oral surgeon near me – Page 2 – Dr. David Todd, Oral Surgery

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Lakewood NY Oral Surgeon | What to Know About E-Cigarettes and Your Oral Health

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WThe hazards surrounding vaping are not entirely clear. More research is needed in this area, but a recent study indicates that e-cigarette vapors could be damaging to your mouth. Here’s what you need to know.

The Vapor Ingredients

Electronic cigarettes are not regulated in the same way tobacco cigarettes are, meaning that their contents can be inaccurately labeled without any oversight. Contents that e-juice usually contains include nicotine, glycerin, chemical flavoring, and propylene glycol. Some of these substances are safe in food, such as chemical flavors, but the effects of inhaling them is not well researched. Heating these chemicals can form dangerous carcinogens such as formaldehyde. E-cigarettes might also include tiny metals and particles that you inhale while smoking.

What This Means for Your Oral Health

A recent study from UCLA found that vapors from an e-cigarette can kill the cells in your oral cavity, or the area of your mouth beyond your teeth and gums. The study placed oral cells in an environment where electronic cigarette smoke was produced for 24 hours, in a machine simulating how a person would smoke. During the test, 85% of the cells died. According to the lead author of the study, they plan to move forward to test the impacts in humans.

These cells are your mouth’s defense by helping to release antioxidants. As the cells die off or become less effective, your mouth becomes more vulnerable to oral diseases.

Another study by the University of Rochester Medical Center concluded e-cigarettes are just as bad for your gums as tobacco cigarettes are. Nicotine, which both types of cigarettes contain, is a known factor in contributing to gum disease.

Steps You Can Take

Since the e-juice industry is largely unregulated, it is best to avoid smoking electronic cigarettes. The carcinogenic contents pose serious risks to your health, especially to your mouth. Your mouth relies on the functions of these important cells to defend itself against dangerous bacteria and other substances. Without your mouth’s natural defense system, you open yourself up to oral disease.

Make sure you are regularly visiting our office, especially if you are a smoker of either tobacco cigarettes, or electronic cigarettes. Our experienced dental team will perform a complete oral examination during your visit to check for signs of oral disease. Being proactive is your best defense against combating oral disease.

For more tips on keeping your mouth healthy or to schedule your next visit with our Lakewood Oral Surgeon, please contact Dr. Todd Oral Surgery.

 

Dr. Todd Oral Surgery
Phone: (716) 484-8091
120 Southwestern Dr.
Lakewood , NY 14750

Oral Surgeon in Lakewood NY | The Link Between Diabetes and Oral Health

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Oral Surgeon in Lakewood NY

Almost 26 million people in the US suffer from diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, having diabetes places you at a higher risk for periodontal disease and other oral health problems. Read on to learn more about the link between diabetes and your oral health.

Diabetes’ Effect on Oral Health

Glucose levels are a continuous concern for those dealing with diabetes. High glucose levels can create elevated sugars in your circulatory system, which can leave your teeth vulnerable. This can lead to an increase in tooth decay, salivary issues, gum disease, or even infection.

In addition, studies have shown that gum disease can have a negative effect on your glycemic control, which can aggravate your diabetes and further threaten your oral and overall health.

Concerning Symptoms

If you suffer from diabetes, then you may be at a higher risk for developing issues in your oral and periodontal health. Ensure you follow a regular schedule of dental visits as recommended. In addition, here are a few symptoms to keep watch for on your own time:

  • Tender, swollen gums that bleed easily
  • Dry mouth
  • Bad breath or taste
  • Oral thrush (a fungal infection)

If you experience these symptoms, then your diabetes may be complicating your oral health. Get in touch with our office to ensure your oral health stays protected.

How to Fight Back

You have ways to fight back against oral health issues stemming from diabetes. By keeping your blood glucose levels in line with your physician’s recommendations, you can reduce the amount of sugar your teeth are exposed to. The American Diabetes Association suggests using toothpaste that has an antigingival or antibacterial agent to help protect your gums. In addition, ensure you are following a schedule of dental visits at least twice a year. Let our team know that you have diabetes when you arrive so that we can provide you with the proper care and treatment you deserve.

Diabetes doesn’t have to control your oral health. Understand the effects it may cause and use these tips to keep your smile bright and your health optimal. Contact us for your next dental visit.

Dr. Todd Oral Surgery
Phone: (716) 484-8091
120 Southwestern Drive
Lakewood , NY 14750

Lakewood NY Oral Surgeon | Blood Thinners and Oral Surgery

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Blood thinning medications are helpful in regulating your body to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and other serious issues. However, if you are scheduled for oral surgery, it is vital that our oral surgeon is aware of all medications you are using.

How Blood Thinners Work

There are two types of blood thinners. The first type works to prevent blood clotting. Medications ranging from aspirin to Plavix fit into this category. The other type of blood thinners work to prevent blood from coagulating; Coumadin or warfarin accomplish this.

What Our Oral Surgeon Should Know

When you have your oral surgery consultation appointment, be sure to share with us any medications you are taking. We need to have your complete medical history to ensure your safety and proper treatment. Our dentist might also ask you the purpose of each medication you are taking to better understand any side-effects or other medical issues that could affect your oral surgery.

Steps to Take Before Surgery

Never stop any medication without consulting your doctor. Depending on your medical history, your doctor might suggest specific blood tests before having oral surgery. Communication is key, both between you and your primary physician, and between you and our office. If your treatment requires additional medication to be taken, ask about potential drug interactions.

Steps to Take to Minimize Oral Bleeding

Bleeding resulting from oral surgery can occur, but each patient will have different results. The most effective way to minimize oral bleeding is to firmly apply pressure to the area for up to 30 minutes. Gauze is recommended for applying gentle pressure to stop bleeding. Depending on the oral surgery procedure, we may ask you to refrain from drinking hot liquids and rinsing your mouth for the first day. We suggest avoiding rough or sharp foods that might cut your mouth.

Prior to having any oral surgery, it is important that our experienced surgical team has a thorough knowledge of your medical history. This enables us to find the best possible solutions for your needs, while ensuring your safety.

If you have any questions about medications and oral surgery, contact our office.

Oral Surgeon Lakewood NY | Eating While Healing

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Our experienced oral surgeon provides excellent results and works to minimize the time required for your mouth to heal following surgery. However, any oral surgery will require you to take extra care of your mouth for at least a few days afterward. If you are preparing for oral surgery, it can be helpful to consider what kinds of foods to avoid and those you may want to have available during this period.

Foods that are hot, cold, spicy, or acidic can be painful for soft tissues during the healing process. Your mouth will be sensitive for the first few days. Foods that require a lot of chewing can cause bleeding, slower healing or even infection. Hard foods like chips can splinter in the mouth and cut into delicate gums. Drinking through a straw adds strain on your tissues and can be harmful. All these should be avoided during the first day or two, at least.

During your initial 24 hours, you will want to take extra care with what and how you eat. Stick with soft and mushy foods that do not require much work to chew. Here are some ideas to consider:

  • Banana smoothies – while you should avoid straws, banana smoothies are tasty, filling, and contain valuable nutrition.
  • Soft fruits – applesauce, mandarin orange slices in juice, and seedless watermelon are all easy to eat and taste great.
  • Soups – warm (not hot) broths and soups help you maintain your strength as you heal. Select soups that do not have chunks that will need to be chewed.
  • Mashed potatoes – soft, warm, and filling, mashed potatoes can help you feel as though you’ve eaten a meal. Try adding some shredded cheese for a jazzier dish.
  • Puddings and gelatin – though you want to be careful of your sugar intake, puddings and flavored gelatin are a great way to get some needed calories, especially if you are experiencing soreness or stiffness during the initial hours after your surgery. Both are gentle on the stomach, as well as the mouth, making them a useful option.

For more suggestions on post-surgery care and eating, contact our office.

Lakewood NY Oral Surgeon | Types of Oral Surgeries

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Below is a list of common oral surgery procedures. If you have any questions, or would like to know if you are an ideal candidate for any of these treatment options, please schedule an appointment with our team. We look forward to meeting you.

Dental Implants – Dental implants are a tooth replacement solution that looks and feels like your natural teeth. They can restore the function of your teeth and renew your appearance.

Bone Grafts – Extensive and prolonged tooth decay or gum disease can erode the jawbone. Additionally, the jawbone may not be properly formed. Bone grafting allows us to add bone mass to an area allowing for a solid foundation to prepare for furfure treatments.

Orthognathics – Orthoghathics is the process of realigning the jawbone.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction – Wisdom teeth require removal if they are impacted, as this can lead to discomfort and infection. Wisdom teeth may also be extracted as a preventive measure, as they are susceptible to decay because of their difficult-to-reach location.

TMJ Disorder Treatments – Clicking sounds in your jaw, jaw discomfort and pain while chewing, and even persistent headaches may be signs of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Our team can realign your jaw to correct this issue.

Nerve Repair – Accidents, injuries, or past dental work can leave your nerves in your face and mouth damaged. This can create feelings of tingling, numbness, and even pain. Our oral surgery team can utilize microsurgery to repair nerve damage. Contact our team today.

Lakewood NY Oral Surgeon | 3 Health Issues Linked to Your Oral Health

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3Your mouth is a gateway. Whatever you eat or drink enters your body through your mouth, and what’s already there can have an impact on your body as well. Bacteria of all kinds are present in your mouth. While some are benign, others may pose a threat to your health.

Maintaining a daily oral hygiene routine and visiting our dental office for regular appointments can help keep your mouth free of harmful bacteria. Below are 3 common ailments that have been shown to be negatively impacted by poor oral health. If you suffer from any of these conditions and are worried that your oral health might be a contributing factor, contact our team for an examination and cleaning today!

Diabetes

Millions of Americans suffer from diabetes, and the disease can have many complications associated with it. A connection has been shown between diabetes and gum disease in many patients. Oral health problems often increase in frequency for patients with diabetes. Gingivitis and periodontitis are more common because these patents are at a higher risk of bacterial infection and are less able to combat harmful bacteria. Blood glucose levels can also be affected by gum disease, potentially putting a patient with diabetes at a higher risk for additional health problems.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

RA is an autoimmune disease that affects 1.5 million people in the US alone. This chronic inflammatory disorder affects joints and is caused by the body’s immune system attacking its own tissues. Patients with RA are more likely to suffer from gum disease and periodontitis. Likewise, patients with periodontal issues have been shown to have nearly twice the risk of developing RA according to a study conducted by the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.

Lung Conditions

Once bacteria enter your blood stream through your mouth, they can travel through your body and affect other locations. Conditions like bronchitis and pneumonia can be caused by malignant bacteria settling into a patient’s lungs. Other existing issues such as emphysema and pulmonary disease can be exacerbated by the invading bacteria. If you suffer from any of these conditions or are concerned that poor oral health might be putting you at risk, please contact our office today. Our dedicated team will be happy to provide you with a treatment plan and prevention tips based on your current health

Lakewood NY Oral Surgeon | Subject: Can Exercise Damage Your Teeth?

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tExercise is important to good health, but can it have a detrimental effect on our teeth?  Studies have shown that exercise and fitness habits can result in an increase in dental decay and tooth erosion.  Exercise can impact our oral health in many ways, including:

Decreased Saliva Flow:  Breathing heavily through the mouth during exercise can result in a reduction in saliva and cause the mouth to dry out.  Saliva is filled with minerals that work to fight bacteria, protect tooth enamel, and prevent decay.  To prevent decay caused by a dry mouth, learn to breathe through the nose during exercise and hydrate with water before, during, and after your workout.  You can also brush your teeth before you exercise to reduce the presence of bacteria and plaque.

Jaw Clenching:  Athletes often clench their jaw when straining to lift weights.  This pressure can result in wear and even cracked teeth.  To protect teeth from the effects of clenching, consider using a mouthguard.  These can be purchased at most drugstores or sporting goods stores or our dentist can make a custom fitted mouthguard for you.

Consuming Sports Drinks:  Studies have shown that sugary sports drinks are up to 30 times more erosive to the teeth than water.  The citric acid they contain can soften the tooth enamel so much that even brushing can cause tooth damage.  Taking frequent, small sips of sugary liquids increases the chance of tooth decay.   Avoiding the use of sports drinks and hydrating with water instead can prevent these negative effects.  If you feel you must use sports drinks, don’t drink small amounts over an extended period of time, rinse your mouth with water afterwards, and avoid brushing immediately after consuming.

Contact our office to schedule your next preventative dental appointment.

Lakewood NY Oral Surgeon | Taking Care of Yourself After Oral Surgery

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Clear communication with our team is an important step in the healing process. We will meet with you to discuss the necessary steps you should take to facilitate proper healing after your treatment. The majority of treatments we perform are outpatient procedures. This includes dental implant placement and wisdom teeth extractions. You will be sent home shortly after your procedure is complete. This means that it is essential you take proper care of yourself at home to ensure your mouth can fully heal.

Following surgery, it is important to reduce any bleeding that may occur. Usually within an hour, bleeding tends to slow down. Bleeding may occur for the first several hours following oral surgery. To reduce bleeding, bite firmly down on a clean gauze pad. The area will require firm but gentle pressure. Once the gauze pad is soaked, you may replace It with a clean pad. Avoid making sucking of spitting motions with your mouth following surgery. This can sometimes lead to reopening the wound. We advise that patients refrain from drinking with a straw following treatment.

Most oral surgeries require you to fast prior to your treatment. This means you will be hungry following your procedure. Following our instructions, start eating soft foods that are easy to chew. You will also need to drink to replenish your fluids. Water, juice, and milk are good to drink, while foods such as pudding, mashed potatoes, and ice cream are safe to eat. Chew slowly and cautiously, especially if your mouth still feels numb following your procedure.

Our team may prescribe pain medication to manage discomfort. Taking Ibuprofen every 4 to 6 hours is a common course of action you can take following most surgeries. You can also apply a cold compress over the area of treatment for the first day to reduce swelling. Contact us to schedule your next visit to our office.

Lakewood NY Oral Surgeon | What Can Oral Surgery Do For You?

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Your smile is the first thing someone notices about your face. Cosmetic imperfections can influence the way you view yourself, impacting your level of self-confidence. Oral and facial surgery is dedicated to helping you live a healthy, confident life. Oral and facial surgery can improve your appearance and your health.

Any procedure performed on the jaw, teeth, or gums is referred to as oral surgery. Oral surgery procedures include dental implant placement, teeth extractions, and corrective jaw surgery. Oral surgery often serves two main purposes: to improve the function and health of your teeth and gums, and to restore and renew your appearance. We understand the desire for a natural appearance when it comes to dental treatments. We can create dental implants and implant supported dentures that are designed to mimic the appearance of your natural teeth.

More than your appearance, oral surgery can improve your overall health. Following treatment, oral surgery can improve the function of your overall teeth, making it easier to speak and chew. Oral surgery can also be used as a preventive measure to ensure a lifetime of optimal oral health. Our team is experienced in performing extractions, which can allow your teeth to grow properly.

Oral surgery can help you regain your confidence. Your oral health is linked to your overall health, which makes it especially important that your teeth and gums are healthy. Oral surgery can help improve your oral health and prevent future oral health complications.

To learn more about the services we offer, or to schedule your visit to our office, please contact our team.

Lakewood NY Oral Surgeon | 3 Simple Ways to Reduce Tooth Decay

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A happy smile is a healthy smile! There are a number of steps you can take to keep your smile healthy by reducing your risk of developing tooth decay. Here are a few suggestions from our team.

Eat a Tooth Friendly Diet
Reduce the amount of sugars and carbohydrates in your diet. Decay-causing bacteria in the mouth feed on these substances.

We suggest you reduce grains, beans, seeds, and nuts in your diet when possible. These foods can lead to demineralization of your teeth and bones due to their acidic content. Consider adding foods high in minerals and vitamins to your diet such as apples, leafy greens, celery, or carrots.

Brush, Floss, Rinse, Repeat
Routine brushing at least twice a day followed by flossing and a mouth rinse is the optimal at home dental care routine. Brush for at least two minutes in the morning and at night. Use a soft bristle toothbrush that is small enough to reach every tooth.

Dental Sealants
Children often get dental sealants to protect the hard-to-reach teeth in the back of their mouths. However, dental sealants can benefit adults and those who have a higher risk of decay. Dental sealants are a layer of plastic-like material that coats the top surface of the tooth. Sealants protect the crevices in the tooth where bacteria reside and minimizes exposure of the tooth to harmful acids and sugars that wear down enamel.

When left untreated, tooth decay can cause discomfort and spread to other healthy teeth. You can combat tooth decay by reducing sugars and acids in your diet and brushing and flossing regularly. For some patients, dental sealants might be a solution.

Don’t forget to schedule your next visit to our office. Our team can provide a professional cleaning and check for signs of tooth decay.

Location

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Lakewood

120 Southwestern Drive
Lakewood, New York 14750

Office Hours

Monday: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM

Tuesday: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM

Wednesday: 8:00 AM-3:00 PM

Thursday: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM

Friday: 8:00 AM-3:00 PM

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: Closed

Contact Us

(716) 484-8091

Lakewood Dental News

Lakewood Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

May 15th 2022

Diabetes and Your Oral Health | Dental Implants...

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May 1st 2022

Blood Thinners and Oral Surgery | Oral Surgeon ...

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April 15th 2022

Eating After Oral Surgery | Lakewood NY Oral Su...

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