oral surgeon near me – Page 3 – Dr. David Todd, Oral Surgery

Lakewood NY Oral Surgeon | Common Cases for Oral Surgery

Posted on September 23, 2019September 18, 2019

CYou probably have some pre-conceived notions about oral surgery. You might think of it as a worst-case resort for people with particularly serious oral health issues. Maybe you assume that all oral surgery procedures are painful, invasive, and take a while to fully heal. However, there are plenty of reasons an individual could benefit from oral surgery, and not all procedures are going to require the same amount of healing. Below are some common issues that can be resolved by oral surgery. Contact our team today to learn more if you think you could benefit from one of these procedures.

Lakewood NY Oral Surgeon | Common Cases for Oral Surgery

Restoring Missing Teeth

Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth. An implant is fixed to your jawbone and a cosmetic crown that mimics the look and function of a natural tooth is fixed on top. Implants can help restore the function of missing teeth as well as keep the adjacent teeth from shifting in the mouth.

Resolving TMJ and Bite Alignment Issues

A misaligned bite can cause any number of issues. From a clicking sensation and pain in the jaw to excess wear and tear on your teeth as they rub against each other, misalignment can easily spiral into a number of other oral health issues.

Removing Problem Teeth

The majority of people find that they need to have their wisdom teeth removed at some point in their lives. Additionally, other teeth may need to be extracted due to damage or infection. Removing problem teeth can help protect overall oral health and give the rest of your teeth room in your mouth.

Repairing Facial Trauma

After sustaining a traumatic facial injury, an individual might need to undergo oral surgery to help repair and rebuild the delicate structures found in the mouth. Whether damaged teeth need to be extracted and replaced with implants or the jaw needs to be reset, the extent of the surgery will depend on the injuries sustained.

Don’t let a limited understanding of oral surgery stop you from receiving the care you might need. To learn more about all the potential benefits of oral surgery, contact our dental team today!

Lakewook NY Oral Surgeon | 3 Ways Dental Implants Can Change Your Life

Posted on September 18, 2019September 18, 2019

Are dental implants the right choice for your smile? There are many reasons why dental implants would be a great option if you have missing teeth. Below are three ways they can change your life for the better.

Lakewook NY Oral Surgeon | 3 Ways Dental Implants Can Change Your Life

Confidence Boost

Missing teeth can make you afraid or embarrassed to smile in public. You no longer have to worry about what other people think of you because implants are made to match your teeth. Dental implants look and feel like your natural teeth. You’ll have a ‘picture-ready’ smile that you will be eager to share.

Improved Functionality

Some people will opt for removable dentures over implants. Dentures can get loose and fall out when eating or speaking. With implants you never have to be afraid of that happening. Implants are securely anchored to your jaw. They don’t require dental adhesive and they can last a lifetime with proper care. Dental implants will make it easier to speak clearly and eat your favorite foods.

Better Oral Health

Losing a tooth can lead to additional health problems if it is not fixed. The jawbone can weaken and deteriorate over time if there is no tooth to support it. Implants protect existing bone structure and gums from moving or shifting into gaps.

Losing a tooth or multiple teeth can have an enormous impact on the quality of your life. Implants can bring you the confidence you once felt without being embarrassed of your smile. Implants look like natural teeth so no one can tell you have them.
Unlike dentures, implants also protect your healthy teeth while keeping your jawbone strong.

To see if dental implants are the right solution for you, schedule an appointment with our team today.

Oral Surgeon in Lakewood | What is Periodontal Plastic Surgery?

Posted on July 23, 2019July 17, 2019

Periodontal plastic surgery is designed to restore form and function in your teeth. The surgery involves removing the tissue that has been affected by the disease and reconstructing the gums and surrounding tissues so that your teeth are better supported and can have a much healthier appearance. The major goal of the surgery is to increase the life expectancy of your teeth.

Periodontal disease can be diagnosed by x-rays to check for bone changes and by checking for any abnormal gingival, or gum tissue, attachment. Based on the examination, our dentist will be able to determine the degree of the periodontal disease. Once a diagnosis has been made, our dentist will talk to you about the various treatment options.

These treatments include:

Behavioral Change

A conservative approach, this can include an enhanced oral hygiene program, quitting smoking, and other lifestyle changes.

Deep Cleaning

This is regular and thorough professional removal of tartar and calcified plaque that will be an essential part of your oral hygiene routine. In most cases, little or no discomfort occurs with deep cleaning.

Surgical Therapy

Periodontal plastic surgery is designed to eliminate pockets between the gum and tooth to encourage attachment, normal function, and an attractive smile. Your mouth can be restored to its pre-disease form through advances in soft-tissue and hard-tissue replacement and regeneration.

Periodontal plastic surgery is not a cure for periodontal disease. Prevention is always preferable to any treatment option. Scheduling routine dental office visits, maintaining regular oral hygiene, and quitting smoking are proven preventative techniques.

For more information on periodontal plastic surgery, or to schedule a consultation, call our office today.

Oral Surgeon 14750 | Facial Trauma: What You Should Know

Posted on July 17, 2019July 17, 2019

Injuries to the teeth, mouth, or face can be serious. Up to 40% of all dental injuries occur during sports. Even non-contact sports include the risk of impact to the face from a ball, the floor, or another person. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons recommends that every person participating in any sports activity should wear protective head gear and a mouth guard. When these precautions are used correctly, they can help reduce the level of trauma experienced from any impact to the head or mouth.

There are 3 types of sports mouth guards available. Stock guards are pre-made and purchased for use as-is. These tend to be uncomfortable and provide less protection than a properly fitted guard. The boil and bite guard is softened in boiling water before use. Once the guard is pliant, the wearer will bite down to create an impression fitted for their teeth. These guards provide a better fit, but are not as durable as a custom mouth guard. Custom guards are fabricated from impressions done by our doctor and are the most precisely fitted type. We can help you decide which type of guard is right for your needs.

Over 5,000,000 teeth are injured or knocked out each year. $500,000,000 is spent on repair and replacement for these dental injuries. If your tooth is injured or knocked out, contact our office immediately for instructions. Teeth can often be saved, even reimplanted, with prompt care.

If you have soft tissue bleeding from your head, face, or mouth, cover the wound with a clean cloth and apply gentle, firm pressure. Contact our office or your doctor for instructions.

If you experience an emergency, visit your local emergency room for immediate care and contact our office at your earliest opportunity.

For more information on facial trauma or to schedule an appointment, contact our office.

Lakewood NY Oral Surgeon | Eating While Healing

Posted on June 25, 2019June 25, 2019

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.

Dr. Todd Oral Surgery Email: info@dwtodd.com Phone: (716) 484-8091 Url: www.dwtodd.com 120 Southwestern Drive Lakewood , NY 14750

Lakewood NY Oral Surgeon | Jaw Surgery: How Our Team Can Help You

Posted on June 17, 2019June 24, 2019

JMost people understand the importance of health, plenty of exercise, a proper diet, and regular check-ups. But let’s be honest, jaw alignment is not commonly thought about when referring to overall health and well-being. Most people don’t realize just how important having an aligned smile is to your health. If you are having trouble chewing food, chronic jaw or jaw joint pain (TMJ), excessive erosion or wear of your teeth, or a protruding jaw then you may want to consider jaw surgery, or at the very least, preventative measures.

Corrective jaw surgery – also called orthognathic surgery – is used to correct a variety of skeletal and dental irregularities of the jaw bones while realigning both the jaw and teeth. Jaw surgery is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS), to improve jaw function and facial appearance. Jaw surgery may be your only option if you have tried orthodontics and your jaw-related issues have not been corrected. If you’ve been told jaw surgery is something to consider, contact us to learn how we can help you.

Our team is here to help correct any jaw issues and discomfort you may be experiencing. We provide jaw surgery to improve chewing, correct problems with swallowing or speech, correct facial imbalance (asymmetry), repair facial injury, and more.

Braces can be used for up to 18 months before surgery to better align your teeth in preparation for the procedure. Our team will work to develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Our team will take X-rays, pictures and models of your teeth. Other exams such as, three-dimensional CT scanning, computer-guided treatment planning and orthodontic devices are often used as a part of treatment.

Our team understands this is a long-term commitment for you and your family and will do our best to give you a positive experience through transparent communication, comfort measures and financial options. contact us today. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing a comfortable experience for you.

Dr. Todd Oral Surgery Email: info@dwtodd.com Phone: (716) 484-8091 Url: www.dwtodd.com 120 Southwestern Drive Lakewood , NY 14750

Oral Surgeon in Lakewood | Diabetes and Oral Health

Posted on May 24, 2019July 17, 2019

14750 Oral Surgeon

Did you know that 1 in 5 cases of total tooth loss is linked to diabetes? Diabetes affects your entire body including your mouth and teeth. Here are a few ways diabetes can impact your oral health:

Gum Disease

An early warning sign of potential gum disease is bleeding while you brush or floss. At this stage, gum disease may still be avoided by maintaining proper oral hygiene and a balanced diet. Research suggests that if your blood sugar isn’t under control, it can worsen gum disease. When gum disease becomes severe, it can break down the bone that supports your teeth and lead to tooth loss.

Dry Mouth

According to studies, people with diabetes have less saliva. Symptoms may include a dry tongue, cracked lips, and constantly feeling thirsty. Medications and higher blood sugar levels can also contribute to dry mouth. You can manage your blood sugar levels to help improve these symptoms. Drink plenty of water and eat healthy, crunchy foods to get the saliva flowing.

Change in Taste

Diabetes can alter your sense of taste and certain flavors may not feel as rich to you as they once did. Try considering this as an opportunity to explore new tastes, spices, and textures to your food. Be cautious of adding sugar to your foods, as this could negatively affect your diet. Make sure to see our dentist if you have persistent issues with taste.

Infections

Diabetes affects your immune system and can cause you to be more prone to infections in the mouth. Oral thrush is one common infection among many who have diabetes. It will look like a white layered coating on your tongue and on the inside of your cheeks. This is a reaction to the yeast thriving on high levels of sugar that can be found in your saliva. Oral thrush may leave a bad taste in your mouth, but it can be treated.

Slow Healing

Diabetes can slow down the process of healing any injuries, cuts, or sores in your mouth. Poor blood sugar control can prevent sores from healing quickly and properly. Be sure to see our dentist if something in your mouth hasn’t healed properly.

If you have diabetes and want more information on its impact on your oral health, schedule your next visit and talk to our doctor.

120 Southwestern Dr., Lakewood, NY 14750

Oral Surgeon Near Me | Ow! Your Guide to Canker Sores

Posted on May 6, 2019July 17, 2019

Lakewood Oral Surgeon

A canker sore can make eating, drinking, and talking difficult and even painful. Maintaining your oral health by brushing and flossing may also be difficult with a sore in your mouth, but keeping up with your daily oral hygiene routine is an important step in the healing process. We’ve put together a short guide to everything you need to know about canker sores.

What do they look like?

Canker sores are usually small, round reddish sores. You’ll find them on the soft tissues of your mouth, such as your tongue, the sides of your mouth, and at the base of your gums. Occasionally, a sore might have a yellow or white colored center.

What causes them?

Among the most common causes of canker sores are injuries. This can happen from biting your lip or cheek, an injury from sports, or even vigorous brushing. Certain people are sensitive to toothpastes containing sodium lauryl sulfate, leading to sores. Foods may also cause canker sores in certain people. Chocolate, eggs, nuts, and spicy foods have been known to cause the sores. At times, a diet that is deficient in vitamin B-12 or zinc is the culprit.

What can I do?

Your best defense is to keep your mouth healthy. This means keeping up with your twice-daily brushing and daily flossing. With a mouth sore, it may be tempting to avoid the area when brushing your teeth. This can lead to a buildup of plaque and bacteria. Aid the healing process by keeping your mouth clean and healthy. You may also try a mouthwash formulated for mouth sores. When in doubt, or if pain persists, talk to our team.

Brush thoroughly but gently around sores. Most canker sores heal within a week. If you find you are regularly getting sores, or they are taking longer than one week to heal, schedule a visit to our office. We will assess your oral health and provide you with our expert advice.

For more information about oral health or to schedule your next visit, please contact our office. We look forward to seeing you.

120 Southwestern Dr., Lakewood, NY 14750

Lakewood NY Oral Surgeon |Don’t Rush to Brush

Posted on April 29, 2019July 17, 2019

Oral Surgeon 14750

Are you a diligent brusher who grabs the toothbrush as soon as you finish each snack or meal? While there are significant benefits to regular brushing, hurrying your hygiene might be doing more harm than good. The key lies in understanding the effects different types of food and drinks have on your teeth.

The Dangers of Acidic Foods

Food and drinks that contain acids are particularly harmful to your teeth. Acid can wear away at the enamel on your teeth. As your enamel weakens, your risk for developing decay increases.

What Foods Should I Look Out For?

Fruits such as oranges, pineapples, and grapefruit contain problematic acids that can cause damage to your enamel. Diet sodas and wines can be just as damaging, as can fruit juices such as orange juice. Tomato products and foods such as pizza, salsa, soups, and sauces also contain acids.

But Brushing My Teeth Helps, Right?

Not necessarily. The acids in these foods weaken the enamel on your teeth. After eating or drinking a highly acidic product, your teeth are in a particularly vulnerable state. Enamel protects your teeth, and it is the strongest mineral in your entire body. However, the layers of your teeth beneath the enamel are not as strong and resilient. If you brush your teeth immediately after consuming something acidic, you can drive the acid further into your teeth. This speeds up the process of breaking down your enamel.

When Should I Brush?

Wait about 20 minutes after consuming acidic foods or drinks before brushing your teeth. While waiting, your mouth will produce saliva which helps to neutralize acids and wash away bacteria. Drinking water, rinsing your mouth, or chewing sugarless gum can help neutralize acids more quickly.

Should I Always Wait to Brush My Teeth?

While you should not rush to brush after eating acidic foods, you should not wait long after eating foods that are extremely sticky and sugary. If you are eating candy, taffy, or another sticky treat, waiting is not the best option. The sooner you can clean these sugary substances off your teeth, the better.

Should I Just Stop Eating Acidic Foods?

Acidic foods such as fruits contain vitamins and nutrients that are an essential component to your diet. While you don’t have to avoid these foods altogether, you should be mindful of how they impact your teeth. Maintain a daily oral hygiene schedule that includes regular flossing and at least two rounds of brushing for two minutes.

For more dental health tips, or to schedule your next visit to our office, please contact us.

120 Southwestern Dr., Lakewood, NY 14750