As children develop into tweens and teens, their teeth also undergo development. While most of their permanent teeth are already in place, their wisdom teeth generally do not erupt until your children are in their mid- to late teens or early twenties. Teens lead such busy lives that it’s easy to put things like wisdom teeth removal on the back burner until a problem arises. But waiting until your child is suffering from an impacted wisdom tooth or infection isn’t always the best option. Proactive removal before a problem arises can save you and your child from dental health complications.

Why Wisdom Teeth Removal Matters

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars and do not always fit well into the mouth. If there is insufficient space for them, when they attempt to erupt, it can lead to crowding of the other teeth, cyst formation, and damage to nearby teeth. If the teeth emerge from the jawbone only partially or are trapped in the gums, they are more difficult to keep clean and can harbor debris and bacteria. Later in life, these problems can contribute to cavities, infections, and gum disease.

Your dentist can evaluate your child’s wisdom teeth via X-rays or 3D imaging to determine whether they are likely to emerge successfully, become impacted, or become trapped in the jaw or gums. If they believe the wisdom teeth will cause later problems, removal is usually recommended to prevent complications that may be more difficult to treat in the future.

The Optimal Age for Removal

At Alaska Oral Surgery Group, we recommend wisdom teeth removal in the mid-to-late teens (16-19), when the third molars are still developing. At this stage, the roots of the wisdom teeth have not fully grown, and recovery is faster with fewer complications for several reasons:

· Wisdom teeth are easier to extract because they are not yet firmly rooted in the jawbone.

· The jawbone is less dense in teenagers, so healing is smoother and quicker.

· Removal and recovery are less disruptive to daily life.

The Role of the Oral Surgeon

Having an oral surgeon handle your child’s wisdom teeth removal is the best choice to ensure a smooth procedure for your child. Dr. Szutz has received additional training beyond general dentistry, equipping him to handle everything from straightforward extractions to complex, impacted teeth. He can also safely provide different levels of anesthesia, so your teen can feel comfortable and stress-free during the procedure. If any unexpected complications arise, Dr.

Szutz and his team are experienced in handling even the most complex situations with professionalism and skill.

What Parents Should Do

The question still stands: How do you know when it’s time to think about wisdom teeth removal? If your teen complains about jaw pain, swelling, or crowded teeth, it’s worth booking an evaluation. Even if there aren’t symptoms, most dentists recommend scheduling an exam in the mid-teen years, when the wisdom teeth are still developing. That’s the window where removal tends to be easiest. You can help prepare your teen for what to expect, ensure they follow pre-surgery instructions, and set up a comfortable recovery space at home to make wisdom teeth removal less stressful for them. Stock the freezer with soft foods, plan for some downtime, and remind them that this is just a short pause that will save them bigger dental headaches in the future.

Taking care of wisdom teeth before they cause problems is one of the best ways to protect your teen’s long-term oral health. The mid-to-late teen years are the sweet spot for getting it done, and working with an experienced oral surgeon like Dr. Szutz will bring you peace of mind. If your teen hasn’t had their wisdom teeth evaluated yet, now’s the time to start that conversation with your dentist or Dr. Szutz. It will pay off for your teen for years to come

When braces alone can’t correct jaw misalignment, oral and maxillofacial surgeons may provide a more advanced solution: orthognathic surgery. Jaw misalignment, or malocclusion, affects how your smile looks and how you chew, speak, and breathe. Surgical correction can realign the jaws for optimal function and aesthetics—often dramatically improving your quality of life.
 

Why Jaw Surgery Is Sometimes Necessary

In many cases, orthodontic treatment (such as braces or clear aligners) is sufficient to straighten teeth. However, if the underlying skeletal structure is off—such as the upper or lower jaw being too far forward, too far back, too wide, too narrow, or asymmetrical—then surgery may be needed to reposition the jaws themselves.

Jaw misalignment can be congenital or develop during growth. When it’s severe, it can lead to:

• Difficulty chewing or biting
• Speech problems
• Chronic jaw pain or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues
• Sleep apnea or snoring
• Facial asymmetry and self-esteem issues

Orthognathic surgery can correct these problems by physically repositioning the jaw bones.
 

Common Orthognathic Surgical Procedures

Each type of jaw surgery targets a specific part of the skull and jaw. The most commonly performed orthognathic procedures include:

Upper Jaw Surgery
This surgery repositions the maxilla (upper jaw) and is used to correct:

• An open bite
• Overbite
• Crossbite
• Vertical maxillary excess (long face)
• Midface retrusion (sunken midface)

During this procedure, the upper jaw is surgically separated from the skull base and moved forward, upward, or downward as needed. It’s often used to align the bite with the lower jaw and improve facial balance.
 

Lower Jaw Surgery
This technique repositions the mandible (lower jaw) and is used to correct:

• Underbite (mandible too far forward)
• Overbite (mandible too far back
• Facial asymmetry

The lower jaw is split on both sides near the back (near the molars), allowing the surgeon to move the jaw into a new position before securing it with plates and screws.
 

Chin Surgery
Though not technically jaw surgery, genioplasty is sometimes performed alongside orthognathic procedures to correct a weak or prominent chin and improve overall facial harmony. This procedure involves cutting and repositioning the chin bone (rather than using implants), which offers a natural-looking result and can also improve airway function in some cases.
 

Segmental Osteotomy
Segmental osteotomies are smaller, more focused procedures that reposition segments of the jaw rather than the whole bone. These may be used to:

• Adjust the spacing or angles of teeth
• Correct localized deformities
• Aid in aligning the dental arches

This type of surgery is often done in conjunction with other jaw surgeries.
 

Double Jaw Surgery
In cases of severe malocclusion or facial imbalance, both the upper and lower jaws may need correction. Dr. Szutz can perform upper and lower jaw procedures in a single surgery to realign the entire jaw system.

This approach can:

• Correct skeletal discrepancies on both jaws
• Improve airway space for patients with sleep apnea
• Create a more harmonious facial profile

What to Expect From Orthognathic Surgery

Pre-Surgical Phase: Treatment typically begins with orthodontics to align the teeth in preparation for surgery. Our team, led by Dr. Szutz and your orthodontist, will work closely together to create a detailed treatment plan, ensuring a comprehensive approach to your care.
Surgery: Most jaw surgeries are performed under general anesthesia.
Recovery: Initial healing usually takes 2–3 weeks, but full recovery (including bone healing and final bite adjustment) can take several months. Most patients return to normal activities within 6–8 weeks. Swelling, bruising, and a temporary liquid or soft-food diet are expected.
 

Final Results

After Dr. Szutz, in collaboration with your orthodontist or dentist, completes your jaw realignment, you can expect:

• A properly aligned bite
• Improved jaw function
• Better facial symmetry
• Enhanced self-confidence

Surgical correction is a safe, effective, and life-changing solution for patients whose jaw misalignment goes beyond what orthodontics can fix.

If dental or jaw misalignment is negatively impacting your life and braces haven’t helped, jaw surgery may help. Contact Alaska Oral Surgery Group at Alaska Oral Surgery Group Office Phone Number 907-726-1726 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Szutz or ask your dentist or orthodontist for a referral.

Although oral surgery is usually performed on teens and adults, there are times when younger children may have to undergo oral surgery. If your child needs oral surgery due to an injury, an unerupted baby tooth, or a medical condition, their dentist or pediatrician may refer them to our office. It’s natural to worry about what to expect. Dr. Szutz and his staff will work closely with you and your child to ensure the process is as stress-free as possible.

The most common oral surgeries performed on children include:

• Removing baby teeth
• Extraction of unerupted permanent teeth
• Extraction of severely decayed or damaged permanent teeth
• Frenectomy (tongue-tie release)
• Injury or facial trauma

Considerations for Children

When creating a surgical plan, Dr. Szutz considers your child’s physical and emotional development. This includes any anesthesia or sedation options and techniques for ensuring their comfort. He also talks to you, their parent, about any potential anxiety or fear they may experience so that he can minimize these emotions and reassure your child. His goal is to make sure the oral surgery experience is positive and successful.

Preparing Your Child for Dental Surgery

As a parent, your role in preparing your child for surgery is crucial. We will schedule the procedure at your child’s initial oral surgery consultation. Once it is planned, it’s up to you to ensure your child is prepared for a minimally stressful experience. We’ll introduce your child to the staff and let them get acquainted with the office so they are familiar with their surroundings on the day of surgery.

Explain the surgery to your child in a simple, positive way. Avoid using words like “pain” and focus on how the procedure will make them feel better after they recover. You can be honest and tell them they will be uncomfortable after the surgery but focus on the results rather than the procedure itself. Let them know that they will be asleep or relaxed during the oral surgery.

Role-playing as a surgeon and patient can make your child feel more in control. Let them poke around in your mouth and look at your teeth. Switch roles and explain what Dr. Szutz will be doing. Familiarize them with the feeling of the doctor working on their teeth.

Maintaining a positive attitude about your child’s upcoming oral surgery is crucial. Even very young children are intuitive about their parents’ emotions. If you are worried or agitated, they will pick up on it. By staying calm and positive when talking about their surgery, you can empower your child and help them feel more at ease.

Acknowledge your child’s fears. If your child is nervous or worried, let them know their feelings are normal but that we will do everything we can to make them comfortable. Remind them that their surgery is meant to help them.

Create a comforting recovery environment at home. Your child will be groggy and uncomfortable after surgery. Be sure to have a comfortable place for them set up at home with pillows, blankets, and a favorite movie, video, or books. Don’t forget their favorite stuffed animal or doll! Be sure to have some soothing beverages and soft foods approved by our office in the fridge.

Preparing your child for oral surgery makes the process easier for everyone involved. Reducing their fears and anxiety will make the experience less stressful and recovery easier. If you have any questions before or after your child’s oral surgery, the Alaska Oral Surgery Group staff is always available to help. Feel free to call us any time at Alaska Oral Surgery Group Office Phone Number 907-726-1726.

It’s human nature to put off dentist appointments because we don’t want to spend time in the dental chair, but putting off oral surgery can be detrimental to your oral health. The most effective way to avoid painful, complex, and often costly procedures later on is to address issues such as wisdom teeth, jaw misalignment, or cysts and infections early rather than later.
 

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

Many oral health problems begin subtly. You may not feel any pain or notice symptoms until the condition has progressed. Unfortunately, when pain arises, the issue may already require a more involved surgical procedure.

Routine dental checkups and advanced imaging allow us to detect problems early—often before symptoms appear. This proactive approach allows you to correct issues while they are still manageable.
 

Common Conditions That Benefit from Early Oral Surgery

1. Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are one of the most common reasons for oral surgery, and they often cause trouble during the late teens or early twenties. When these teeth don’t have enough room to emerge properly, they become impacted—growing sideways, pressing against adjacent teeth, or remaining trapped under the gums.

If not addressed early, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to:

• Severe pain
• Gum infections
• Cyst formation
• Damage to neighboring teeth

Early removal, ideally before the roots fully develop, is usually simpler, safer, and results in a faster recovery. Waiting too long often leads to more complicated extractions and longer healing times.

2. Jaw Misalignment (Orthognathic Issues)
Jaw misalignment, whether caused by genetics, trauma, or developmental issues, can affect chewing, speaking, breathing, and even facial symmetry. While orthodontics can correct many alignment problems, severe cases may require surgical correction, especially if you delay treatment until later in life. Healing and recovery also take longer as you age, and you may have to take more time off work.

Early diagnosis during childhood or adolescence allows orthodontists to work closely with us to guide jaw development and recommend timely intervention. Corrective jaw surgery in younger patients often leads to more stable and less invasive results compared to adults.

3. Cysts, Tumors, and Infections
Benign cysts or tumors in the jawbone or soft tissues of the mouth can quietly expand, damaging bone and shifting teeth. If left untreated, infections can spread quickly and lead to abscesses, bone loss, or systemic health problems.

Regular dental imaging helps spot these issues early. A minor surgical procedure to remove a small lesion is far easier—and less risky than removing a large, destructive growth later on. We encourage all our patients to see their dentists regularly for checkups. If your dentist sees a cyst or tumor needing surgery, they will refer you to our office. The sooner you schedule your surgery, the more smoothly the procedure is likely to go.
 

The Benefits of Early Surgical Intervention

• Reduced Complexity: Procedures are often shorter and less invasive when performed early.
• Lower Risk of Complications: Early treatment often reduces the chance of infection, nerve damage, and other surgical risks.
• Faster Recovery: Younger, healthier tissues generally heal more quickly, making recovery easier.
• Cost Savings: Preventing extensive damage can save patients significant money in the long run.
• Improved Quality of Life: Timely surgery can alleviate pain, improve function, and enhance appearance, helping you maintain confidence and overall well-being.

Don’t Wait for the Problem to Grow

The mouth is a dynamic environment; small problems can quickly escalate if ignored. Regular dental visits, imaging, and early consultations with our office are key to catching issues before they become emergencies. If your dentist recommends a surgical evaluation, don’t delay—it could make the difference between a simple solution and a major operation.

Early intervention in oral surgery isn’t just about fixing current problems—it’s about preventing future ones. From impacted wisdom teeth to structural jaw concerns, timely treatment can lead to better health outcomes, reduced costs, and a smoother overall experience. If you’re facing a potential oral health issue, act sooner rather than later. Your future self will thank you.

Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure many people undergo during their late teens or early twenties. In Alaska, where access to specialized dental care can be limited, Alaska Oral Surgery Group provides wisdom teeth removal to Anchorage, Eagle River, and Wasilla residents in a single, easily accessible location, ensuring your convenience and peace of mind.

What to Expect During the Extraction Procedure

Wisdom teeth removal is generally an outpatient surgery Dr. Szutz performs at our Anchorage office. The procedure follows the same general steps for most patients:

1. Consultation and Imaging: Before surgery, we take X-rays or digital images to evaluate the position and condition of your wisdom teeth. This helps determine the complexity of the procedure and how Dr. Szutz will approach the extraction process.
2. Anesthesia Options: You’ll discuss anesthesia options, which may include local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on your comfort level and the difficulty of the extraction.
3. The Extraction Process: The surgery itself usually takes 45 minutes to an hour. Dr. Szutz makes small incisions in the gums to access and remove the teeth. Stitches may be used to close the area.
4. Recovery: After the procedure, you’ll be monitored closely by a member of our care team before being sent home to recover. You will need someone to drive you home, as the lingering effects of the anesthesia will make it impossible for you to drive yourself.

Preparing for Wisdom Teeth Removal

Proper preparation can make your recovery easier and more comfortable. Due to Alaska’s unpredictable weather conditions, please be sure to have anything you’ll need during recovery ready before your surgery. Please arrange for your transportation after surgery, as most of our patients choose sedation for wisdom teeth removal.

Before your surgery, stock up on plenty of liquids, including clear broths and non-carbonated beverages. Also, fill your kitchen with soft, easy-to-eat foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, applesauce, and soups to avoid straining your healing gums.

For at least eight hours before your wisdom tooth surgery, do not eat or drink anything if you’re undergoing sedation. Anything in the stomach can increase the risk of nausea and vomiting, leading to aspiration or choking.

Contact your school or employer to let them know you will take some time off for surgery, rest, and recovery. Most patients take 2-3 days off. If your surgery is difficult or there are complications, you may need more time.
 

Recovery and Aftercare

The recovery period typically lasts a few days to a week. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth healing process:

• Manage Swelling and Pain: Apply an ice pack to your face for the first 24 hours and take prescribed pain medication or over-the-counter alternatives as directed.
• Stick to a Soft Diet: Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods that can irritate the surgical site.
• Keep the area Clean: Gently rinse with saltwater starting 24 hours after surgery, but avoid vigorous rinsing or spitting.
• Avoid Smoking or Straws: These can dislodge the blood clot and lead to a painful dry socket.

Unique Considerations for Alaskans

Living in Alaska presents unique challenges regarding wisdom teeth removal, particularly if you live in a remote area and are traveling to Anchorage for wisdom teeth removal. Planning ahead is critical if you will be traveling to any distance for oral surgery. Since travel can be unpredictable in the winter, schedule your wisdom teeth extraction when weather conditions are less likely to disrupt your plans.

If you live in a remote area or are far from a dental office or emergency room, arrange for a family member or friend to stay with you during at least the first 48-72 hours following surgery. They can assist you with food preparation, ensure your comfort, and monitor you for any symptoms of infection or complications.

An alternative is to consider booking a hotel room in Anchorage for the first two to three days after wisdom teeth removal. You can relax and enjoy watching television, catch up on your reading, and enjoy room service just a stone’s throw away from our office in case of a complication.

Dr. Szutz and his team routinely perform wisdom teeth extractions for patients in and around Eagle River, AK  Alaska Oral Surgery Group Office Phone Number 907-726-1726.

Living in Alaska, outdoor activities in cold weather put additional stress on your teeth and gums. Failing to protect your smile when you’re outside can lead to long-term oral health issues. Fortunately, a few simple steps can make a big difference and help you avoid these risks.

Use Lip Balm

Cold air strips away the natural moisture in your lips, leading to chapped, cracked lips. Apply a lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher to prevent sun and wind damage. It may surprise you that your lips can sustain sun damage because of reflected glare from the snow. If your lips become chapped, they are more susceptible to cold sores, fever blisters, and infection.

If you get a canker or cold sore, over-the-counter treatments can be effective. Avoid spicy foods and rinse your mouth regularly with lukewarm saltwater. Let your dentist know as soon as you feel a cold sore as early treatment can minimize the duration of the cold core.  Apply an over-the-counter cream to cold sores.

Drink Warm, Not Hot, Beverages

After a day of cross-country skiing or snowboarding, a warm mug of cocoa, tea, or coffee can bring much-needed comfort. However, it’s important to remember that sudden temperature shifts can be hard on your teeth. Wait a few minutes for your mouth to adjust, then enjoy your warm, not hot, beverage for a comforting experience that won’t damage your teeth.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Alaskan winters are notorious for sucking the moisture out of your skin, but they also dry out your mouth, including sensitive gum tissues. Don’t forget to hydrate your entire body, including your oral cavity and sinuses. Before venturing outside, drink plenty of water. When you are indoors, run a humidifier to hydrate the heated indoor air.

Wear a Mouthguard for Winter Sports

A custom-fitted mouth guard protects your teeth and gums from the brutal cold and potential injuries. While over-the-counter mouthguards are available, they aren’t as effective as a custom-fitted mouthguard designed by your dentist.

See Your Dentist

At Alaska Oral Surgery Group, we are always available to answer your questions about oral health maintenance. Don’t hesitate to contact us at Alaska Oral Surgery Group Office Phone Number 907-726-1726 if you have any questions or concerns about your teeth and protecting them during the colder winter months.

Having your wisdom teeth removed is practically a rite of passage for many teens. While many teenagers must have their third molars extracted because the teeth are impacted, others remove them as a preventative measure. In many cases, these teeth can cause various dental issues, such as overcrowding, misalignment, pain, and infections due to their improper eruption. Therefore, the importance of timely wisdom teeth extraction cannot be overstated. Planning for wisdom teeth extraction in 2024, if necessary, is a proactive step toward maintaining good oral health.

Why Is Timely Wisdom Teeth Extraction Crucial?

Preventing Complications

Wisdom teeth often lack sufficient space to emerge properly, leading to impaction (teeth trapped in the jawbone). This can cause pain, infection, and damage to neighboring teeth. Timely extraction helps prevent these complications.

Orthodontic Issues

If you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment or planning to, extracting wisdom teeth can prevent unwanted shifting of aligned teeth due to the pressure exerted by incoming wisdom teeth. You don’t want all the time and money spent on braces or clear aligners to be undone by wisdom teeth coming in unexpectedly.

Reducing the Risk of Future Health Problems

 Infections or cyst formations around impacted wisdom teeth can lead to more significant health issues. Infection in the jawbone can invade the bloodstream and be carried to other parts of the body, including the heart, and lead to serious illness. Extracting wisdom teeth promptly minimizes these risks.

Easier Healing

Teenagers tend to heal quicker and with fewer complications after oral surgeries like wisdom tooth extraction. Planning this procedure in 2024 allows recovery without interfering with significant life events or commitments.

Preventing Emergency Complications

Wisdom teeth can sometimes cause sudden, severe pain or infections. Having them removed before such emergencies occur can save you from unexpected discomfort and unplanned urgent dental visits. A sudden dental emergency while your child is away at college or is busy with high school classes and extracurriculars can be upsetting. Missed classes and events are a result no one wants.

Dental implants are the gold standard of teeth replacement options and are successful over 95% of the time. However, complications can arise. Some are short-term problems that can be addressed without removing the implants. Other issues may lead to implant failure that requires having the implants removed. If you experience any problem with a dental implant, it’s crucial to notify our office immediately. The sooner we address the issue, the more likely we will be able to save your implants so you can continue to enjoy a healthy smile.

Infection

Infection at the implant site is known as peri-implantitis, a severe gum infection caused by bacterial infection around the implant. Peri-implantitis causes inflammation, redness, and pain in the gum tissue. Over time, the implants loosen, gum pockets form, and gums bleed.

Treatment for mild infections includes professional cleaning, antibiotics, and improved oral care at home. If the infection is severe, we may also have to decontaminate the implant’s surface and use guided tissue regeneration to encourage reattachment of the jawbone to the implant. This is a minor surgical procedure done in our office.

Nerve or Tissue Damage

Nerve or tissue damage may be caused by infection, surgical trauma when implants are placed, or implant misplacement. The result may be a lack of sensation, pain, burning, or tingling in the lips, tongue, or cheek around the implant site. For many patients, nerve damage is temporary and fades over several weeks or months. If we believe your nerve or tissue damage is temporary, we will monitor it closely to track its progress.

If nerve or tissue damage persists, there are several treatment options available, including:

• Medications to relieve pain and reduce inflammation may be prescribed.
• If motor function is damaged, we may recommend physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve coordination.
• Surgical intervention is reserved for the most severe cases of nerve damage. Nerve repair or grafting procedures can reconnect or replace permanently damaged nerves.
• Dental implant removal may be the only option when all other avenues have failed.

Sinus Problems

Patients with upper jaw dental implants may develop sinus issues, including sinusitis, if the implant penetrates the sinus floor during placement or if there isn’t enough bone between the sinus opening and the implant. Several sinus symptoms may be caused by dental implants, including:

• Chronic nasal congestion.
• Discomfort or pressure in the sinuses.
• Sinus headaches.
• Postnasal drip.
• Symptoms of a recurring sinus infection, such as facial pain, tenderness, and yellowish nasal discharge.

If your sinus problems may be connected to dental implants, we will perform a detailed exam and take X-rays or a CT scan of your sinuses to assess your condition. If the discomfort and infection are mild, over-the-counter medication or prescription antibiotics may be all that is needed.

Sinus lift surgery is performed if an implant has fully penetrated the sinus floor or there isn’t enough bone to hold the implant in place without affecting the sinus opening. Implant removal and repositioning are also an option in severe cases. In this situation, the implant has to be temporarily removed and the infection controlled with antibiotics before it is replaced.

Allergic Reactions

Although rare, some individuals may have an allergic reaction to titanium, the material most commonly used in fabricating dental implants. An allergic reaction can cause pain, inflammation, a rash, and itching around the implant site. A patient may break out in hives or experience breathing difficulties in severe allergic reactions. If you have a severe reaction, seek emergency medical care immediately.

If an allergy is suspected, we will perform tests to confirm the diagnosis. Once we’ve received confirmation, we remove the implants and continue treating the allergy symptoms. Antihistamines and corticosteroids may be used to alleviate your discomfort. If you are still interested in getting implants, we can explore other options, such as zirconia implants, which do not contain any metal.

Contact Our Office If You Have Dental Implant Problems

Problems with dental implants are rare but should always be addressed as soon as possible to minimize your comfort and maximize our chances of saving the implants and avoiding having to remove them. If your implants are bothering you or you have questions, be sure to contact us at Alaska Oral Surgery Group Office Phone Number 907-726-1726.

Dental implants can change your life in many ways, including better oral health, a gorgeous smile, and the chance to eat all the foods you love. With today’s innovative surgical techniques, implant surgery has a success rate of well over 95 percent. Although implant failure is rare, it can happen. Dental implant failure can happen at any time. For some patients, implant failure occurs shortly after surgery, while for others, it occurs years down the road. Knowing the signs of a failed dental implant is crucial if you’ve had dental implant surgery.

Extreme Pain

We don’t mean the mild to moderate pain you experience in the first few days following surgery. Feeling discomfort in the first week after dental implants are placed is normal. This type of pain can be controlled with medication and ice packs. Pain that lasts longer and comes in unrelenting, throbbing waves usually indicates infection and a failed dental implant. Contact our office immediately for an evaluation of your implants if you are still experiencing pain after the first week and it is increasing.

Difficulty Eating or Chewing

Successful implants should make eating and chewing feel like using your natural teeth. If you develop a problem with eating or chewing, it may be a sign of a failed implant. Patients sometimes say biting down feels like having a toothache from a cavity. When eating or chewing becomes uncomfortable, something is wrong, and we need to check your implants.

Receding Gums

If your crowns look unusually long or you can see any abutment or implant, the gums are receding around your implant. The two most common causes of recession are inadequate jawbone and gum support for the implant or a poorly placed implant. In either case, receding gums usually lead to inflammation and pain.

Swollen Gums

Minor swelling for the first few days after implant surgery is normal. Puffy, tender gums that last longer than a week or that develop later may indicate infection, particularly if the swelling and redness worsen. Any infection connected to failed dental implants should be treated as quickly as possible to prevent it from spreading to the rest of the mouth or the bloodstream.

Allergic Reaction

In very rare situations, your body may reject a titanium implant due to a metal allergy. You may feel pain, tingling, burning, itching, swelling, or hives. In severe cases, you may develop chills or a fever. Patients can develop an allergy and reject an implant years after placement. If you suspect a metal allergy is contributing to a failed dental implant, it is crucial to treat the allergy and remove the implant.

Alaska Oral Surgery Group Can Help

Whenever you have an implant issue, contacting our office at Alaska Oral Surgery Group Office Phone Number 907-726-1726 should be your first step. We are experienced in treating and restoring failed dental implants. In many cases, we can treat the infection, correct the problem, and restore the implant so that you can continue to enjoy a complete set of functional, attractive teeth that last a lifetime.

Individuals who need to replace missing teeth may not be sure whether implant-supported dentures or traditional dentures are the right option. Each type of denture has its advantages and disadvantages, which you should compare when deciding between the two. Here are some pros and cons to consider for traditional and implant-supported dentures.

 Traditional Dentures

Pros

1. Cost-Effective: Traditional dentures are generally more affordable than implant-supported dentures, although the cost of maintenance over time should also be considered.
2. Non-Invasive: The process of getting traditional dentures is less invasive compared to implants, as it doesn’t involve surgery.
3. Adaptable: Traditional dentures are an excellent option for individuals with insufficient bone for implants, particularly if they are not candidates for bone grafting or do not want to undergo invasive surgery.

Cons

1. Stability: Traditional dentures can sometimes be less stable, leading to issues with slippage or movement while eating or speaking.
2. Bone Resorption: Over time, wearing traditional dentures can contribute to bone loss in the jaw due to lack of stimulation, which might affect fit and comfort. Bone resorption also leads to sunken facial features, which can lead to a prematurely aged appearance.
3. Maintenance: Regular adjustments and relining might be necessary as the jaw shape changes, affecting the fit of the dentures.
4. Inconvenience: Traditional dentures must be removed at night and to clean them. You need to soak them overnight, clean them with special cleansers, and make sure they don’t dry out, crack, or break.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Pros

1. Enhanced Stability: Implant-supported dentures are more stable and secure. They’re anchored to the jawbone through dental implants fused to the surrounding bone. Because the implants become integrated with the jawbone like natural tooth roots, there is no movement or slippage of the dentures.
2. Preservation of Jawbone: Dental implants stimulate the surrounding jawbone, preventing bone loss by mimicking the function of natural teeth roots. The facial contours are preserved, avoiding the prematurely aged appearance often seen in individuals wearing dentures for long periods.
3. Improved Functionality: Implant-supported dentures offer better chewing efficiency and feel more natural than traditional dentures.
4. Easy Care: Implant-supported dentures are cared for like natural teeth. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups are all that are needed to keep them functioning properly and looking great.

Cons

1. Cost: Implant-supported dentures are typically more expensive due to the surgery required for implant placement.
2. Surgical Procedure: The dental implants must be surgically placed in the jawbone. This surgery might not be suitable for individuals with certain health conditions or those averse to surgical procedures.
3. Healing Time: The treatment process for implant-supported dentures takes longer, requiring time for the implants to integrate with the bone before the dentures can be attached. Getting implant-supported dentures requires a time commitment of several months from the consultation to complete healing.

Ultimately, the choice between traditional and implant-supported dentures depends on various factors such as budget, oral health, bone structure, and personal preferences. If you are considering either option for replacing your missing teeth, Dr. Szutz is happy to answer any questions you may have. The first step is calling the Alaska Oral Surgery Group at Alaska Oral Surgery Group Office Phone Number 907-726-1726 to schedule a consultation.