What’s the difference between a dentist and an oral surgeon?

If your dentist has referred you to an oral surgeon, you may be wondering why. What exactly does an oral surgeon do that your dentist does not?

You have an upcoming oral surgery scheduled, and you want the best professional specialist in Tampa, FL for the job. When it comes to conditions of the bone, skin and muscle of your face, mouth and jaw, oral surgeons are the specialists to see.

What does an oral surgeon do?

Oral surgeons perform specialized care for complex issues, such as:

• Wisdom Teeth Removal
• Dental Implant Placement
• Oral and Face Biopsies
• Jaw Surgery
• Bone Grafting
• Facial Trauma and Reconstruction
• Piezosurgery—cutting bone with ultrasonic micro-vibrations
• L-PRF—using a patient’s blood to create personalized grafting material to foster healing
• And many more procedures…

Additional Training

Dentists are trained to perform basic oral and dental procedures, such as crowns and simple extractions. Oral surgeons attend dental school as a springboard, and when they finish, they go on to attain specialty training which goes well beyond the expertise of their dental credentials. This involves 4 years of hospital training, extended study, hands-on experience, and skill development of the mouth, face, and jaw.

Specialized Equipment

Oral surgeons furnish their offices with specialized equipment, materials, and instrumentation specific to oral and maxillofacial surgery. This allows for oral surgeons to perform procedures quickly, accurately, conveniently and safely. This includes a dental cone beam CT scanner for 3-d images for accuracy.

Extra Certifications

Further optimizing the comfort and safety of their patients, oral surgeons are trained and certified to administer anesthesia.

Some oral surgeons are board-certified, which means they’ve completed an additional series of rigorous requirements, including written and oral exams and a review by peers of their surgical expertise. Board certification is the highest level of competence, indicating the specialist with the most qualified training. This examination is given by the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS.org) and candidates that pass the examination are conferred the title of diplomate.

Dr. Valiente has been practicing mouth surgery and jaw and facial reconstruction as a diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons since 2000. When it comes to choosing a board-certified oral surgeon, Dr. Valiente stands among the most reputable and trusted.

Dr. Valiente — Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon in Tampa FL

If you have more questions about the differences between dentists and oral surgeons, call our Tampa, Fl office today. 813-968-5400

How Long Should Dental Implants Last?

More than two-thirds of adults aged 35 to 44 have suffered the loss of one or more teeth, and 25 percent of Americans ages 65 and up have no teeth. While the initial concern of a missing tooth is its impact on your smile, tooth loss can also cause teeth drifting, bone loss resulting in facial aging and a diminished quality of life.

Dental implants, the number one teeth replacement solution today, create healthy smiles, boost confidence, and provide structure for your mouth and face. In addition to completing your smile, they help to keep your remaining teeth in place, preventing shifting and gaps that affects the shape of your cheeks and jaw. Dental implants also provide stimulation for your jaw which keeps it from degenerating.

Improve your smile, oral health, and your overall well-being and facial appearance with dental implants at Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants.

What Are Dental Implants?

Your most natural-looking option for replacing missing teeth are dental implants, and they are made of three components. Dr. Valiente begins by placing a titanium post in your jawbone, which serves as an anchor for the crown. Next, he attaches an abutment to the implant which holds the crown in place and keeps it from shifting. Your dentist adheres the final restoration to the abutment. This final crown is ceramic and looks like a natural tooth.

Advantages of Dental Implants

• Withstand biting and chewing without slippage
• Are comfortable and functional
• Have a very high success rate
• Provide jawbone to continue to grow and prevent bone degeneration
• Put no stress on adjacent teeth
• Are easy to care for like regular teeth
• Act like natural teeth
• Can last a lifetime
• Preserve structure of the face and jawbone

The Longevity of Dental Implants

Are dental implants permanent? How long do they last? Dental implants at Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants can last a lifetime. What’s important to keep in mind is that the way you care for you dental implants will have a significant impact on how long they last, same as any natural tooth. Take care of them by brushing and flossing like you do with your regular teeth, and they can last over 20 years.

Reasons Implants May Decline Over Time

While dental implants are traditionally extremely successful tooth-replacement procedures with an average success rate of 97 percent, failure is possible. The two main contributors to implant failure are peri-implantitis and failed osseointegration, and in the rare case that failure occurs, it happens within the first couple years of surgery, sometimes within the first six months.

If your implant becomes loose, you may be suffering from peri-implantitis, a gum disease that attacks the implant with an infection that damages the bone around the tooth. Osseointegration is the fusing of the titanium implant with the jawbone. Implants have the potential to fail to integrate with the bone, but our use of advanced technology almost always prevents failure.

Other factors that may impact the longevity of your implants are your medical conditions and habits. Those who smoke or have diabetes or immunological disease tend to be at a higher risk for implant failure. Teeth grinding can cause wear and tear on your implants, as it does on natural teeth. And if you’re implants are in the back of your mouth, they are experiencing more strain from chewing that can lead to failure. Our expert oral and maxillofacial surgeon has an excellent record for his long-lasting dental implants. You are in great hands at the Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants.

How to Avoid Dental Implant Failure

The best way to ensure your dental implants don’t fail is to commit to excellent oral hygiene. Routine brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and regular cleanings and checkups to keep your smile healthy.

Dental implants at the Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants look natural and can last a lifetime. Contact us today to schedule a visit! Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants Phone Number (813) 968-5400

 

What to Expect as You Return to Our Office

As we cautiously ease back into in-person appointments and oral surgical care, we want you to know that our commitment to your safety remains top priority. When you come to your next appointment with Dr. Valiente, you’ll find that we’ve made some changes to ensure your care is both safe and comfortable.

Infection control has always been extremely important to us at Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants, and we assure you that we will continue to adhere to all infection control recommendations made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We go out of our way to stay current as new guidelines are issued.

The New Arrival Process

1. When we confirm your appointment over the phone, we will ask you several COVID-related screening questions. Thank you for your patient cooperation.
2. Bring your own mask with you when you come in for an appointment.
3. Once you’ve found parking, please remain in your car and call us 813-968-5400 to let us know you have arrived. Your prompt arrival will make this new process work smoothly.
4. If you’ve come with any companions, please have them wait in your car.
5. As you enter our office, we will take your temperature with a no touch digital thermometer. If your temperature is 100.4 degrees or above, your appointment will be rescheduled. We apply this same standard to everyone on our staff upon their arrival each morning.
6. Once we’ve established that your temperature is normal, we will escort you directly to a consult room.
7. Social distancing will be maintained at all times.
8. Before proceeding with treatment, we will once again review the COVID-related screening questions with you and answer any questions you may have.

Safety Measures for Patients and Staff

In addition to the precautions we’ve set up in regard to patient care, we’ve made a variety of changes to our office in to ensure your safety. We meet and exceed all Department of Health, CDC, and ADA guidelines.

You will find the following changes when you visit our office:

• Hand sanitizer and soap and water are always available in each operatory and our reception area for patients and our staff.
• We’ve set up a one-way flow throughout our office to help maintain social distancing.
• We follow and exceed all OSHA guidelines in terms of sterilization and disinfecting of all surfaces and each room between patients.
• We’ve installed a negative pressure system in our operatories (surgical areas), which means we are disposing of the air inside of the operatories, thereby removing any airborne virus from the environment.
• Every member of our staff is required to wear PPE, such as N95 masks, face shields, surgical caps, shoe covers, and scrub tops and bottoms with gowns, in the operatory.

If you have any questions about your upcoming appointment or about our standards and procedures, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. We have missed seeing you and look forward to continuing your treatments and providing you with excellent care that is both safe and comfortable.

3 Benefits of Getting a Dental Implant Rather Than a Bridge

Why should I get dental implants instead of a bridge?

If you’ve lost a tooth in the midst of this global pandemic, we want you to know that we are here for you. COVID-19 has us in a rapidly evolving situation, and information is changing frequently, but as of Friday, March 20, our governor, Ron DeSantis, signed the executive order that mandated we only see patients with pain and infection or those who maybe at risk of developing a serious condition if not treated. The expiration of this Florida Executive Order 20-72 is May 8^th unless something different is directed by the State.

With that in mind, we want to remind you that these circumstances are temporary. They will pass, and as soon as they do, we will be ready to treat your missing tooth.

Dental implants and bridges are two of the most common tooth replacement methods chosen by patients today. What makes a dental implant a better choice for many patients? As we wait for the Florida mandate to be lifted, please consider the top 3 benefits that dental implants provide.

What’s the difference between a dental implant and a bridge?

When a person loses a tooth, which includes bone, ligaments, and nerves, the supporting areas begin to deteriorate. That missing structure can be replaced by an implant—a screw made of titanium—that integrates with the jawbone. Once fused to bone, a crown is attached to the implant. A bridge, on the other hand, attaches to the teeth around the gap after they’ve been cut or shaved down and prepared. It secures in place the artificial tooth by attaching to the adjacent teeth.

Implants promote jaw healing and health.

The greatest advantage of dental implants is that they promote healing of the bone structure and gums under the teeth. Your jawbone is much like a muscle and must be regularly stimulated in order to maintain volume.  Thankfully, dental implants can take the place of natural teeth to provide the stimulus needed by the jaw. And if done early, this greatly reduces the need for bone grafting that would be caused by degeneration.

Conversely, rather than supporting the neighboring teeth, bridges put undue strain on them once they’ve been cut and prepped for the new attachment. Bridges depend on the adjacent natural teeth for support so it places more of a burden on them.

Implants require little maintenance.

Dental implants are the most natural-looking tooth replacement available, and they require the same kind of care as natural teeth—flossing and brushing. Bridges require some extra flossing underneath and around your bridge to keep plaque from building up and food from getting trapped. If not cleaned properly, gingivitis can develop. If you’re looking for a low maintenance option, implants are a better option for you!

Implants should last a lifetime.

The technology of dental implants has become so advanced in recent years that implant failure has become a thing of the past. In the majority of cases, implants should be expected to last a lifetime. Despite the upfront expense of implants, their durability translates to no need for a replacement down the road. Bridges must be replaced every 8-12 years. In the long run, because of their longevity, implants pay for themselves.

Dental implants are an excellent teeth replacement option when compared to bridges. Truly 21^st century technology, they allow you to eat, speak, and smile with full confidence while providing structure, support and health for neighboring teeth. For more information regarding the gold standard for replacing missing teeth, call our Tampa, FL location today! 813-968-5400

Bone Grafts and Why You Might Need One

You need to replace a missing tooth. You’ve done extensive research, and you’ve decided dental implants are the way to go. But your doctor is saying you need a bone graft first. Why? And what is a bone graft anyway?

Why You May Need a Bone Graft

Dental implant placement requires adequate jawbone mass and structure. Without sufficient bone, dental implants cannot be placed, can fail early or have trouble fusing with the jawbone. For this reason, bone grafting is sometimes necessary before an implant can be placed.

For a routine procedure, bone grafting is required for approximately half of dental implant patients. The most common reasons our patients need bone grafting before implant placement include:

• Missing a tooth for several months—Your jawbone begins to deteriorate as soon as you lose a tooth or have an extraction.
• Trauma or infection—This can cause a defect in the bone.
• Missing front teeth—Because the walls of the front teeth sockets are thin, they often have a difficult time regenerating on their own.
• Large or low sinus cavities—Bone grafting with a sinus lift may help restore the bone height required for implant placement.

Jawbone Health

Just as gravity is necessary to maintain muscle and skeletal bone health, chewing keeps your jawbone healthy by providing regular stimulation. Without stimulation, your jaw, specifically the alveolar bone that anchors the teeth, will begin to break down as your body sends minerals elsewhere. Unfortunately, this process begins the moment you lose a permanent tooth. In addition to inadequate bone mass for dental implant support, jawbone loss can lead to:

• Collapsed facial structure
• Skin wrinkling
• TMJ pain and headaches
• Complications with the remaining face
• Nutrition and speech issues

The Solution

Bone grafting is a very common procedure during which we place artificial bone (or your own bone taken from another site in your mouth) into the area that needs bulking up. Your body naturally grows new bone as your jaw heals during the next several months, and the implanted bone grafts develop into your own bone over time.

Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants is proud to offer the highest level of oral surgery and implant care. In addition to the latest treatments and technologies, a genuine passion for patient care allows us to provide only the best bone grafting experiences. For more details on what it means to build the foundation of your dental implants with a bone graft, please give us a call! 813-968-5400

Why should I have my wisdom teeth removed?

What it means to have your wisdom teeth removed

Aptly named, wisdom teeth typically arrive with a young person’s newfound wisdom and approaching adulthood. These extra molars appear behind the first two sets of molars and the other 20 teeth that your mouth was designed to hold. With 28 teeth already in place, it’s often difficult for an additional four wisdom teeth to grow in properly.

When teeth try to push through the gums but cannot, they remain impacted—fully or partially covered by gum or bone—which has the potential to cause a variety of complications. And 90% of people have at least one impacted tooth. Impacted teeth can lead to:

• Inflamed/irritated/bleeding gums
• Jaw pain/swelling
• Bad breath
• Damage to adjacent teeth
• Loss of bone/gums

For some, wisdom teeth don’t initially seem problematic. What’s important to understand is the potential they have in wreaking havoc in your mouth before you realize it. Although not everyone has wisdom teeth, most people do, and most need them removed. Here’s why.

Overcrowding and Misalignment

When wisdom teeth appear on the scene, there’s little room left for them, so as they erupt, they push adjacent teeth aside. This is the reason orthodontists recommend having your wisdom teeth removed as soon as you get your braces off. Wisdom teeth have the capacity to derail all those years of orthodontic treatment as they squeeze their way in.

Damaged Teeth

While overcrowding may be reason enough to remove these pesky third molars, the truth is they can do more that mess up your straight smile. As they move in, they may be responsible for bone loss and spreading tooth decay to their neighboring second molar as well.

Gum Disease

Unfortunately, gums often get caught in the crossfire when wisdom teeth battle their way in. When there’s limited room and they can’t fully erupt, the wisdom teeth can cause the gums to become inflamed, an issue that is hard to reverse. As the partially impacted tooth pulls away from the gums, a space is created that is vulnerable to bacteria and infection.

Jaw Health Complications

The jaw is also susceptible to serious problems when wisdom teeth only partially erupt. Wisdom teeth extractions prevent tumors and cysts from forming in the jaw. The growths can cause pain and lead to TMJ complications.

Poor Dental Hygiene

If you choose to keep your four wisdom teeth because they seem to be comfortable and complication-free, they’ll still be unusually snug. This makes brushing, flossing, and adequate cleaning quite tricky. Avoiding the small surgery required for a wisdom teeth removal isn’t worth the risk of poor dental hygiene down the road.

Having your wisdom teeth removed ensures fewer future complications, many that can intensify with age. There is so much potential for things to go poorly when wisdom teeth are left alone. Don’t risk it. Put your worries to rest and speak with Dr. Valiente, our wisdom teeth expert, about any concerns you have. Your peace of mind is worth it.

The Top 5 Reasons You Should Consider Dental Implants

If you’re missing a tooth and wondering if it’s really worth your time and money to replace it with a dental implant, we know the feeling. You’re already inconvenienced, embarrassed, and even a little stressed about the predicament of having a gaping hole. Your smile and eating habits have been hampered, to say the least. You need a fix, but a dental implant sounds like a massive endeavor and expense. Is it worth it?

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How to Prepare for Your Wisdom Teeth Removal

What to expect when you get your wisdom teeth removed

As you get ready for your wisdom teeth removal, it is imperative that you read this guide that we’ve prepared for you.  Remember wisdom teeth removal is a common, routine procedure. Take a deep breath and rest assured there is nothing to worry about. If you’re well prepared, the recovery will be smooth, and maybe even fun.  Here’s what we recommend you do to prep:

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Your Best Option for Full Mouth Dental Implants

Years ago, individual teeth were replaced with individual implants. That’s right. If you needed to replace a full set of teeth, that meant 10-14 screws in each jaw. But thanks to the ever-evolving advancements in technology, the latest options we offer require as few as four strategically placed implants per jaw. Ultimately, the best technique for you will depend on your bone anatomy and the amount of available bone in your jaw, and that’s where we come in. Here are your options:

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Why You Should Choose a Board-Certified Oral Surgeon

You’ve been told by your dentist that you need dental implants to replace missing teeth. And now you’re wondering where you should go to have the procedure done. We know that this decision can be overwhelming and even confusing. That’s why we offer you this guide—a list of things to consider when choosing an oral surgeon.

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