Impacted Wisdom Teeth Extraction

It’s common for wisdom teeth to erupt in the late-teen years/ the early twenties but they don’t always erupt. When wisdom teeth are impacted, they pose a greater risk of developing an infection and causing damage to surrounding teeth.  Impacted wisdom teeth grow improperly and though you can’t prevent them, you can discuss extraction with one of our doctors at Alta Loma Dental Care.

Though not everyone needs their wisdom teeth extracted, 85 percent of wisdom teeth will eventually need to be removed. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause jaw pain, tenderness, redness, and swelling of the gums which is why extraction is suggested. The longer wisdom teeth pain persists, the more likely an infection will result from bacteria entering the open tissue. If you are experiencing symptoms associated with impacted wisdom teeth, schedule an appointment today to discuss removal.

If you have questions or concerns about wisdom teeth extractions, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

Post-Operative Instructions

Once you complete an oral surgery procedure, the extraction site will require special care and attention over the next few days. You may experience numbness, bleeding, and will need to alter your diet to accommodate the healing process. Our doctors at Alta Loma Dental Care will provide you with step-by-step instructions to follow at the end of your appointment. In the meantime, if you are anticipating your surgery, here’s what to expect afterward.

Swelling around the mouth, cheeks, and sides of the face are not uncommon, so don’t be alarmed if you look a little puffy. A certain amount of bleeding is expected following surgery, so be sure to replace gauze when necessary and place pressure to stop the bleeding. If you feel pain, take your prescribed medication tablets as directed and gently apply ice packs to the affected area. Your diet should be restricted to soft foods and liquids, and you will need to avoid sucking through a straw so the sutures don’t come undone.

If you have questions or concerns about oral surgery or post-operative care, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

What to Do About Sleep Apnea in Alta Loma, CA?

Sleep apnea is a serious disorder that affects the way you breathe while sleeping. By causing your breath to become interrupted for 10 to 20 seconds at a time and jolting you out of your natural sleep rhythm multiple times a night, the condition can cause your energy, mental acuity and productivity to suffer. Over time, sleep apnea can even lead to serious health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and weight gain.

At Alta Loma Dental Care, Dr. Michael Kim uses oral surgery to treat sleep apnea and increase the quality of sleep and life for patients.  Oral surgery relieves sleep apnea symptoms by removing the blockage caused by excess tissue, which vibrates and blocks the upper air passages. One way this is done is through UPPP, or uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, which involves removing excess tissue from the upper mouth and throat while under general anesthesia. Maxillomandibular advancement is another procedure used to treat sleep apnea. This procedure moves the lower jaw forward, away from the rest of facial bones, which allows more room behind the soft palate and reduces any obstruction.

If these treatments fail to relieve your sleep apnea, a tracheostomy can be performed. A tracheostomy is when a tube is inserted into your throat to allow breathing. The tube is covered during the day while you are awake and then opened at night while you sleep.

If you have sleep apnea, call (909) 987-6268 to schedule an appointment in Alta Loma, CA. For more information about the dentist and his services, please visit www.altalomadentalcare.com.   

Alta Loma Dental Care Performs Bone Grafting for Dental Implant Placement

Some patients do not have the proper amount of bone mass in their jaws to allow for the placement of dental implants. However, thanks to recent developments in bone grafting, people who would not have qualified a few years ago are now able to receive dental implants to complete their smiles and protect their oral health. In Alta Loma, CA, our practice strives to help patients achieve their dental goals, and by performing bone grafting procedures, we can help patients receive the dental implants they need.

Bone grafting is a fairly common procedure that is performed by building up the jawbone with bone fragments to accommodate the dental implant. The bone used to graft to the area with too-little mass is usually take from the patient. Many times the bone is taken from another area of the mouth when the drilling takes place. The bone fragments are suctioned from the mouth and used for grafting. However, sometimes cadaver bones are also used. They are harvested by bone banks and are a very safe source.

Whether you need bone grafting or not, if you are looking to receive dental implants, Dr. Michael Kim can make it happen. To schedule a consultation at Alta Loma Dental Care, call (909) 987-6268. For more information about our practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com.

The Importance of Proper Dental Hygiene For Oral and Overall Health

The Importance of Proper Dental Hygiene For Oral and Overall Health

Having proper dental hygiene isn’t just about improving our patient’s oral health with better smelling breath and clean teeth, but it also impacts their overall health. Regular dental hygiene practices are important to reduce gum disease and the need for more complicated oral health treatments, such as oral surgery.

 

Good oral hygiene also helps our Alta Loma Dental Care patients maintain their natural teeth for a longer period of time, and avoid infections that could spread throughout the brain and the body. We encourage dental hygiene by brushing the teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day.

Aside from dental hygiene at home, our Alta Loma, CA dental practice we ask our patients to see us at least every six months. During this appointment, we provide a full check-up, professional cleaning, and address any possible concerns.

 

Our dentist, Dr. Michael Kim, also takes new dental x-rays if needed for further diagnosis or treatment planning. The combination of home oral care and dental visits are what help to keep the mouth fresh, clean, and free of gum disease. Regular visits also let us provide early treatment if we notice any problems.

 

Patients with any questions or concerns about their dental hygiene should visit us here at Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA.