The lower jaw, or mandible, is essential to oral function. The lower mandible is connected to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and these two hard tissues work together to facilitate all mouth movement—from eating to speaking. Additionally, the positioning of the lower jaw affects more than...
Edentulous patients who choose conventional dentures as a tooth replacement typically find that those appliances need to be re-fitted and/or replaced periodically as their fit declines. For patients who prefer a more permanent solution to their tooth loss, All-on-4 improves on standard dentures by adding...
Many people can return to their normal routines within a matter of days after having their wisdom teeth removed, but if post-operative complications develop, it can delay your recovery and interfere with your personal and professional obligations. Fortunately, patients can take steps to reduce their...
Ideally, patients who have a cracked tooth will be able to avoid tooth extraction by restoring the tooth, perhaps with a root canal treatment. It is always preferable to preserve a natural tooth whenever possible. Unfortunately, however, not all damaged teeth can be saved. If...
Molars are vital to oral function. Since these teeth have flat and ample biting surfaces, they help chew food to small enough pieces so that we can swallow with ease. Just losing one molar can greatly affect oral function. Moreover, losing a molar can lead...
If you have an upcoming oral surgery scheduled, you likely have questions about what to expect after your procedure. Caring for your mouth after treatment is an important part of the recovery process. It is important to follow all instructions given to you by your...
Facial trauma can happen to anyone. Many times, an accidental fall or a car wreck can affect the oral and maxillofacial region of the body. Since the face and mouth are made up of hard tissue, bones and teeth can become broken and injured. When...
Your wisdom teeth are the largest teeth in your mouth and therefore the most likely to become impacted. Most people’s jaws are not large enough to accommodate these third molars. Impacted wisdom teeth should be extracted by an oral surgeon. A surgical procedure is typically necessary...
Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become less dense over time. This process occurs naturally as a person gets older and can be accelerated by genetic factors as well as diet and other lifestyle issues. Because adequate bone material is so essential to...
Patients who are facing a tooth extraction may have some anxiety about the procedure. Those fears can be eased when they have a better idea of what to expect and how to prepare for the extraction. First, the patient should know what type of extraction...