Wagner Oral Surgeon & Dental Implant Specialists

After having a tooth pulled or any other dental surgery, there are a number of things you would want to do or to avoid doing to facilitate faster healing. It is important to keep in mind that the area will be tender for a while, and that a blood clot will form on the extraction site. The following should help with recovery:

Immediately After Having Your Tooth Pulled

Dental surgery uses local anesthesia and this will make your mouth, in particular your tongue, lips and cheek numb. You should therefore avoid drinking hot beverages immediately. You should also avoid rinsing your mouth for up to 12 hours. If you do so, this may remove the blood clot and may result in bleeding and pain.Swelling after having a tooth pulled is normal. You can reduce the swelling using an ice bag. Apply the ice bag to the affected area as soon as possible, and hold for as long as 10 minutes. Immediately the anesthesia wears off, you will experience pain at the extraction site. Therefore, you should also take pain relief medication right away. Simple over the counter painkillers like ibuprofen should do. But it is important to check with your dentist and to take them precisely as prescribed.

When at Home

After surgery, it is best to keep activity at a minimum. You should avoid exercise for 12 to 24 hours and get adequate rest, preferably with your head above the level of your feet. Avoid activities that require heavy lifting or bending. If possible keep your head up by sleeping on more than one pillow at night.

Brushing Your Teeth

You should take caution when brushing your teeth to avoid dislodging the clot. As much as you need to brush your teeth to keep the teeth and the gums clean and prevent infection, brush the extraction site gently. Do not spit forcefully.

Eating After Having A Tooth Pulled

Soft food and liquid diets are ideal after having a tooth pulled. To prevent irritation, avoid hot and spicy foods. As pressure could dislodge the clot, avoid sucking and drinking from straws. You should also avoid chewing on the area or chewing the cheeks. Do not prod the extraction site with your fingers or with your tongue. Keep away from smoking and drinking alcohol until the tooth heals. Alcohol could delay the healing process, while the pressure from smoking can dislodge the clot.

Bleeding

If the area bleeds, rinse the mouth with warm water and wipe the area with a clean gauze pad or handkerchief. With the gauze positioned on the extraction site, apply pressure to the socket by closing your jaws tightly together for about 30 minutes. During bleeding, blood mixes with saliva in the mouth, giving the impression of excessive blood. Because of this, you should change the gauze after about 30 minutes. Minor bleeding for the first day or two after having the tooth pulled is normal.

If the bleeding and pain is severe, especially 2 to 4 hours after having your tooth pulled, then you should consult your dentist. You should also see your dentist if you notice any prolonged numbing after surgery, by up to 6 hours, fever, nausea, vomiting or excessive pain.

Healing after getting a tooth pulled can take as long as 3 weeks. For oral surgery-related information, contact Wagner Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Specialists at (262) 634-4646 today.

You have to feel for teeth, the amount of biting, gnashing, chewing, grinding – they take a battering over a lifetime. But with the proper oral health care regime throughout your life, you can keep them looking good for longer. The truth is your teeth change with age and you should have a different regime to the one you had when you were younger.

Does Oral Health Change When We Get Older?

A common misconception is that teeth become more brittle with age – they don’t according to the American Dental Association. However they may become darker due to the aging and thickening of the teeth’s middle layer (dentin). While this happens the tooth enamel on your teeth also thins allowing for the darker color to come through. The teeth also become discolored from food, coffee and smoking stains. Gums may recede and there may be some shrinkage of the bone around the teeth, which can lead to root sensitivity.

Aging teeth should be cleaned at least twice daily in a good oral health care regime. The aim is to remove the plaque and food debris from in-between the teeth and around the margins of the gums. All surfaces of the teeth should be brushed working on two teeth at a time. Be aware of any loose teeth or decay that needs attention. Flossing is particularly important for older adults because they are at increased risk for gum disease.

Daily flossing can also help stop your gums receding. If you have trouble with flossing, try an electric flosser to help remove food particles. Spongy floss is another option that works well to fully fill the gaps between the teeth and remove any food present. Careful examination should also be given to lips, tongue for sores or unusual bleeding.

Oral Health Care

Comprehensive oral health care remains important as you age and catching any problems before they develop is a good way to approach it. For those with stained teeth, whitening toothpastes are a good option to combat unsightly stains. Care should be given to the brand you choose, as some are less sensitive on the teeth as others. If sensitivity becomes a problem, fluoride rinses can help as can the myriad of sensitivity countering toothpastes on the market.

You should also take steps at avoiding gingivitis. A recent report from the Health Care Research Centre and Proctor & Gamble, a manufacturer of oral health care products, claimed the intensified mechanical oral hygiene’ – brushing and flossing – combined with an antibacterial mouth rinse on plaque, had the effect of reducing and preventing gingivitis.

The purpose of the report was to investigate the effects of different product combinations of brushing, pasting, rinsing, and flossing on the prevention of plaque growth and gingivitis. In its conclusions, it suggested that plaque was reduced when therapeutic rinses were combined with manual brushing opposed to using a brush and rinse alone. Most of our dentists support the findings in recommending a regimen that includes thorough brushing and flossing combined with a fluoride rinse.

For a consultation, call Wagner Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Specialists at (262) 634-4646 today — we’ll take excellent care of you.

Oral surgery has played a large role in ancient and modern-day societies alike. Over the years, oral surgery has helped improve the oral health and quality of life of communities around the world. As oral surgeons and dental implant specialists, we believe it is important to revisit the crucial role our industry has played in an effort to appreciate the advances we have made.

Oral Surgery: The Origins

Ancient Oral Surgery

You may be surprised to learn that oral surgery has roots that trace all the way back to between 500-300 BCE, when historians found writings from Hippocrates and Aristotle discussing the practice of everything from tooth extraction to wired jaws and teeth. Later in 1210 CE, a group of barbers in France formed a group of surgeons that were separated by advanced and less advanced surgeries. This group acted as one of the earliest known oral surgery organizations.

Oral Surgery During the Middle Ages

During the Middle Ages (14th Century CE), there were no dentists. Instead, there were experts who performed oral surgery. There was no formal training, but rather skills and techniques were shared and passed on to individuals who had the aptitude and hand skills necessary.  They were usually scientists who studied the body and disease processes.  During that time period there were no preventative care measures in place.  Typically, the only solution to dental disease was to remove the problem teeth through tooth extraction, one of the earliest forms of oral surgery. This was done to get rid of the pain that patients experienced.  A forcep-like device was used to remove teeth. Anesthesia  was either absent or consisted of alcohol consumption to dull the effects. Needless to say, the early years of oral surgery were archaic.

The Industrial Revolution brought about further advancements in science and surgical technique.  People became more urban and schools developed to teach science.  In 1840 the American Society of Dental Surgeons was founded.

The Continual Evolution of Oral Surgery

From here, oral surgery continued to grow progressively.  The 1900’s showed great advances in industry and science.  The World Wars and the surgical care for battlefield injuries brought about dramatic advancements in surgical technique and anesthesia. Most of the modern techniques came out of the lessons of that era coupled with the great scientific advancements since World War II. Although the oral surgery field has made many improvements, the constant improvement in materials, methods and nanotechnology hold great promise. What will the future bring?

A more stable and brighter smile!

For oral surgery-related information, contact Wagner Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Specialists at (262) 634-4646 today.

 The dental and oral surgery profession is known for their generosity and  talent on medical missions. However, worldwide, there is still a huge need for these specialists’ skills. A great way for dentists and oral surgeons to help find solutions to the world’s ongoing dental crisis is to become involved in medical missions. At Wagner Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Specialists, we are dedicated to helping improve dental hygiene across the globe. The solution? Medical missions.

Need for Oral Surgeons in Medical Mission Trips

A medical mission is comprised of healthcare professionals, which sometimes includes a group of dental and oral surgery specialists.Together, these individuals travel from one foreign country to another. However, oral surgery medical missions are not always international.

Generally, these medical missions are approximately one week in duration, although some trips involve longer commitments. While these medical missions are generally supported and organized by fraternal or religious organizations, there are also non-religious medical mission organizations that partake in these activities. Each year, approximately two million oral surgeons and dental professionals participate in dental medical missions in North America. There is still a huge demand for oral surgeons’ expertise outside of our own country, though.

Developing Countries in Need of Medical Missions

Healthcare in developing nations is quite different from that of developed countries. In these countries there is almost always a shortage of well-trained healthcare professionals. Basic necessities, such as electricity, supplies facilities, equipment, and sometimes water, are limited, which makes oral health care even more scarce.

To put things in perspective, consider the fact that “Almost 100 percent of the rural population and a vast majority of the poor population living in urban areas of underdeveloped nations have absolutely no dental care. This translates into billions of people,” reported an industry authority. Because of this, it is more important than ever for oral surgeons and other industry professionals to step up and get involved in medical missions.

Many oral surgeons would be horrified to discover the outdated oral surgery practices employed in these remote areas of the world. “In rural areas, where there is no dental care at all, infected teeth are extracted with the help of pliers or twine, without the luxury of local anesthesia. There is no such thing as pain killers or freezing of tissue before extraction. It is always a case of extraction, surgery or extreme crisis situation,” explained a source.

Oral Surgeons, Join Medical Missions Today.

Things do not have to be this way. With the involvement of you and your fellow oral surgeons on medical missions, you can make the world a healthier place, one smile at a time. What may seem like the most basic oral surgery procedure has the potential to make a huge difference in the lives of those less fortunate. In the matter of weeks, your services on medical mission trips could change a community for the better.

To learn more about our involvement in medical missions, contact Wagner Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Specialists at (262) 634-4646 today.

Unless you have personally encountered an oral cyst, you may not know much about them. In an effort to maintain good oral health, it is important to be aware of the different symptoms and types of cysts. Wagner Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Specialists is an expert in oral care. For information about the signs and different types of oral cysts, make sure to read this important information.

Oral Cyst Symptoms

• Development of lumps or liquid-filled pockets in or around your mouth

• Acute tooth pain

• Infection

• Difficulty swallowing and chewing

• Continued soreness of the throat

These are some of the telltale signs that you could be suffering from an oral cyst. Most often, oral cysts are noncancerous and can be treated through oral surgery. When it comes to your oral health, it is always better to air on the side of caution, though. If you are exhibiting any of these signs, make a call to your oral surgeon as soon as possible.

Oral Cyst Types

If you are concerned that you have an oral cyst, the next step is identifying which type of oral cyst you have. There a number of different oral cysts, so it is important to make the distinction.

Dentigerous

This is a common type of cyst, as it is induced by the impact of wisdom teeth. Although these cysts themselves do not usually cause any pain, it is important to address them. Left untreated, they can actually move surrounding teeth out of their proper placement.

Odontogenic

This type of cyst typically surfaces in the jawbone, causing an unnatural bulge to appear. When it comes to treatment, removal is usually recommended since these cysts can be damaging over time, causing the weakening and sometimes fracturing of surrounding teeth and jawbone.

Periapical

Unlike the other types of oral cysts, these can be very painful. These fluid-filled sacs form from an infection in the pulp area of teeth. To determine what action needs to be taken, you should visit an oral specialist immediately. 

Mucocele

The last type of cyst is usually caused by excessive injury or irritation to the mouth. As a result, these mucus-filled pouches typically rupture over time. If these oral cysts fail to heal over time, a quick visit to the dentist, where the cyst can be drained, will usually do the trick.

As oral surgeons, we are concerned about your oral care. If you are showing signs of any of these oral cysts, it is important to receive a dental consultation as soon as possible. In the event that your oral cyst results in the need for oral surgery, look no further than Wagner Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Specialists. For information about oral cyst treatment, contact us at (262) 634-4646 today.

Avulsed (knocked out) teeth can result from a number of circumstances. Typically, sports-related injuries and other facial trauma are the root of avulsed teeth. People aren’t usually expecting this type of facial trauma, so it’s best to be prepared. At Wagner Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Specialists, we care about your oral health. Avulsed teeth often result in oral surgery. Thankfully, there are some steps that can be taken after this oral trauma occurs that can help things go as smooth as possible.

Locate Teeth

In the unfortunate event that your teeth are knocked out, it’s essential that you try to locate your teeth. If there is a clean break, teeth can sometimes be salvaged and re-attached through an oral surgery procedure. Although you may feel panicked in this situation, teeth must be handled properly or else they can be further damaged. They key? “After the accident, the tooth should be located and picked up by the crown or enamel portion and NOT the root,” experts advise. The appropriate handling of teeth increases a patient’s chance of successful oral surgery.

Clean and Transfer

If teeth are recovered from the ground or other unclean surfaces, it is critical that they are cleansed in water or milk. And while knocked out teeth can be safely stored in milk, HBSS, saline, or saliva, they are not to be stored in water, report oral care specialists.

Timely Manner

If you hope to re-implant your teeth successfully, time is of the essence. Researchers recommend that teeth be re-implanted anywhere between 5 and 20 minutes after they were removed. If teeth have been safely stored in a proper substance, some experts believe teeth can be re-implanted up to an hour after their premature removal.

Whether avulsed teeth have been recovered or not, it’s essential that patients act quickly and visit an oral surgery specialist sooner than later. Doing so will allow  for damage to be assessed and a well-thought plan to be formulated. Alternatives like dental implants and other oral surgery procedures may be a better fit for some patients, too. Don’t take chances when it comes to your oral health; visit an oral surgery specialist ASAP. Need to schedule an oral surgery consultation? Call Wagner Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Specialists today at (262) 634-4646.

Wagner Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Specialists understands that nobody wants to undergo oral surgery this summer, so we created a list that informs consumers about what food and beverages they can enjoy this summer. The great thing about this list? You guessed it. These foods and beverages help promote healthy oral care. Oral surgery prevention begins with good oral health. If you want healthy teeth, feel free to indulge in items on our list this summer.

Fruit

Tis the season for fresh fruit. Sadly, many people avoid fruit because of its high, sometimes tooth-damaging, sugar levels. Although it’s true that a lot of fruit does have high sugar content, not all fruit is harmful to your oral health. Crunchier produce is better for your teeth. Surprisingly, these fruits have a higher water content, something WebMD said is better for your teeth, because it dilutes high sugar concentrations. So, when it comes to fruit, opt for firmer options. And, no, this does not mean dried fruit, a serious oral health offender.

Meat

It’s officially grilling season. When it comes to your oral health, rest assured that those burgers, hot dogs, and other smoked meats won’t damage your smile. In fact, oral care experts believe that meat helps protect your teeth. WebMD explained how saying, “These foods are thought to protect tooth enamel by providing the calcium and phosphorus needed to remineralize teeth (a natural process by which minerals are redeposited in tooth enamel after being removed by acids).”

Cheese & Milk

Want to add some cheese on that burger? Go ahead. Your teeth will be better off if you splurge. For similar reasons as meat, cheese is believed to help promote healthy oral care. And if you want something to wash down that burger, opt for a glass of milk. Just like cheese, milk assists with the remineralization of teeth. Don’t forget that fluoridated water is always a healthy, smile-friendly beverage choice, too.

Now that you know what foods are best to put on your plate this summer, you’re ready to get the grill fired up and indulge in a summer barbeque. To maintain good oral care, make sure to avoid food and beverages mentioned in our previous blogs. Need an oral surgery consultation? Call Wagner Oral Surgery and Dental Specialists at (262) 634-4646 today.

One of the leading reasons for tooth extraction is tooth decay. There are many instances when tooth extraction could have been avoided had there been less severe tooth decay. So, just how can you help prevent tooth decay and tooth extraction? Start by removing tooth decay-inducing beverages from your diet.

Bad Beverages

Soda

Chances are you’ve heard how bad soda is for your health, but do you know just how bad these sugar-infused beverages are for your teeth? Sorry, soda lovers. It’s conclusive – soda is pretty bad for your teeth. “Acids and acidic sugar byproducts in soft drinks soften tooth enamel, contributing to the formation of cavities. In extreme cases, softer enamel combined with improper brushing, grinding of the teeth or other conditions can lead to tooth loss,” reported an oral care industry leader. And parents, be warned. Soda is even worse for kids’ teeth, as their teeth are still developing throughout the early stages of life. When it comes to tooth decay, soda is a big contributor. No kid wants to endure a tooth extraction, so leave soda off of the menu.

Sports Drinks

Many people think of sports drinks as health-promoting beverages. Although there are some good things inside of these drinks, there’s a lot of sugar inside of these beverages, too. Many of them are even more acidic than soda. Sports drinks’ high sugar content also makes them tooth decay offenders. When it comes to sports drinks, try to limit your intake. Next time you’re thirsty after a workout, consider opting for water instead of one of these sugary drinks — your teeth will thank you!

Alcohol

Consuming alcohol causes a reduction in saliva production. The result? A decrease in saliva removes natural buffers against food remnants and acids. The removal of these natural protectants can cause a slew of issues, resulting in anything from tooth decay to an increased chance of mouth and throat cancer. So, needless to say, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol isn’t good for you oral health.

Alcohol, sports drinks, and soda can all promote tooth decay, a leading cause for tooth extraction. Tooth decay can be painful and often results in professional tooth extraction. When it comes to tooth extraction, we’re experts. For a consultation, call Wagner Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Specialists at (262) 634-4646 today — we’ll take excellent care of you.

When it comes to picking the right oral surgeon, there is no such thing as being too careful. At Wagner Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Specialists, we understand how critical this first step in the oral surgery process is. But what should you look for in an oral surgeon and how do you know if it’s the right fit? To make your decision-making process easier, we’ve provided a list of a couple of things to look for when selecting an oral surgeon.

Expertise

Oral surgery is a big investment, so it’s important that you select the best oral surgeon possible. Expertise should be one of your top reasons for selecting a surgeon. At Wagner Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Specialists, our oral surgeon is very experienced in all aspects of oral surgery. Dr. Wagner is an expert in all things relating to oral surgery. What makes him so special, though?

Dr. Wagner is an intravenous anesthesia aficionado. We know how important this aspect of oral surgery is, so we see to it that our patients’ vitals are monitored throughout their entire anesthesia procedure and that they are made comfortable before, during, and after their treatment. And when it comes to cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Wagner is extremely qualified. His extensive experience with dental implants, bone regeneration, and other cosmetic dentistry procedures makes him the perfect fit for any patient.

Environment

Where an oral surgeon chooses to practice medicine says a lot about their character. After all, it’s essential that patients receive quality care and enjoy the creature comforts of only the finest practices. To ensure that his patients have the best experience possible, Dr. Wagner opened his own practice that’s complete with a caring and knowledgeable staff, a comfortable, Wi-Fi-equipped waiting room, and the latest, cutting edge technology. Together, these elements create a superior patient experience.

When it comes to choosing an oral surgeon, don’t settle for anything less than the absolute best. Remember, the combination of expertise and a good environment should be some of the main reasons you select your oral surgeon. Searching for the right oral surgeon to get the job done? Look no further than Dr. Wagner. To schedule an appointment, call us at (262) 634-4646 today.

Oral surgery can seem like a big deal to children. At Wagner Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Specialists we are experts in oral surgery, so we try to make every procedure painless and as smooth as possible. If your child needs oral surgery, it’s essential that you help them through their procedure. Unsure where to start? We have some helpful tips that will aid you throughout your child’s oral surgery process.

Consultation

Every procedure entails an initial exam consultation. Here, we provide a thorough explanation of a patient’s diagnosis and our surgery plan. This part of the process can be difficult for your child to understand, so as a parent, it’s helpful for you to do some research and explain the procedure to your child in a non-threatening and easy-to-understand way. Doing so is essential, because it’s critical that your child knows what to expect before heading into their  procedure.

Introduction 

The initial patient consultation is also when we introduce our staff. We believe this is important, because it allows us to make a connection with our patients before oral surgery. We want your child to feel comfortable with our friendly and experienced staff, so this orientation process is a must! Parents, note that this is also a time for us to learn about your child’s medical history. If your child has any existing health issues, please inform our staff at this time.

*For a complete list of information about what materials to bring to this consultation, visit our website.

Pre-Surgery Discussions

Typically, a procedure will be scheduled for a different day than the preliminary consultation. Once you’ve scheduled your child’s procedure, keep the discussion going. Make sure your child knows what to expect before, during, and after oral surgery. If your child has any reservations about their treatment, this is the time to address those issues. As a parent, do your best to console your child and put their mind at ease.

Surgery

While your child is in surgery, please feel free to ask our staff any questions you have about your child’s procedure or post-surgery aftercare. Your child will need your care after surgery, so it’s important to make sure you’re prepared to do so.

Post-Operative Care

Our specialists will provide you with post-surgery instructions that are specific to your child’s oral surgery procedure. During the recovery stage, it’s essential that you follow the instructions carefully. For more information about post-operative care, visit our website. Have a specific question? Don’t hesitate to call us with your questions — we’re here to help our patients and their families through the healing process.

Indulge

Once your child is on the road to recovery, do something nice for them. Sometimes a special treat that lets them know you’re proud of their bravery during surgery is very meaningful.

At Wagner Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Specialists, we understand that oral surgery can be a big deal for a child. It doesn’t have to be, though. If you follow these tips and leave the oral surgery to us, this experience is sure to be a good one! Need to schedule a consultation? Call us today at  (262) 634-4646.