Oral Surgery

Besides the installation of implants, there are many conditions that may necessitate oral surgery. These include impacted teeth such as wisdom teeth (third molars), jaw related problems such as unequal jaw growth, or trauma.

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Root Canals

While the words ‘root canal’ often stir deep emotions in dental patients, the procedure itself is rather routine. Because of decay or infection in the tooth, a root canal procedure removes the pulp and the nerve of the tooth, which are not critical to its function. Because there are usually multiple steps involved in a root canal, it frequently requires more than one office visit. Your ECMC dentist will explain the procedure to you in detail, inform you of the advantages of this procedure, and tell you exactly what to expect.

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Dental Treatment for Trauma Patients

ECMC is the designated Adult Regional Trauma Center for Western New York, and the Department of Dentistry assists in the surgical management of oral facial trauma such as fractured jaws and broken facial bones. Dental treatment is also provided to spinal cord injury patients who may have sustained injuries as a result of falls or automobile, industrial, or sports accidents.

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Dental Emergencies

In the event of a dental emergency, contact the Department of
Dentistry for instructions on what to do until you can be seen by an ECMC dentist.

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Quality Assurance and Accreditation

The ECMC Department of Dentistry has a professional quality assurance program and employs uniform precautions to assure all patients the highest standards in infection control during treatment. The department’s programs are fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

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Tips for Healthy Teeth and Gums

• Dental problems range from routine to serious, but in every case a dentist should be seen to evaluate and treat the problem.
• Gum disease is the main cause of tooth loss in adults over age 35.
• Early diagnosis and treatment offer the best chance for a successful outcome.
• If one or more of these problems is noticed, dental care should be sought:
• • Red, puffy gums
  • Bleeding gums
  • Unpleasant taste in mouth
  • Discharge from gums
  • Loose teeth
  • Pain when brushing
  • Separation of teeth from gums

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Dental Injuries

Any trauma to the mouth or jaw may result in injuries to gums and teeth. Please see your dentist immediately if the gums are bruised, or if a tooth is chipped or knocked loose. If a tooth is knocked out, keep the tooth moist (in milk or salt water if possible). Do not scrub the tooth.

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Proper Dental Care

Follow these simple tips to reduce your chances of serious dental disease:

• Schedule a visit with your dentist every six months for an
  examination and cleaning
• Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste after each meal
• Floss your teeth as often as you brush
• Avoid sticky and sugary foods
• Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco, which can contribute to
  gum disease and cause oral cancer
• Make an appointment with your dentist whenever you
  suspect a problem

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Fees for Services

A $75 down payment payable at each visit is applied to the cost of care. The ECMC Department of Dentistry is a Medicaid provider and financial assistance is also available through the ECMC Financial Counseling Office.

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Making an appointment at the ECMC Dental Center

To make an appointment with an ECMC dentist, call the ECMC Department of Dentistry at (716) 898-3189 between 8:15 AM and 4:00 PM. In the event of an emergency after hours or on weekends, call (716) 898-3000. Patients seen after regular hours will be seen in the ECMC Emergency Room.

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The ECMC
Dental Center