel free to contact our office for a no-obligation consultation today.

Look Your Best this Summer with Botox!

If you’re considering simple, effective ways to enhance your look this summer, why not give Botox Cosmetics a try?! Botox is a safe non-surgical option for improving your appearance and can make a big impact without having to undergo extensive (or irreversible) cosmetic surgeries.

botox ellis county midlothian waxahachie

In the past, Botox was synonymous movie stars and socialites. But you don’t have to be a social influencer to benefit from the treatment. Many cosmetic providers today offer Botox options within their offices for a wide variety of purposes. The minimally-invasive, quick applications will enhance your smile and overall appearance without requiring any traditional dental treatments to be done.

Benefits of Botox

We offer Botox treatments to clients in the Midlothian and greater Ellis County community, even if you don’t need to see a dental specialist. Our expert has used Botox in a number of aesthetic situations to aid in creating smoother, younger-looking skin that our patients can feel proud of.

These skin treatments are not just used for aesthetic purposes but are also useful to help address certain functional concerns as well.

With the help of Botox, you can:

  • Improve the appearance of wrinkles, creasing, and fine lines
  • Create smoother-looking skin
  • Reduce muscle tension
  • Manage symptoms of migraine headaches
  • Alleviate tension in the jaw muscles
  • Address “gummy” smiles

Botox treatments are not permanent. Each application lasts about 3-4 months or up to six months at most. This shorter timeline is ideal for anyone who may be a bit concerned about committing to permanent cosmetic treatments. Unlike major cosmetic surgeries, you can allow the effects to wear off over time if you decide Botox is not right for you.

On the other hand, you can easily plan a short visit every 3-4 months for Botox touchups to maintain your smoother looking skin.

Why Choose Us

When opting for Botox treatments, it is extremely important to choose the right provider. Our expertly trained oral surgeon is extensively experienced with facial anatomy and function. Your face is made up of multiple tissues and muscles, and how these affect your facial features is very important during Botox application. Choosing a specialized provider who is familiar with and works with orofacial anatomy on a daily basis will ensure you receive the best outcome possible when it comes to injectables.

Contact Us to Schedule Your Consultation

Botox is not suitable for everyone. For example, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a neurological disease. With a proper consultation, we can evaluate your areas of concern and discuss how Botox can help. Our treatment coordinator can go over everything such as time and length of treatment to finances.

Our goal is to provide the best type of Botox treatment for you in a warm and comfortable environment. With Botox, you can enhance what you already have to look and feel your best.

Summer’s almost here, but it’s not too late. Call us at our Midlothian office today for a no-obligation Botox consultation today!

College Student Home? Schedule a Wisdom Teeth Consult!

wisdom teeth removal

If they aren’t already, your college student will probably be homeward bound sometime soon. They probably have a million plans set, places they want to go, or friends they want to catch up with. You, on the other hand, are probably more concerned about their health and if they have been taking care of themself properly.  Checkups, dental visits, and even immunizations might be due up soon. As well as a wisdom teeth exam.

One thing that is common among college students is issues with their wisdom teeth. Sometimes the gums around them can get inflamed and cause pain or swelling. At other times, there can be issues brewing silently under the gums that cause further damage if not attended to promptly. That’s why it’s important for your teen or college student to have their wisdom teeth evaluated at regular intervals.

Why Schedule a Wisdom Teeth Consultation?

You may be wondering if scheduling a wisdom teeth consultation is necessary, especially if your teen is not experiencing any pain.

The absence of pain does not necessarily mean there are no issues with their teeth. Only a specialized x-ray can get a clear picture of how the wisdom teeth are forming and growing in. At our Midlothian office, we use advanced imaging and diagnostic technologies to assess the teeth and come up with a suitable treatment plan.

Our friendly and experienced treatment coordinators will help you go over any insurance plan you may have to find out about your coverage details. Consultations give you the opportunity to ask questions or voice any concerns you may have before a surgery is scheduled. We will take the time to listen and then explain the procedure, so you walk away knowing your young adult will receive the best care possible.

When to Schedule a Consultation

Yes, you can schedule a wisdom teeth consultation anytime, but the best time to book one is when your teen or college student is home on a summer break or between semesters. Having a consultation during summer vacation gives you and your teen the opportunity to discuss your options and to plan ahead accordingly.

Benefits of Scheduling Ahead

Having a wisdom teeth consultation early gives you the benefit of being able to schedule wisdom teeth surgery at a more convenient time for your high school or college student. You will be able to schedule an appointment that won’t interfere with important school dates, such as final exams or dorm move-ins. It will allow you to make the necessary arrangements needed for their appointment and recovery.

Ellis County Wisdom Tooth Removal

At Texas Institute of Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery in Midlothian TX, our professional and friendly staff are committed to providing you with a warm, comfortable environment. We are here to listen and work together with you and your college student for the best experience possible.

We proudly serve patients who live in the Waxahachie, Mansfield, Cedar Hill, and greater Ellis, Tarrant, and Dallas County areas.

Call to schedule a consultation for your teen or college student’s wisdom teeth removal today!

How to Care For Your New Dental Implants

dental implant maintenance

If you have recently decided to invest in dental implants or you just completed your implant treatment, congratulations! Midlothian dental implants are by far the best option for replacing your missing teeth, whether it’s just one or two or your entire smile. Today’s implants are the preferred choice by many dentists and patients alike.

One of the many questions we get from patients is, now that they’re considering or have recently received implants, “How do I take care of them?” Let’s take a look at the ways you can clean and maintain your implants once you go back home.

 

A Good Oral Hygiene Routine

Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine at home is extremely important. If not cleaned regularly, your gums can get infected. Brush around the implant and gumline, then clean between and around each one with floss or a water flosser. This will keep plaque and bacteria from building up around the edges to keep your gums nice and healthy.

Be sure to choose a non-abrasive toothpaste and soft bristle toothbrush. You don’t want to use anything too harsh and potentially damage the gums around your implants.

 

Regular Dental Cleanings

Continuing with your regular dental cleaning and check-ups is always a key factor for having healthy teeth and gums. The same still stands for your implant. Having your teeth and implants professionally cleaned by your dentist or hygienist involves the use of special instruments to get in and around the implant and under the gum tissue, where bacteria may hide out of reach.

Your dentist will also perform periodic check-ups. If they see any areas of concern, they can let you know if they feel you need to have the implant assessed by our specialist.

 

Things to Avoid

As there are things that you should do, there are also things you will want to try to avoid in order to care for, and prolong, the life and health of your implant.

 

Watch What You Chew

Just like your natural teeth, implants can be damaged by biting or chewing on hard foods or non-food items. This can place too much pressure on the implant and can cause it to chip or fracture as your natural tooth would. Be mindful and be careful!

 

Smoking

Not only can smoking cause staining, but it can also cause lack of blood supply to the gums, putting them at an increased risk of gum disease. It’s important to keep the gums surrounding implants nice and healthy, so you want to avoid anything that can jeopardize their health.

 

Grinding or Clenching

If you grind or clench your teeth, you may need to have a nightguard made. Nightguards buffer the pressure of teeth grinding (bruxism.)

Dental Implants in Ellis County

Implants that are taken care of properly can last a lifetime and give you the confidence you want from a new smile!

To learn more about our Midlothian dental implants, request a consultation at the Texas Institute of Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery today!

 

1 Special Reason to Get Full-Arch Dental Implants

Midlothian full arch implants

If you have one or several missing teeth in one arch of your mouth, then you know the feeling of embarrassment or self-consciousness that you feel when you’re out in public. Mealtime can be another difficult situation. Instead of sitting to enjoy what’s in front of you, you’re having to figure out the best way on how you’re going to chew your food or if you can even eat in front of other people. None of these situations have to be one you find yourself in any longer. If you need a reason to consider getting full-arch dental implants, that reason is you!!

Your Health with Full-Arch Implants

When self-care is spoken of these days, many people neglect to mention your oral health. If you are missing multiple teeth in an arch, it is very difficult to eat. Not chewing your food properly means the food is not being broken down as it should and can actually cause digestive issues.

You may also begin to experience bone loss in the areas of missing teeth since there are no support structures or natural roots sitting within the bone anymore. If you’re wearing dentures, they can even cause discomfort and irritation to your gums, making them sore and uncomfortable over time.

Full-Arch Implants Boosts Your Confidence

Not only is eating difficult, but speaking clearly can be hard as well when multiple teeth are missing. Some words are meant to be pronounced through the teeth, and when those teeth are missing, your voice may end up sounding distorted.

And then there’s smiling. Smiling is a natural reaction. But when you’re missing teeth, it becomes something you think twice about, or maybe never ever do. The state of your mouth has the ability to tremendously affect the way you look and feel. Your self-esteem can bring you a long way in your life, but if you’ve completely lost your confidence, it makes your everyday interactions harder than they should be.

Choose You!

Choosing to get a full-arch dental implant system is the beginning of getting your life back. You won’t have to worry about where or how to eat, and you will be able to laugh and smile with complete confidence. The implant system is permanently anchored so you never have to worry about your smile shifting out of place. Always enjoy the security you need when speaking or eating.

Implants are the closest thing to replicating your natural teeth, and since they are custom made, they are not bulky or uncomfortable. You can have a natural, youthful, and aesthetically pleasing smile that will put confidence back into your everyday life!

 

It’s time to put you at the top of your list!

Contact the Texas Institute of Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery in Midlothian, TX, today to find out if individual or full-arch dental implants are right for you. We can reserve a no obligation consultation to discuss the best implant option for your smile and lifestyle.

We’re conveniently located to serve patients throughout Ellis County, Mansfield, Cedar Hill, and surrounding communities. Call now to get started!

Plan Now for Summer Break Wisdom Tooth Removal

wisdom teeth removal midlothian

School will be out in a matter of days. Kids will be off to summer camp, getting part-time jobs, prepping to leave for college, or going on trips with the family. Before you know it, all of that extra “free time” won’t be free after all. That’s why right now is a great time to go ahead and plan for a consultation about wisdom tooth removal.

 

Advantages of Summer Wisdom Tooth Removal

 

Planning any type of oral surgery means having plenty of rest and recovery time. For teens and college students, you also have to factor in taking off from school.

 

Having wisdom teeth removal planned during summer vacation means your teen won’t have to stress about rushing back to classes when they still need time to rest. It won’t interfere with testing, projects, or college tours. Plus, your family will more than likely have a little extra flexibility to schedule the procedure when someone is there to look after them.

 

A More Relaxed Recovery

 

Not missing school is a big advantage of planning oral surgery during the summer. But it also provides your teen with some built-in downtime. They can prep for their wisdom tooth removal by stocking up on soft, tasty foods (popsicles, pudding, etc.), prepping their bedroom or the living room with a relaxing recovery spot, and watching all of the movies they’ve had on their list.

 

When your teen—and family—know you’ve got more than just 2-3 days to take off for recovery, it makes the wisdom tooth removal process just a little bit easier. Some teens like to take things easy for about a week if given the opportunity. Although you’ll want to be there with them for the first day or two, this is a great time for them to unplug, recharge, and get some much-needed R&R. By the end of the week, they’ll likely be ready to get back to normal.

 

It’s Time to Start Planning Ahead

 

Our Midlothian oral surgeon can easily see your teen for a wisdom tooth consultation now before school is out. During the visit, we’ll discuss how their wisdom teeth are situated, if removal is needed (or if it’s better to watch and wait) and then go from there. Our friendly treatment coordinators will also check everything with your insurance plan to work out all of the details about your coverage. That way, we can answer any questions you have well ahead of your teen’s wisdom tooth removal.

 

After everything is discussed, we can talk about planning an appointment time that works for your family’s summer schedule. Have a vacation booked? Leaving for college? We still have plenty of availability for summer appointments, so your family can easily find a time that works for you.

 

Ellis County Wisdom Tooth Removal

 

Texas Institute of Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery is conveniently located in Midlothian, TX, just minutes from Waxahachie, Mansfield, and Cedar Hill. Wisdom tooth removal is our specialty! Contact us today to reserve a no-pressure consultation with our specialist.

How Long do Dental Implants Last?

how long dental implants last

Midlothian, TX | Treatments for missing teeth have often included options like fixed dental bridges, partial dentures, flippers, and full “plates” (conventional dentures.) With today’s dental implants quickly becoming the go-to solution for tooth replacement, a lot of people want to know whether the investment is worth it or not. Especially, how long do dental implants last?

 

How Long Implants Last vs. Bridges, Dentures

 

Traditional tooth replacements like bridges and dentures are designed for long-term use, but they’re only temporary. At some point, all of them have to be changed out and replaced with a new restoration. And a lot of that longevity also depends on how well you care for your teeth.

 

For example, a fixed bridge might last anywhere from 10-15 years if you’re flossing around the supporting teeth every day. But if you aren’t, your bridge might need to be replaced in half that time. This scenario can lead to more frequent replacements and added long-term dental costs.

 

Dentures are the same way. If you don’t remove them at night, they can cause accelerated bone shrinkage in your mouth, altering the way your denture fits. After a few years, your denture will need to be adjusted and relined. A time or two after that, it will need to be replaced entirely.

 

Here’s where dental implants differ significantly. When properly cared for, your new dental implants should last for the rest of your life.

 

How do Dental Implants Last So Long?

 

What is it that allows a dental implant to last for decades, if not as long as you live? Osseointegration. Osseointegration is where your body’s natural bone tissues are attracted to the dental implant and fuse onto the surface. When your Midlothian dental implants are installed, the bone sees that material as a natural part of your mouth. The bone then forms a small layer of new bone between your jaw and the ribbed implant surface, essentially fusing it into place.

 

Once an implant is fully integrated, it becomes a permanent part of your smile, just like anatomical teeth. You’ll want to care for it and maintain it like the other teeth in your mouth. When you do, it stays right where it’s at.

 

Best Return on Investment

 

When you consider how often bridges and dentures need to be replaced, investing in dental implants is a smart choice. Your new smile is there to last a lifetime, providing you with a one-time, long-term investment that’s as close as you’ll ever get to having “real” teeth. Not only are dental implants extremely predictable, but they also look and feel natural too.

 

Dental Implants in Midlothian, Ellis County

 

Texas Institute of Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery offers comprehensive dental implant treatments in Midlothian. Whether you’re missing one tooth, several, or all of them, our Ellis County implant specialist can help you get your smile back. And with flexible financing, your investment will be easier to afford than ever.

 

Contact our office today for a no-obligation dental implant consultation.

Choosing a Botox, Cosmetic Injectables Provider

Botox in Midlothian

Are you planning on getting Botox soon? Nowadays, everywhere you turn, someone is offering Botox in their office. From salons and spas to medical clinics, cosmetic injectables, dermal fillers, and anti-wrinkle treatments are around every corner. But how can you be sure that you’re choosing the right place for your treatment?

 

It Matters Where You Go for Botox in Ellis County

 

One of the biggest advantages of Midlothian Botox cosmetics is that it’s a non-permanent aesthetic treatment. That means no plastic surgery or irreversible long-term results. However, once it’s applied, the effects of Botox can last for several months at a time; you want to be sure that the right person is administering it.

 

Although many different types of medical professionals can take Botox training and offer the service, some types of providers are more experienced in injections and facial anatomy than others. When you choose an Ellis County Botox treatment in Midlothian, you want a provider who understands the delicate anatomy of facial features and is constantly working with those areas. However, some Botox providers provide a wide range of makeovers and plastic surgery, not specializing in the face; this may mean they are not as experienced in creating more consistent, natural results in their application techniques.

 

Why See an Oral Surgeon for Botox?

 

As a specialized oral and maxillofacial surgery practice, our Midlothian Botox doctor is an expert when it comes to the head, neck, and face. Since Botox works by targeting the contraction of muscle tissue—and oral surgeons are specialists in these anatomical points—our expert can precisely administer Botox for the best aesthetic results.

 

Botox is a natural muscle relaxer that helps prevent tissue contractions and the associated deep creasing in the skin. When applied properly, it eases the appearance of wrinkles and creases—like smile lines, forehead lines, crow’s feet, etc.—by preventing those tissues from tensing up during the day.

 

As someone who is consistently working with facial anatomy and function, our Midlothian Botox provider can ensure your smile, face, and adjacent tissues best benefit from specific application methods. Since we work with smiles all day, every day, we can offer the peace of mind that you depend on for the best Botox experience.

 

Midlothian Botox Treatments

 

Texas Institute of Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery offers Botox treatments in Midlothian. Even if you have no need for dental implants, wisdom tooth removal, or traditional oral surgery services, we can still help your smile look its best. We specialize in oral and facial rejuvenation treatments to help you look and feel your best.

 

If you’re considering Botox in Midlothian or Waxahachie, we encourage you to meet with us for a no-obligation consultation to discuss your options. That way, you have all of the information you need to make a confident, educated decision about your aesthetic treatments. Whether you’re hoping for smoother skin, fewer wrinkles, or Botox to treat a gummy smile, we can help.

 

Botox Consultations

Call our Midlothian smile specialist today to learn more about what Ellis County Botox treatments can do for you.

Four Reasons to Get All-on-Four Implants

all-on-four

 

If you need to replace all of your teeth in one arch (or your entire mouth), you’ll definitely want to consider the All-on-Four dental implants. With just four strategically-laced implants, you can restore an entire row of teeth for a permanent, natural-looking smile.

Permanently Replace All of Your Teeth at Once

In the past, dental patients relied on removable dentures to replace missing teeth. But dentures are bulky, hard to eat with, and can even cause a bit of self-consciousness when it comes to being around other people.

 

That’s where All-on-Four comes into the picture.

 

With one streamlined treatment, you get a brand-new smile that will look and feel like natural teeth. You don’t have to worry about slipping prosthetics or gum irritation, and since we can place each implant at the best location, All-on-Four implants are minimally invasive.

Eat and Speak More Easily

Our teeth are crucial for many aspects of daily life, especially eating. It may be hard to enjoy your favorite foods if your teeth are missing or damaged. Even if you have dentures, food can be hard to chew or become trapped under the prosthetic “plate” in your mouth.

 

Likewise, your teeth also affect how you sound whenever you speak. Many people struggle to learn how to speak clearly after getting dentures because the new appliance can feel bulky.

 

All-on-Four dental implants function just like your natural teeth. These permanent restorations can help you get back to eating your must-have meals and speaking confidently.

Anti-Aging Benefits

Our teeth play a vital role in the support of our facial profile and surrounding bone tissues. Once a few teeth are missing, the jaw can start to deteriorate, leading to bone resorption and the loss of more teeth.

 

At the same time, your teeth support the structures in lips and cheeks are also transformed. This is why you may have noticed that someone might begin to look older, or their facial profile might change after they start to lose teeth.

 

While dentures can replace your missing smile, they do not support the bones that are vital to keeping your face youthful and full. Fortunately, All-on-Four implants fuse to your jawbone, providing your bones with the same support they would get from natural teeth.

Implants Last a Lifetime

The All-on-Four procedure is less invasive and shorter than most oral surgeries. Even better, we leverage cutting-edge imaging technology to determine the best places to insert the implants so we can deliver predictable outcomes for each patient.

 

With this approach, we deliver life-changing, long-lasting results. These implants last longer than other tooth replacement options and are incredibly easy to maintain. As long as you keep up with your daily brush and flossing, you can enjoy your smile for decades to come.

No-Obligation Consultations

If you want to replace all of your missing teeth, the team at Texas Institute of Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery is here to help. Our oral surgeon in Midlothian, TX has years of training and experience in safely and effectively placing All-on-Four dental implants.

 

We have helped many Ellis County residents restore their smiles with these permanent implants, and you can be next. Call 469-649-8259 to schedule your no-obligation consultation.