JOMS study: Reiki therapy before wisdom tooth removal did not reduce anxiety, but pain scores slightly lower 

ROSEMONT, Ill. – A new study published in the January issue of the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (JOMS) found that Reiki – a touch-based therapy sometimes described as “energy healing” – did not reduce anxiety before wisdom tooth surgery. However, those patients who received Reiki did report slightly lower postoperative pain than those…

JOMS study: Early removal of extra front tooth may reduce complications in children 

Evidence favors mesiodens extractions about ages 6-7   ROSEMONT, Ill. – Most children grow 20 baby teeth and, eventually, 32 permanent ones. Some grow one more.  An extra tooth that appears between the two upper front teeth is called a mesiodens. It’s one of the most common dental abnormalities in children – and if left alone – it can crowd, block or push permanent teeth out of position.   A new report in the Journal…

JOMS study: Steroid given during wisdom tooth surgery may help patients rely less on opioids 

Single-dose IV steroid linked to lower pain in first 24 hours  ROSEMONT, Ill. — A new study in a recent issue of the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (JOMS) reports that a single intravenous (IV) dose of dexamethasone – a commonly used anti-inflammatory steroid – given during wisdom tooth surgery was associated with less…

JOMS study: Helmets linked to lower risk of facial injuries in children after bicycle and scooter crashes 

Study of 210 pediatric patients found helmeted riders had fewer facial and jaw injuries, as AAOMS highlights safety during April’s National Facial Protection Month  ROSEMONT, Ill. – Children who wore helmets during bicycle or scooter crashes were less likely to experience injuries to their face and jaw than those who rode without one, according to…

Early oral cancer detection boosts survival rate; AAOMS urges self-checks  

ROSEMONT, Ill. – Oral and oropharyngeal cancers account for roughly one death every hour in the United States, yet outcomes improve substantially when the disease is found early. During April’s Oral Cancer Awareness Month, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) is encouraging the public to take two simple steps: perform a monthly self-exam… Read more »

April is National Facial Protection Month: Suit up for spring sports and outdoor fun 

AAOMS and partner organizations urge families to make mouth guards, helmets and eye protection routine for sports and activities like biking and skateboarding.  ROSEMONT, Ill. – Spring sports season is back – and so are the fastballs, elbows, sticks and unexpected collisions that can turn a great game into an emergency dental visit. But organized sports aren’t the only risk: everyday recreational activities like biking,… Read more »

2025-26 AAOMS officers and trustees announced  

ROSEMONT, Ill. – Robert S. Clark, DMD, was introduced as the 2025-26 President of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) during its Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., in September.  With AAOMS’s other officers and Board of Trustees, Dr. Clark assumes leadership of the professional organization representing more than 9,000 oral and maxillofacial… Read more »

April is National Facial Protection Month: Play it safe and protect your face 

ROSEMONT, Ill. – The popularity and competitiveness of organized youth sports can lead to numerous teeth and face injuries, with an average of 22,000 dental injuries occurring annually in children younger than 18 years, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. With proper facial protection, however, many of these injuries are entirely preventable. As… Read more »