Oral Surgery vs. Oral Surgeons

Oral surgery, such as a dental implant procedure or the extraction of a tooth, is surgery performed in or around the mouth. But not everyone who performs oral surgery is an oral surgeon, and the difference between having oral surgery performed and seeing an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) is significant. While oral surgery is a category of procedures, the oral […]

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What is the Trigeminal Nerve?

Located in the head, the trigeminal nerve is one of the 12 cranial nerves – all with different and important roles in vision, hearing and controlling the function of facial muscles. The trigeminal nerve provides feeling to most of the face and mouth. Some problems with the nerve, such as trigeminal neuralgia, can be associated […]

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Dry Socket Symptoms

While some pain is to be expected following the removal of any teeth, dry socket symptoms typically include severe pain within a few days after a tooth extraction. Other symptoms include: Pain radiating from the socket outward – toward the eye, ear, neck or temple on that side of the face Visible bone in the socket Bad […]

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Diagnosing and Treating Sleep Apnea

If you believe you may have obstructive sleep apnea, a visit to the oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) is recommended for a complete examination and an accurate diagnosis. At your first visit, the doctor will take a medical history and perform a head and neck examination looking for problems that might contribute to sleep-related breathing […]

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Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Screenings

About 650,000 people are diagnosed with oral, head and neck cancers each year, resulting in more than 330,000 deaths each year. Regular oral cancer self-exams and routine oral, head and neck cancer screenings for at-risk patients can aid in early detection and improve survival rates. Oral Cancer Risk Factors and Survival Rates Many patients are aware that […]

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Chin Surgery

Chin surgery (genioplasty) is a facial cosmetic surgery that can increase or reduce the length and projection of the chin. There are two basic approaches to chin surgery: The chin bone is moved and fixed in a new position with wires and screws. An implant is used to add size to a receding chin. While patients may […]

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