Cleft Lip / Palate and Craniofacial Surgery

Cleft Lip / Palate and Craniofacial Surgery Cleft Lip and Palate Cleft lip and cleft palate are some of the most common congenital deformities in the world. An infant can be born with a cleft lip, a cleft palate or both. Surgery for the correction of a cleft lip is typically performed by the time an… Read more »

Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate

Cleft Lip and Palate Cleft lip and palate are among the most common birth defects. They occur when developing facial structures do not fuse completely, leaving a gap or space that can cause significant cosmetic and functional problems. Initial cleft lip surgery is usually performed by the time a baby is 12 months old, and… Read more »

Craniofacial Anomalies and Surgery

Craniofacial Anomalies and Surgery While 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… Read more »

Diagnosing and Treating Sleep Apnea

Diagnosing and Treating Sleep Apnea If you believe you may have obstructive sleep apnea, a visit to the oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) is recommended for a complete examination and an accurate diagnosis.  At your first visit, the doctor will take a medical history and perform a head and neck examination looking for problems that… Read more »

Distraction Osteogenesis: Correction of Jaw and Facial Deformities

Distraction Osteogenesis: Correction of Jaw and Facial Deformities What is Distraction Osteogenesis? Distraction osteogenesis is a surgical technique used to correct craniofacial anomalies by making a longer bone out of a shorter one. Conditions distraction osteogenesis is used to treat include mandibular hypoplasia; midface hypoplasia; craniosynostosis; Pierre Robin sequence; Apert, Crouzon, Pfeiffer syndromes; and cleft… Read more »

Expose and Bond

Expose and Bond for Impacted Teeth While 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… Read more »

Facial Injury / Trauma Surgery

Facial Injury / Trauma Surgery If you or a loved one suffer a facial or mouth injury requiring a trip to the emergency room, you should consult with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. With their background and training, OMSs are the specialists uniquely qualified to deal with these types of injuries.  Oral and maxillofacial surgeons… Read more »

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious and even life-threatening condition. The risks of undiagnosed OSA include heart attack, stroke, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, heart disease and decreased libido. In addition, OSA causes daytime drowsiness that can result in accidents, lost productivity and relationship problems.  The National Sleep Foundation estimates… Read more »

Preventing Facial Injuries during Sports

Preventing Facial Injuries during Sports Prevention is the best policy. Because avoiding injury is always best, AAOMS advocates the use of protective mouth guards and appropriate masks and helmets for everyone who participates in athletic pursuits at any level. You don’t have to play at the professional level to sustain a serious head injury. New… Read more »