Every day, people around you are getting dental implants to replace missing teeth. Dental implants are surgically placed into your jawbone. They are a long-term solution to missing teeth (edentulism) and can be very similar to your natural teeth. Plus, unlike fixed bridges or removable dentures, dental implants likely will not affect neighboring healthy teeth […]
Continue ReadingYour orthodontist and oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) will work together to determine whether you might benefit from surgery. The OMS determines which surgical procedures are appropriate and performs the surgery. It is important to understand that your treatment, which will probably include orthodontics before and after surgery, may take a few years to complete. […]
Continue ReadingIf someone close to you has spoken of your loud snoring and has noticed that you often wake up abruptly, gasping for air, you should consult your oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS). These could be signs of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The risks of untreated OSA include heart attack, stroke, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, […]
Continue ReadingThird molars, more commonly known as wisdom teeth, enter the mouth between the ages of 17 and 25. They are the last teeth to develop and erupt into the mouth. What Is an Impacted Tooth? When a tooth is unable to fully enter the mouth, it is usually “impacted”. In general, impacted teeth are […]
Continue ReadingIf you or a loved one suffer a facial or mouth injury requiring a trip to the emergency room, you should consult with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. With their background and training, OMSs are the specialists uniquely qualified to deal with these types of injuries. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are experts in treating […]
Continue ReadingOral and maxillofacial surgeons and orthodontists often work together to give patients a functional and aesthetic smile. Your orthodontist may refer you to an OMS for a variety of procedures to help ensure your upper and lower jaws work together to allow you to breathe, chew and speak properly. You may be referred to an […]
Continue ReadingObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious and even life-threatening condition. The risks of undiagnosed OSA include heart attack, stroke, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, heart disease and decreased libido. In addition, OSA causes daytime drowsiness that can result in accidents, lost productivity and relationship problems. The National Sleep Foundation estimates that 18 million […]
Continue ReadingNutrition refers to the intake of nourishment, specifically the fluids and fuel needed to survive. After oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures, nutrient needs increase to help bodies heal. Consuming needed nutrients may be particularly challenging for patients recovering from oral and maxillofacial surgery as surgical incisions in or around the mouth and postoperative swelling can […]
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 ReadingSafety Tips Take your medication only as directed. Carefully note the time a medication was administered and consider writing it down. Do not cut pills in half or crush them to make them easier to swallow – unless directed by your OMS. This can change the way the medication is released into your system and […]
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