Archive for 2018

Before Your Oral Surgeon Consultation, Take These 3 Steps

When you schedule an oral surgeon consultation with the team at Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Utah, we provide complete instructions on how to prepare for your visit. However, as the date gets nearer, you might be focused on everything but the basics. Our oral surgeons are known for providing compassionate, expert care, but it’s natural for new patients to be a […]

Demystifying Dental Implant Surgery

Has your oral surgeon recommended dental implant surgery? If you have missing teeth, dental implants can provide you with a permanent fix — a healthy, beautiful smile that looks and feels completely natural. Still, you may be wondering what it takes to get to that point. Don’t let your imagination run wild. Getting replacement teeth is a quick […]

Proactive Wisdom Tooth Removal: Pros and Cons 

Should you consider proactive wisdom tooth removal, or are you better off waiting until you have problems before having your third molars pulled? In most cases, oral surgeons and dentists recommend the proactive removal of wisdom teeth. However, before making this decision, discuss the pros and cons with your oral surgeon. What Are the Advantages of Proactive Wisdom Tooth Removal? Chances are, […]

Oral Surgery Anesthesia Preparation

Oral surgery anesthesia makes it possible to have comfortable, pain-free procedures such as wisdom tooth extraction, bone grafting, dental implant placement and corrective jaw surgery. Patient with oxygen mask in hospital ward That said, the idea of being under oral sedation, nitrous oxide, IV sedation or general anesthesia makes some patients nervous. Fortunately, being prepared and knowing what to expect can help […]

It’s Oral Cancer Awareness Month. Let’s Talk About Screening.

Have you ever had an oral cancer screening? The American Cancer Society estimates that about 51,540 people in the United States will get oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer in 2018. When caught in the initial stages, treatment can be highly effective — which is why we recommend regular screenings. This April, in support of Oral Cancer Awareness Month, the professionals […]

TMJ Surgery: 3 Ways to Treat Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

Oral surgeons typically view TMJ surgery as a last resort in the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorder. For many patients, conservative treatment measures — such as adopting simple self-care practices and wearing a stabilization splint or bite guard — alleviate TMJ symptoms. However, in other cases, surgical treatment is the only way to effectively overcome temporomandibular joint disorder. If you’ve exhausted all possible […]

Oral Surgeons Support National Facial Protection Month 

This April, oral surgeons across the United States are joining forces with leading professional organizations — including the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the American Dental Association, the Academy for Sports Dentistry, The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Association of Orthodontists — to get an important message out. The goal of this joint effort is […]

Wisdom Tooth Problems: Diagnosing & Treating Pericoronitis

Wisdom tooth problems are unfortunately common among teens and young adults. Often, the mouth simply doesn’t have enough space for these trouble-prone teeth to erupt properly, causing them to become impacted or stuck in the gums. Among the many potential issues, impacted wisdom teeth place you at risk for a condition known as pericoronitis, which is painful inflammation of the nearby gum […]

Pre-Prosthetic Oral Surgery for Dental Implants & Dentures

Pre-prosthetic oral surgery could be a part of your treatment plan if you are planning on getting dental implants or dentures. Although it may sound a little scary, pre-prosthetic surgery is simply a term used to describe a minor, in-office surgical procedure that helps prepare your mouth and jaws for a fixed or removable dental prosthesis. The goal of this […]

For a Child’s Tooth Extraction, it Pays to Prepare

You can make your child’s tooth extraction as easy and stress-free as possible with a little preparation. Oral surgeons only recommend tooth extraction for children as a last resort, to correct problems with chewing, speech and dental development. Sometimes, however, pulling a tooth before the permanent replacement is ready to erupt is necessary. If your child has overcrowding that […]