Frequently Asked Questions
General General Dentistry & Oral Surgery
General Dentistry &
Oral Surgery
A general dentist provides routine dental care such as, fillings, crowns and bridge work etc. Oral surgeons complete advanced surgical training to perform complex procedures such as dental implants, bone grafting, impacted tooth removal, and full-arch rehabilitation. At Clinical Catalyst, Dr. Ali Mehdi specializes in advanced surgical dentistry and complex restorative cases.
Tooth extraction is recommended when a tooth cannot be saved because of severe decay, infection, advanced gum disease, trauma, or impaction. Removing compromised teeth may help relieve pain, prevent further complications, and protect your overall oral health and general well being.
Wisdom teeth may need to be removed if they are impacted, causing pain, infection, swelling, or damage to nearby teeth. Our specialized team uses advanced 3D imaging (CBCT) to assess the position of your wisdom teeth and determine whether extraction is necessary for your long-term oral health.
An impacted tooth is unable to erupt properly because it is blocked by bone, gum tissue, or another tooth. Treatment depends on the tooth’s position and may include surgical removal or orthodontic exposure to help guide it into place.
Patients receive numbing to alleviate pain for those who require it, we can also use IV sedation to ensure you feel no pain or anxiety during the procedure. Post-operative comfort is further enhanced through our use of Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) and precise suturing techniques that minimize swelling and accelerate healing.
We offer several options depending on the procedure’s complexity. Local anesthesia numbs the specific area, while IV sedation is available for complex surgeries, allowing you to remain deeply relaxed and comfortable with little to no memory of the procedure.
Recovery varies by procedure. Simple extractions typically heal within a week, while complex surgeries like dental implants may require one to two weeks for initial soft tissue recovery, with full bone integration taking several months.
No. Stitches may be used after surgical extractions, implant placements, and bone grafting to protect the site and promote healing. We use advanced suturing techniques with some cases with resorbable materials that dissolve naturally, eliminating the need for a follow-up removal visit.
Yes, wait until the anesthesia wears off before eating. For the first few days, stick to a soft diet like yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs. Avoid hard, crunchy, spicy, or extremely hot foods, and never use a straw, as suction can dislodge the healing clot.
While extractions are safe and routine, potential risks include prolonged bleeding, swelling, and dry socket (when the blood clot dislodges prematurely). At Clinical Catalyst, we use CBCT imaging and atraumatic surgical techniques to minimize these risks and ensure a smooth recovery.
Dental Implants & Cosmetic Procedures
A dental implant is typically a titanium or zirconia post placed into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. As the implant heals, it fuses with the bone and provides a stable foundation for a custom dental crown. At Clinical Catalyst, Dr. Mehdi has successfully placed thousands of implants, from single-tooth replacements to full-arch rehabilitations.
Ideal candidates have good oral health and adequate jawbone density. However, even if you have significant bone loss, we offer advanced solutions like zygomatic or subperiosteal implants to restore your smile successfully.
The implant itself can last a lifetime with proper oral hygiene. The attached crown typically lasts 10-15 years before possibly needing replacement due to normal wear. We use high-quality monolithic zirconia crowns known for their durability and natural appearance.
Dental implants have a success rate exceeding 95% over ten years. Clinical Catalyst achieves predictable outcomes through meticulous CBCT-based planning, surgical guides, and Dr. Mehdi’s 15+ years of surgical expertise.
A crown caps a damaged tooth, a bridge fills a gap by anchoring to adjacent teeth, and an implant replaces the tooth root directly in the jawbone. An implant replaces the entire tooth root directly in the jawbone, preserving bone and requiring no alteration of neighboring teeth.
Dental veneers are thin, custom-made porcelain shells bonded to the front of teeth to correct discoloration, chips, gaps, and minor misalignments. With proper care, veneers typically last ten to fifteen years and provide an instant smile transformation.
Invisalign uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners that gradually shift your teeth into alignment. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign is nearly invisible, removable for eating and cleaning, and provides a more comfortable orthodontic experience.
It depends on your specific goals. Invisalign is best for correcting bite alignment and crooked teeth, while veneers transform the shape, color, and appearance of teeth. During your consultation, our specialized team will recommend the most appropriate treatment or combination of treatments for your smile.
Post-Operative Care
For the first twenty-four hours, avoid rinsing, spitting, or using a straw to protect the healing blood clot. Afterward, gently rinse with warm salt water and carefully brush your teeth, avoiding the surgical site directly to keep the area clean.
Dry socket occurs when the protective blood clot dislodges after an extraction, exposing painful bone. To prevent it, strictly avoid smoking, using straws, and vigorous rinsing for the first twenty-four hours.
Contact us immediately if you experience uncontrolled bleeding, severe worsening pain unrelieved by medication, fever, or unusual swelling. Our team is here to answer your questions and support you throughout your recovery.
Apply an ice pack to your cheek for fifteen to twenty minutes at a time during the first 24 hours to reduce swelling. Take prescribed pain medication or over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen) as directed, and keep your head elevated while resting.
Most patients return to work or school within one to two days after minor procedures. Complex surgeries may require three to five days off. Avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting for a week to prevent bleeding and ensure a smooth recovery.