Archive for 2018

Can Dental Implants Set Off Airport Metal Detectors?

If you have dental implants, are you doomed to a lifetime of airport security delays? Most artificial joints — more than 90 percent, in fact — do set off metal detectors. Fortunately, tooth replacements aren’t like knee and hip replacements, and the chances are good that you won’t have to worry about triggering an alarm in most cases. However, because security technology has […]

4 Types of Oral Cancer Surgery

In the treatment of oral cancer, surgery has long played a crucial role. For many patients, surgical procedures offer the best treatment for many types of cancer, including oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer — particularly when the disease is caught early on. Advances in surgical techniques have enabled oral and maxillofacial surgeons to successfully employ procedures to help in the […]

Are Antibiotics Necessary Before Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery? 

Some oral and maxillofacial surgery patients are required to take antibiotics before their procedure to help ward off infection. For other patients, however, antibiotics aren’t recommended. Most patients won’t need to take a course of antibiotics before their procedure. Research shows that if you’re relatively healthy, preventive antibiotics may do more harm than good. However, the American Dental Association (ADA) […]

Tooth Extraction Aftercare — Why Use a Saltwater Rinse?

When you visit an oral surgeon for a tooth extraction, you’ll get aftercare instructions. The surgical team will brief you on exactly what to do — and what not to do — for a smooth recovery. One of the directions you may be given is to start using a saltwater rinse the day after your procedure. Oral surgeons frequently recommended this step, as it expedites […]

How Oral Surgeons Correct Common Bite Problems

Did you know your oral surgeon can give you a beautiful, even smile, even if you have a bite problem? A mild underbite, overbite or open bite may not seem so bad, but dental and skeletal irregularities can lead to a host of long-term dental issues. If your jaws aren’t properly aligned and your teeth don’t line […]

Oral Surgeon or Dentist: Which One Should You Visit?

Is it time to see a dentist, or is an oral surgeon more suited to your needs? Although routine care generally calls for a dentist appointment, more challenging issues typically require the expertise of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Although both types of practitioners deal with issues relating to the oral cavity, these two professional skillsets are different. The Role of a Dentist […]

What Happens During a Tooth Extraction?

Is tooth extraction in your future? Knowing what to expect can help you prepare for the procedure. The specifics will depend upon the location of the tooth and whether any issues could complicate the procedure. Tooth extractions can be either simple or complex, and your oral surgeon will let you know which type you need. However, […]

How to Prevent Dental Implant Failure

Dental implant failure is a rare occurrence. In fact, most patients never experience any complications. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), 95 percent of the millions of implants placed each year are successful. That number jumps higher — up to 98 percent — for artificial teeth that are implanted by a tooth restoration specialist. If you want […]

Oral Surgeons Explain How to Manage a Facial Injury

If you suffer a facial injury, an oral surgeon is often the medical professional of choice to provide emergency treatment. In the meantime, you or someone nearby may need to provide first aid. By taking the proper steps to address injuries to the mouth and face, you can potentially help improve the outcome of your medical treatment. Cut Inside […]

Consider Oral Surgery for Treating These Common Conditions

Oral surgery may be necessary for routine procedures such as tooth extraction as well as more complex challenges such as facial reconstruction. You may be surprised by some of the many conditions that can be addressed with comprehensive treatment by a qualified oral surgeon. Tooth Impaction Oral surgery is highly effective for treating any type of tooth impaction. For impacted wisdom teeth, […]