Tobacco and E-Cigarette Use

The 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 […]

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Updates on Nerve Injury and Repair

Located 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 […]

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The OMS Scope of Practice

An 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 […]

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What Does an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Do?

During 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 […]

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Oral Surgery vs. Oral Surgeons

Oral 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 […]

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What is the Trigeminal Nerve?

Located 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 […]

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Diagnosing and Treating Sleep Apnea

If 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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