Even 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 […]
Continue ReadingCheekbone implants (malar augmentation) can be inserted as a part of a facial cosmetic surgery plan, creating the appearance of higher, more prominent cheekbones. Cheekbone implants can be used to improve facial balance, give a more youthful appearance through fuller cheeks or restore forms lost due to trauma or pathology. Patients seeking malar augmentation who […]
Continue ReadingCosmetic facial surgery has long been performed to correct physical malformations resulting from disease, injury and congenital craniofacial anomalies. Today, a growing number of men and women are choosing cosmetic facial surgery to improve their appearance and reduce the signs of aging. Because of their background in surgery of the face, oral and maxillofacial surgeons […]
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 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 […]
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