Preparing Your Child For Oral Surgery Before Braces

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Younger children often need to have oral surgery before they are fitted with braces. When this situation arises, it’s important to prepare your child for the experience. When a child hears the word “operation” or “surgery,” they may have feelings of fear or anxiety. But with some patience, explanations, and reassurance, you may be able to quell those fearful feelings and help your child through the experience.

Explain the Reason

Children are always asking “why.” Your child will understand the need fororal surgery in Palmdale, CA, better if they understand the reasoning behind it. Sit down with your child and take the time to explain why the oral surgery is needed. Answer your child’s questions as best you can. If you need help with this process, contact your oral surgeon’s office for information.

Go Through Pre-surgery Instructions

Your child’s oral surgeon will give you pre-surgery instructions. Don’t just read these and keep them to yourself. Go over them with your child. This will help your child feel more empowered over the process and let them know that they are a part of it, not just the patient. This will also help because when you ask them to do something or not do something because of the instructions, your child will understand that it’s a doctor’s order.

Keeping Things Calm

Before the oral surgery, keeping things calm around the house. Most children get into things and test their parent’s patience. But try to avoid doing or saying anything that may upset your child before surgery. For best outcomes, it’s best that your child enters surgery in a positive frame of mind. One idea is to get your child to laugh and smile ahead of time by reading a favorite book together or talking about something that amuses them.

Don’t Skip Oral Hygiene

Your child may feel like they shouldn’t touch anything in their mouth ahead of the surgery. This could make them feel like they shouldn’t brush or floss their teeth. However, it’s best to maintain their usual oral hygiene all the way up to the morning of the surgery appointment.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact yourPalmdale, CA, oral surgeon for more information about preparing your child for oral surgery.

How To Prepare For A Surgical Biopsy

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It’s not always easy for patients to make certain kinds of appointments. Not only are they nervous about what a doctor will find, they may not want to confront the discomfort of the procedure itself. If you need a surgical biopsy in Palmdale, the West Valley, or Valencia, CA, Heritage Oral Surgery & Implant Centers wants to take you through a few things to know about how to prepare.

Get Ready

Here are our tips for getting enough information:

  • Talk to your doctor: The staff will undoubtedly cover a lot of your questions before you get to them. This tip is more about engaging with what they have to say. Not only will it keep you from zoning out halfway through the explanations, but it will also give you more of a sense of control about what’s ahead.
  • Be thorough: Your medical history and health information is incredibly important. This is not the time to gloss over or omit details. The doctor can often only go on what you tell them. If you need to do your homework before coming in about the supplements you’re taking or medications you had adverse reactions to, it’s important to make the effort.
  • Stock up beforehand: From gauze to ice packs to soft foods, having all of the supplies at the ready can make a big difference to your recovery. It will both save you from scrambling at the last minute and potentially reduce your recovery time period.

Throughout your recovery, you’ll want to watch for any abnormal signs. The standard rule of thumb is that the pain and swelling should improve every day, but there’s more to it than that. For instance, you might have an earache, sore throat for a few days, and a slight fever. This is all normal but should dissipate after a few days.

Talk to an Oral Surgeon in Palmdale

The staff at Heritage Oral Surgery & Implant Centers understands the importance of prep for our patients. This is not to make more work for them but to give them a better attitude going into the surgery. If you have questions about how oral surgeons in Canoga Park, CA operate, contact us today.

5 Ways to Prepare for Your Upcoming Oral Surgery

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Oral surgery requires preparation in order to go smoothly. If you’re getting oral surgery soon, it’s important to coordinate with your dental professional in Palmdale, Valencia and the West Valley. Your dental professional at Heritage Oral Surgery & Implant Centers can help you plan for this event by giving you instructions. In addition, the following tips can help.

1. Arrange for a ride.

Your dentist may tell you that you need a ride home from your appointment. Anesthesia can impair your judgment, so you should not operate a car following receiving anesthesia. If you don’t have anyone who can give you a ride back to your home, you may also take public transportation or a rideshare service.

2. Buy any soft foods recommended by your dentist.

Your dentist may recommend that you only eat soft foods during the healing process. Have a range of soft foods on hand at your house, such as yogurt, apple sauce and protein shakes.

3. Be ready to all pre-op instructions provided to you by the dentist.

Most likely, your dentist will give you some instructions that are unique to your procedure. Have them written down and read through them before going through your procedure, to ensure you’re ready to follow them.

4. Pick out the right clothes.

If you’re getting sedation at your dental procedure, then you’ll need to give them your arms for the sedation itself, and so they can monitor your vital signs. Wear short-sleeved shirts to make this easier.

5. Arrange for time off work.

You’ll need to take off at least the day of your surgery, and possibly other days following your surgery. Arrange for whatever time off work is necessary. Your dentist will let you know the bare minimum number of days that you’ll need to take off before you can return to work. Let your workplace know that you’ll need at least this number of days off, and you may need more.

Have questions? Communicate with your dentist ahead of your surgery.

Are you getting oral surgery in Palmdale, Valencia, or the West Valley? Talk to your dentist at Heritage Oral Surgery & Implant Centers to learn more about what you can do to prepare for the upcoming event.

Micro-Incisional vs. Pinhole Dentistry: Are They Different?  

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The major trend with surgery as of late is to minimize the impact of invasive procedures whenever and wherever possible. This isn’t just happening in the medical field — it’s happening in the dental field too. It’s good news for anyone who has to undergo complex procedures.

Smaller incisions don’t just mean a faster recovery time. They can also be safer for the patient overall. The types of procedures offered and their impact on patients can vary widely, depending on where you live and who you visit. If you’re looking for pinhole dentistry in Palmdale, Valencia, or West Valley, CA, we’ll look at the details.

Micro-Incisional Dento-Alveolar Surgical Techniques

Known as MIDAS at Heritage Oral Surgery & Implant Centers, this technique translates to tiny incisions, less bone removal, and reduced cheek retraction. The dentist will use small instruments that were engineered to be easier on the patient’s mouth, resulting in a faster turnaround for patients. At Heritage, our job is to reduce the number of postoperative complications so you can be as comfortable as possible. MIDAS is similar to pinhole dentistry, as both rely on making tiny incisions into the mouth. It’s a more general term than MIDAS, though both are meant to accomplish the same goals.

Why Smaller Incisions Are Better

Smaller incisions don’t just mean a shorter recovery time. They mean that you’re working with a dentist and a dental staff that takes your experience into account. The medical industry can change in a heartbeat. New technology debuts on the market, studies are published regarding the latest techniques, and dentists learn new things about our existing medications and surgical tools. If you’re not working with a dentist that’s keeping up with what’s going on, you could be opening yourself up to trouble.

Find a Dentist in Palmdale, CA

If you’re looking for a dentist in Valencia, CA who can get the micro-incisional treatment you need, let us be the ones to guide you through the process. There are so many benefits of the pinhole approach, but the most important one is the overall impact on your body. If you’d like an easier time in the chair and a much easier time at home, contact us today.

 

How to Prepare for Your Oral Surgery   

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Scheduling an oral surgery can cause moments of anxiety and stress. But in reality, most forms of oral surgery — things like wisdom tooth removal or dental implants — are nothing to fear. If you stay focused on the favorable outcome of your scheduled surgery, and you’re well-prepared when the day arrives, you’re unlikely to have complications. Talk with your dental surgeon in Valencia, CA, before the day, so you know how best to prepare for your oral surgery.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

Your dental professional will consult with you before scheduling you for oral surgery. This is the time to ask any questions you may have. At Heritage Oral Surgery & Implant Centers in Valencia, a member of our experienced team will sit down with you prior to your oral surgery to go over the procedure, what you should do before arriving, and what to expect afterward.

Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions

Your oral surgeon will give you a list of simple instructions to follow in the days and hours leading up to your procedure. They may mention items such as:

  • Not eating or drinking after midnight on the day of your appointment
  • Brushing and flossing thoroughly before arriving
  • Not smoking in the 12 hours leading up to your surgery and for at least 24 hours after
  • Wearing loose-fitting, comfortable clothing with short sleeves
  • Not wearing lipstick, perfume, makeup, or jewelry to your appointment
  • Tying back long or unruly hair on the day of your surgery

Have Your Aftercare Plans in Place

Lay in a supply of soft or liquid foods you can enjoy in the hours following your procedure. This may include smoothies, pudding, gelatin desserts, soups, or protein shakes. Avoid using drinking straws because they can contribute to a painful condition known as dry socket.

Reschedule If You Wake Up Sick

If you’re not feeling well on the morning of your oral surgery, it’s best to reschedule. Illnesses such as colds or allergies may make it difficult to breathe during the procedure. Plus, you may be contagious and not realize it.

If you’re feeling undue stress or anxiety regarding your upcoming oral surgery in Valencia, CA, give Heritage Oral Surgery & Implant Centers a call and let us know what’s going on. Our friendly and professional team can set your mind at ease. We’ll walk you through exactly what to expect and address any concerns you may have.

 

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What is the Recovery Period Like After Oral Surgery?

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Oral surgery is very common. From tooth extractions to dental implants, many dentists perform these procedures every single day. However, while patients may deal with multiple oral surgeries in their lifetime, the recovery period is never easy. 

You may experience pain, discomfort, and even complications. In order to limit the pain and recover faster, it’s important to keep a few things in mind.Keep reading to learn more about the recovery period from oral surgery, including some useful tips to limit the chance of any problems.

24 Hours After Oral Surgery

The first 24 hours after oral surgery are typically the most uncomfortable. Your doctor will likely advise you to rest, refrain from strenuous activity, and stay home from work or school. You may also be told not to drive, especially if you had anesthesia.

During the first 24 hours, you may experience mouth pain, bleeding, and swelling. You may be advised to bite down on sterile gauze for 30 minutes to reduce the bleeding. For swelling, applying ice and keeping your head propped up typically help in easing symptoms.

Treating Pain and Discomfort

Ice and pain medication are the leading ways to treat pain after oral surgery. Your doctor should give you clear instructions on how to treat your pain and discomfort, so be sure to follow their orders for the best results.

Eating Soft Foods

It’s also important to eat soft foods and drink cold liquids for the first few days after surgery. This includes foods like smoothies, yogurt, pudding, and applesauce. After about 48 hours, you should be able to incorporate warm foods, such as soups and mashed potatoes. Be sure to avoid any hard foods and anything difficult to chew.

If you think you may need oral surgery, contact the specialists here at Heritage Oral Surgery & Implant Centers. We provide trusted and reliable oral surgery in Valencia, CA, and we also serve residents in Canoga Park and Palmdale.

2-3 Days After Oral Surgery

After two or three days, you should be able to resume some normal activities, such as going to work or school. However, if you had an extensive surgery, you may need more time to rest and recover. Once these two or three days have passed, your stitches should dissolve or fall out on their own.

Contact Us 

To work with dependable, experienced oral surgeons in Valencia, CA, make an appointment at Heritage Oral Surgery & Implant Centers today!

 

What Kind of Pain After Dental Surgery Is Abnormal?   

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You’re probably expecting some type of discomfort after dental surgery in Canoga Park, CA. Ideally, your dentist would have given you some indication of this well before you agreed to the procedure. However, you may be wondering how bad it should be and what constitutes an abnormal reaction. We look at whether you should be concerned.

What’s Normal

Pain, bleeding, swelling: these are not necessarily signs of a problem. As time goes by, the pain should get better. Follow the directions of your dentist in Valencia, CA, which may mean refraining from strenuous activity for a few days or only eating soft foods for a week. For those who’ve had a tooth pulled, you should avoid straws as it can potentially loosen the blood clot that forms at the site of the pulling.

What’s Abnormal

You should be concerned if you experience any of the following:

  • Severe lightheadedness/trouble breathing: This is rare, so there’s no reason to expect this by any stretch. However, you may have a poor reaction to the surgery in this case, so it’s important to seek emergency help if you feel like you might pass out or you can’t get enough air.
  • Severe pain: Usually, over-the-counter medication can handle a lot of the pain. Or you may need to rely on prescription medicine from your dentist. If the pain doesn’t get any better after taking the meds, you should seek immediate care.
  • Split incision: An open incision can be a major health hazard, so you’ll need to get it closed up immediately if it splits.
  • Infection: Severe heat, redness, and swelling are not normal. If the pain is getting worse or you have red streaks from the surgical site, draining pus, or a fever, you may have an infection.
  • Nausea: If you can’t keep down fluids or you’re having a severe stomachache, you’ll need to contact your dentist or the ER for help.

Dentists in Valencia, CA

Heritage Oral Surgery has locations in Canoga Park, Valencia, and Palmdale, CA, and our staff is here to help you get through any surgery you might need. From root canals to extractions, we do everything we can to make your experience as quick and painless as possible.

 

What to Expect Before, During, and After Getting a Wisdom Tooth Removed

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Are you having problems with your wisdom teeth? If you are experiencing mouth pain or any other dental issues, you might need a dentist in Canoga Park, CA to look at your teeth and give you a diagnosis. If the problems you are having are due to your wisdom teeth, your dentist might recommend removing them. So let’s talk about what is involved before, during, and after wisdom tooth removal surgery.

What Happens Before a Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure?

You will talk with an oral surgeon who will go over the process with you. Your oral surgeon will also ask you about your medical history and any health problems you might have. They will also need to know what medications you are currently taking. The oral surgeon will then talk to you about the type of anesthesia they recommend for you.

What Happens During Wisdom Tooth Surgery?

Wisdom tooth surgery in Canoga, CA takes approximately 45 minutes or so. You will be given one of three types of anesthesia.

  • Local – a shot of Novocain in your mouth to numb the area. You might also be given nitrous oxide to relax you.
  • IV Sedation – you will be given a shot of Novocain and you will also receive a sedation drug through a vein in your arm to make you drowsy. Some people might even fall asleep.
  • General – you will either receive a sedation drug through a vein in your arm or your doctor might have you breathe gas through a mask. Either way, you will remain asleep throughout the entire procedure.

There are some instances where the doctor must cut your gums or some bone just to get your wisdom tooth out. If this occurs, you might have stitches where the incision was.

What Happens After Wisdom Tooth Surgery?

Anesthesia affects everyone differently. If you received a local anesthetic, you will probably feel fine and be able to drive yourself home and resume normal activities. Most people don’t experience much, if any, pain after surgery. However, the area where the wisdom tooth was removed will usually be swollen and a bit uncomfortable for a few days. And it might take your mouth a few weeks to completely heal.

You can use an ice pack on your jaw to help reduce the swelling. You should also eat soft foods and drink plenty of fluids until your mouth heals. Talk with your dentist about any other guidelines they want you to follow. And always contact your dentist immediately if you have a fever, experience any pain, or if the swelling doesn’t improve.

If you need a dentist in Canoga Park, CA, please Contact Heritage Oral Surgery & Implant Centers today.

Do Wisdom Teeth Extractions Change Your Facial Shape?

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The wisdom teeth are the last molars to form in the jaw. Unfortunately, most people do not have enough room for these large teeth, so they have to seek wisdom teeth removal in Valencia, CA. Even though the procedure is routine and common, patients often have a few concerns about the procedure. Specifically, they want to know if removing wisdom teeth will cause a change in their facial shape. Below is a closer look at all you need to know.

So, Will Wisdom Tooth Surgery Affect Facial Shape?

In short, no, at least not for the long term. Even though removing large teeth can sometimes come along with slight changes to the shape of your face, the same does not usually apply to wisdom teeth. These molars grow in an area of the mouth referred to as the dental alveolus. This area is not directly attached to the basal jawbone. Therefore, when the teeth are removed, there is really no change to the shape of your jaws.

What to Expect Immediately After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Even though having your wisdom teeth removed should not cause long-term changes in your facial shape, you may see changes right after surgery. There are pockets of soft tissue, like muscle and fat, that surround the wisdom teeth. Therefore, when the teeth are removed, this can cause a bit of trauma to those tissues. This often leads to some swelling right after your surgery. Therefore, it is common for your face to be somewhat swollen right after having the teeth removed. However, as the days go by and your body heals, the swelling subsides and everything goes back to normal.

Removing Wisdom Teeth May Actually Protect Your Bite

One thing that is important to remember when having your wisdom teeth removed is doing so can actually protect the shape and appearance of your existing smile. If there is no room for these teeth, they push the rest of your teeth as they grow. This can lead to changes in your smile over time.

Talk to a Valencia Dentist About Your Wisdom Teeth

With the help of a skilled Valencia, CA dentist, you can rest assured your wisdom teeth removal procedure will go smoothly. Reach out to us at Heritage Oral Surgery & Implant Centers to schedule your appointment today.

What is the Process of Bone Grafting? 

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Dental implants work and survive so well because they are securely secured in the jawbone for optimal support, much like natural teeth. However, in order to take advantage of this incredible technology, you must have enough tooth-supporting bone in your jaw to keep a dental implant in place. Unfortunately, the surrounding bone nearly invariably deteriorates following tooth removal, losing width, height and density, and this process begins practically immediately after tooth loss. The bone that used to surround a lost tooth deteriorates more the longer the tooth remains gone. Thanks to dental bone grafting procedures, you may still be able to getdental implants in Canoga Park, CA.

How Bone Grafting Works

Bone grafting is a small surgical operation performed in the oral surgeon’s office to replace lost bone in the region of the jaw where teeth used to be. A tiny incision in your gum is made to expose the bone underlying it, after which grafting material is applied. The most common grafting material is processed bone, which acts like a scaffold for your body to deposit new bone cells upon. Your body will ultimately absorb the grafting material, which will then be replaced by your own new bone. Grafting materials can be obtained from a variety of places, including your own body. Frequently, however, a special laboratory processes bone from either an animal or human donor to ensure that it is completely sterile and safe for use. Even synthetic grafting material can be used. It’s available in powder, granules, putty or a gel that is injected with a syringe.

The Process of Bone Grafting

The technique for inserting a bone transplant normally only requires local anesthetic. However, oral or IV sedatives might be utilized to produce a more relaxed condition. Because a tiny incision in your gum tissue is required to reach the underlying bone that will receive the graft, you may suffer some discomfort in the region following the treatment; this can typically be treated with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and/or pain medicines, as well as ice therapy. Though you will quickly feel entirely normal, it may take up to seven months for your body to mature enough for your dental implant to be placed. The time spent waiting permits the healing process to accomplish the intended outcome: optimal support for replacement teeth that look excellent and last a lifetime.

Bone grafting is an important piece of the puzzle when getting dental implants. It may or may not be necessary, depending upon your individual circumstances. Talk to youroral surgeon in Canoga Park, CA to learn more.