Bone grafting – also known as ridge and sinus augmentation – is a procedure used to build up the bone beneath the surface of the gums. The bones in the upper and lower arch of the mouth are responsible for supporting the teeth. When one or more teeth fall out, bone resorption occurs naturally. When…
Jaw alignment is an important part of oral health. When the jaw is out of alignment, it can negatively affect the bite, as well as the function of the mouth. Some misaligned jaws are so problematic; they cause abnormal wear on the teeth and other secondary symptoms, such as headaches. Also known as orthognathic surgery,…
Anesthesia is a means of pain and anxiety management used in a broad range of health procedures, including dentistry. Dental anesthesia encompasses a spectrum of treatments, each of which offers different benefits to the patient. There are several types of anesthesia, including: Local anesthetics – Small injections designed to numb the nerves in the gums…
The wisdom teeth are the final four teeth to erupt from the gums – usually sometime between age 17 and 25. Ideally, the teeth emerge without complication. But according to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, as many as 9 in 10 Americans have at least one wisdom tooth that is impacted. Even…
Dental implants are surgical-grade root devices that support permanent tooth prosthetics that are manufactured to last a lifetime. These artificial roots are anchored in the bone beneath the gums where they become fused into the jaw. A crown is mounted atop the implant for a long-lasting and natural looking smile. Many dentists and patients prefer…
TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint, which is the bone structure, muscles and connective tissues that surround the jaw and control chewing. When patients experience disorders of this joint, they are said to have a temporomandibular joint disorder or TMD. Symptoms of TMD include pain and tenderness near the jaw, as well as popping or clicking…
Tooth extractions are routine dental procedures used to remove decayed, damaged or otherwise problematic teeth. Every effort is made to preserve natural teeth, but sometimes an extraction is necessary. Even though the procedure is performed in an office, it is considered surgery. Depending on which teeth are removed, they may be replaced with a dental implant…
The days and weeks following an oral surgery are an integral part of the recovery process. It is important to follow all of the surgeon’s instructions for care to promote healing and reduce the risk of post-surgical difficulties. Most patients experience a complication-free recovery and can return to work or school within one to two…
The temporomandibular joint is the area where the jaw meets the skull. As the jaw grows through childhood, adolescence and into adulthood, complications can occur within this small joint, leading to chronic pain and other issues that affect a person’s overall quality of life. By visiting an oral surgeon for TMJ disorders, patients can receive a proper diagnosis…
Oral pathology is the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in and around the mouth. It includes cancer growth along the tongue, cheeks, roof of the mouth, gums and the floor of the mouth. When a biopsy confirms an oral cancer diagnosis, an oral surgeon will discuss treatment options and recommendations with the patient. In many cases, surgery…
Facial traumas are challenging injuries for patients to cope with, particularly because can directly affect a person’s appearance and ability to do otherwise routine activities, such as speak and eat. Anyone with a facial trauma needs the attention and care of a specialist who understands the delicate makeup of the facial bony structures and the soft tissues that…
If you have missing teeth or heavily damaged teeth that need to be replaced, dental implants may be right for you. Getting a dental implant, consists of a small rod placed within the bone beneath the gums where a tooth once was. The implant fuses with the jaw and eventually serves as an anchor for a crown or…
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons specialize in the treatment of many oral and facial conditions, including diseases, defects, and injuries. Their work is generally isolated to the face and neck regions, incorporating both the hard and soft tissues of the mouth and jaw. Many patients visit oral surgeons for complicated tooth extractions, TMJ disorders, and oral cancer,…
Ridge and sinus augmentations are surgical dental procedures used to fill in areas of the gum line and underlying bone that have deteriorated as a result of tooth loss or extraction. Specifically, a ridge augmentation refers to the reconstruction of degenerated or underdeveloped gums, and a sinus augmentation refers to an enhancement of the amount…
