MRONJ (medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw) is commonly associated with drugs that prevent bone resorption, such as bisphosphonates, and RANK ligand (RANKL) inhibitors such as denosumab. These drugs are used to treat osteoporosis or cancer that has metastasized to the bone and can interfere with the jawbone’s ability to heal properly after invasive dental procedures […]
Continue ReadingThe use of tobacco and e-cigarettes can present significant health risks, including oral, head and neck cancers. Among the health concerns: Cigarette smoking is the single largest risk factor for cancer, including head and neck cancer. Smokeless tobacco use appears to be associated with head and neck cancer, particularly oral cavity cancers. E-cigarettes and vaping have […]
Continue ReadingLocated 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 […]
Continue ReadingAn OMS – also known as oral and maxillofacial surgeon – is the surgical expert of the dental profession. OMSs’ extensive education and training, surgical expertise and understanding of esthetics and function qualify them to treat diseases, defects, injuries and esthetic aspects of the mouth, teeth, jaws and face. The first time many people interact […]
Continue ReadingDuring their residency program, OMSs train alongside medical residents in internal medicine, general surgery and anesthesiology. They spend time in otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat), plastic surgery, emergency medicine and other specialty areas. Some oral and maxillofacial surgeons even earn an additional graduate or medical degree. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons train extensively with anesthesiologists for […]
Continue ReadingEven with proper dental care, teeth age and can decay or break. Many damaged teeth can be repaired with fillings or crowns, but when the damage or decay is excessive, the tooth should be removed. A tooth extraction may not seem complicated, but tooth removal should only be performed by a professional – and in […]
Continue ReadingCleft lip and cleft palate are some of the most common congenital deformities in the world. An infant can be born with a cleft lip, a cleft palate or both. Surgery for the correction of a cleft lip is typically performed by the time an infant is 12 months old. Cleft palate repair is usually performed […]
Continue ReadingOral 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 […]
Continue ReadingLocated 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 […]
Continue ReadingIf 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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