Obstructive 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 ReadingThose who may benefit from corrective jaw surgery – or orthognathic surgery – include those with an improper bite resulting from misaligned teeth and/or jaws. In some cases, a person’s upper and lower jaws may grow at different rates. Injuries and craniofacial anomalies seen at birth may also affect jaw alignment. While orthodontics can usually […]
Continue ReadingDo I Need an Oral Surgery Referral? Whether a patient needs wisdom teeth removal or dental implants, it is important to follow the right steps to be seen by an oral surgeon. In the past, a dentist or a family doctor might refer a patient to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS), but now patients can find OMSs near them in seconds […]
Continue ReadingWhile surgeries involving your teeth and jaw bones are considered hard-tissue surgeries, there are a number of surgeries that involve the gums, cheeks, tongue and lips. These surgeries are called soft-tissue surgeries and are performed by a trained oral and maxillofacial surgeon. These surgeries range from minor procedures – such as removing excess gum tissue […]
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 […]
Continue ReadingCorrective jaw surgery – also called orthognathic surgery – is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) to correct a wide range of minor and major skeletal and dental irregularities, including the misalignment of jaws and teeth. Surgery can improve breathing, chewing and speaking. While the patient’s appearance may be dramatically enhanced as […]
Continue ReadingHow is an OMS Different than a Dentist? For many people, a loose tooth, tooth pain or even general oral discomfort might bring back memories of anxiety-inducing visits to the dentist. It also can be difficult to find time to visit a dentist, let alone schedule time to see a specialist. It is important […]
Continue ReadingOral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMSs) undergo extensive education and surgical training to ensure they will be well-prepared to answer your oral health questions. It’s common for patients to feel nervous about oral healthcare, especially if surgery is involved. It can feel intimidating to ask a doctor questions, but your OMS is here to answer […]
Continue ReadingFrena are small folds (also called “bands”) of tissue located in the mouth: under the tongue, inside the upper lip, inside the lower lip and connecting the cheeks to the gums. A frenectomy is a simple surgical procedure to loosen or release these bands. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) typically performs a frenectomy to […]
Continue ReadingWhile cleft lip and palate are two of the most common craniofacial anomalies, there are other birth defects and conditions that may affect the look or function of a child’s head and face. Children with any head or orbital abnormality should be evaluated by a specialist such as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS). Parents with concerns […]
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