Oral Surgery vs. Oral Surgeons Oral surgery, such as a dental implant procedure or the extraction of a tooth, is surgery performed in or around the mouth. But not everyone who performs oral surgery is an oral surgeon, and the difference between having oral surgery performed and seeing an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) is significant. While oral surgery is a… Read more »
Oral Surgery
Potential Complications of Wisdom Teeth Extractions
Potential Complications of Wisdom Teeth Extractions Wisdom tooth extraction is a common and generally safe procedure, but it is important to be aware of potential complications. Understanding these risks can help you make informed decisions, seek timely medical attention and ensure a smooth recovery. What is a Dry Socket? A dry socket (also called alveolar… Read more »
Preparing for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Preparing for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery If you are scheduled to have oral and maxillofacial surgery, proper preparation will contribute to a smooth procedure and successful outcome. Consultation and Evaluation Before surgery, you will have a consultation with your oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS). Your OMS will assess your specific condition and perform a thorough… Read more »
Preserving Bone for Dental Implants and Oral Health
Preserving Bone for Dental Implants and Oral Health The loss or extraction of a tooth can alter the surrounding bone, potentially affecting future dental treatment. Preserving the jawbone after a tooth extraction is integral to successful dental treatment and helps maintain oral health. Why Preservation is Important Bone grafting and socket preservation refer to the… Read more »
Proper Oral Care After Dentoalveolar Surgery
Proper Oral Care After Dentoalveolar Surgery Dentoalveolar surgery includes procedures such as tooth extraction, gum surgery, and bone grafting in the mouth. It is important to know how to care for your mouth during the healing process. What to Do After Surgery After dentoalveolar surgery, bleeding may occur at the surgical site. Your oral and… Read more »
Questions to Ask Your OMS
Questions to Ask Your OMS Oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMSs) undergo extensive education and surgical training to ensure they will be well-prepared to answer your oral health questions. It’s common for patients to feel nervous about oral healthcare, especially if surgery is involved. It can feel intimidating to ask a doctor questions, but your OMS… Read more »
Recovery from Orthognathic Surgery
Recovery from Orthognathic Surgery When anticipating corrective jaw surgery, it is important to understand the recovery process. Corrective jaw surgery – also known as orthognathic surgery – aims to improve jaw alignment, occlusal function (how teeth line up to form your bite), and facial esthetics. These surgeries can be mildly to majorly invasive, making the… Read more »
Simple vs. Surgical Extraction
Tooth Extraction: Simple vs. Surgical Tooth Removal Even with proper dental care, teeth age and can decay or break. Many damaged teeth can be repaired with fillings or crowns, but when the damage or decay is excessive, the tooth should be removed. A tooth extraction may not seem complicated, but tooth removal should only be… Read more »
Sinus Augmentation: Preparing Sinuses for Dental Implants
Sinus Augmentation: Preparing Sinuses for Dental Implants The quality and quantity of available bone are key to successful placement of maxillary dental implants. If you don’t have enough bone in your upper jaw (maxilla), you may need sinus augmentation surgery – also called a sinus lift or sinus graft – before your dental implant surgery…. Read more »
Soft-tissue Grafting
Soft-tissue Grafting Healthy teeth and dental implants require both gum tissue and bone for support. Healthy gum tissue (soft tissue) forms a protective barrier. This barrier protects against oral bacteria and stresses from daily functions such as chewing and tooth brushing. Without adequate gum tissue and bone (hard tissue), teeth and dental implants may become… Read more »
