Dental emergencies can be frightening. From jaw injuries to knocked out teeth, these urgent situations require immediate treatment. In the heat of the moment, you may not know where to go for emergency care. Should you call your oral surgeon or go directly to the ER? 

 

The first step is to stay calm. Then consider the following information to help you determine your next steps. When in doubt, call Braasch Oral Surgery at 603-657-1984 and we will provide the necessary guidance. 

What is a Dental Emergency? 

A dental emergency is a blanket term for any situation that requires immediate attention. When it can’t wait until the next day, it is considered an emergency. Examples include knocked out teeth, severe tooth pain, soft tissue injuries, facial trauma, and jaw injuries. In most cases these conditions require urgent care. 

When to Go to the ER

In the following situations, call 911 or proceed immediately to the nearest emergency department.

• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Loss of consciousness
• Severe facial trauma or obvious fractures 
• Obstructed breathing 

These conditions can be life threatening, which is why you should seek immediate emergency care rather than calling your oral surgeon. In most cases the ER will provide the necessary treatment to stabilize the patient. Then you may need to see your oral surgeon for follow-up care either in the hospital or at our office depending on the severity of the situation. 

When to Call Your Oral Surgeon

An oral surgeon is equipped to handle urgent dental situations that are non life threatening. Examples include:

• Broken or dislodged teeth
• Wisdom tooth complications
• Infections or abscesses
• Minor or moderate facial trauma

At Braasch Oral Surgery we are equipped to handle these types of dental emergencies. We provide extractions, stabilization of loose or knocked out teeth, treatment for jaw injuries and abscesses, and more. 

How to Decide in the Moment 

If you’re debating where to go for treatment, ask yourself the following questions:

• Are the symptoms life threatening, such as uncontrolled bleeding or difficulty breathing? ER
• Has a tooth been knocked completely out of the socket? Oral Surgeon
• Does the jaw appear to be broken? ER
• Is there swelling and signs of infection? Oral Surgeon
• Does the patient have a high fever? ER 
• Is the tooth loose but still in the socket? Oral Surgeon
• What level of pain is the patient experiencing? This will need to be a judgement call

Asking yourself or the patient these questions can help you determine the urgency of the situation so you’ll know what to do and where to go. If you call us we will ask the necessary questions to make our own recommendation for care. 

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies 

Not all emergencies can be prevented, but you can significantly reduce the risk by taking these steps:

• Wear a mouthguard when playing sports. 
• Practice good oral hygiene habits like brushing twice a day and flossing once a day.
• Avoid opening containers or removing tags with your teeth. 
• Don’t chew ice or non-food items. 
• Wear a night guard to protect against teeth grinding. 

Call Braasch Oral Surgery 

If you or someone you know is experiencing a non life threatening dental emergency, call Braasch Oral Surgery right away at 603-657-1984 both during and after office hours. If you reach us after hours, please follow the instructions on our voicemail to leave a message and someone will contact you shortly. If you do not hear from us within a few minutes, please call back or proceed to the ER. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Treatment

Can I call Braasch Oral Surgery if I’m not a patient?

We are happy to provide urgent treatment for all, not just current patients. Please do not hesitate to call us in case of a dental emergency and we will make arrangements to see you promptly. 

What is the most common dental emergency?

Severe pain and knocked out teeth are two of the most common dental emergencies. In many cases pain is a symptom of a more severe condition that requires urgent treatment. 
At Braasch Oral Surgery we are trained and equipped to handle most dental emergencies. We offer a wide range of oral surgery procedures that can relieve pain and restore your oral health. In case of a dental emergency, call 603-657-1984 any time of the day or night. For non-emergencies, contact us to schedule an appointment.

Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure. For most people, wisdom teeth are problematic, either coming in crooked or not at all due to lack of space in the jaw. In these cases it is best to have the wisdom teeth removed, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. 

 

If you have an upcoming appointment for wisdom teeth extraction, you may be wondering what you can expect afterwards. Here’s a day-by-day guide to help you through your wisdom teeth recovery. 

What to Expect Immediately After Surgery

Everyone’s wisdom teeth removal procedure is different based on your individual needs and the type of anesthesia you have. Immediately following your procedure, you will spend a brief time in recovery until you are ready to go home. If you had any form of sedation, you may feel groggy or disoriented for a little while. 

 

When you are ready to go home you will be given instructions for managing bleeding and swelling, such as gauze and ice packs. You’ll need someone to drive you home and stay with you to provide care. 

Day 1: The First 24 Hours 

For the first 24 hours you may have some minor bleeding. If bleeding doesn’t stop or is severe, contact your oral surgeon. Pain can be managed with over the counter medication or with prescription medication depending on your preference. 

Eat only liquids and soft foods for the first 24 hours following your procedure. Do not drink from a straw for the first 3 days to prevent dry socket. Avoid hot or spicy foods and beverages. Things like yogurt, applesauce, pudding, and jello are good options. 

Days 2-3: Managing Swelling and Discomfort

In the first few days following your procedure you may experience heightened swelling and discomfort. Continue to take pain medication and apply ice to the side of the face and jaw where swelling is most prominent. 

 

You can begin to eat more solid foods, but stick to soft items that don’t require chewing. Continue to avoid hot or spicy foods and beverages as these can irritate sensitive tissues. Still avoid drinking from a straw. 

 

Rinse your mouth a few times a day with lukewarm salt water to dislodge any food particles and to accelerate healing. You can brush your teeth, but be careful to avoid the back of your mouth where your wisdom teeth were removed. 

Days 4-7: Signs of Progress 

By the 4th day you should notice an improvement in your symptoms. Swelling and pain will begin to subside. You may still need over the counter pain medication, but not necessarily prescription strength. 

 

It is safe to gradually return to your normal daily activities, but avoid strenuous exercise. You can begin eating more solid foods, such as scrambled eggs, cheese, and soft fruits and vegetables. Reintroduce foods gradually according to your comfort level. 

Week 2: Nearing Full Recovery

You will notice by the second week following your procedure that you are nearly back to normal. If you had stitches they will most likely have dissolved, but you may have them removed at a follow-up appointment with your surgeon. 

 

You can fully resume your regular level of activity, even exercising if you feel ready. It is safe to brush and floss your teeth normally. 

When to Call Your Oral Surgeon 

If you experience any of the of the following symptoms, contact your oral surgeon for further instructions: 

• Prolonged pain
• Fever
• Continued bleeding
• Excessive swelling
• Any unusual symptoms 

 

Dry socket or infection are common post-operative complications that need to be addressed promptly. Don’t hesitate to contact us at Braasch OMS if anything about your recovery seems abnormal. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Wisdom Teeth Recovery

When is it safe to drink from a straw?

We recommend waiting at least 3 days to drink from a straw following wisdom teeth removal. The sucking motion can dislodge the blood clot in the socket, which is necessary for proper healing. The result is a condition called dry socket, which can be painful and delay recovery. 

Can I smoke after getting my wisdom teeth out?

While we recommend not smoking at all, at the very least it is best to wait until you are fully healed, which is at least 2 weeks. Smoking can delay healing and has numerous other health risks. 

Braasch Oral Surgery offers a wide range of oral surgery procedures from wisdom teeth removal to dental implant placement. Serving Bedford, NH and the surrounding area, our doctors and staff provide top quality, compassionate care. Contact us today to learn more about our services and to schedule a consultation.

If you are missing most or all of your teeth or need multiple extractions, you may be weighing your replacement options. Today, full-arch dental implants are considered the premier option for replacing all of a patient's upper or lower teeth.

 

Many patients are curious about the advantages of full-arch dental implants and want to know more about the process. This blog provides a complete guide to the process and answers our patients' frequently asked questions.

About Full-Arch Dental Implants

Full-arch dental implants are advanced prosthetics that connect to anchors surgically implanted in the jawbone. To keep the prosthesis stable, most installations involve placing four to six implants per arch.

 

Your oral surgeon will explain your options and which implant type would work best in your situation. You may choose between a non-removable hybrid prosthesis or overdentures that clip onto implants.

Advantages of Full-Arch Dental Implants

Comfortable

Unlike conventional dentures, full-arch dental implants do not slip or click. Since they do not cover the upper palate, they allow clear speech and maximize patient comfort.

Convenient

Caring for traditional dentures can be a hassle, as they require daily removal and cleaning. However, most full-arch implants only require twice-daily brushing and flossing.

Protect Oral Health

One of the most significant disadvantages of conventional dentures is that they gradually damage oral bone structure. To maintain a proper fit, patients may need to undergo surgeries like ridge preservation. Full-arch dental implants help patients avoid additional procedures.

 

Full-arch dentures also help preserve jawbone strength by providing chewing stimulation. Conventional dentures, which sit on top of the gum tissue, do not have this advantage. Consequently, dentured patients' jawbones tend to atrophy, and their faces often develop a sunken look that is characteristic of advanced age.

Confidence Boost

Full-arch dental implants create beautiful, healthy smiles. Patients feel free to talk, laugh, and eat in public, whereas denture patients sometimes feel uneasy about these activities.

The Full-Arch Dental Implant Process

1. Consultation

You will schedule a visit with your oral surgeon to assess whether you are a good candidate for full-arch dental implants. Your oral surgeon will thoroughly explain the process, its advantages, and its drawbacks, ensuring that you understand each step before proceeding.

Your surgeon will create extensive digital images of your oral tissues, including CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) scans and digital X-rays. They will examine your oral anatomy and determine whether you need additional procedures like bone grafting before proceeding.

2. Sedation Options

You can choose anesthesia or sedation options based on your comfort level. Many patients report that local anesthesia is sufficient, but others prefer sedation during the procedure.

3. Extractions

Patients with remaining teeth will have them extracted. In many cases, oral surgeons can continue to implant placement during the same appointment.

4. Implant Placement

The doctor will make small openings in the gum and bone and then place four to six implant anchors. These anchors will hold the finished appliance.

5. Prosthetic Placement

Often, doctors can place a prosthetic on the same day as implant surgery. Depending on the patient's needs, it may be a temporary or permanent replacement.

6. Healing

Full-arch implant surgery is generally well-tolerated. As with any oral surgery, there may be stiffness, swelling, and discomfort during the following days. Typically, it takes two to four months for full-arch implants to heal completely. Always follow your surgeon's instructions for post-operative care.

Frequently Asked Questions About Full-Arch Dental Implants

How long will it take before I can eat a regular diet after my procedure?

For the first day, we recommend a liquid diet with nutritious items like smoothies and protein shakes. You may gradually add soft foods that require little to no chewing, like well-cooked pasta, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs.

 

As your implants heal, you can slowly return to a regular diet. Most patients are back to eating their favorite foods after a few weeks to a month. Avoid chewy, crunchy, and spicy food for several weeks to avoid causing discomfort.

How long do full-arch dental implants last?

If you take proper care of your implants, the anchors may last a lifetime, and the replacement teeth may last 20 years or more.

At Braasch OMS, we are proud to offer multiple options for full-arch dental implants. If you have compromised teeth and want to improve your quality of life, don't hesitate to get in touch with us at our Bedford, NH, office today. Dr. Braasch will gladly show you what full-arch dental implants can do to restore your healthy smile.

If you or your child loses a permanent tooth due to an accident or facial trauma, you may worry that your dentist can't save it. However, oral surgeons can often save knocked-out teeth.

What Happens When a Tooth is Knocked Out

Knocking out a tooth is also called luxation. The roots leave the socket when a tooth is knocked out or luxated. The term subluxation means that the tooth is only partially knocked out.

Saving a Knocked-Out Tooth

Step 1: Find the Tooth

After your accident, the first step is to locate the lost tooth. If it is in good condition and you see an oral surgeon promptly, you will maximize their chance of saving the tooth.

Step 2: Rinse the Tooth

Hold the tooth only by the crown; do not touch the root. Rinse the tooth gently in lukewarm water to remove dirt and debris.

Step 3: Preserve the Tooth

You can try to put the tooth back in its socket and hold it in place by gently biting down on a piece of clean gauze. If you can't return the tooth to the socket, place it in a small cup of milk, water, or saliva to help preserve the delicate root cells. You can also find a solution at the pharmacy called Save-a-Tooth.

Step 4: See the Oral Surgeon Right Away

Call your oral surgeon immediately for an emergency visit. Seeing the surgeon within half an hour to an hour will give your tooth the best chance to replant.

Step 5: Replanting the Tooth

Your oral surgeon will examine your tooth to ensure it is not damaged. They will place the tooth back in the socket and prepare for the next step.

Step 6: Splinting the Tooth

Your surgeon will splint the tooth to its neighbors to encourage the roots to reattach in their original position. You may have to wear the splint for two to four weeks.

 

Knocked-out teeth have a significant chance of replanting when kept moist, and an oral surgeon cares for them within an hour.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Emergencies

What happens if my child knocks out a baby tooth?

Unfortunately, even an oral surgeon cannot replant a baby tooth because it would damage the permanent tooth underneath the gumline. Your oral surgeon or family dentist will want to see your child and determine whether any other teeth incurred damage.

What happens if my replanted tooth falls out again?

In this case, you may need a restoration like a bridge or implant. It is best to replace the tooth rather than leave a gap in your smile since gaps can harbor food particles and bacteria as well as allow neighboring teeth to shift.

Call Braasch OMS

We offer emergency care to keep your teeth safe and your smile complete. If you experience a dental emergency in the Bedford, NH, area, call us for help at 603-657-1984.

The Bedford, NH, area is fortunate to have many dental providers to choose from. However, not all practitioners provide equal services, especially concerning dental implants.

Ask Friends and Family

A dentist's reputation is their greatest asset. Ask your friends and family whom they would recommend for dental implants and whether they have heard any positive or negative anecdotes. Taking some of this information with a grain of salt may be necessary, but you can get a sense of general trends.

Ask Your Family Dentist

If your family dentist sends their patients to other doctors for implants, ask them whom they recommend.

Ask Your Primary Care Doctor

Medical professionals often have networks outside their fields. They may know a local implant dentist from dental school or community projects.

Check Professional Certifications

Search the practitioner's website for details on their professional memberships. Many dentists and oral surgeons belong to multiple organizations where they receive continuing education, such as the International Team for Implantology.

Study Online Reviews

As with personal anecdotes, you may need a balanced approach to online reviews. They should not be your only source of information. Familiarize yourself with the dentist's overall positive or negative reputation. If you read between the lines, you may be able to spot invalid reviews.

Compare Implant Procedures

Check the dentist's website to ensure they use advanced technology like CBCT scans or guided implant placement.

See an Oral Surgeon for Dental Implants

Many general dentists provide implants, but for truly exceptional results, patients should consider visiting an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. These doctors receive much more hands-on training and education in oral surgery than general dentists, making them the most qualified to provide your dental implant. Prioritize oral surgeons in your search results.

Schedule a Consultation

A reputable doctor will meet with you and discuss your needs before scheduling your surgery. You may want to visit a few doctors and compare their recommendations.

Finding Success With Dental Implants

While dental implants have become a standard procedure, the surgery is not without risk. Oral surgeons have the most experience and the highest success rates.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants

What is the failure rate of dental implants?

Dental implant success rates are generally over 90 percent. You can influence whether your implants succeed by taking excellent care of your teeth and gums after surgery and avoiding tobacco use.

How long does dental implant surgery take?

Implant surgery typically takes one to two hours for each tooth to be replaced.

Call Braasch OMS

If you need implants, our Bedford, NH, office is close and convenient. You can receive excellent quality care without traveling far from home. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Braasch, please call our office at 603-657-1984.

While dental implants are one of today's best options for tooth replacement, many people have misconceptions about them. These misconceptions circulate in the community and become exaggerated over time. Patients need accurate information about dental implants to make treatment decisions grounded in fact. 

 

Countering the Myths About Dental Implants

Myth #1: Others Will Notice Dental Implants

Fact: Many patients believe that the metal base of a dental implant will show when they smile. They may think of a porcelain-over-metal crown with a small amount of metal at the base. Today's dental implants are almost undetectable in a patient's smile. Most people will not notice them unless the patient tells them they have a new implant.

Myth #2: Older People Can't Get Dental Implants

Fact: Older individuals can receive dental implants if they are healthy enough for surgery and do not have certain medical conditions like uncontrolled diabetes and bleeding disorders. Patients with healthy gums and sufficient bone mass are generally good candidates.

Myth #3: Dental Implants Are High-Maintenance

Fact: This myth is one of the most far-fetched. Dental implants require no more care than healthy natural teeth. Patients should brush or floss as recommended and make regular dental visits.

Myth #4: Dental Implant Surgery is Painful

Today's implant surgery procedures are comfortable, thanks to advances in local anesthesia. Patients anxious about the procedure can opt for sedation or general anesthesia.

Myth #5: Dental Implants Commonly Fail

Fact: Dental implant failure is rare. According to medical studies, 90 to 95 percent of dental implants succeed. Failure may occur when placing an implant in an area with insufficient bone or when the patient does not take good care of the implant.

Myth #6: Dental Implants Are Expensive

Fact: Dental implants should be considered an investment in a patient's oral health. They last much longer than bridges and conventional partial dentures, which are prone to breakage and may be uncomfortable to wear.

Myth #7: Patients Can't Eat Their Favorite Foods With Implants

Fact: This myth arose from the fact that patients must eat a soft diet during the initial healing process. Once the implant site heals, patients can eat almost anything, even crunchy and chewy foods.

Myth #8: Dental Implants Make People Sick

Fact: False information has spread about the titanium in dental implants giving patients severe headaches. If patients experience headaches after receiving implants, a surgical complication may be at fault.

Myth #9: It Takes Years to Get Dental Implants

Fact: Some patients need bone graft surgery and time for the grafts to heal before dental implant placement, making the process longer. However, most patients can receive implants in a few months from start to finish.

Myth #10: Implants Are Uncomfortable

Fact: Once implants have healed, patients report feeling like they have natural teeth. They do not have the same level of sensitivity as natural teeth since they do not contain nerve tissue.

Myth #11: Patients Can't Receive Implants if Their Tooth Has Been Missing for Years

Fact: Missing teeth cause the jawbone to break down around the socket due to insufficient chewing stimulation. However, patients can regain enough bone mass to place an implant by undergoing a bone graft procedure. Bone grafting places a ground bone medium inside the jawbone, allowing it to grow and create new bone tissue.

Myth #12: Implants Only Last for Ten Years

Fact: A dental implant post generally lasts at least 15 years but can last a lifetime with proper care. The crown on top may need occasional replacement due to normal wear and tear.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants

How do dental implants work?

Dental implants replace both the crown and root of a damaged or missing tooth. The oral surgeon places a titanium anchor in the jaw and allows it to heal. The anchor receives a stainless steel abutment or cap and a lifelike dental crown.

Are dental implants safe?

Dental implants contain safe, biocompatible materials. They succeed in up to 95 percent of installations. They do not cause discomfort or patient illness.

Call Braasch OMS

Knowing the facts about dental implants can help you make an educated decision. If you have questions about these myths or any aspect of receiving dental implants, please call our Bedford, NH, office at 603-657-1984.

 

Many patients choose to have wisdom teeth removed to help guard against future problems like discomfort, crowding, and infection. However, not every dental professional recommends removing wisdom teeth as a matter of course, and it can be confusing to know whether you need the surgery.

 

What are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third molars. Not everyone has wisdom teeth. They are a relic of human history, useful when people had larger jaws and needed another set of molars to chew food.

Reasons to Remove Wisdom Teeth

If you need to remove your wisdom teeth, you may or may not have noticeable symptoms. For patients with wisdom teeth, these teeth typically do not have enough room to erupt properly through the gums. 

Some of the problems wisdom teeth can bring about include:

• Impaction: When a tooth becomes impacted, it cannot fully erupt through the gum. Wisdom teeth frequently become impacted due to lack of space and incorrect positioning.
• Discomfort: When wisdom teeth become caught in the jawbone, they pressure their neighbors. This problem could damage the second molars as well as other teeth.
• Tooth Misalignment: The pressure from impacted wisdom teeth can cause tooth crowding in other mouth areas.
• Infection: Wisdom teeth may partially erupt and become infected. Abscesses can develop in the gums and bony areas.

Reasons to Leave Wisdom Teeth Alone

• Not Causing Problems: If your oral surgeon thoroughly examines your teeth and determines your wisdom teeth are not causing any problems, they may leave them alone.
• Surgical Procedure: While wisdom teeth surgery is generally well-tolerated with a brief recovery period, not every patient is healthy enough for surgery.

How Does the Oral Surgeon Determine Whether I Need Wisdom Teeth Surgery?

Referral From Your General Dentist

General dentists often recommend wisdom teeth removal based on digital X-ray results. We work with trusted local general dentists to provide this service.

Cone Beam CT Scanner

The oral surgeon will use an advanced X-ray machine called the Cone Beam CT Scanner to fully examine the anatomy of your head, neck, teeth, and oral structures. A 3-D digital model of your anatomy helps the oral surgeon diagnose issues precisely.

Predicting Future Problems

Even if your wisdom teeth have not yet caused trouble, Dr. Braasch can assess whether they will likely create problems in the future.

The Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure

Wisdom teeth surgery can be intimidating, but oral surgeons want to make it as comfortable as possible. Today, most wisdom teeth surgeries happen under sedation. The patient can choose the sedation method based on personal preference.

 

To remove the teeth, the oral surgeon makes a small incision in the gum and opens the bone to remove the tooth. The tooth may need sectioning into pieces to remove it from the jaw. You may receive dissolving stitches in the area where the surgeon removed your wisdom teeth.

 

After you recover from sedation, a trusted adult must drive you home. You should rest quietly for at least a few days. Follow our post-operative instructions carefully for the best results.

The Best Time to Remove Wisdom Teeth

Many oral surgeons believe that the best time to remove wisdom teeth is in a patient's late teens to early twenties. The permanent adult dentition is complete at this age, and the patient has mostly stopped growing.

 

Patients at this age have an easier time recovering from surgery than patients in their thirties, forties, and beyond. Minor complications like dry sockets are less common in younger patients.

Is it Better to Remove Wisdom Teeth or Leave Them Alone?

Dr. Braasch believes wisdom teeth should only be removed if they risk causing oral health problems. However, removing wisdom teeth earlier is easier than doing the procedure in later life. With Dr. Braasch and your general dentist, you can make an informed decision for yourself or your child.

Call Braasch OMS

If you have questions about the wisdom teeth removal process and whether you are a good candidate, please call our Bedford, NH, office at 603-657-1984. We will schedule a consultation with Dr. Braasch to evaluate your oral health and whether he believes you would be better off removing your wisdom teeth.