Wisdom teeth (also known as third molars) are the last teeth to develop and erupt into the mouth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. Wisdom teeth may not need to be extracted if they grow in completely and are functional, painless, cavity-free, disease-free and in a hygienic environment with healthy gum tissue. They […]
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 ReadingWhether you need to replace one tooth, several teeth or all your teeth, there is a dental implant solution for almost everyone. With the exception of growing children, dental implants are the solution of choice for people of all ages, even if they have any of these concerns: Existing medical conditions – Generally, if you […]
Continue ReadingThe surgical management of soft and hard tissues is at the core of what oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained to do. Dentoalveolar surgeries are ones that involve the alveolar bone and the supporting structures. This can include removal of impacted teeth (such as wisdom teeth), bone grafting (in preparation for dental implants), removal of cysts or […]
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 ReadingSafety Tips Take your medication only as directed. Carefully note the time a medication was administered and consider writing it down. Do not cut pills in half or crush them to make them easier to swallow – unless directed by your OMS. This can change the way the medication is released into your system and […]
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 […]
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