Wisdom teeth, the third and final set of molars, typically emerge between the ages of seventeen and twenty-one. When wisdom teeth grow straight and cause no issues, they provide the same function as your other molars, helping you chew and digest food.

However, many times, these teeth do not grow in properly and can be angled towards an adjacent tooth, threatening it’s health. Wisdom teeth that get stuck between the soft-tissue and bone and become impacted.

These conditions cause immense discomfort and interfere with the patient's ability to eat, speak, or function at their best. If left untreated, troublesome wisdom teeth can lead to further problems and may require more invasive and costly procedures.In cases like this, extraction is necessary.

Getting Ready for Your Extraction

While the idea of oral surgery to have wisdom teeth removed may seem scary, this procedure is very common. Some preparation on your part helps to ensure a positive outcome and maximize your comfort.

To prepare for your wisdom teeth extraction, discuss the procedure with your dentist. Don't be afraid to ask questions related to the reasons the teeth are being removed, as well as any precautions or steps they suggest to take and what aftercare will involve. Before the extraction, be sure to notify your dentist of any of the following:

• All surgeries you have undergone
• All medications you are currently taking
• Any serious medical conditions you currently have or have had in the past including bacterial endocarditis and mitral valve issues.
• Be sure to ask what kind of anesthetic the dentist is planning to use. You will likely need a ride home after your surgery.

It is important for you and your dentist to have as much information possible to reduce the risk of complications and make sure that your extraction will be successful.

Before the Procedure

Be sure to arrive early, The dentist will have begun preparing for your surgery and may have some last minute preparations to make that require your presence. Arriving late may cause you to have to reschedule. Both patient and dentist should be relaxed during surgery. Sedation options may also be revisited at this time.

Sedation and Anesthetic Options*

Local Anesthesia - Local anesthesia is injected near the area of the tooth being removed. Before the injection, your dentist is likely to apply a substance to your gums to numb them.

Oral Conscious Sedation - A prescription sedative can be provided prior to the procedure for relaxation.

I.V. Sedation - Sedation anesthesia is administered through an intravenous (I.V.) line in your arms, suppressing your consciousness during the surgery. You won’t feel any pain and will have only limited memory about the surgery.

Nitrous and Oral Sedation - Another option is the combination of nitrous oxide and oral sedation which is often sufficient for highly anxious patients. 

*None of these sedation techniques require fasting and our dentist recommends a healthy breakfast to avoid risking low blood sugar during the procedure.

Make Yourself Comfortable – Some Tips

Bringing a friend along (especially one that has had the procedure before) can help calm your nerves and can give you a ride home afterward.

Wearing Loose-Fitting Clothing like sweatpants and a short-sleeved t-shirthelps you feel comfortables especially if you are having IV sedation. Bring a blanket or heavy sweater because you may be cold for a while after the surgery.

Distracting Yourself by watching videos or listening to music on your earphones helps reduce or eliminate unnecessary worrying.

Call Dr. Hans Sperling to Learn More about Wisdom Tooth Extractions in Hollywood, FL

Dr. Sperling has the skill and experience you need when undergoing wisdom teeth removal. His gentle and meticulous approach means you can count on your procedure being handled professionally and with compassion.

The science of tooth replacement has come a long way over the last few decades. Among the most important advancements is the use of dental implants. Made of a biocompatible material, usually titanium or zirconia, implants act as a replacement tooth roots that support a crown, bridge, or denture.

This complete tooth replacement solution provides the most stable bite and natural looking smile for those who have lost one or more teeth. Part of the procedure entails a healing period that can last several weeks and is extended when the jaw has atrophied, requiring bone grafting.

Using Your Own Body to Expedite the Healing Process.

Leukocyte platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) is a substance found in our blood that can be processed into a biocompatible therapeutic aid that contains highly concentrated growth and healing factors. When used in dentistry, L-PRF promotes accelerated jawbone regeneration and strengthens existing bone mass. When used during dental implant treatment, L-PRF helps the implant integrate with the jaw faster. This technique is also highly effective in maximizing the benefits of bone grafting and sinus lift procedures, which are often necessary to improve jawbone density for patients who have been without teeth for an extended time.

Our highly-skilled and experienced dentist, Dr. Hans Sperling, has found great success using L-PRF with his dental implant patients. To begin the treatment process, blood is drawn from the patient’s arm and then placed into a special centrifuge which rapidly spins the vials of blood until the fibrin is separated from all other elements. Once separated, the now clotted fibrin is further processed into a thin material that is combined with bone grafting material or placed around the implant itself.

When used during bone grafting and sinus lifting procedures, L-PRF can help patients improve their jawbone volume faster, and with better results than before.

Call Our Dental Office in Hollywood, FL to Learn More about L-PRF 

To learn more about how L-PRF can be used in dentistry, or if you wish to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hans Sperling, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.

Cosmetic dentistry offers many methods to improve your smile. If you have concerns about your teeth or find yourself shying away from a good conversation because of dental imperfections, there is a solution for you. A full smile makeover combines different treatments to address a variety of issues.

Mix and Match Cosmetic and Restorative Services

Whether you want a whiter, straighter, or more uniform smile, the following treatments are available to enhance or restore troubled teeth.

• Teeth Whitening
• Filling Replacement
• Invisalign® Clear Braces
• Thin Porcelain Veneers
• Dental Implants
• Crowns and Bridges

Starting a Smile Makeover

Before beginning treatment, the dentist will determine whether your oral health needs improving by doing a complete oral exam and taking a detailed health history. 

No two smile makeovers are the same. Each individualized treatment plan is designed to address the unique needs of each patient.

An experienced cosmetic dentist will recommend combining the least invasive treatments to produce the best results. Depending on the current condition of your smile, this may mean performing two simple procedures like whitening and veneers or a complete mouth reconstruction, including dental implants and restorations.

How Long Does a Full Smile Makeover Take to Finish?

The time it takes to complete your smile makeover depends on your needs and goals. One smile makeover may take as little as two visits, while some, especially if braces are involved, can take up to a year.

For more Information, Call our Hollywood, FL Dental Office

At the dental office of Hans Sperling, DMD, we provide the above services to renew, re-align, or completely restore your smile.

For a complete evaluation and consultation, contact us today.