Frena 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 […]
Continue ReadingHealthy teeth and dental implants require both gum tissue and bone for support. Healthy gum tissue (soft tissue) forms a protective barrier. This barrier protects against oral bacteria and stresses from daily functions such as chewing and tooth brushing. Without adequate gum tissue and bone (hard tissue), teeth and dental implants may become compromised. This […]
Continue ReadingWhile wisdom teeth are often impacted, other teeth can be impacted as well. An impacted tooth is simply one that has been blocked from entering the mouth. Because of the placement and difficulties of caring for wisdom teeth, many oral and maxillofacial surgeons recommend their removal. Other impacted teeth can be brought into proper position through an […]
Continue ReadingCulture of Safety in the OMS Office At its core, culture of safety in the oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) office means patient safety is the number one priority. The policies and actions of the doctors and staff in the practice are concentrated on that primary objective. Patient safety is the number one priority. Development […]
Continue ReadingWhile it might be common knowledge when and why to visit a general practitioner or a dentist, what prompts a patient to visit an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS)? As experts in face, mouth and jaw surgery, OMSs treat a range of conditions, including: Many people have their wisdom teeth removed by an OMS. Dental implants are placed […]
Continue ReadingWhat is an OMS? 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 […]
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 ReadingPatients often ask their oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) if it’s necessary to have all four wisdom teeth extracted even though the teeth might not yet be visible inside the mouth or they have erupted without any known problems. The decision can be difficult. Even if all four wisdom teeth are free of infection and not causing pain – […]
Continue ReadingMore people are looking to dental implant surgery to replace missing teeth. It’s natural to have questions before visiting with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS). Questions can include: “Does insurance cover dental implants?” and “Are dental implants safe?” Dental implant surgery should be performed by an OMS, the surgical specialist of the dental profession. OMSs are […]
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