Bone Grafting

Welcome to the world of oral health and surgery! At Lompoc Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in Lompoc, CA, led by the esteemed Dr. Lanzon, we’re excited to delve into the fascinating realm of bone grafting. In this educational and conversational article, we’ll take you on a journey to understand bone grafting, its importance, and how it can enhance your dental health. Let’s embark on this insightful adventure together.

Understanding Bone Grafting

Bone grafting might sound complex, but it’s a vital procedure that can improve your oral health significantly. It involves the transplantation of bone tissue to repair or regenerate damaged bones. At Lompoc Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we perform bone grafting with precision and expertise, helping our patients regain their smiles and oral function.

Why Bone Grafting Matters

  • Enhancing Bone Density: Bone grafting is often recommended to address bone loss due to tooth extraction or gum disease. By restoring bone density, it provides a solid foundation for dental implants.
  • Supporting Dental Implants: If you’re considering dental implants to replace missing teeth, bone grafting is frequently a necessary step. It ensures your jawbone is strong enough to support the implants securely.
  • Improving Facial Aesthetics: Bone loss can lead to facial sagging and premature aging. Bone grafting not only restores functionality but also enhances your facial structure and aesthetics.

The Bone Grafting Procedure

Now, let’s dive into the details of how bone grafting is performed:

  • Consultation: It all begins with a consultation at our Lompoc, CA office, where Dr. Lanzon will assess your oral health and discuss your specific needs.
  • Preparation: Local anesthesia is administered to ensure a comfortable and pain-free experience. Dr. Lanzon then makes a small incision in the area where bone grafting is required.
  • Graft Placement: The bone graft material, often sourced from your body, a donor, or synthetic options, is placed at the targeted site. This graft serves as a scaffold for your natural bone to grow and integrate with it over time.
  • Healing and Integration: Over the following months, your body works its magic. New bone cells gradually replace the graft material, creating a strong and stable foundation for future dental procedures.

The Benefits of Choosing Lompoc Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

When you opt for bone grafting at our practice, you’re not just getting a procedure; you’re benefiting from:

  • Expertise: Dr. Lanzon, our seasoned oral and maxillofacial surgeon, has a wealth of experience in performing bone grafting procedures. You can trust your oral health in his capable hands.
  • State-of-the-Art Technology: We use cutting-edge technology and techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.
  • Personalized Care: Your unique needs and concerns are our top priority. We work closely with you to create a customized treatment plan tailored to your situation.
  • Reputation: Our reputation in Lompoc, CA, is built on trust and excellence. We take pride in our successful bone grafting procedures and satisfied patients.

Conclusion

Bone grafting is a remarkable procedure that can transform your oral health and aesthetics. At Lompoc Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we are committed to providing the highest level of care to our patients in Lompoc, CA. Dr. Lanzon and our team are here to guide you through this journey towards a healthier, more beautiful smile. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, don’t hesitate to call us at (805) 735-3665. Your dental health is our priority, and we’re here to help you achieve the smile you deserve.

Gum Disease

Gum disease or periodontal disease is when you have inflammation of the gums. Gum disease breaks down the tissue around our teeth and gums, and if not treated can lead to tooth loss. In recent studies doctors have looked at the correlation between gum disease and heart disease. Heart disease is when the blood vessels around the heart are narrow or blocked.

What Is the Correlation Between Gum Disease and Heart Disease?

According to a research study in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, people who treated their gum disease had less cardiovascular issues compared to other people that did not seek oral treatment. This indicates that gum disease does affect our heart health. Other studies have found that there is a direct link between our oral health and our heart health. Gum disease can increase a person’s risk of heart disease by 20 percent. The inflammation in the gums can cause narrowing of the arteries, and can result in heart conditions.


Gum disease is also linked to other conditions if not treated. These conditions include respiratory disease such as pneumonia, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoporosis. If you have diabetes, research suggests that you may have a greater chance of developing gum disease in the future. This is due to the inflammation and the risk of infection.

How Can We Help?

At Lompoc OMS, we focus on prevention and help patients take control of their oral health. If you notice inflammation of the gums, and think you may have gum disease, we encourage you to call our office. Gum disease can progress and lead to unstable teeth, or even tooth loss if not treated.

 

Taking care of your oral health is important because the health of your mouth is directly linked to your overall health.  Our team has years of experience in treating gum disease, and we give patients advice on how to take care of their teeth and gums at home. Practicing good oral hygiene is important as well as attending your regular visits to our office. Dental exams can ensure your gums look healthy, and allow our team to get in front of any issues before gum disease develops.

Ready to Schedule Your Appointment?

If you are due for your regular dental exam and cleaning, or are concerned you may have gum disease, contact Lompoc OMS, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you. We provide honest and quality dental care you can trust, and we look forward to you joining our dental family.

Periodontal Pockets

If you notice your gums are inflamed or receding, you may be wondering what procedures are available to help shrink periodontal pockets. When gums are loose and no longer fit snug around your teeth, this can cause bacteria and plaque to collect underneath the gums. This can cause severe damage to your gums and teeth, and if not treated can result in unstable teeth, or even tooth loss.

 

At this point brushing and flossing can not reach the bacteria that is deep down in the infected pockets of your gums, and you need to contact a periodontist. There are a few different procedures available to help shrink or fix periodontal pockets and prevent bacteria or plaque from collecting in the future.

What Treatments Are Available to Treat Periodontal Pockets?

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing helps to deep clean in and around the periodontal pockets. This procedure removes the plaque and bacteria on the tooth and underneath the gum line. Scaling and root planing helps to shrink periodontal pockets and can heal gum tissue. This treatment prevents further infection, and keeps your teeth and gums looking and feeling great. After scaling and root planing most patients notice their gums recede less, and they are restored.

Gingival Flap Surgery

Gingival flap surgery is when the gum tissue is folded back and the diseased tissue is removed. The gum is then secured back into place, and the area is smoothed out to prevent bacteria from entering in the future.

Gingivectomy

This procedure removes overgrown tissue around your teeth by cutting it away. This can help patients clean their teeth easier, and stops bacteria from collecting in the gums.

Gingivoplasty

A gingivoplasty procedure helps to reshape gum tissue around the teeth. During this procedure gum grafts can be used, and stitched into place where the gums have receded.

 

The treatment needed will depend on the severity of the patient’s periodontal pockets. During our consultation process we perform a detailed evaluation and develop a customized treatment plan. Our doctors will discuss the recommended treatment, and talk to the patient about all of their options to treat their periodontal pockets. Treating gum disease is very important, and can save you a lot of trouble in the future.

 

At Lompoc OMS, we have years of experience in periodontics, and love to help patients restore their gums and smile. Let our team help you take that first step towards healthier gums with one of our periodontal gum treatments.

Interested in Finding Out More About Periodontal Pocket Treatment Options?

If you are interested in finding out how periodontal pocket treatments can benefit you, please contact Lompoc OMS, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

Oral health is extremely important for many reasons. If patients suffer from gum disease, cavities, or bad breath this can cause issues with your teeth and mouth. Our mouths are a pathway for bacteria to enter the body. The bacteria are able to enter the blood stream, and this can also cause infection or inflammation in other parts of our body. Taking good care of your teeth and mouth can keep your body healthy, and can also help avoid serious issues in the future.

At Lompoc Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in Lompoc, CA, we encourage our patients to practice good oral hygiene habits at home. We also promote overall health and wellness. Our team cares about each patient, and keeping up with your oral health not only can keep your teeth and mouth feeling great, but your body feeling great also.

What Problems Can Occur From Poor Oral Health?

Respiratory Infections

If you have infected or inflamed gums that bacteria can transfer into the lungs. This can lead to respiratory infections, pneumonia, or even bronchitis.

Dementia

Inflamed gums can release substances that are harmful to our brain cells. This can lead to memory loss that is a result of bacteria spreading to the nerves.

Cardiovascular Disease

If you have poor oral health you are at risk for cardiovascular disease. The bacteria from the infected gums enters the bloodstream, and can cause the arteries to build up plaque. This can put you at risk for a heart attack.

Prostate Problems

If men suffer from periodontal disease they may have prostatitis. This condition causes irritation and other prostate related problems.

Diabetes

Diabetics are more likely to have infected gums over those that do not have diabetes. This can make diabetes difficult to control due to unregulated blood sugar levels. Gum disease can lead to higher blood sugar levels and this can put a person at risk for developing diabetes.

Infertility

Poor oral health and infertility in women are linked. If a woman suffers from gum disease this can lead to issues with infertility, and may make it difficult for a woman to conceive or have a healthy pregnancy.

Cancer

Poor oral health can put patients at risk for kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer, or blood cancer. In addition if patients smoke or use tobacco products this can lead to oral or throat cancers.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

People who have gum disease are more likely to have Rheumatoid Arthritis. The bacteria in our mouths can increase inflammation in the body, and this increases the risk for developing Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is a health problem that affects the kidneys, heart, bones, and blood pressure. Periodontal disease can lead to kidney disease. Patients with gum disease typically have weaker immune systems, and this can make them susceptible to infection. Many patients that have poor oral health also have kidney disease, and this can lead to kidney failure if not treated.

How Can I Prevent These Health Issues?

In order to prevent serious health issues caused by bad oral health habits you must take care of your oral health. Scheduling regular dental exams in our office can help keep your teeth and gums clean, and get in front of any issues before they arise. Dr. Lanzon’s friendly Cypress dental team always put our patients first, and complete a thorough exam of your teeth and mouth to ensure everything is looking and feeling great. If we do have concerns, we will discuss those with you and develop a customized treatment plan to take care of any issues right away.

Tips for Good Oral Hygiene

  • Brush and floss your teeth daily
  • Avoid smoking or using any tobacco products
  • Use mouthwash that contains fluoride
  • Try and stay away from food and drinks that contain lots of sugar
  • Eat a well-balanced diet
  • Exercise and take care of your overall health

If you take care of your oral health, you take care of your body. Good oral hygiene can help prevent problems such as gingivitis or periodontal disease, as well as prevent more serious health issues in your body.

Looking for a Family Dentist Near You?

At Lompoc Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we provide the highest level of dental care for patients of all ages. We welcome all new patients, and use state of the art technology to ensure our patients have an exceptional experience when visiting our office. If you are looking for a dentist near you, contact our dental office in Lompoc, CA to schedule your next dental exam and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you!

Dental Implants are the next best thing to having your real teeth. In fact, it may be even better as it can improve your overall look. In the past, we didn’t have the technology we do today where we can actually replace your real teeth with implants made of surgical-grade titanium that can last a lifetime.

 

However, such a process is considered minor surgery and with any surgical procedure, it is important to know what to expect after it is completed. One question often asked is: “is swelling normal after an implant procedure?” We would like to address this here to let you know all about swelling after implants and when you should contact a medical professional for help.

Is Swelling Normal After an Implant Procedure?

When fluid builds up in the tissues, it will produce swelling. Some swelling after dental implant surgery is expected as it is how the body responds to injury or trauma. Along with swelling, bruising may also occur as it is another way some people respond to injections and incisions.

Therefore, some swelling and even bruising around the jaws, mouth, eyes, cheeks, and sides of the face is normal after an implant procedure. The extent of swelling depends on how many implants you had and how much your body reacts to the procedure as some people tend to experience more discoloration and inflammation than others.

 

However, these after-effects will usually get worse before getting better, peaking around the 2nd or 3rd day than will gradually diminish until completely gone several days later.

How to Reduce Swelling after Implants

Here are some things you can do to make the swelling go down faster after dental implants:

Reduce activity

Try to stay relaxed for the first few days to reduce the amount of swelling.

Keep your head elevated

Plop your head up against a few fluffy pillows to keep the swelling down.

Apply ice packs to the area

Keep on for 20 minutes, then off for 20 minutes and repeat this process as needed for up to 72 hours then heat may be more soothing to the area.

Take anti-inflammatory medications

Medications like ibuprofen and Naproxen are known to reduce swelling.

When Should I Contact A Doctor?

Note any changes during recovery and especially evaluate your level of discomfort and swelling. Once the swelling starts to subside, after 2 to 3 days, it should not increase again. However, if it does, is excessive, or you are feeling excruciating pain, contact your doctor immediately. These may just be signs of infection, for which your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.


Note: These suggestions are not meant to supersede your dentist’s guidelines, which you should always follow first.

Looking for Oral Surgery Options Near You?

If you think you need a dental implants or are looking for oral surgery treatments in Lompoc, CA, don’t hesitate to contact us today! Our team looks forward to assisting you. 

An underbite is when the lower teeth extend outward, and do not align properly with the upper teeth. This is referred to a “malocclusion” and can be mild or in some cases severe. When a child has an underbite most likely treatment is needed because the underbite causes difficulty biting or chewing food, affects a child’s speech, and may cause pain because the jaw is not properly aligned. Getting in front of any issues early on helps to prevent serious issues in the future. If needed, a detailed customized treatment plan is created to treat patients that suffer from an underbite. 

What Are the Common Causes of an Underbite?

  • Pacifier use after 3 years of age
  • Long term bottle feeding
  • Thumb sucking
  • Tongue pushing on the teeth
  • Genetics can play a role if another family member also had an underbite
  • Jaw Injury can cause an underbite
  • Tumors on the jawbones can cause the jaw to protrude

What Are The Treatment Options if Your Child Has an Underbite?

Treating an underbite is beneficial and will help to make your teeth easier to clean, and prevent decay or gum disease. If your child has pain due to their jaw being misaligned, treatment will help to relieve these symptoms. Patients that have an underbite must brush very carefully along the gum line to ensure all areas are reached.

Medical treatment may be needed to correct an underbite. Braces or dental appliances can be used in some cases to help move the jaw into place. For severe cases that cannot be corrected with braces or a dental device, oral surgery may be recommended.

What is Underbite Jaw Surgery and What Are the Advantages?

Underbite jaw surgery is a surgical procedure that is done to realign the jaws. This surgery helps to restore jaw functionality, and make chewing and speaking easier. Surgery helps to relieve any pain or obstructed breathing, and prevent further damage to the teeth or gums. The goal is to create the best dental bite, and restore the jaw to function properly. After surgery orthodontic treatment is typically recommended and some customized treatment plans can be made for each patient.

Looking for Oral Surgery Options Near You?

If you are interested in finding out more about jaw surgery in Lompoc, CA our team is here to help. At LOMPOC Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, our patients are always in good hands as we provide the highest level of care. We are the preferred oral surgery specialists near you and always welcome new patients to our office!

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a way to replace just one or multiple missing teeth using a permanent and high-quality restoration. Implants can last for 20 to 30 years, with some patients having implants that laser longer than just two decades. Implants are incredibly beneficial because they don’t require other teeth to be compromised just to replace one or two at a time. The implants themselves are made out of surgical-grade titanium, so they’re safely used within the human body. You can use implants to replace one missing tooth at a time, keep a bridge in place and even keep a denture securely in the mouth.

Who’s a good candidate for Dental Implants?

In order for implants to heal correctly, you need to have healthy and solid bone structure. The implant post will naturally fuse with this bone in about three to six months after the procedure has been done. For this reason, you may need a bone grafting prior to the implant procedure if you suffer from bone loss. You should ideally be healthy enough to undergo oral surgery and have the ability to heal after the procedure is finished. Most patients who want implants and who are interested in the procedure are good candidates to have the work done.

"Dr. McAninch is the best!!! I didn't even feel a thing during my extractions! He was very gentle and caring! I didn't even have to take pain meds after the surgery!"

Who’s a good candidate for Bone Grafting?

To determine if you’ll need a bone grafting done, you’ll come into our office for a consultation and exam. We will take x-rays and other special images to determine if bone loss is present and to what extent it currently is. Bone loss is incredibly common, so it’s an issue that you need not worry about. Bone grafting is safe and effective, and it can create a more structured surface for other procedures.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are made with surgical-safe titanium and are used to replace one or multiple missing teeth. They can be used to replace just a single tooth as well as keep a full denture securely in place. Implants have become the go-to option for replacing missing dentition because they do not compromise surrounding teeth. They are safe, effective and are long-lasting when compared to other options available.

"Couldn't ask for a better team of people. Dr. McAnnich and his team are wonderful and do an amazing job. Thanks a lot guys for the great work on my mouth. Totally recommend 100% for oral surgery, etc.. Much love!"

How long will Dental Implants last?

On average, you can expect dental implants to last anywhere from 20 to 30 years. However, it’s not uncommon to have implants last for longer than this if they’re well taken care of. How well you care for the implants and the health of your bone will have a great effect on how long the implants actually last. Because implants fuse with the natural bone of your jaw, they can become loose if bone loss occurs. Likewise, improper oral hygiene can affect the health of your gums, which can cause infections around the implant and eventual bone loss. Implants can withstand a lot of pressure and force, so you won’t need to baby them and deal with routine adjustment appointments like with other procedures. We are committed to offering you high-quality implants that will last for decades and provide you with the smile you’ve always wanted to have.

How to maintain your Dental Implants

The best way for you to maintain your dental implants is with routine dental appointments. These appointments allow us to check the health of your implants and to ensure they’re secure and fitting properly. In the rare event that they become loose or break, they can either be restored or replaced fully. If bone loss is present, we may suggest a bone grafting to ensure that the implant has a solid structure to bond with over the course of several months. Otherwise, you can expect your dental implants to last for decades without needing to worry or deal with them. Once those implants have completely fused with the bone of your jaw, they’re there to stay permanently and won’t need to be replaced or repaired.

If you are interested in dental implants and want to come in for an appointment, call our office today and we will help to answer your questions.