Flushing Oral Surgery

Jaw Surgery and How it Can Help: Everything You Need to Know

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If your jaw is out of alignment and negatively affecting your health, jaw surgery may be necessary. Following an injury, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon might recommend orthognathic surgery to correct trauma-induced misalignment or repair the jawbone. Learn everything you need to know about jaw surgery, who needs it, and how it helps correct problems and misalignment in the jaw.

Jaw Surgery: What is it, who needs it, and how does it help?

Jaw surgery can correct alignment, functionality issues, and other irregularities in a patient’s jaw. It is a standard method of fixing jaw problems stemming from skeletal abnormalities, dental damage, or tooth misalignment. Jaw surgeries can correct the cause of breathing, speaking, and chewing problems that patients may otherwise live with their entire lives.

Many patients worry that jaw surgery might leave unsightly scars or degrade their appearance. On the contrary, correcting a patient’s jaw often improves their overall facial appearance and symmetry. Contact us today to schedule your jaw surgery consultation at Flushing Oral Surgery and determine if a corrective jaw procedure is right for you.   

What necessitates corrective jaw surgery?

Jaw surgery may be recommended for patients who have experienced or exhibit:

  • Injury to the face
  • Chronic breathing from the mouth
  • Persistent jaw pain and headaches
  • Trouble swallowing, chewing, or breathing
  • Protruding jaw
  • Straining to make the lips touch
  • Physical congenital disabilities
  • Recessed jaw
  • Receding chin
  • Open bite
  • Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder
  • Asymmetrical side-view facial appearance
  • Obstructive sleep apnea

What does jaw surgery fix?

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon often collaborates with a patient’s orthodontist in preparation for jaw surgery. They work together to determine the diagnosis and create a treatment plan. Some of the most common issues that jaw surgery addresses include:

  • Correcting facial symmetry
  • Adjusting teeth to align when biting
  • Decreasing pain caused by TMJ disorder
  • Repairing cleft palates and other congenital problems affecting the maxillofacial structure
  • Restoring natural oral function (speaking, biting, chewing, swallowing)
  • Resolving breathing issues causing obstructive sleep apnea

Types of Jaw Surgery

The type of jaw surgery you undergo depends on the details of your case. There are five common types of jaw surgery:

Maxillary Osteotomy

A maxillary osteotomy is a surgery on your upper jaw to reduce or correct –

  • Open bite: When your mouth is closed, your molars don’t touch.
  • Crossbite: When your mouth is closed, some of your bottom teeth sit in front of your upper teeth.
  • Midfacial hyperplasia: This is a condition in which your upper jaw, eye sockets, and cheekbones do not develop as much as the rest of your facial structure.

During this procedure, your surgeon makes an incision above your upper teeth allowing access to the upper jawbones. The surgeon realigns your upper jawbone to fit over the bottom teeth before securing the jaw in the new position with plates and screws. Finally, your surgeon closes the incision in your gums using oral stitches. 

Mandibular Osteotomy

A mandibular osteotomy is surgery on your lower jaw. The procedure can correct the alignment of a jaw that excessively recedes or protrudes. Like a maxillary osteotomy, mandibular osteotomy procedures involve cutting the bone connecting your upper and lower jawbones.

Once the lower jawbone can move freely back and forth, your surgeon realigns it to fit with the upper jawbone. The correction to the jawbone is secured in its new position using screws and plates. Finally, your surgeon closes the incision with stitches.

Bimaxillary Osteotomy

A bimaxillary osteotomy is surgery on both the upper and lower jaw. It combines elements of the maxillary and mandibular osteotomy. Since it involves complex surgical techniques, your surgeon may use 3-D imaging technology to help guide the procedure.

Genioplasty

Genioplasty is chin surgery to fix a receding chin, and it sometimes coincides with a mandibular osteotomy procedure on the lower jaw. Your surgeon disconnects the chin bone from the rest of the jaw to move it forward into its new position. Then, they secure your chin bone into place with plates and screws.

TMJ Surgery

TMJ surgery might be recommended if other procedures have been unsuccessful at relieving TMJ symptoms. The different types of TMJ surgery include:

  • Arthrocentesis: Minimally invasive surgery to clean and lubricate the joints.
  • Arthroscopy: A thin tube, called a cannula, is inserted into the joint to enable surgery.
  • Open Joint Surgery (Arthrotomy): Procedure to remove and replace the affected components of your TMJ.

Understanding the Risks of Surgery

Every surgical procedure carries a certain level of inherent risk. When it comes to jaw surgery, the risks are the same as any minor surgery, including the possibility of infection, nerve damage, and injury to the local area. The success rate for jaw surgery patients is exceptionally high, and minimal risk exists.

Find Out if Jaw Surgery Can Help You

Your oral surgeon and you determine if jaw surgery is the best treatment option and which procedure will be most successful. Surgery is always a big decision, and patients are encouraged to consult with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. If you think jaw surgery might help you live a healthier life, contact our office to schedule your initial jaw surgery consultation with Dr. Li or Dr. Fan.

Premier Oral Surgeons in Flushing, Brooklyn NY & Westfield NJ!

Personalized, gentle, comprehensive patient care is our #1 priority

Call (347) 943-1960 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Li or Dr. Fan, or

 

The Ideal Diet for Those with TMD

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If you suffer from temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders, also known as TMJ or TMD, you’re undoubtedly scouring the internet in search of relief. What can you eat and what should you avoid? These are common questions for those experiencing pain in the jaw joint, difficulty with chewing or biting, toothaches, headaches, or neck aches, clicking or popping sounds in your jaw, a locked jaw, the inability to open your jaw all the way, or facial swelling.

Scheduling an appointment with an experienced and skilled oral surgeon is the first and most crucial step in finding adequate TMJ treatment. In the meantime, read on for nutritional tips on easing your jaw pain.

Food and TMJ

If you’ve been told to avoid crunchy, chewy foods, that’s good advice. You don’t want to further aggravate the problem with food that exhausts your already tired jaw. But there’s more to it than that. The nutritional value of the food you consume plays a bigger part in the health of your mouth than most people realize.

Creating a diet that actually strengthens your jaw muscles is half the battle. Here’s what to eat when your jaw is bothering you.

What foods cause inflammation?

When it comes to TMJ, nothing fires up the jaw pain you’re experiencing than foods that are sugary and processed. Even if the food is soft, don’t be fooled. Salty and fatty foods and refined carbohydrates cause the tissues to flare up, and too much intake of these foods can lead to chronic inflammation which can cause a variety of serious illnesses.

Inflammatory Foods to Avoid

  • Foods with added sugars, like bread, salad dressing, crackers, and granola bars
  • Foods with trans fats, such as restaurant foods and baked goods.
  • Red and processed meat, including bacon, salami, sausage, and deli meats
  • Foods with omega-6 fatty acids, like mayonnaise, peanut oil, canola, oil, and corn oil
  • Refined carbohydrates, such as white rice, French fries, rolls, and sugary cereals

Anti-inflammatory Foods to Enjoy

Include the following anti-inflammatory foods in your diet: dark, leafy greens, whole grains, fish, and soy.

What foods contribute to jaw joint health?

Here’s the rule of thumb for foods that are good to eat when your jaw hurts: Eat foods that are good for your overall health! Remember that your oral health is closely connected to your whole body health.

In addition to boosting your jaw health, vitamin C is essential in the growth and maintenance of most of the tissues in your body.

These include foods that are rich in:

  • Vitamin C, such as citrus, green and red peppers, strawberries, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, and melons.
  • Vitamin E, which is found in avocados, abalone, salmon, mangos, blackberries, cranberries, raspberries, more
  • Magnesium, including black beans, quinoa, greens, and chocolate
  • Selenium, like tuna, turkey, cottage cheese, mushrooms, eggs, oats, and beef

Soft Food Diet

Integrating soft foods into your diet is obvious. And you don’t need a list of those. Anything non-crunchy goes. The point is to allow your jaw to relax, recover, and heal. Once your jaw is restored and no longer suffers from TMD, it’s time to gradually return to your normal diet. The soft-food stage is just temporary—a path to full recovery and healing.

And remember, it’s important you schedule an appointment with the best oral surgeon, so you can get a handle on what’s really causing you pain and map out a treatment plan as soon as possible. Don’t wait. Call Flushing OMS today!

Premier Oral Surgeons in Flushing, Brooklyn NY & Westfield NJ!

Personalized, gentle, comprehensive patient care is our #1 priority

Call (347) 943-1960 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Li or Dr. Fan, or

How Bone Grafting Can Increase the Success Rate of Dental Implants

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Dental implants, today’s most preferred tooth replacement method, has a national success rate of 98%. Tried and true, tested and proven, implant teeth seldom let you down. But what if you could bump those incredible stats up even higher? Bone grafting is a technique used by oral surgeons to build up your jawbone, the foundation for your dental implants, and give your new teeth an even greater chance to thrive.

Why do I need a bone graft?

Most patients need some type of bone graft before implant placement because the moment you lose a tooth, the bone that was supporting it begins to reabsorb into your body at a rate of about 25% per year. And for many people, there’s usually some wait time between losing a tooth and replacing it. The good news is that a bone graft builds that alveolar ridge (implant-supporting) bone back up no matter how thin, soft, or short it has become. You may also need a bone graft if you have a bony defect due to trauma or infection.

What to expect from a bone graft?

For your bone graft, your oral surgeon will begin by taking a CT scan of the area in question. Next, you’ll receive a local anesthetic to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the procedure. Once you’re sedated, the oral surgeon anchors a block of bone down with titanium screws before surrounding it with bone grafting materials. Over the next several months, regeneration occurs, meaning the bone fuses together and the non-bone material turns into bone cells.

How do you heal from a bone graft?

There are several things that must happen for your bone graft to heal and be a success. The biologic process that regenerates tissue, form, and function must take place, new bone must be created, the blood clot must remain in place, and the bone must grow. Most bone grafts take about 3 months to fully heal and be prepared to support an implant.

How long does it take to recover from a bone graft?

One of the most common questions patients have surrounding bone graft recoveries is how painful they are. And just like most aspects of oral care, it depends on the patient. But it’s rare to feel much pain as you recover, and the vast majority of any discomfort doesn’t last more than a few days. But dental bone graft recovery is often a slow process. Give yourself several days to a week to rest and take it easy. Typical sensations you may experience the first couple of days could range from slight numbness to trouble swallowing. Avoid solid foods for the first several days. To ensure you heal quickly and completely, finish all your antibiotics. Call us if you:

  • Experience pain after 2 weeks.
  • Feel sharp or intense pain.
  • Have a fever.

How long is the wait for a tooth implant after a bone graft?

There are minor bone grafts that can support a dental implant right away, sometimes even the same day the graft was placed. But it’s more common for there to be a 4-6-month healing period before your jaw is ready to support an implant.

Still have questions?

Contact top Flushing oral surgeon Dr. Li to schedule an appointment and find out more about how bone grafting can help prepare you for successful dental implant surgery.

Premier Oral Surgeons in Flushing, Brooklyn NY & Westfield NJ!

Personalized, gentle, comprehensive patient care is our #1 priority

Call (347) 943-1960 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Li or Dr. Fan, or

Everything You Should Know About Sedation & Anesthesia for Oral Surgery

Beautiful woman getting dental sedation anesthesia
If you’ve got some sort of oral surgery scheduled, such as a wisdom tooth extraction, dental implant placement, or facial reconstruction, there’s a good chance you’ll be under IV sedation or even general anesthesia. For some of us, that induces anxiety while, for others, it brings a level of comfort, knowing we’ll be relaxed and possibly asleep during the procedure. It’s normal to have questions regarding anesthesia. That’s why we’ve created this guide: to help you understand how it works so that your fears and concerns are put to rest.

What is IV sedation?

IV sedation is also called twilight sleep, and it is a medically induced state of relaxation that allows you to sleep during the procedure. As per its name, the medication is received via an IV which allows it to enter your bloodstream quickly and permits your oral surgeon to monitor treatment levels throughout the surgery.

What is general anesthesia?

General anesthesia is also administered through an IV, but it paralyzes the patient’s muscles so that a machine takes over your breathing are you are almost or completely unconscious. Because you are in such a deep sleep, it takes a while to come out of it, slowly as the medication wears off. Highly effective, small doses are very safe.

What are the benefits of IV sedation/anesthesia?

In addition to making a patient comfortable and relieving their anxiety during surgery, creating IV access allows the oral surgeon the ability to provide medications that are effective after surgery as well, such as those that prevent nausea and swelling and others that provide long-term pain relief.

Is IV sedation and general anesthesia safe?

Thanks to today’s modern advancements in medicine and oral surgery, IV sedation and general anesthesia are extremely safe with very few risks. Before your surgery, your oral surgeon performs a complete evaluation of your health history and makes any necessary accommodations. Risks can vary from person to person, depending on your blood pressure, heart health, and weight. This pre-op consultation includes an assessment of any risks there may be and if there’s a need for medical clearance by your physician.

5 Ways to Prepare for Oral Surgery

  1. You will need a ride home. We will not begin your surgery until we know that you are accompanied by a responsible adult who can drive you home. This person will also be present to review post-op instructions.
  2. Do not eat after 12pm the night before your surgery. Certain food and drink can interfere with the anesthesia and lead to nausea.
  3. Wear loose-fitting clothing to ensure your comfort and to allow us access to administering the IV and any other monitoring equipment.
  4. Avoid jewelry, makeup, and nail polish on the day of surgery.
  5. Inform us of any illness, including colds and sore throats, before surgery. We are continuing to follow all safety precautions and are happy to reschedule your procedure at your earliest convenience.

Have more questions?

Top Oral Surgeon in Flushing NY Paul Chin-Fan Li, DDS, MD would be happy to answer your questions. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Superior Oral Surgery Personalized for Patients

with Offices in Flushing, Brooklyn, & Westfield NJ

Call (347) 943-1960 to schedule or

 

Four Foods to Avoid if You Have TMJ

Asian Family eating Yogurt together

If you grind your teeth while you sleep, clench, and have frequent headaches, and if your jaw clicks or pops when you chew, you may suffer from a TMJ disorder.

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, one of the most used joints in the body, and it’s not uncommon for an uncomfortable and irritating disorder to result due to overuse, genetics, and/or trauma. We offer a variety of treatments to help resolve this issue and restore balance and harmony to your jaw function, including stress management, nightguards, orthodontics, or even surgery, depending on the severity of the symptoms.

Do these symptoms sound familiar? If so, schedule a consultation with us as soon as possible, so we can get to the root of your problem and set you on a path to renewed oral health and wellness.

What to do for TMJ?

What most TMJ patients don’t realize is the effect food can have on their symptoms. We highly recommend the first thing you do is begin treating your TMJ at home by eliminating certain foods from your diet. Making appropriate changes to your diet will significantly decrease the amount of stress and pressure you place on your jaw joint.

What foods should you not eat when you have TMJ?

There are 4 types of food that can aggravate TMD joint pain and discomfort.

Avoid chewy foods.

Chewy foods agitate the jaw joint because they require excessive force to be broken down. If you notice your jaw has to work hard when eating certain foods, like taffy, soft caramels, bagels, and steak, replace them with bananas, yogurt, and mashed potatoes.

Stay away from crunchy foods.

Crunchy foods place extra pressure on the jaw joint and require a downward chewing force which can be painful. Try to avoid raw carrots, apples, and pretzels, and enjoy cooked vegetables and pasta instead.

Take smaller bites.

If you suffer from TMD, you’ve probably noticed that you are unable to open your mouth very wide. In fact, taking large bites is not only difficult but also painful. Steer clear of foods that require you to open your mouth excessively, like corn on the cob and apples. Cut them up and enjoy smaller bites.

Eliminate foods that cause inflammation.

Less obvious foods that increase joint pain are those that cause inflammation. Fatty and processed foods, such as those with refined carbs and sugars, high-fat content, and salt should be removed from your diet in order to limit inflammation. Say no to fried foods and red meats that have a tendency to fire up joint pain.

As you seek to heal and recover from TMD, integrate a soft diet into your routine and record any changes in your symptoms. If you’d like more information or tips and tricks for finding relief as you adjust your diet, make an appointment with Drs. Li or Fan today.

Premier Oral Surgeons in Flushing, Brooklyn NY & Westfield NJ!

Personalized, gentle, comprehensive patient care is our #1 priority

Call (347) 943-1960 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Li or Dr. Fan, or

3 Things You Should Know About Dental Implant Recovery

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If you’ve scheduled dental implant surgery, you’re on the path to an abundant life that will include eating, smiling, and laughing to the fullest. You’ve learned that dental implants are the best teeth replacement option available. And thanks to their durability and permanence, they provide the closest match to natural teeth in both appearance and function.

But when it comes to the healing part of implant placement, it’s important to keep in mind that implant surgery is a slightly invasive procedure that requires the right care to achieve optimal results and a smooth recovery. Read on to learn about the most important facts concerning dental implant recovery, what to expect during the process, and how to make the most of those days following surgery.

1. Implant surgery is a process.

It’s crucial to take a deep breath and settle in for the long haul when it comes to implant surgery. There are several steps, and for the best results, you won’t want to rush any of them.

The first and most involved part of the process is when we place the implant, a screw, into your jaw. Immediately, the implant will begin to settle into the jaw and the surrounding bone will grow around and fuse with it. But this takes time. Once the 3-4-month healing period has been completed, your dentist will place the permanent crown on the implant, and they may place a temporary one to get you through the waiting period, especially if the implant is near the front of your mouth. The screw acts as a root for your new artificial tooth, so complete integration with the bone is necessary.

2. Different factors extend the progression of implant placement.

A variety of additional treatments, such as extractions, bone and gum grafts, and sinus treatments, are needed for maximum success, but these lengthen the implant process and its recovery. For example, if we build up your jawbone with a bone graft to ensure sufficient mass and support for the new tooth, you’ll be looking at at least four additional months overall.

The more implants we place, the longer the recovery. When we place three or fewer implants, our patients are typically packed to their everyday routine within 24-48 hours. However, if you were to get a full arch of implants or even several implants at once, you’d need to set aside at least three days to rest and recover. We encourage you to schedule enough time off so that complete healing can take place.

3. Some pain, swelling, and bruising is normal.

Expect a small amount of discomfort as you come out of surgery, and don’t be alarmed if you experience some bleeding. These symptoms are a normal part of the healing process and are easy to manage with the right post-operative care. We are happy to prescribe pain medication if over-the-counter pain killers, such as Tylenol and ibuprofen, don’t do the trick. If your symptoms increase or worsen, call us right away.

Ready to schedule a dental implant consultation?
When you come in for a consultation and schedule a dental implant surgery, we will review with you all post-operative instructions and medications. We understand that every patient is unique and personalize treatment plans accordingly. From there, we are able to guide you in making the most of your recovery period to ensure optimal healing and excellent results.

Missing Teeth? Consider Dental Implants!

A Permanent, Natural-Looking Solution to Replace Teeth

Call (347) 943-1960 with any questions or

Why 3D CBCT Technology Matters for Dental Implants

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If you’re missing teeth and ready to fill those gaps with dental implants—today’s superior teeth replacement option—you may be wondering where to go. What makes one practice more trusted and reliable than another? The secret to beautiful, natural-looking implant teeth is in the technology used to plan and place them.

We at Flushing Oral Surgery remain ahead of the curve when it comes to implementing cutting-edge technology in our dental implant care. We’ve replaced drilling and cutting with 3D scanners and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging. Why? Because keeping you safe and comfortable is our number one goal.

We’ve long been frontrunners in the use of highly advanced forms of modern technology so we can more efficiently address patient needs and provide the best care possible. This means we regularly invest in state-of-the-art equipment which enables us to perform dental procedures safely, quickly, and comfortably.

Read on to learn more about how 3D CBCT technology makes a difference in implant care for our patients.

3D Imaging and Scanning

CBCT is the newest innovation in imaging, and we use it to take highly accurate images of the anatomical structure of your teeth, bones, and nerves.

What is CBCT?

3D-imaging machineWhen it comes to the awe-inspiring technology of our day, dental CBCT is at the top of the charts. What we once considered an impossibility, as oral surgeons, is now possible. And what once took us a large amount of time to accomplish can now be done in mere seconds.

3D imaging with cone beam is a CT scan system that generates high-definition x-rays of your oral cavity within seconds. This revolutionary technology gathers precise details that we use for diagnostic purposes before creating treatments plans that we tailor to your unique case.

What is CBCT used for?

CBCT makes collecting information quick and simple. Our 3D imaging system allows our doctors to:

  • Gain visual access to every angle of your anatomical structures.
  • Determine best treatment options.
  • Analyze nerve, sinus, and roots positions before surgery.
  • Remove any guesswork in measuring and positioning implants.

Patient Benefits

Our CBCT technology is a state-of-the-art tool that is not only effective in helping our doctors in performing their best work, but it significantly improves our patients’ experiences as well. Our 3D imaging system provides quick, easy, instant scans, is less expensive, and allows for a more comfortable patient experience.

The health and safety of our patients is our priority, and CBCT technology ensures the best possible care possible. The benefits include:

  • Exposure to very low amounts of radiation.
  • The most accurate diagnosis and treatment plans.
  • Increased success in procedures.
  • Lower surgical risk factor.

Top oral surgeons Dr. Li and Dr. Fan have devoted extensive time and education to implantology, resulting in top-notch oral surgical care. Our modern equipment makes it possible for our procedures to be fully completed in our office, providing both convenience and comfort to each and every patient.

Committed to accuracy and precision, we continue to implement the latest, most innovative devices, technology, materials, and techniques to ensure we always deliver beautiful results and the highest level of patient care.

Ready to book an appointment? Call us today!

Superior Oral Surgery Personalized for Patients

with Offices in Flushing, Brooklyn, & Westfield NJ

Call (347) 943-1960 to schedule or

 

 

5 Reasons We Use Piezosurgery

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The mere mention of jaw surgery often evokes feelings of fear and anxiety in many patients, and this causes some of us to completely avoid necessary treatments altogether. If this applies to you, we want to do all we can to assure you that we can treat our patients comfortably and safely, alleviating dental issues before they become bigger, more complex problems. And to do so, we use a groundbreaking technology: piezosurgery.

As experts seek to develop technology that provides comfortable and minimally invasive oral surgical options, the latest is piezosurgery. At Flushing Oral Surgery, we have replaced traditional bone-cutting methods with this advanced technique which enables us to gently cut bone with ultrasonic micro-vibrations that keep the soft tissue safe.

What makes piezosurgery so special?

Piezosurgery allows for better accuracy.

During piezosurgery, Dr. Li and Dr. Fan use tiny 3D ultrasonic waves to gently break apart bone tissue without causing damage to the soft tissue that surrounds it. The accuracy of piezosurgery helps protect sinus membranes, arteries, and nerves around the hard tissue. In short, there are very few risks to the surgical site and nearby areas when this advanced technique is used.

Piezosurgery provides more comfort.

Traditional surgeries that involve drills and burs are rather invasive and often involve pain, bleeding, and swelling. Piezosurgery, on the other hand, is a treatment strategy that eliminates those possible outcomes, requiring smaller incisions and less tissue modification.

Piezosurgery is the safer method.

Since piezosurgery uses ultrasonic waves rather than drilling to cut bone, there are fewer chances of experiencing bleeding and infection. Overall, this technique provides much less risk of complications, side effects, and post-op issues.

Piezosurgery enables faster healing.

The recovery period for piezosurgery is almost non-existent when compared to more invasive, traditional procedures that use drilling. In fact, most of our patients return to work the same day rather than having to take a few days off.

Piezosurgery is only used by top oral surgeons.

Piezosurgery is a cutting-edge technique that requires training and expertise that most oral surgeons have not yet explored. So, by choosing us, you’re putting your oral health in the hands of an elite few—the best.

Ready to find out more about piezosurgery?

From simple to complex jaw-surgery procedures, including tooth extractions, bone grafting, periodontal disease treatment, and dental implants, we treat our patients expeditiously in the utmost professional manner, implementing advanced technology to skillfully restore your smile and your confidence.

Call us today and book a consultation in which we can assess your situation, discuss any questions you may have, and determine if piezosurgery would benefit you!

 

 

How to Get Ready for Your Wisdom Teeth Removal

A group of happy diverse cheering teenagers

You’ve made the decision to get your wisdom teeth removed. Congratulations! That means you’re probably finishing high school or already have. Well done. As you move toward adulthood with the wisdom that only comes with the passage of time, your third and final set of molars have come in. Your dentist has recommended you have them removed, and you’ve got lots of friends who already have. What should you do ahead of time to make sure this whole experience goes as well as possible? Check out our answers to the following frequently asked questions. A few key steps will ensure a quick and successful recovery.

What’s okay to eat after my wisdom teeth removal?

First things first. No eating at all the morning of your surgery, or at least the eight hours leading up to it. If you take medications and we approve them ahead of time, those are allowed with just a little sip of water. We know fasting is no fun, especially for growing teens, but the reward on the other side is worth it.

The day before your wisdom teeth removal, help your family stock up on all your favorite soft foods, like ice cream, Jell-O, yogurt, smoothies, and milkshakes. Then, after surgery, once you’re feeling good about moving on from clear liquids, enjoy these delicious treats, but consume them slowly.

Resist the urge to drink with a straw, including the ones in your water bottles. That could dislodge the clot that will be covering your extraction site which can lead to lots of pain and a condition called “dry socket.” Also, if you smoke, which we highly recommend against anyway, refrain from that habit while you’re healing as it can also cause delay to your recovery.

I know this is an outpatient surgery. Can I drive myself?

No. Even the best of drivers should not drive after any type of sedation, even the mildest. So, make sure to bring an adult driver with you to your surgery. We will not begin the extraction unless you have one with you. And ask that companion of yours to hang out for the day. Your healing will most likely be very uneventful, but it’s wise to have someone around just in case.

Will I feel like going to work or school after my wisdom teeth removal?

No, you’ll be sleepy. And even if you do feel amazing, don’t go to school or work or any of your normal activities. In fact, don’t even do homework or housework. Kick back on the couch and watch Netflix. Or nap all day. The best thing you can do for a quick and complete recovery is rest.

What do I do if my mouth starts hurting?

You won’t feel any pain at all during your surgery because we will gently sedate you and make sure your experience with us is safe and comfortable. But later in the day, as you return home and the anesthesia wears off, you’ll want to use an ice pack on your face and take over-the-counter meds to manage any discomfort. We’ll also send you home with a prescription for stronger pain medication to have on hand.

How long will it take to feel normal again?

Not long. Most of our patients are back to their busy lives within 3 or 4 days. If your surgery is more involved and your teeth are impacted it could take a few extra days for a full recovery. It takes a few months for your wounds to heal. So, be careful with what you eat and how your brush during that time. Remember to avoid straws and tobacco. Dislodging the blood clot or the stitches would prolong the whole process.

Ready to tackle this?

If you’re still feeling hesitant about moving forward with this surgery, remember that our expert oral surgeon, Dr. Li, removes wisdom teeth every day in our Flushing NY office. The procedure is quick and easy, and if you are prepared and follow the simples steps we’ve mapped out for you, your wisdom teeth removal will be a complete success. Before surgery, we’ll provide you with all the pre-and post-op instructions you’ll need. There should be no surprises. You’re in excellent hands. You’ve got this!

To read more about wisdom teeth view our informative pages below.

Are you suffering from wisdom tooth pain?

Call our Flushing NY office (347) 943-1960 to schedule an a consultation with Dr. Li or Dr. Fan or

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Can Dental Implants Restore Seniors’ Smiles?

A photo of a group of asian senior friends smiling in the park

You may be young at heart, but if you’re no spring chicken, your teeth might be starting to show your age. The good news is, in today’s modern world, you no longer have to just roll with the punches when it comes to aging and losing teeth. In fact, thanks to modern technology, no one must go without teeth. We believe everyone, no matter their age, deserves a big, solid smile and that dental implants are the golden ticket.

What are dental implants?

First things first. If you aren’t yet familiar with dental implants, here’s the short version. An implant is an artificial tooth that’s made of a screw which we place in your jaw and a crown that we affix to an abutment that is attached to the screw. It’s really that simple. And if you’ve lost most or all of your teeth, we are able to attach an entire arch prosthesis to only four implants that we strategically place in your jaw, no matter the health of your jawbone. Our jaws tend to shrink the longer they go without teeth, but our full arch replacement system allows us to place the screws at angles, so bone grafting is not necessary.

Benefits of Dental Implants for Seniors

We understand that many of your friends have probably opted for dentures because they found them easy and affordable. The truth is dental implants are actually just as cost-effective and simple in the long run as any other teeth replacement option—maybe even more so.

Dental implants are for those who want their teeth replacement to be as natural as possible.

When it comes to artificial teeth that are natural-looking and functioning, implants can’t be beaten. If you get an entire row of implants, not one will bat an eye. And if you just have an implant or two placed to fill in gaps, we match the color and shape so that they blend in with your other teeth, and again, no one will be the wiser. It won’t ever cross anyone’s mind to consider that the new teeth might not be your own.

Dental implants are for those who want their teeth replacement to be as comfortable as possible.

Have your friends ever complained about how uncomfortable their dentures are? Since dental implants feel like natural teeth and stay put, there’s no pain or rubbing resulting from shifting. In fact, dental implants never move. They are not only comfortable physically, but they eliminate all embarrassment that you might experience with dentures that slip. Eating, talking, and laughing are as comfortable with implants, physically and socially, as a full set of natural teeth.

Dental implants are for those who want their teeth replacement to be as affordable as possible.

If you have heard that dental implants are expensive compared to other teeth replacement options, this may be true upfront. But they’re not as costly as they used to be, and there are money-saving dental plans for seniors that offer discounts implant procedures. Furthermore, implants can last a lifetime, so the money you spend on replacing lost or broken dentures must be figured into the overall cost. And the cost of the comfort and ease implants provide is priceless. Contact someone in our office today financial reasons are keeping you from getting implants. Our staff will help you find a payment plan that works for you.

Missing Teeth? Consider Dental Implants!

A Permanent, Natural-Looking Solution to Replace Teeth

Call (347) 943-1960 with any questions or