Third molars, more commonly known as wisdom teeth, enter the mouth between the ages of 17 and 25. They are the last teeth to develop and erupt into the mouth. What Is an Impacted Tooth? When a tooth is unable to fully enter the mouth, it is usually “impacted”. In general, impacted teeth are […]
Continue ReadingIf you or a loved one suffer a facial or mouth injury requiring a trip to the emergency room, you should consult with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. With their background and training, OMSs are the specialists uniquely qualified to deal with these types of injuries. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are experts in treating […]
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 […]
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 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). Dental implant surgery should be performed by an OMS, the surgical specialist of the dental profession. OMSs are extensively trained in the surgical placement of dental implants, and have extensive knowledge […]
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 ReadingNutrition refers to the intake of nourishment, specifically the fluids and fuel needed to survive. After oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures, nutrient needs increase to help bodies heal. Consuming needed nutrients may be particularly challenging for patients recovering from oral and maxillofacial surgery as surgical incisions in or around the mouth and postoperative swelling can […]
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 Reading