What is Vestibuloplasty? A vestibuloplasty is a surgical procedure to increase the depth and width of the buccal vestibule (the space between the gums and teeth and the cheeks and/or lips) to improve oral health, function and to aid in some prosthetic rehabilitations such as dentures. When is Vestibuloplasty Recommended? A vestibuloplasty may be recommended […]
Continue ReadingWhat Are Wisdom Teeth? Wisdom teeth are a person’s third set of molars and the last teeth to develop and appear in the mouth. Wisdom teeth are impacted if they do not have the room to grow in naturally or are unable to fully erupt through the gums. Due to the many complications of impacted wisdom […]
Continue ReadingAs a parent, you may be concerned that your child’s teeth are not coming in as expected. Most children’s baby teeth begin emerging at six months of age, and almost all children will have a complete set of 20 baby teeth by age three. Children begin losing these teeth around 6 years old, after which […]
Continue ReadingOnce your wisdom tooth procedure is complete, it is important to follow proper postoperative instructions from your oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery. The following are some general recommendations you can follow to promote healing. Take it Easy Rest is important in the first few days after surgery. Avoid […]
Continue ReadingWhat is a Coronectomy? A coronectomy is a dental procedure that removes the coronal portion of a wisdom tooth, intentionally leaving part of the root(s) in place. Wisdom teeth (also known as third molars) may be located near nerves and other vital structures. Removing the entire tooth may sometimes put those structures at risk of […]
Continue ReadingOral and oropharyngeal cancers account for roughly one death every hour in the United States, yet outcomes improve substantially when the disease is found early. During April’s Oral Cancer Awareness Month, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) is encouraging the public to take two simple steps: perform a monthly self-exam and schedule regular screenings […]
Continue ReadingOral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMSs) can use advanced imaging technology to determine the best course of action for wisdom teeth management. These tools allow an OMS to visualize the wisdom teeth (also called third molars) and surrounding structures in detail to diagnose and plan treatment. For example, these images can help show if teeth are […]
Continue ReadingIf you are scheduled to have oral and maxillofacial surgery, proper preparation will contribute to a smooth procedure and successful outcome. Consultation and Evaluation Before surgery, you will have a consultation with your oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS). Your OMS will assess your specific condition and perform a thorough examination of the area of concern […]
Continue ReadingImplant-retained dentures – an alternative to traditional removable dentures that rest on the gums – are fixed directly into the jawbone to provide more stability for everyday activities. Problems With Traditional Dentures Conventional dentures can slip or cause embarrassing clicking sounds while eating or speaking, and frequent adjustments and adhesives can be inconvenient and frustrating. […]
Continue ReadingZygomatic (cheekbone) dental implants offer a solution for patients who may not be candidates for traditional implants due to bone loss in the upper jaw. Unlike traditional implants that are placed in the jawbone, zygomatic dental implants are anchored in the zygomatic bone. They are longer than traditional implants. Benefits include: Efficient and Time-Saving Solutions Bone grafts […]
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