Do I Need an Oral Surgery Referral? Whether a patient needs wisdom teeth removal or dental implants, it is important to follow the right steps to be seen by an oral surgeon. In the past, a dentist or a family doctor might refer a patient to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS), but now patients can find OMSs near them in seconds […]
Continue ReadingWisdom teeth (also known as third molars) are the last teeth to develop and erupt into the mouth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. Wisdom teeth may not need to be extracted if they grow in completely and are functional, painless, cavity-free, disease-free and in a hygienic environment with healthy gum tissue. They […]
Continue ReadingThe surgical management of soft and hard tissues is at the core of what oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained to do. Dentoalveolar surgeries are ones that involve the alveolar bone and the supporting structures. This can include removal of impacted teeth (such as wisdom teeth), bone grafting (in preparation for dental implants), removal of cysts or […]
Continue ReadingWhile wisdom teeth are often impacted, other teeth can be impacted as well. An impacted tooth is simply one that has been blocked from entering the mouth. Because of the placement and difficulties of caring for wisdom teeth, many oral and maxillofacial surgeons recommend their removal. Other impacted teeth can be brought into proper position through an […]
Continue ReadingNine out of 10 people have at least one impacted wisdom tooth, making wisdom tooth extraction a common outpatient surgery. It’s normal to have questions before and after wisdom tooth removal, and these frequently asked questions about wisdom teeth are a place to start. What Are Wisdom Teeth? Wisdom teeth are a person’s third set […]
Continue ReadingAlthough wisdom tooth removal is a common procedure for teenagers, many people grow into adulthood with their wisdom teeth. Whether their wisdom teeth are impacted or have erupted, adults should monitor them and practice good wisdom tooth care. Wisdom teeth require extra attention because: Their unique placement in the mouth can make exposed wisdom teeth especially difficult to floss, […]
Continue ReadingIt can take several weeks to fully heal after a tooth extraction. To support healing, it is important to follow an OMS-approved plan of what to eat after wisdom tooth surgery. The mouth and gums will be very sensitive post-procedure, and while patients can build up a tolerance to more solid foods as time progresses, sticking […]
Continue ReadingWisdom teeth are the third set of molars that generally come in between the ages of 17 and 25. These four teeth are generally the last to emerge in adults, but what does it mean for wisdom teeth to be “impacted?” Impacted wisdom teeth are those that do not have room to develop normally or […]
Continue ReadingPatients often ask their oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) if it’s necessary to have all four wisdom teeth extracted even though the teeth might not yet be visible inside the mouth or they have erupted without any known problems. The decision can be difficult. Even if all four wisdom teeth are free of infection and not causing pain – […]
Continue ReadingAlveolar osteitis, commonly called “dry socket,” is a painful dental condition that can occur after having a tooth extracted. A dry socket happens when a blood clot is dislodged from the site of a tooth extraction, exposing bone and nerves that can result in significant pain. After receiving surgery to remove wisdom teeth, it can be easy […]
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