Advanced Imaging for Wisdom Teeth Management

Advanced Imaging for Wisdom Teeth Management Oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMSs) can use advanced imaging technology to determine the best course of action for wisdom teeth management. These tools allow an OMS to visualize the wisdom teeth (also called third molars) and surrounding structures in detail to diagnose and plan treatment. For example, these images… Read more »

Before Wisdom Teeth Surgery

What to Do Before Wisdom Teeth Removal Although it is a common outpatient surgery, wisdom teeth removal is still surgery, and it’s important for a patient to properly prepare before wisdom teeth surgery. All patients undergoing wisdom teeth removal should follow their doctor’s instructions with attention to every detail, starting with the initial consultation. The… Read more »

Bone Grafting and Membranes

Bone Grafting and Membranes Bone grafting can be used in medical/dental procedures, such as tooth extractions, dental implant placement, facial trauma treatment and reconstructive surgery of the mouth, face and jaws. The goal of bone grafting is to provide good quantity and quality of bone at the desired site for proper form and function. Bone… Read more »

Can Impacted Wisdom Teeth Lead to Significant Problems?

Can Impacted Wisdom Teeth Lead to Significant Problems?  Third molars, more commonly known as wisdom teeth, enter the mouth between the ages of 17 and 25. They are the last teeth to develop and erupt into the mouth.  What Is an Impacted Tooth? When a tooth is unable to fully enter the mouth, it is… Read more »

Coronectomy: A Solution to Wisdom Tooth Problems

Coronectomy: A Solution to Wisdom Tooth Problems What is a Coronectomy? A coronectomy is a dental procedure that removes the coronal portion of a wisdom tooth, intentionally leaving part of the root(s) in place. Wisdom teeth (also known as third molars) may be located near nerves and other vital structures. Removing the entire tooth may… Read more »

Dentoalveolar Surgeries

Dentoalveolar Surgeries Dentoalveolar surgeries are the procedures most often performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons. These are a group of procedures that involve adding, reshaping or removing hard and soft tissues supporting teeth.   Types of dentoalveolar surgeries include:  An OMS may perform dentoalveolar surgery to manage:  Although extracting one or more teeth is the most… Read more »

Dry Socket

What is Dry Socket? Alveolar osteitis, commonly called “dry socket,” is a painful condition occuring after having a tooth extracted. A dry socket happens when a blood clot is dislodged or otherwise breaks down in the site of a tooth extraction, exposing bone and nerves that can result in significant pain. After surgery to remove wisdom… 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 »

Extractions and Dentoalveolar Surgery

Extractions and Dentoalveolar Surgery The surgical management of soft and hard tissues is at the core of what oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained to do. Dentoalveolar surgeries are ones that involve the alveolar bone and the supporting structures. This can include removal of impacted teeth (such as wisdom teeth), bone grafting (in preparation for dental implants),… Read more »

Healing After Wisdom Tooth Extractions

Healing After Wisdom Tooth Extractions After a wisdom tooth extraction, it is important to rest, follow the instructions of your oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) and give your body a chance to recover from the surgery. Here are a few ways you can help ensure successful healing. What to Do After Wisdom Tooth Surgery Immediately… Read more »