Some high profile news stories emerged in the past two years detailing how apparently healthy young people have died as a result of routine third molar (wisdom tooth) extraction surgery. In most cases, the patient passed away as a result of an adverse reaction to the anesthetics or sedatives administered to manage discomfort during the procedure. While cases like these are devastating to the families affected, they are very rare. Understanding the risks associated with surgical procedures of all kinds and knowing what questions to ask your dentist prior to undergoing treatment are the best way to stay informed and safe. (more…)
Do You Need a Simple or Surgical Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
The average human jaw can accommodate 28 teeth. However, sometime during the late teens or early twenties, about 75% of the population develops four (or more, in some cases) additional molars. These teeth, referred to as wisdom teeth or third molars, can cause crowding if they grow in normally. If they grow in at an angle or don’t fully erupt from the jawbone or gums, they can lead to a host of serious oral health issues like tooth decay, damaged cheek tissue, periodontal disease, and even cysts within the jaw. To prevent the development of serious oral health problems, many dentists and oral surgeons recommend extracting problematic third molars once they have fully developed. Today, Shawn Hofkes, DDS, a multi-specialty dentist in Cerritos, CA, provides an easy-to-understand guide to two types of wisdom teeth extraction procedures. (more…)
Busting Two Common Misconceptions about Dental Sedation
You may have seen billboards around town advertising “sleep dentistry” or an “anxiety-free dentist,” and if you live with anxiety or fear associated with visiting the dentist, those promises probably seem pretty attractive. But are these guarantees too good to be true? Today, Shawn Hofkes, DDS, a Cerritos CA dentist with specialized training in sedation dentistry, discusses how a lack of information has led to two commonly-held misunderstandings about this patient-focused dental service. (more…)
The Secret to a Beautiful Smile (Even If You Don’t Have All Your Teeth!)
Beauty, and what we find beautiful, is highly subjective. However, when it comes to a beautiful smile, there are a few common denominators: bright white enamel and a general lack of stains, chips, and breaks. The (arguably) biggest detractor from the overall beauty of your smile is missing teeth. Whether you lost them to gum disease or in accident on the softball field, missing teeth can make you look older, less attractive, and in poor health. Dr. Shawn Hofkes, a Cerritos, CA dentist with specialized training in oral surgery and implant dentistry, discusses how replacing those missing teeth with dental implants can help restore a dazzling, youthful smile. (more…)
How Well Do You Know Your Wisdom Teeth?
When you think about it, wisdom teeth seem like an exercise in poor design. The average human jaw can comfortably accommodate 28 permanent teeth. Yet, sometime around the college years, four additional teeth try to squeeze in there. So, why develop wisdom teeth at all? Today, Cerritos, CA dentist and oral surgery expert, Dr. Shawn Hofkes, answers this question and shares some fascinating facts about these problematic teeth. (more…)
What is Advanced Dentistry?
Every dentist can provide routine preventive care, those twice-yearly checkups and cleanings meant to remove built up plaque and tartar and keep an eye on developing oral health issues. But once a serious oral health problem has been diagnosed, who do you trust to provide the cutting-edge care you need to return your smile to its ideal state of health and function? Dr. Shawn Hofkes, a Cerritos, CA dentist with extensive training in advanced dentistry, discusses why you may benefit from visiting a multi-specialty practice. (more…)
