Patients 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 […]
Continue ReadingAlthough it is a common outpatient surgery, wisdom teeth removal is still surgery, and it’s important for a patient to properly prepare before wisdom teeth surgery. All patients undergoing wisdom teeth removal should follow their doctor’s instructions with attention to every detail, starting with the initial consultation. The Consultation Typically, patients undergoing removal of impacted wisdom […]
Continue ReadingAfter wisdom teeth removal surgery, it will take time for the jawbone and gum tissue to fully heal. Some discomfort may occur for the first few days, though some people have little to no pain after surgery. However, the soft tissue can still be very sensitive for several weeks, so patients will need to be careful […]
Continue ReadingWisdom teeth symptoms can vary from person to person. Signs that wisdom teeth are growing in should be monitored during routine cleanings and with X-rays. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) should be consulted in a patient’s early to mid teens to determine the proper course of wisdom teeth management, including a discussion of whether […]
Continue ReadingTooth Extractions You may need to have a tooth extracted for a number of reasons such as decay, injury, or as part of orthodontic treatment. Whatever the reason, you will most likely be referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who will remove your tooth in the office using an anesthetic that is appropriate for […]
Continue ReadingWisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to develop and appear in your mouth. They come in between the ages of 17 and 25, a time of life that has been called the “Age of Wisdom.” Wisdom teeth may not need to be extracted if they grow in completely and are functional, […]
Continue ReadingOne of the significant problems that the healthcare industry faces is access to care. Access to care has many aspects but primarily involves the ability of a patient to get an appointment for treatment with a doctor. Everyone has had the experience of calling a doctor’s office and being told that the earliest appointment available […]
Continue ReadingRecently there have been some concerns amongst our patients with regard to the management of pain through medications post-operatively. These concerns fall on both sides of the argument where some people feel they haven’t been given enough pain medication and others don’t want pain medications at all. This is a very tricky subject, not just […]
Continue ReadingAnother confusing topic for patients is the training and background that Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery entails. Prior to starting the residency portion of our education all oral surgery residents will have completed nationally accredited dental school and obtained their doctorate. A very small percentage of new dentists or experienced practitioners will then apply to a […]
Continue Reading