Dental implants are widely recognized as the gold standard for restoring a smile after tooth loss. At Goliad Dental Care, we’re proud to offer a specialized service called immediate implant placement. If you’ve been told you need a tooth extraction, this advanced option could save you time and streamline your treatment process.

What Is Immediate Implant Placement?

Immediate implant placement is when the dentist places a dental implant in the jawbone during the same appointment as a tooth extraction. Instead of waiting several months for the extraction site to heal before placing an implant, we can perform both steps in one visit.

This approach is ideal for patients who:

• Have fractured teeth or teeth that cannot be saved
• Do not have active infections or abscesses at the extraction site
• Have sufficient bone density to support the implant

Benefits of Immediate Implant Placement

Immediate implant placement offers several advantages, including:

1. Faster Treatment Timeline: Traditional dental implant placement requires a healing period of several months between the extraction and implant placement. With immediate implant placement, you can shorten your overall treatment time significantly.
2. Preservation of Bone Structure: Placing an implant immediately after an extraction helps prevent the bone loss that often occurs in the months following tooth removal, maintaining the natural shape of your jawline.
3. Convenience: By combining the extraction and implant placement into one appointment, you save time and reduce the number of visits to the dental office.
4. Improved Aesthetics: For visible teeth, we can often provide a temporary crown to maintain the appearance of your smile while the implant heals.

What to Expect During Your Appointment

At Goliad Dental Care, your comfort and safety are our top priorities. Here’s what you can expect during an immediate implant placement appointment:

1. Evaluation and Planning: Before your appointment, we’ll use advanced imaging technology to assess your jawbone and determine if immediate implant placement is the right option for you.
2. Tooth Extraction: The procedure begins with gently removing the damaged tooth. We take great care to minimize discomfort and preserve as much bone as possible. Sedation options, including free nitrous oxide and IV sedation, are available to make you more relaxed and comfortable.
3. Implant Placement: Once Dr. Oliva removes the tooth, he carefully inserts the dental implant into the extraction site. A temporary crown may be placed to protect the implant and maintain your smile’s appearance.
4. Healing and Follow-Up: The implant will need time to integrate with your jawbone, a process called osseointegration. We’ll provide detailed instructions for care and schedule follow-up visits to monitor your progress.

Are You a Candidate for Immediate Implant Placement?

Not every patient is a candidate for immediate implant placement. Factors such as infection, bone density, and overall oral health play a role in determining suitability. During your consultation at Goliad Dental Care, we’ll discuss your options and create a personalized treatment plan to meet your needs.

Why Choose Goliad Dental Care?

Our experienced team is committed to providing the highest quality care using the latest techniques and technology. We understand how important your smile is to your confidence and overall well-being, and we’re here to help you achieve the best possible results.

If you’re facing a tooth extraction and want to explore the possibility of immediate implant placement, contact Goliad Dental Care today to schedule your consultation. Let us help you restore your smile and return to living your life confidently!

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Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last to emerge in your mouth, typically in your late teens or early twenties. While some wisdom teeth come in without issue, many experience complications due to impacted wisdom teeth. At Goliad Dental Care, we’re here to help you understand and manage this common dental issue.

What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?

Impacted wisdom teeth occur when these molars don’t have enough space to emerge or grow properly. They may grow at an angle, press against neighboring teeth, or remain trapped under the gum tissue. This misalignment can lead to discomfort and potential oral health problems if left untreated.

Common Causes of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

• Lack of Space: The most common cause is insufficient room in the jaw to accommodate the additional teeth.
• Growth Angle: Wisdom teeth can grow sideways, backward, or at an awkward angle.
• Genetics: Some people are more prone to impaction due to hereditary factors.

Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Not all impacted wisdom teeth cause symptoms, but when they do, you may experience:

• Pain or swelling in the back of your mouth
• Tender, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Difficulty opening your mouth
• Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste
• Jaw pain or stiffness
• Headaches

If you notice these symptoms, scheduling an evaluation with Goliad Dental Care is essential.

Why Impacted Wisdom Teeth Are a Concern

Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to a range of oral health issues, including:

• Crowding: They may push against neighboring teeth, causing misalignment.
• Infections: Partially erupted wisdom teeth can create pockets where bacteria thrive, leading to gum infections or abscesses.
• Tooth Decay: It’s harder to clean impacted teeth, increasing the risk of cavities.
• Cyst Formation: In rare cases, a sac around the impacted tooth can fill with fluid and form a cyst, potentially damaging the jawbone or nearby teeth.

Diagnosis and Treatment

At Goliad Dental Care, we diagnose impacted wisdom teeth through a thorough oral examination and dental X-rays to assess their position and potential impact on oral health.

Treatment Options:

1. Monitoring: If your impacted wisdom teeth aren’t causing symptoms, we may recommend regular monitoring.
2. Extraction: In most cases, removal is the best option to prevent or address complications. Wisdom tooth extraction is a common procedure performed with precision and care to minimize discomfort.

Recovery After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Recovery typically takes a few days, and our team will provide detailed aftercare instructions, including:

• Resting and avoiding strenuous activity
• Using ice packs to reduce swelling
• Eating soft foods and staying hydrated
• Following prescribed pain management as needed

Schedule Your Wisdom Tooth Evaluation

While you can’t prevent wisdom tooth impaction, regular dental checkups allow us to monitor their growth and intervene early if necessary. Good oral hygiene and routine X-rays help us stay ahead of potential issues.

If you suspect you have impacted wisdom teeth or are experiencing symptoms, Goliad Dental Care is here to help. Our experienced team will evaluate your situation and recommend the best course of action to protect your oral health.

Don’t let impacted wisdom teeth cause unnecessary discomfort—schedule your appointment with Goliad Dental Care today!

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For many people, a trip to the dentist is a source of anxiety. Whether it’s fear of pain, sensitivity to dental tools, or a previous bad experience, dental anxiety can prevent patients from receiving the care they need. That’s where IV sedation comes in. At Goliad Dental Care, we’re committed to making your visit as comfortable and stress-free as possible, and IV sedation is one of the tools we use to achieve that.

What Is IV Sedation?

IV sedation, also known as intravenous sedation, involves administering a sedative directly into your bloodstream through a small needle in your arm or hand. This method allows the sedative to take effect quickly, helping you feel deeply relaxed during your procedure.

Unlike general anesthesia, IV sedation doesn’t render you unconscious. Instead, you’ll be in a twilight state where you’re deeply relaxed and likely to have little or no memory of the procedure. This makes it ideal for patients who want to avoid the risks of general anesthesia while still achieving maximum comfort.

Who Can Benefit from IV Sedation?

IV sedation is an excellent option for patients who:

• Experience Dental Anxiety
• Have a Low Pain Tolerance
• Require Lengthy or Complex Procedures
• Have a Cognitive Disability

What to Expect with IV Sedation

Here’s how the process works:

1. Consultation: During your initial visit, we’ll review your medical history, discuss your needs, and determine if IV sedation is the right option for you.
2. Preparation: On the day of your procedure, we’ll place a small IV catheter in your arm or hand to administer the sedative.
3. Relaxation: You’ll feel calm and drowsy once the sedative takes effect. You’ll still be able to respond to verbal cues but will likely have little to no memory of the procedure afterward.
4. Recovery: After the procedure, you’ll need someone to drive you home, as the effects of sedation can linger for a few hours.

Is IV Sedation Safe?

Yes, IV sedation is a safe and effective option when administered by trained professionals. Dr. Oliva has specialized training and certifications in sedation dentistry. Our team will monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure to ensure your safety and comfort.

Benefits of IV Sedation

• Reduced Anxiety: Patients report feeling at ease before and during the procedure.
• Time Efficiency: Complex treatments can often be completed in one session, reducing the number of visits needed.
• Improved Dental Care: With anxiety removed, patients are more likely to receive the necessary care.
• Comfortable Recovery: Many patients have little or no memory of the procedure, reducing stress about future visits.

Take the Fear Out of Dentistry

At Goliad Dental Care, we understand dental anxiety can make trips to the dentist daunting and are here to help. IV sedation allows us to provide high-quality care while ensuring your comfort every step of the way. If you’ve been delaying your dental care due to fear or anxiety, schedule a consultation today to learn more about how IV sedation can transform your experience. Let us help you achieve a healthy smile without the stress.

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