Wisdom teeth surgery can be a scary proposition for many young patients who have never undergone IV anesthesia or any type of surgery. At Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we encourage our patients to have confidence that all will be okay and that the removal of their wisdom teeth will be easier than anticipated. Our board-certified oral surgeons at NWOMS are highly trained and experienced in the administration of anesthesia and the extraction of wisdom teeth. To make the whole process go as smoothly as possible, we recommend the following:

Arrive at the oral surgeon’s office on time and with an empty stomach! If you didn’t follow pre-op instructions regarding food and drink, you will not be able to have surgery. Many people, including your caregiver and surgeon, will be disappointed, to say the least!

Your surgical assistant and surgeon will prepare you for surgery and will administer your intravenous anesthesia. Before you know it, you will be asleep and your wisdom teeth will be removed.

While you recover in the operatory, you will be closely monitored by your surgical assistant. Meanwhile, your surgeon will visit with your parent(s)/caregiver and review post-op instructions. Soon, you will be released, wheeled to your car and on your way home.

Once you are home, it is time to rest and recover. When lying down, keep your head elevated. Apply ice packs to your face. You can use a zip-top bag filled with ice, gel ice packs or even bags of frozen peas and corn. Apply the ice packs for 30 minutes at a time with a 10-minute break in between application.

Change the gauze out every hour as long as there is bleeding.

Follow your surgeon’s instructions for pain medication. Numbness will wear off within 6 to 10 hours. You may only need to take ibuprofen for the pain. Or you may need the stronger narcotic. Keep in mind that the narcotic may cause nausea and vomiting, especially when taken on an empty stomach.

You will probably be a little hungry, too. Drink cool liquids such as apple juice, Gatorade or water. (Don’t drink from straw, though.) Once liquids are tolerated, you can enjoy some soft food such as jello, pudding or ice cream. Strive to eat and drink normally to prevent dehydration and loss of energy.

Brush teeth as you normally would, but be careful around the surgical sites. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water about 5 or 6 times a day.

On Day 3, you can begin to use moist heat (a warm, damp towel) to help with swelling.

Refrain from strenuous physical activity for about 5 to 7 days post-op. This includes football, cheer, dance and band practice/performance. We will give you a doctor’s note to excuse you from participation.

Refer to the specific post-op instructions that were included in your take-home bag. Call your surgeon’s office if you have any questions or concerns. See below for what is normal and what is not:

Normal:

• Bleeding that can be controlled
• Swelling and bruising
• Dry and/or numb lips and stiff jaw muscle
• Nausea and vomiting
• Slight elevation of temperature
• Lightheadedness or dizziness

Concern:

• Uncontrolled bleeding
• No gradual improvement
• Persistence of pain
• Worsening of swelling

We look forward to seeing you at Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. Visit texasoralsurgery.com for even more information!

Welcome to Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery! We are dedicated to providing compassionate care and ensuring your safety during every procedure. Proper wisdom tooth surgery preparation is crucial for minimizing risks and promoting a smooth recovery. If you or a loved one is getting ready for wisdom tooth removal, follow our detailed guidelines to ensure a safe and successful experience.

Why is Preparation Important for Wisdom Tooth Surgery?

Getting ready for wisdom tooth surgery is essential for your safety and recovery. Proper preparation reduces risks and helps you recover faster, so be sure to follow these steps carefully.

1. No Eating or Drinking After Midnight

   • Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery. This is crucial for your safety, especially when anesthesia is involved. Having food in your stomach increases the risk of regurgitation, which can lead to airway obstruction—a serious complication that you don’t want to risk.

2. Be Transparent About Medications

   • Let your oral surgeon know about any over-the-counter or prescription medications you’re taking. Full transparency will help us avoid any unsafe interactions with anesthesia during your procedure.

3. Disclose Any Drug or Alcohol Use

   • Be honest about your recreational drug and alcohol use. A body accustomed to these substances can present unique challenges when undergoing surgery. Being upfront helps us take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety.

4. Avoid Smoking or Vaping Before Surgery

   • Do not smoke or vape for at least 12 hours before your surgery. Even better, use this as an opportunity to quit altogether for better overall health.

5. Prepare Your Recovery Space at Home

   • Your recovery will require rest, so get your home ready in advance. Charge your tablet, gather your favorite entertainment options, and prepare your bed or couch with plenty of pillows. You’ll be spending a couple of days recovering after the surgery, so make sure you’re comfortable.

6. Stock Up on Soft Foods

   • After surgery, you’ll need to stick to a soft-food diet. Stock your fridge with ice cream, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and other soft foods that are easy to eat and won’t irritate your surgical area.

7. Wear Comfortable Clothing

   • On the day of your surgery, wear comfortable clothing such as sweatpants and a t-shirt. Avoid wearing contact lenses; instead, opt for glasses.

8. Simple Personal Care Tips for Surgery Day

   • We recommend keeping things simple on surgery day by tying your hair back and avoiding nail polish, jewelry, and makeup. These items aren’t necessary during the procedure, and keeping it minimal helps ensure a smooth experience.

9. Bring a Parent or Guardian

   • You will not be able to drive yourself home after the surgery, so bring a parent or guardian with you. They must remain in the office throughout the procedure.

10. Leave Your Phone with Your Parent or Guardian

    • When the surgical assistant calls you back for the procedure, turn off your phone and hand it to your parent or guardian. You won’t need it during the surgery, and you’ll survive the short separation!

Questions? Contact Us!

If you have any additional questions about your upcoming wisdom tooth surgery, don’t hesitate to contact our office. Visit our website for location information, or get in touch with your surgeon directly. We’re here to help!

Is it time to have your wisdom teeth removed?

A board-certified oral surgeon is the most qualified dental professional to perform the surgery.

Wisdom teeth are your third molars, and you definitely do not need them. They can cause many problems including crowding and shifting of your straight teeth. Having your wisdom teeth removed when you are young is generally less complicated making recovery easier.

Call today to make an appointment for your consultation and x-ray.  Once you have your consultation and decide the best course of action, you can schedule your surgery.  Our summer schedules fill up fast, so don’t wait! Contact one of our 5 participating locations* to schedule your free wisdom teeth consultation with one of our 6 participating doctors*.

*Offer good through June 30, 2017 at any of our participating locations. Participating locations and doctors include:

• Dr. Justin Liska at our Conroe location
• Dr. Clark, Dr. Unterman and Dr. Hoffman at our Technology Forest location
• Dr. Repa at our Sterling Ridge location
• Dr. Williams at our Louetta location
• Dr. Hoffman and Dr. Liska at our Huntsville location

“As with any surgery…it is essential that patients, as key members of their healthcare team, take an active role in their treatment choices and ask the following questions before selecting a dental specialist and office for their procedure…”

Having oral surgery? Click here for a list of questions from Texas Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons on What to Ask Before Your Dental Surgery.

We strive to provide the highest possible patient care here at Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and we are always pleased when we hear from our patients that we were able to exceed their expectations. Here’s a wonderful testimonial from one of Dr. Williams’ patients that illustrates the level of care we strive for with each patient.

We get it! Oral surgery isn’t fun. It’s no “walk in the park.” And while we can’t guarantee that it will be “easy as pie,” we can promise that you will be cared for by highly trained and experienced Board Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons in a safe surgical environment. And when it is all said and done, your recovery will likely be expeditious and uneventful.

Your dentist may have offered to extract your wisdom teeth, to place dental implants, or perform other oral surgeries for you. How easy would that be? After all, your dentist is qualified to perform some dental surgery as part of his/her dental training. But, why would you agree to allow your general dentist to perform oral surgery? Consider this. Would you agree to let your family practitioner set a broken leg? Would you ask a handyman to rewire your entire electrical system in your home? It’s doubtful. Chances are that you would seek out a specialist to perform these functions. Oral surgery shouldn’t be any different. An oral & maxillofacial surgeon focuses solely on surgical procedures to treat his patients. He or she has the highest credentials, surgical skills, education, experience and judgment to perform a safe and successful procedure.

At Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, our oral surgeons are board-certified by the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. Board certification is attained through years of dental school, residency, board examination and continuing education and is the marker that he/she has achieved the highest standards in the profession. And unlike a general dentist, Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons are qualified and certified to administer IV anesthesia which allows for a comfortable surgical procedure in most cases.

So before you ask your dentist to perform surgical procedures, check us out at Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. We have eight surgeons, six office locations, and we accept most major dental insurances. Feel free to contact us through the website or call the office that is most convenient to you. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Dwyer | Clark | Repa | Williams | Unterman | Lalani | Hoffman* | Liska*

*Board certification anticipated in Summer 2018.

If your wisdom teeth are starting to cause pain it’s probably time to have them looked at. There are a few reasons why your wisdom teeth might be hurting you, and the majority of those reasons indicate that wisdom teeth removal is needed.

Most people have their wisdom teeth removed because they simply don’t have room to grow in without becoming impacted or shifting other teeth. No matter the reason, wisdom teeth rarely cause pain unless there is something wrong.

5 Causes of Wisdom Tooth Pain:

• Growing Pains: If your wisdom teeth are hurting, it could simply be them growing in. When they break through the gums it can cause pain, slight swelling and soreness.
• Cavity: Due to lack of space, wisdom teeth often grow in very close to neighboring teeth. This tight space is hard to clean making it a prime spot for cavities to form.
• Impacted Tooth: If a wisdom tooth becomes impacted it can cause swelling, pain when chewing or biting, pain in the jaw and difficulty opening your mouth.
• Cyst Development: When a wisdom tooth is impacted a cyst can form at the impacted tooth’s follicle causing pain (and damage) in the tooth and jawbone.
• Gum Disease: Gum disease is more likely to form on wisdom teeth because their location and lack of space make them harder to clean.

Here are some ways to relieve pain from wisdom teeth:

Wisdom Teeth Removal: Having your wisdom teeth removed is the best way to fix any wisdom tooth related issues and prevent any future problems. However, if your wisdom teeth are already causing you pain, you’ll need to ease the pain naturally until your appointment rolls around.

Cold Compress/Ice: A cold compress or ice pack can help temporarily dull the ache in your jaw.

Ibuprofen/Aspirin: An anti-inflammatory, like ibuprofen or aspirin, will help control the pain. Just make sure you don’t take more than the recommended daily dosage.

Benzocaine: There are many different brands of mouth numbing gels made of benzocaine. You can use any benzocaine agent to dull the pain in your gums, even Baby Orajel.

If you think you are experiencing pain from your wisdom teeth you should schedule an appointment to have them checked out as soon as possible. Wisdom teeth removal is the best way to cure and prevent any wisdom tooth related oral health problems. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or visit our website at www.texasoralsurgery.com.

Dr. David Hoffman and Dr. Justin Liska join growing practice

Dr. David Hoffman

The Woodlands, TX – 8.2.16 – Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery proudly announces the addition of two new surgeons at its growing practice. Dr. David Hoffman and Dr. Justin Liska recently joined the staff, which now includes nine surgeons practicing at six area locations.

“We couldn’t be more pleased about the addition of these two surgeons,” said Dr. Stephen Dwyer of the Conroe location. Both surgeons recently completed their

Dr. Justin Liska

oral and maxillofacial surgery residencies and are trained, experienced and equipped to practice the full scope of their specialty, which includes wisdom teeth extractions, dental implant placement, oral pathology and orthognathic surgeries.

Dr. Justin Liska, a native Houstonian and graduate of Texas A&M, will practice in Conroe with Dr. Dwyer. Dr. David Hoffman, a graduate of The University of Notre Dame and the University of Kentucky, will practice in The Woodlands – Technology Forest with Dr. M. James Clark and Dr. Brian Unterman.

“With the addition of two new surgeons, patients will have more options and flexibility when scheduling consultations or surgical procedures,” explains Dr. Clark. Historically, Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery has closed at noon on Wednesdays. With the addition of Dr. Hoffman and Dr. Liska, the Conroe and Technology Forest offices will remain open on Wednesday afternoons to accommodate its patients’ busy schedules.

About Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery works closely and cooperatively with referring general dentists, orthodontists and prosthodontists to ensure the most successful outcome of a surgical treatment plan. For more information about Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. Justin Liska and Dr. David Hoffman, please visit texasoralsurgery.com.

Dr. Zahid Lalani – Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Facial Trauma Team

Following a tragic event and traumatic injury, the proximity and availability of a trauma center can greatly affect patient outcome.  In the greater Houston area, there are currently two level I trauma centers – Memorial Hermann Red Duke Trauma Institute and Ben Taub Hospital. A level I trauma center provides total care for every aspect of the most serious injuries from prevention to rehabilitation.  The center is required to have in-house 24-hour trauma surgeons and a staff of specialists and sub specialists on call.   Many times critical patients will be transferred to a level I center from a level II, III or IV center or emergency room; thus, increasing the time lapsed before appropriate care is administered.

In response to the growing need for a higher-level trauma care in the communities north of the Texas Medical Center, Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital, previously a level III trauma center, has begun providing services to patients as a level II trauma center since summer 2015. As a level II trauma center, Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital will provide 24-hour immediate coverage by general surgeons as well as by specialists in orthopedics, neurosurgery, anesthesiology, emergency medicine, radiology and critical care.  In addition, there are sub-specialists on-call who are required to respond to an emergency within a stringent time frame.  The goal is to provide immediate and comprehensive care to trauma patients and reduce the burden on level I trauma centers.

The American College of Surgeons recommends that an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon be a member of a level I or II trauma team. Dr. Zahid Lalani, a board certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon practicing with Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, spearheaded the formation of the facial trauma team with Dr. Bryan Correa, a board certified plastic surgeon.  In addition, Dr. Lalani has assumed the responsibility of the on-call Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital providing treatment for all types of traumatic facial injuries.  “I am pleased to be a part of the expanded team of affiliated physicians covering facial trauma call at the hospital. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are one of the most qualified specialists to handle serious and complex trauma to the face and jaw.  Treatment of facial trauma and reconstructing deformities is my passion. It makes a huge difference for patients when you help them get their identity back after an injury.” Dr. Lalani was elected a Fellow of the American Academy of Craniomaxillofacial Surgeons, having been nominated by his peers in the country for this honor.

For more information about trauma care at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands, visit trauma.memorialhermann.org.  For more information about Zahid Lalani, D.D.S., PhD, M.B.A., please visit texasoralsurgery.com.

A healthy smile should last a lifetime, but, well…. sometimes that smile needs a little help. For various reasons, many people end up with a missing tooth (or teeth). Not only can a missing tooth cause embarrassment, but it can also lead to long-term health issues. Fortunately, there are procedures, such as dental implants, that can bring back that beautiful smile.

Dental implants have a dramatic, positive affect on a patient’s life. Not only does the simple procedure brighten his or her appearance, it can also drastically improve their overall quality of life.

Unlike other dental procedures, an implant replaces the tooth root, not just the crown. The bone bonds to the implant, provides a solid foundation for chewing that looks natural. The implant is permanent and designed to last a lifetime.

In fact, there are many advantages of dental implants including:

Increased confidence – many people are self conscious when missing a tooth, but once it’s “fixed” their confidence and self esteem rises

Improved chewing ability – a dental implant attaches to the root, making chewing and biting easier. Patients can enjoy their favorite foods again!

Improved appearance – this simple, single procedure is one of the most dramatic ways to improve a person’s appearance

Keep surrounding teeth healthy – the teeth around the “missing” tooth won’t suffer

Easy to care for – implants are permanent, and require the same care as your regular teeth

Permanent – dental implants are permanent and designed to last a lifetime. Once implanted, you don’t have to think about them!

Improve long-term health – dental implants reduce the risk of periodontal disease and other oral infections. They also keep the jaw bone healthy (the jaw bone can actually shrink over time when teeth are missing!).

If you or someone you love is missing a tooth – or teeth – dental implants can make a huge difference in the overall quality of life. To learn more or for a consultation to determine if an implant is the right solution for you, contact Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery today.