Frequently Asked Questions

Many patients are referred by their dentist or orthodontist, but you can also contact us directly. If you have imaging or a note from your doctor, bring it with you.

Please bring a photo ID, insurance information (if applicable), a current medication list, and any recent dental imaging or records available.

For now, scheduling and referrals are handled directly by phone or email while we prepare to open.

Options depend on the procedure and your needs. We offer office‑based IV sedation (common for comfort), nitrous oxide (laughing gas), and local anesthetic.

Yes. Many patients choose IV sedation for comfort and anxiety reduction. We’ll review your medical history and determine the safest anesthetic plan for you. Learn more on our IV Sedation page.

When sedation is recommended, it is administered and monitored by the oral & maxillofacial surgery team with continuous monitoring and individualized planning.

Yes. Fasting reduces the risk of nausea and aspiration. We’ll provide clear instructions on when to stop eating and drinking before your appointment.

Yes. If you receive IV sedation, you must have a responsible adult escort. You should not drive, work, or make important decisions for the rest of the day.

Swelling usually peaks between 1–3 days and then gradually improves. Mild bruising and jaw stiffness can be normal.

Place gauze directly over the site and bite firmly for 30–45 minutes without checking. Repeat with fresh gauze if needed. A slightly moistened black tea bag can help. If heavy bleeding persists, contact us.

Light activity is usually fine within 24–48 hours, but avoid heavy exertion for several days because it can increase bleeding and swelling. Your return timeline depends on the procedure and your comfort level.

Call us for increasing swelling after day 3, fever, foul taste with worsening pain, or bleeding that does not improve with sustained pressure.

Many wisdom teeth never fully erupt or come in at an angle. Removal is commonly recommended when there is recurrent infection, cavities, gum inflammation, damage to adjacent teeth, cyst formation, or when the teeth are unlikely to erupt into a healthy, cleanable position.

Many patients choose office‑based IV sedation so the procedure is comfortable and anxiety is minimized. In some cases, local anesthesia (with or without nitrous oxide) may also be appropriate. We’ll recommend an option based on your medical history, complexity, and preferences.

Soreness and swelling typically peak around days 2–3 and then improve. Using prescribed medications as directed, ice in the first 24 hours, and a soft diet helps. If pain worsens after initially improving, let us know.

Dry socket can occur when the blood clot in the socket dissolves or dislodges, causing increased pain a few days after surgery. Avoid smoking/vaping, do not use straws, and follow your postoperative instructions to reduce risk.

Start with soft, cool foods and stay well hydrated. Gradually advance your diet as comfort allows. Avoid hard, crunchy foods that can irritate the surgical sites during the first week.

Many patients return in 2–3 days, but it depends on the difficulty of the extraction and your recovery. Plan for a few days of reduced activity, especially if you have a physically demanding job.

Temporary numbness can occur when lower wisdom teeth are close to nerves. We evaluate this risk with exam and imaging and discuss it with you before surgery. Persistent numbness is uncommon, but it is an important risk to understand.

Extractions are typically recommended when a tooth is too damaged to restore, has advanced infection, severe fracture, significant bone loss, or is compromising the health of neighboring teeth.

Yes. Common options include dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures. If you’re considering an implant, timing and site preservation can matter—ask us and your restorative dentist about the best plan.

Not always. A graft may be recommended if you want to preserve bone volume for a future implant or if the socket anatomy suggests higher collapse risk. We’ll review options during your consultation.

Ridge preservation is a type of bone graft placed at the time of extraction to help maintain the contour and volume of the jaw. This can make future implant placement more predictable. Learn more on our Bone Grafting page.

Healing varies by site and graft type, but many grafts mature over several months before an implant is placed. We’ll outline a timeline that matches your restorative plan. See Bone Grafting for an overview.

Initial gum healing usually occurs over 1–2 weeks. The underlying bone continues to remodel for several months. If an implant is planned, the timeline depends on site stability and whether grafting is performed.

Antibiotics are not automatically required for every extraction. They may be used when there is active infection, certain medical conditions, or when your clinical exam indicates benefit.

We routinely coordinate with your physician when needed and tailor your plan to keep you safe. Do not stop prescribed medications unless you’re instructed to do so by your medical team.

Smoking and vaping increase the risk of dry socket and delayed healing. For best outcomes, avoid nicotine during healing—especially the first 72 hours and ideally for 1–2 weeks.

Many patients are candidates, but the key factors are overall health, gum/bone condition, and oral hygiene. We evaluate bone volume, bite forces, and any medical risks before recommending implants.

The timeline varies. Some cases allow implant placement soon after extraction, while others need healing or grafting first. After placement, the implant typically needs time to integrate before the final crown is made by your restorative dentist.

Most patients report that implant recovery is easier than expected. Soreness is common for a few days and is usually managed with anti-inflammatory medication and short-term prescriptions when appropriate.

Bone grafting can rebuild volume in many cases (see Bone Grafting). In the upper jaw, a sinus lift may be recommended. We’ll review imaging and explain the most predictable option for your anatomy.

Your restorative dentist designs and delivers the final tooth (crown/bridge/denture). We coordinate on implant position and timing so the surgical and restorative steps fit together predictably.

Implants require daily brushing/flossing and regular professional maintenance. Like natural teeth, they can develop inflammation if plaque accumulates. Consistent hygiene and checkups protect your investment.

Coverage varies widely. Some plans contribute to parts of care (extractions, grafting, anesthesia, or the crown). We can provide documentation and coding so you can check benefits accurately.

Zygomatic implants are longer implants used in selected upper-jaw cases with severe bone loss. They gain stability in the zygoma (cheekbone) and can support fixed teeth when posterior maxillary bone is limited.

Pterygoid implants gain anchorage in dense bone behind the upper jaw near the pterygoid plates. In select cases, they can provide posterior support and reduce the need for sinus grafting.

Sometimes. Remote anchorage options can reduce the amount of grafting needed in select severe maxillary cases. Other cases still benefit from grafting for long-term tissue support and ideal implant positioning. We determine the safest plan with CBCT imaging and a prosthetic-driven restoration design.

All-on-X is a full-arch solution that uses multiple implants to support a fixed set of teeth. It’s designed for patients with failing teeth or dentures who want a more stable, functional option.

Some patients are candidates for a same-day temporary fixed bridge. Final teeth are typically delivered after healing, once the implants are stable and the bite is refined.

The number and position depend on bone quality, anatomy, and bite forces. Many treatment plans use 4–6 implants per arch, sometimes with angled implants to maximize available bone.

Yes. Many patients choose IV sedation for comfort and anxiety reduction. We’ll review your medical history and determine the safest anesthetic plan for you.

Expect swelling and soreness that improves over the first week. A soft diet is essential during early healing, and we’ll give detailed post-op and hygiene instructions.

Daily cleaning is critical. We’ll teach you how to use brushes, water flossers, and other tools to keep the bridge and gumline healthy, and we’ll coordinate maintenance with your general dentist.

Depending on anatomy and goals, alternatives may include staged grafting with implants, implant-supported overdentures, or conventional dentures. We’ll help you understand the tradeoffs.

Jaw clicking or popping is common and does not always indicate a serious problem. Many people have joint noises without pain or functional limitation. However, clicking accompanied by pain, locking, or restricted opening may indicate a disc or joint disorder that should be evaluated.

Some TMJ symptoms are temporary and may improve with rest, soft diet, and conservative care. Other conditions are persistent and benefit from a structured treatment plan. Early evaluation can help clarify the diagnosis and guide the most efficient path to relief.

Treatment depends on your diagnosis. Many patients improve with conservative therapy, but some benefit from procedures or surgery to address joint inflammation, disc problems, or degenerative change. Our approach is stepwise and individualized — we start with the least invasive options that match your condition, and we escalate when it’s clinically appropriate.

Yes. TMJ disorders and muscle overactivity can refer pain to the temples, cheeks, teeth, and ears. Part of evaluation is confirming the source of symptoms and ruling out other causes.

Imaging depends on your symptoms. We may recommend panoramic imaging, CBCT, or MRI in select cases to evaluate joint anatomy, bony changes, and disc position.

Conservative care may include activity modification, anti-inflammatory medication when appropriate, physical therapy, and an occlusal appliance coordinated with your restorative dentist.

Minimally invasive procedures may be appropriate when symptoms persist, there is significant inflammation, or jaw motion is limited despite conservative care. We’ll review options based on your diagnosis and goals.

A sinus lift is a bone grafting procedure in the back of the upper jaw that creates adequate bone height for dental implants when the sinus is too close to the ridge.

After tooth loss, the upper jaw bone can shrink and the sinus can expand into the space. This can leave inadequate bone for stable implant placement without grafting.

The sinus membrane is gently elevated and graft material is placed beneath it. The goal is to protect the membrane and create bone where implants can later be placed.

Discomfort is usually manageable with medication and typically improves over several days. We also provide clear instructions to reduce pressure changes in the sinus.

Some cases allow implant placement at the same appointment; others require healing first. The decision depends on existing bone height and initial stability.

You’ll typically be asked to avoid blowing your nose, forceful sneezing (sneeze with your mouth open), and certain activities that increase sinus pressure during early healing.

It depends on timing and your individual healing. For many patients, short flights can be fine after the initial healing window, but we’ll give you personalized guidance.

PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) is a concentrated fibrin clot made from a small sample of your own blood. It contains growth factors that may support healing after certain procedures.

A small blood draw is spun in a centrifuge to separate components. The PRF clot or membrane is then prepared chairside and placed at the surgical site.

PRF uses your own blood products and does not contain additives used in some other platelet concentrates. As with any procedure, safety depends on proper technique and sterile handling.

PRF is often used to support soft tissue healing, reduce postoperative discomfort in some patients, and complement bone grafting in select cases.

Not typically. PRF may be used alongside graft materials, but it is not a direct substitute when bone volume needs to be rebuilt for implants.

PRF is placed at the surgical site and typically dissolves as you heal. Most patients do not notice it beyond normal postoperative healing.

Coverage varies and many plans treat PRF as an elective adjunct. We can review fees and options during your visit.

Orthognathic (jaw) surgery corrects jaw position and bite relationships to improve function, facial balance, airway considerations in select cases, and long-term dental stability.

Candidates typically have jaw discrepancies that cannot be corrected with braces alone, such as significant underbite/overbite, open bite, facial asymmetry, or functional issues.

In most cases, yes. Orthodontics aligns the teeth so the jaws can be repositioned correctly. Your orthodontist and surgeon coordinate timing and goals.

Swelling is most noticeable in the first 1–2 weeks and improves steadily. Diet is progressed from liquids/soft foods based on healing. We provide detailed post-op guidance.

Many modern techniques use rigid fixation with plates and screws rather than prolonged wiring. Elastics may be used to guide the bite during healing.

Temporary numbness can occur due to nerve proximity, especially in the lower jaw. We discuss nerve considerations in your specific plan during evaluation.

Many patients plan 2–3 weeks away from normal obligations, depending on the procedure and the type of work. Full return to strenuous activity takes longer.

A referral is welcome but not required. If your dentist or physician has already evaluated the area, bringing any notes or images helps us coordinate efficiently.

Not necessarily. Biopsies are performed to diagnose many conditions — most are benign. A biopsy provides definitive information so we can plan the right next step.

Pathology turnaround varies, but many results return within about a week. We’ll review the findings with you and outline next steps.

Yes. If imaging shows a bony lesion, we may recommend a biopsy and may coordinate advanced imaging such as CBCT to guide the approach.

It is a minor surgery to uncover an impacted tooth and place an orthodontic attachment so your orthodontist can guide the tooth into position.

Many patients prefer IV sedation for comfort and anxiety control. In some cases, local anesthesia (with or without nitrous) may also be appropriate depending on the procedure and your preferences.

Yes. We routinely coordinate timing, attachment preferences, and surgical approach with orthodontic offices to keep treatment efficient.

Most patients have mild swelling and soreness for a few days. We’ll provide aftercare instructions and coordinate timing with your orthodontist.

Botox may reduce muscle overactivity in the masseter/temporalis muscles, helping with clenching-related pain, muscle spasm, and tension-type symptoms in select patients.

Most patients notice improvement within several days, with peak effect around 1–2 weeks. Benefits commonly last about 3–4 months, though this varies.

Temporary chewing fatigue or subtle changes can occur, especially with higher doses. We tailor dosing and placement to balance symptom relief with function.

Usually not. Botox can be part of a broader plan that may include physical therapy, appliance therapy, and habit modification when indicated.

When performed by trained clinicians, Botox is generally well tolerated. We review medical history, medications, and goals to ensure it’s appropriate for you.

Coverage varies and is often limited. We can provide documentation, but many patients pay out of pocket depending on their plan.

Treatments are typically spaced a few months apart. We reassess symptoms and function each visit to determine if ongoing treatment is beneficial.

Tori are benign bony growths in the mouth—most commonly on the roof of the mouth (palatal tori) or inside the lower jaw (mandibular tori). They are not cancerous.

Removal may be recommended if they interfere with speech, chewing, hygiene, cause recurrent ulceration, limit denture fit, or complicate dental procedures.

Soreness and swelling are expected, but most patients do well with prescribed medications and a soft diet. We’ll provide detailed instructions to keep you comfortable.

Initial healing typically takes 1–2 weeks, with continued smoothing and remodeling over the following weeks. Diet modification helps protect the area during early healing.

Yes, tori removal typically requires sutures. Some sutures dissolve on their own; others may need to be removed at a follow-up visit.

Recurrence is uncommon but possible over time. If they return, it is usually slow and related to ongoing bite forces and individual biology.

Coverage depends on whether it is considered medically/dentally necessary and your plan’s benefits. We can help provide documentation for preauthorization when needed.

Most patients describe mild to moderate soreness for a few days. We provide individualized post-op guidance to support comfort and healing.

Long-term stability depends on tissue type, oral hygiene, bite forces, and habits. Our goal is to create a healthier, more maintainable gumline and reduce the risk of further recession.

Not always. In some cases, adding tissue thickness can improve cleansability and help maintain healthy margins around implants. We’ll advise based on your anatomy and restorative plan.