Periodontics

What Are Some Common Types of Oral Surgery?

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When you think of surgery, you might think mainly about the OR. However, there’s another healthcare profession that performs surgery regularly, and you may need it at some point to fix a major oral issue. Below, we’ll look at common types of oral surgery in Fort Lauderdale and why a dentist might refer you to a surgeon.

When Do I Need Oral Surgery?

The question is more complex than it seems, largely because the same cause might result in two solutions. For example, not all root canals need surgery, but some do. Here, we’ll look at common reasons for oral surgery and how the procedures work for clarity:

  • Implants: Dental implants require minor surgical procedures because the dentist will need to go below the gumline to implant a small post. General dentists can perform this service, though you may need an oral surgeon in the case of complications.
  • Extractions: Not all tooth extractions are simple (whether it’s your wisdom teeth or a canine). In the most difficult cases, you may need surgical removal.
  • Gum disease: If your gums are damaged, a gum graft can help you repair and restore your gums. This service requires a surgeon to properly suture the healthy tissue onto the damaged tissues.
  • Sleep apnea: If your tissues interfere with your ability to breathe at night, finding a solution is important. If non-surgical options fail, a surgeon may be able to correct the obstruction

Find the Right Dentist in Fort Lauderdale, FL

If you’re looking for the right dentist in Fort Lauderdale, FL understands a wide range of issues. Whether you need a referral or a general service, contact the team at Florida Smiles Dental today to learn more about our practice and how we can help!

Specials

Understanding the Difference Between Plaque And Tartar

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At Florida Smiles Dental, we excel at helping our dental patients to maintain fresh and clean teeth and gums. One of the ways we do this is with dental cleanings in Fort Lauderdale, FL. We recommend coming in for a cleaning at least once every six months, or more frequently if you really want to prioritize your oral health. During your dental cleaning, your dental hygienist will rid your teeth of plaque and tartar using a combination of special dental tools.

What is Plaque?

You know when you wake up in the morning and your teeth feel kind of, well, icky? Plaque is that sticky substance that forms on your teeth overnight. But it’s not just overnight. During the day and evening, plaque can slowly build up on your teeth. Plaque forms when sugars and starches from food interact with bacteria in your mouth. Due to its sticky nature, the plaque sticks to the enamel of your teeth. When you brush and floss, you’re brushing and flossing away the plaque, which is why your teeth feel so nice after brushing.

What is Tartar?

Essentially, tartar is hardened plaque. If you don’t do a thorough job of brushing away plaque, any plaque left behind hardens into tartar. To understand how hard tartar is, it can be likened to cement. So you can see why, when you come in for a dental cleaning, your dental hygienist might have to work a little harder to get rid of tartar. Don’t try this at home because you won’t get far. To get rid of tartar, special tools are needed. It’s very stubborn, and bonds to teeth enamel like nobody’s business.

For dental cleanings that will get rid of tartar and plaque, visit your dentist in Fort Lauderdale, FL as often as possible. We look forward to seeing you!