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…

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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 that they cause abnormal wear on the teeth and other secondary symptoms, such as headaches. Also known as orthognathic…

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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…

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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…

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Facial traumas are challenging injuries for patients to cope with, particularly because they 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 bone structures and the soft tissues…

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The wisdom teeth are the final four teeth to erupt from the gums – usually sometime between age 17 and 25. Ideally, these wisdom teeth grow in without complication. However, 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…

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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…

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What Are Dental Implants? 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…

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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. As the jaw grows through childhood, adolescence and into adulthood, complications can occur within this…

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Temporomandibular joint arthroplasty is a surgical procedure that is performed in a hospital operating room by a specially trained oral and maxillofacial surgeon. It is more commonly known as total jaw joint replacement. It involves removal of the diseased joint and replacement with a prosthetic joint...

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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…

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What Is Oral Pathology? 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.…

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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 (temporomandibular joint dysfunctions),…

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