Edentulism is the condition defined by the loss of at least one functional tooth. It can be classified as partial edentulism (one or more lost teeth) to complete edentulism (when a patient has lost all teeth). Whether due to decay, periodontal disease or trauma, edentulism has a significant effect on a patient’s oral health. While […]
Continue ReadingOral and maxillofacial surgeons train extensively in the pursuit of their degrees, including working side-by-side with anesthesiologists, to offer a range of anesthesia options in their practices. Different procedures might require different levels of anesthesia, from local anesthesia to general anesthesia. Patients should learn about each of these types and discuss anesthesia options with their […]
Continue ReadingAlthough wisdom tooth removal is a common procedure for teenagers, many people grow into adulthood with their wisdom teeth. Whether their wisdom teeth are impacted or have erupted, adults should monitor them and practice good wisdom tooth care. Wisdom teeth require extra attention because: Their unique placement in the mouth can make exposed wisdom teeth especially difficult to floss, […]
Continue ReadingIt can take several weeks to fully heal after a tooth extraction. To support healing, it is important to follow an OMS-approved plan of what to eat after wisdom tooth surgery. The mouth and gums will be very sensitive post-procedure, and while patients can build up a tolerance to more solid foods as time progresses, sticking […]
Continue ReadingWisdom teeth are the third set of molars that generally come in between the ages of 17 and 25. These four teeth are generally the last to emerge in adults, but what does it mean for wisdom teeth to be “impacted?” Impacted wisdom teeth are those that do not have room to develop normally or […]
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 ReadingWhile a single dental implant may replace a broken or lost tooth, it also can serve as an anchor for multiple replacement teeth. Full-mouth dental implants are what they sound like: a long-lasting replacement for most or all of a patient’s teeth. Full Dental Implants vs. Dentures With dentures, not only is there a risk of bone […]
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 […]
Continue ReadingMissing teeth are more than a cosmetic inconvenience – they affect a person’s day-to-day life and leave people looking for a permanent solution. Are dental implants permanent? While every patient is unique, it is clear dental implants offer the most permanent solution for missing teeth. After more than 35 years of service, many of the dental implants […]
Continue Reading