Dr. Eric Lomas is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon dedicated to patient care. He earned his DDS from Creighton University and completed his Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residency at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. With experience in major hospital systems and a commitment to compassionate care, Dr. Lomas brings expertise and a patient-first approach to AMOS. Outside of work, he enjoys outdoor activities with his family.
The amount of time needed to perform wisdom tooth extractions varies from patient to patient, as everyone’s wisdom teeth are different. In many cases, an uncomplicated extraction of all four third molars can be performed in less than an hour. Removing wisdom teeth is usually done as an outpatient procedure using intravenous conscious sedation (IVCS) in an oral and maxillofacial surgeon’s office.
While it is possible for wisdom teeth to erupt problem free, their position in the mouth is in an area that is challenging to clean and makes it difficult for many patients to maintain proper health of the teeth and associated gum tissue.
Even fully erupted and healthy wisdom teeth require regular professional cleanings, annual checkups, and periodic x-rays.
Wisdom teeth are impacted if they do not have the room to grow in naturally or are unable to erupt through the gums. Impacted or fully erupted wisdom teeth may need to be extracted due to periodontal disease, gum infections, damage to adjacent teeth, or if a cyst or tumor forms.
Ideally, wisdom teeth should be removed before they cause any problems and when root development is 30 to 50% complete. This usually occurs between the ages of 15 to 18.
After getting your wisdom teeth out, it takes a while for healing to take place. Rest the day of surgery and avoid using a straw for at least 5-7 days. Strenuous activity should be avoided for at least a week after surgery. Patients should also take care to brush their teeth gently, avoid any vigorous rinsing, and avoid smoking during the healing process. Although full tooth extraction healing can take up to 8 weeks, many patients are able to resume normal activities the day after surgery and can return to a normal life within a week or two.
After getting your wisdom teeth removed, you should start with water to see if your stomach can tolerate the re-introduction of nourishment. Once water is tolerated, you can advance your diet as tolerated, slowly working your way up to more solid foods, while avoiding foods that are hard, spicy, or difficult to chew. It’s smart to plan what to eat after wisdom tooth removal before the procedure and to have those foods on hand during your recovery.
Alveolar osteitis, commonly called dry socket, is a surgical condition that can occur after having a tooth extracted. A dry socket happens when the blood clot is dislodged from the site of a tooth extraction, exposing the bone and the nerves. This can result in significant discomfort. To lower the risk of dry socket and avoid symptoms, refrain from vigorous rinsing in the mouth, gently brush near the extraction site, and do not use a straw for at least 5-7 days. If you are a smoker, stop smoking before surgery, and avoid it during your recovery.
Wisdom teeth do not grow back after they are removed, but it is possible for a patient to have supernumerary or extra teeth, also known as Hyperdontia. Supernumerary teeth can occur anywhere in the mouth from incisors to canines, to molars.Although the condition is uncommon patients will often know ahead of time whether they will have to worry about extra wisdom teeth because they should be visible on preliminary dental x-rays.
Restore your confidence and reclaim your smile with dental implants—an advanced, long-lasting solution for missing or damaged teeth. Designed to look, feel, and function just like natural teeth. Whether you're eating, speaking, or smiling, dental implants help you feel like yourself again. Let us help you restore your smile.
After your consultation with an AMOS surgeon to plan and determine if dental implants are appropriate for you, then a surgical procedure is needed to place the implant(s) into the jawbone. The implant(s) will then need time to heal and integrate.
Next we will place the healing abutment, which is a temporary piece that gives us access to the implant after the gum tissue heals around it.
Finally, we work with your dentist to have the custom-made restoration completed and placed on your implant.
If you are missing all of your upper or lower teeth, there are several options to consider, including: full arch dental implants, implant-supported dentures, or all-on-4 dental implants
Your AMOS surgeon will be able to help you determine which option is best for your specific situation and oral health needs. It's important to seek the help of a dental professional to determine the best solution for your missing teeth so you can maintain optimal oral health.
If you’re missing one or more teeth because of decay, disease or trauma, you have several options that can restore your smile’s natural look, feel, and function. Designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth, dental implants are changing the way people live, because patients with dental implants can smile with confidence.
Implant-supported overdentures are a type of denture that is supported and stabilized by dental implants. Traditional dentures rest on the gums and rely on suction or adhesives to stay in place. Implant-supported overdentures, on the other hand, use dental implants to anchor the denture in place, providing improved stability, comfort, and function.
Same-day dental implants refer to the placement of a dental implant and a temporary or permanent crown on the same day. This is in contrast to traditional dental implants, which typically require several months of healing before the permanent crown can be placed.
Same-day dental implants can be a good option for those who are looking for a faster, more convenient solution to replace missing teeth.
After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. The surgeon will uncover the implants and place small temporary abutments that allow the gum tissue to heal and adapt around them. These healing abutments get the gum tissue ready for the final crown/tooth, which is placed with your dentist. When the artificial teeth are placed, these posts will not be seen. The entire healing process usually takes six to eight months. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.
Dental implants are a worthwhile investment in your oral health and overall well-being, offering a long-lasting solution for missing teeth. While the cost of dental implants may vary, the benefits of having dental implants far outweigh the initial cost.
Think of dental implants as an investment in your future. They can improve your oral health, speech, and the ability to eat, and they can last a lifetime with proper care.
Don't let the cost of dental implants hold you back from the benefits of a complete and healthy smile. Let AMOS provide the best outcome for your specific case, and start investing in your oral health and future today!
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