5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Ignore Missing Teeth

Posted on August 12, 2024August 27, 2024 by admin

5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Ignore Missing Teeth

Losing teeth affects more than just your smile; it can lead to serious oral health problems. Even if you can’t see the back teeth when you smile, missing them can still harm your dental health. Ignoring missing teeth can worsen your overall condition. It can lead to caries on adjacent teeth, migration of teeth, and cause uneven wear on the remainder of dentition.

Patients in Topeka with periodontitis or multiple missing or loose teeth should consider dental implants. When done by a qualified professional, this treatment restores the natural function and stability of your teeth.

Here are some key reasons why you should NOT ignore missing teeth:

Impact of Ignoring a Missing Tooth - Topeka Oral Surgery

Shifting Teeth and Misalignment
Missing teeth can cause your remaining teeth to shift out of alignment, leading to a bad bite and other oral health issues
Bone can lose up to 50% of volume after an extraction
Teeth stimulate the jawbone. Without this stimulation, the jawbone can lose even more bone density
Gum Disease
Gaps from missing teeth can trap food, promoting bacterial growth and increasing the risk of gum disease and infection.
Changes in Bite
Missing teeth can alter your bite, putting extra pressure on your other teeth, gums, and jaw joints, potentially causing pain and other issues.
Speech Difficulties

Get a Free Consultation for Dental Implants at Topeka Oral Surgery!

At Topeka Oral Surgery, we offer both same day and traditional dental implant placements, ensuring a painless and efficient procedure. You can choose from local and or moderate sedation for an anxiety free experience. After the procedure, we provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a successful healing process.

Visit us at 3033 SW Villa West Drive, Topeka, KS 66614, for a consultation.

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Hours of Operation

Monday: 7:30AM - 4:00PM

Tuesday: 7:30AM - 4:00PM

Wednesday: 7:30AM - 4:00PM

Thursday: 7:30AM - 4:00PM

Friday: 7:30AM - 4:00PM

Saturday: By Appointment

Sunday: Closed

Monday - Friday: 7:30AM - 4:00PM

Saturday: By Appointment

Sunday: Closed

How to Avoid an Infection After Having Wisdom Tooth Extraction ?

Posted on July 22, 2024August 9, 2024 by admin

How to Avoid an Infection After Having Wisdom Tooth Extraction ?

Considering a wisdom tooth extraction? While complications are rare, taking proper care of your teeth and gums and understanding the recovery process can help you avoid a post op infection and other issues.

At Topeka Oral Surgery, we provide comprehensive information for a successful tooth extraction. Here are some tips:

Signs of Infection After Extraction

After your wisdom tooth is removed, a blood clot forms to protect the site and prevent infection. Signs of infection include:

Excessive bleeding
Persistent pain
Increased swelling of the face and jaw
Purulence from extraction site
Fever

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact our office immediately.

Preventing Infection

The best way to prevent an infection is to follow your oral surgeon’s instructions carefully. We will guide you on cleaning the treatment site, medications, diet recommendations, and other essential aspects of recovery. Maintain good oral hygiene and avoid disturbing the blood clot. We highly recommend a perioperative dose of antibiotics before most multi teeth extractions such as wisdom teeth or dental implants.

Tips for Recovery

Follow these guidelines for a successful recovery:

Use gauze to manage bleeding; change every hour as needed
Take antibiotics as prescribed
Rest and avoid strenuous activities for 1 week
Refrain from smoking or using tobacco to facilitate healing.

Our team at Topeka Oral Surgery is dedicated to ensuring your comfort and successful treatment. Whether it’s wisdom tooth extraction or another procedure, we’re here to answer your questions and support you throughout the recovery process. Learn more about wisdom tooth extraction recovery with us today. It is normal to have questions are we are always available to help answer them.

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Hours of Operation

Monday: 7:30AM - 4:00PM

Tuesday: 7:30AM - 4:00PM

Wednesday: 7:30AM - 4:00PM

Thursday: 7:30AM - 4:00PM

Friday: 7:30AM - 4:00PM

Saturday: By Appointment

Sunday: Closed

Monday - Friday: 7:30AM - 4:00PM

Saturday: By Appointment

Sunday: Closed

Why Can’t I Keep My Wisdom Teeth?

Posted on June 21, 2024August 9, 2024 by admin

Why Can't I Keep My Wisdom Teeth?

During adolescence or early adulthood, most individuals will experience the emergence of their wisdom teeth, commonly known as third molars. However, due to limited space in the jawbone, these molars often pose a problem. Left unattended, they frequently result in long-term complications such as biting of the cheek, a periodontal defect, cysts and tumors in the jaw, and soft tissue impingement with eating. Opting for proactive removal of wisdom teeth can significantly enhance your long-term comfort, convenience, and overall quality of life. At Topeka Oral Surgery, we specialize in wisdom teeth removal to ensure your lasting comfort and well-being.

A common query among patients is whether wisdom teeth must be extracted or if there are instances where they can remain in place without causing issues. Essentially, the question arises: Is wisdom teeth removal universally recommended or reserved for specific cases? We believe it depends and varies case by case.

The Issue with Wisdom Teeth

For the majority, the eruption of wisdom teeth presents potential health risks that could jeopardize oral health. These risks include tooth and gum infections, teeth misalignment, cysts, and bone deterioration. Advising preventive removal of wisdom teeth is common practice, offering a means to evade these risks entirely and safeguard the enduring health of your smile. At a younger age the root of the tooth is less developed and thus the procedure will be of a surgical burden to the patient. In addition, at a younger age your regenerative and healing potential is quite high.

However, there are rare instances where wisdom teeth emerge without causing health complications. Roughly two percent of the U.S. population can retain their wisdom teeth without adverse effects. Hence, it’s crucial to undergo a consultation with an oral surgeon like Topeka Oral Surgery to assess the necessity of wisdom teeth removal. The surgeon will meticulously evaluate any indications and symptoms to determine whether your teeth need to be removed. However, for the vast majority, wisdom teeth removal serves as a proactive measure, averting potentially severe dental issues in the future.

Explore the Advantages of Wisdom Teeth Removal

For insights into your specific need for wisdom teeth removal and to understand the advantages associated with the procedure, we encourage scheduling a consultation with Topeka Oral Surgery.

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Appointment

Hours of Operation

Monday: 7:30AM - 4:00PM

Tuesday: 7:30AM - 4:00PM

Wednesday: 7:30AM - 4:00PM

Thursday: 7:30AM - 4:00PM

Friday: 7:30AM - 4:00PM

Saturday: By Appointment

Sunday: Closed

Monday - Friday: 7:30AM - 4:00PM

Saturday: By Appointment

Sunday: Closed

How Soon After Wisdom Teeth Removal Can You Return to Work?

Posted on May 17, 2024August 27, 2024 by admin

How Soon After Wisdom Teeth Removal Can You Return to Work?

At Topeka Oral Surgery, we understand the significance of a smooth recovery process after wisdom teeth removal. With approximately 5 million Americans undergoing this routine procedure annually, our focus remains on ensuring a swift recovery recuperation period. While the procedure itself is common, we prioritize providing support for patients during the temporary adjustments to diet, work commitments, and exercise routines.

For those anticipating wisdom teeth extraction, gauging the duration of recovery necessary to resume daily activities may vary based on the complexity of the procedure.

Dietary Considerations After Wisdom Teeth Removal:

Immediate post-procedure, abstain from consuming any food or beverages to allow blood clots to form, safeguarding against infection and complications. Ideally wait 1-2 hrs after the procedure to ensure hemostasis to the surgical sites prior to introducing liquids and medications.

During the initial week of recovery, opt for soft and liquid nourishment while steering clear of sticky, sugary, chewy, crunchy, spicy, or acidic foods.

Recommended foods include yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and applesauce. Conversely, candies, caramels, chocolates, chips, pretzels, and similar items should be avoided.

Avoid beverages like coffee, alcohol, and carbonation which could provoke irritation at the surgical site, and refrain from using straws, which can dislodge blood clots. You can start to use straws after day 5.

Although individual healing varies, most individuals can resume their regular diet within one to two weeks.

Return to Work After Wisdom Teeth Removal:

The downtime post wisdom teeth extraction is generally brief, permitting a return to work or school within a few days to minimize disruption to one’s routine.

To optimize healing, it’s advisable to allocate a full 2-3 days for rest before resuming most daily activities. Simple actions such as talking, lifting, bending, and driving carry the risk of dislodging blood clots, potentially leading to dry socket—a painful complication predisposing the extraction sites to infection.

Engaging in Physical Activity After Wisdom Teeth Removal:

Topeka Oral Surgery suggests waiting at least seven days post-procedure before engaging in exercise or sports activities. This timeline may vary based on the complexity of the surgery, the number of teeth extracted, and the intensity of the desired physical activity.

Exercise elevates blood pressure, increasing the body’s demand for circulation. While regular physical activity is beneficial, premature exertion post-extraction can result in excessive bleeding from the extraction sites and prolonged healing.

Individuals with a regular exercise regimen are advised to consult with Dr. Streelman before surgery for tailored guidance as it may vary.

Learn More About Wisdom Teeth Extraction

At Topeka Oral Surgery, we prioritize patient education. Explore our website for valuable insights into the procedures, surgeries, and treatments available.

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Appointment

Hours of Operation

Monday: 7:30AM - 4:00PM

Tuesday: 7:30AM - 4:00PM

Wednesday: 7:30AM - 4:00PM

Thursday: 7:30AM - 4:00PM

Friday: 7:30AM - 4:00PM

Saturday: By Appointment

Sunday: Closed

Monday - Friday: 7:30AM - 4:00PM

Saturday: By Appointment

Sunday: Closed

Can I Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal ?

Posted on April 26, 2024August 27, 2024 by admin

Can I Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal ?

Topeka Oral Surgery offers expert care for wisdom tooth removal, ensuring a smooth recovery process. If you’re gearing up for wisdom teeth extraction, you might be curious about dietary adjustments during your healing period. It’s crucial to be mindful of what you eat to facilitate a speedy and hassle-free recovery.

Post-Extraction Recovery

After wisdom teeth removal, it’s advisable to wait at least an hour before removing any gauze bandages from the extraction sites. Once the bandages are off, you can gradually reintroduce liquids and a soft diet. During the first 48 hrs we advise a more conservative diet. After day 5 you can begin introducing normal foods again.. For expert care and guidance through your oral surgery journey, trust Topeka Oral Surgery.

Your body usually naturally forms blood clots in the sockets left by the extracted teeth to safeguard nerves and bone underneath. To preserve these blood clots and aid in the healing process, opt for soft and liquid foods during the initial week of recovery, and avoid straws for the first 48 hrs. Depending on your progress, you may need to extend this phase.

The key is to choose foods that require minimal or no chewing while ensuring essential nutrient intake. And remember, to reiterate, avoid using a straw, as it can dislodge blood clots, potentially leading to complications and infections.

Recommended Foods

Here are some soft and liquid options suitable for consumption post-wisdom teeth removal:

Yogurt
Smoothies
Applesauce
Juice blends
Protein Shakes
Scrambled eggs
Mashed potatoes
Mashed bananas
Soups and broths
Cottage Cheese

Foods to Steer Clear Of

The list of foods to avoid is extensive, but it’s crucial for a smooth recovery and to prevent complications. Here are some categories of foods to skip:

1. Sugary Foods: High sugar content promotes oral bacteria growth, increasing infection risks. Avoid:

2. Crunchy and Seedy Foods: These can hinder healing and may get lodged in extraction sites, leading to infection. Avoid:

3. Acidic and Spicy Foods: These can irritate sensitive areas in your mouth during the healing phase. Steer clear of:

Preparing for Wisdom Teeth Removal

At Topeka Oral Surgery, we equip our patients with comprehensive guidance on what to anticipate and how to navigate the recovery journey after wisdom teeth removal.

Request an Appointment

Appointment

Hours of Operation

Monday: 7:30AM - 4:00PM

Tuesday: 7:30AM - 4:00PM

Wednesday: 7:30AM - 4:00PM

Thursday: 7:30AM - 4:00PM

Friday: 7:30AM - 4:00PM

Saturday: By Appointment

Sunday: Closed

Monday - Friday: 7:30AM - 4:00PM

Saturday: By Appointment

Sunday: Closed