Chin surgery (genioplasty) is a facial cosmetic surgery that can increase or reduce the length and projection of the chin. There are two basic approaches to chin surgery: The chin bone is moved and fixed in a new position with wires and screws. An implant is used to add size to a receding chin. While patients may have elective chin surgery for cosmetic reasons, the surgery also can be part of a more comprehensive planned jaw surgery for a receding lower jaw. Chin Surgery Consultation Every surgical procedure should begin with a consultation that discusses the goals of the surgery ..read more

Cheekbone implants (malar augmentation) can be inserted as a part of a facial cosmetic surgery plan, creating the appearance of higher, more prominent cheekbones. Cheekbone implants can be used to improve facial balance, give a more youthful appearance through fuller cheeks or restore forms lost due to trauma or pathology. Patients seeking malar augmentation who prefer a non-surgical option should consult with their oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) about injectable fillers. Cheekbone Surgery Consultation Every surgical procedure should begin with a consultation that discusses the goals of ..read more

Cosmetic facial surgery has long been performed to correct physical malformations resulting from disease, injury and congenital craniofacial anomalies. Today, a growing number of men and women are choosing cosmetic facial surgery to improve their appearance and reduce the signs of aging. Because of their background in surgery of the face, oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMSs) are well-trained to perform cosmetic procedures involving the esthetic and functional aspects of the face and neck regions. Extensive education and training in surgical procedures of the soft (skin and muscle) and hard ..read more

If someone close to you has spoken of your loud snoring and has noticed that you often wake up abruptly, gasping for air, you should consult your oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS). These could be signs of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The risks of untreated OSA include heart attack, stroke, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, heart disease and decreased libido. In addition, OSA causes daytime drowsiness that can result in accidents, lost productivity and relationship problems. Snoring Is Not Necessarily Sleep Apnea It’s estimated that approximately 30% to 50% of the U.S. population s ..read more

  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 usually “impacted”. In general, impacted teeth are unable to break through the gums and become functional because there is not enough room.  It is estimated more than 70% of adults have at least one impacted wisdom tooth¹. What Kind of Problems are Caused by Impacted Teeth? Impacted wisdom teeth can cause multiple problems, including pain, dama ..read more

  If you or a loved one suffer a facial or mouth injury requiring a trip to the emergency room, you should consult with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. With their background and training, OMSs are the specialists uniquely qualified to deal with these types of injuries. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are experts in treating and repairing facial trauma, including fractures involving the teeth and jaws, fractures of other facial bones and soft tissue injuries to the face and mouth. Their knowledge regarding proper jaw position and bite (dental occlusion) is critical when repairing compl ..read more

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons and orthodontists often work together to give patients a functional and aesthetic smile. Your orthodontist may refer you to an OMS for a variety of procedures to help ensure your upper and lower jaws work together to allow you to breathe, chew and speak properly. You may be referred to an OMS for procedures such as tooth extraction(s), exposing of an impacted tooth or as a part of orthognathic treatment (corrective jaw surgery). As each case is unique, you may see an oral and maxillofacial surgeon as part of your comprehensive orthodontic treatment plan before ..read more

  Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious and even life-threatening condition. The risks of undiagnosed OSA include heart attack, stroke, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, heart disease and decreased libido. In addition, OSA causes daytime drowsiness that can result in accidents, lost productivity and relationship problems. The National Sleep Foundation estimates that 18 million adults have obstructive sleep apnea, and it is likely that OSA also affects 2 percent to 3 percent of children. Yet, people who have OSA may not be aware they have a problem. If someone close to you ha ..read more

Those who may benefit from corrective jaw surgery – or orthognathic surgery – include those with an improper bite resulting from misaligned teeth and/or jaws. In some cases, a person’s upper and lower jaws may grow at different rates. Injuries and craniofacial anomalies seen at birth may also affect jaw alignment. While orthodontics can usually correct bite problems when only the teeth are misaligned, corrective jaw surgery may be necessary to correct discrepancies of the jaws. Evaluating the Need for Jaw Surgery Your orthodontist and oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) will work together to ..read more

More people are looking to dental implant surgery to replace missing teeth. It’s natural to have questions before visiting with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS). Dental implant surgery should be performed by an OMS, the surgical specialist of the dental profession. OMSs are extensively trained in the surgical placement of dental implants, and have extensive knowledge of the face, mouth and jaws. The risks of this outpatient surgery are minimal for a procedure that can greatly improve a patient’s overall oral health, and are usually outweighed by the benefits. Those interested ..read more