FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is IV Sedation?
A lot of dental offices use terms such as "sleep dentistry" or "twilight sleep" when talking about IV sedation. This is confusing, because it suggests that IV sedation involves being put to sleep. In reality, you remain conscious (breathing on your own) during IV sedation. You will also be able to understand and respond to requests from your dentist.
However, you will not remember much about what went on because of two factors: firstly, in most people, IV sedation induces a state of deep relaxation and a feeling of not being bothered by what's going on. Secondly, the drugs used for IV sedation will produce either partial or full memory loss (amnesia) for the period of time when the drug first starts in until it wears off. As a result, time will appear to pass very quickly and you will not recall much, or probably even nothing at all, of what happened. So it may, indeed, appear as if you were "asleep" during the procedure.
Why do I need an escort with me after IV sedation?
Often you will not be thinking or walking normally after being I.V. sedated. Patient escorts must remain in the office during the entire time of surgery. This is to ensure that the patient will be discharged as soon as possible. It is important that the patient get home and take the pain medication as soon as possible (before the numbness wears off).
What is Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas)?
In one form of conscious inhalation sedation, nitrous oxide gas (laughing gas) is used to induce a state of relaxation. A local anesthetic will be administered in combination with nitrous oxide sedation to eliminate pain. An escort after nitrous oxide sedation is recommended but not required.
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth replacement and is used in prosthetic dentistry. There are several types of dental implants; the most widely accepted and successful is the osseointegrated implant, based on the discovery by Swedish Professor Per-Ingvar Brànernarl, that titanium can be successfully fused into bone when bone cells grow on and into the rough surface of the implanted titanium. This forms a structural and functional connection between the living bone and the implant. A variation on the implant procedure is the implant supported bridge, or implant-supported denture (plates). The implant supported denture has revolutionized the retention/stabilization of lower dentures.
What are impacted teeth?
The teeth that most commonly become impacted are the third molars, also called teeth. These large teeth are the last to develop, beginning to form when a person is about nine years old, but not breaking through the gum tissue until the late teens or early twenties. By this time, the jaws have stopped growing and may be too small to accommodate these four additional teeth. As the wisdom teeth continue to move, one or more may become impacted, either by running into the teeth next to them or becoming blocked within the jawbone or gum tissue.
Why do I need my Wisdom teeth removed?
Wisdom teeth (3rd molars) can cause over-crowding of teeth in most patients. This can shift teeth, cause pain, and lead to severe dental problems. An impacted tooth can cause further dental problems, including infection of the gums, bone loss, or decay. It is not uncommon for cyst or tumors to grow around them. If they are angled into the molar in front of them, they can destroy that tooth – requiring both teeth to be removed. Infected wisdom teeth (any infected tooth actually) if left untreated, will develop into a life-threatening infection. Removing your wisdom teeth as soon as possible is your best option.
What are extra Wisdom teeth?
Extra wisdom teeth are often smaller than normal third molars and may be misshapen and poorly aligned. They are present at the time the original wisdom teeth are removed, but may not be easily accessible. So the dentist or oral surgeon will wait until the extra teeth move into position before deciding to remove them.
What is the typical recovery time?
Normally you will be able to return to school/work 48 hours after your surgery, as long as you have not experienced any complications. In fact, you can even return to taking part in athletic activities within 7-14 days.
How long does the procedure take?
Most of our procedures last anywhere from 1-2 hours.
Will I have stitches?
In most cases, our patients do have stitches after their surgery. We will remove the stitches for you at the time of your follow-up appointment.
Why do I need a consultation?
During the consultation visit, the patient's health history is reviewed and the various anesthetic options are discussed. It may be necessary to alter medications that the patient is already taking. In some instances, the surgeon needs to discuss the medical history with the patient's primary physician prior to any surgical procedure. Dr. Moore performs a complete examination of the patient and reviews the patient's radiographs (x-rays) and from these develops a treatment plan. Alternative treatments, potential risks and complications and anticipated healing time are thoroughly discussed. The patient then has an opportunity to ask questions and provide his/her written permission on a consent form developed specifically for his/her surgical situation.
Do you see children?
Yes, although most of our patients are adults, we are equipped to treat and manage children of all ages.
What are some typical complications to watch for?
There are two relatively minor complications to watch for. First, some patients experience what's known as 'dry socket' in the area of the extraction. Dry socket is characterized by a dull to severe throbbing pain in the socket area, radiating toward the entire jaw, ear, and/or neck region. Advil or other over the counter analgesics will not relieve the pain. In such cases, we urge you to call our office for a no-charge visit, so that we can pack the socket with a special medication. This provides immediate pain relief. We will need to see you again 2-3 days after to remove the dry socket dressing and see how you're healing. The second potential complication is abnormal bleeding. You will be given some gauze to bite down on. The drugstore also sells these gauze. It is normal for there to be oozing from the wounds for up to 24 hours. If in doubt please call the office for help. After hours feel free to call Dr. Moore at his home.
What is a dry socket?
A dry socket can occur when the blood clot at the extraction site is lost prematurely. This causes bone to become exposed and can be very painful. If you are experiencing any pain, please call us for an appointment so we can treat it as soon as possible. It is very important to not rinse your mouth for 48 hours and to use the gauze as instructed. Smokers have a significantly higher incidence of dry sockets than non-smokers.
Can I have my implant surgery done on the same day as the extraction?
While this is rarely possible, waiting for healthy bone to fill in the surgical site is preferred.
What will I be able to eat?
For about two (2) to seven (7) days following extraction, we recommend liquids and soft foods only. This might include yogurt, soup, applesauce, oatmeal, pudding, etc. You may start on a normal diet when it feels O.K. Immediately following the surgery if your lip or tongue is numb, do not try to chew, you may bite yourself and not know it.
What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?
We adhere to and surpass all OSHA guidelines for cleanliness and safety in all of our procedures and materials handling. To this end, we have a high level of training for every staff member including CPR certification. Dr. Moore is certified in CPR & ACLS. Your safety is our priority.
I'm a new patient and I know there will be forms to fill out before my consultation. Can I get copies of those forms ahead of time to till out at home?
For your convenience, you can simply download all the necessary forms prior to your visit, by simply clicking on the Forms tab at the top of this page. These include a patient health history form, patient information/background form, and payment responsibility acceptance form.
I lost my pre-surgery/post-surgery instruction form. How can I get a new one?
By clicking on the Forms tab at the top of this page you will be able to download another instruction sheet.
What is a panoramic x-ray?
A panoramic radiograph shows your full jaw and is necessary for oral surgery. If your dentist has taken x-rays in the past six to twelve months they may be adequate, but we often need additional films to properly evaluate you and provide care. Often insurance companies demand an x-ray (that they often throw away even if they promise to return it).
If I'm not in pain, why do I need to come in for a follow-up?
We don't expect our patients to have complications after an oral surgery procedure; however, a follow-up visit will ensure that healing is proceeding in the right direction. Also, if you have any stitches this would be the time to remove them.
Why do I need to come back for a re-consultation before surgery?
If the doctor has requested to see you again for a consultation before your surgery, it is usually because there has been a significant period of time between your initial consult and the time which you wish to schedule surgery. In some cases there may be circumstances (shifted teeth, etc.) that may affect the surgical procedure. It is imperative that the surgeon know the exact position of the tooth or bone on which he will be performing the surgery.
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