NTFOS Blog
When is jaw surgery recommended?
16 Feb 2012 | No Comments | posted by admin | in jaw surgery
Patients may need to undergo jaw surgery for any number of reasons. For example, such procedures may correct congenital problems or repair the joint following an injury or trauma.
Jaw surgery can help to alleviate a variety of symptoms, from pain and discomfort to difficulty chewing to sleep apnea. Some people choose jaw surgery for primarily cosmetic factors, too, in order to eliminate an unattractive problem with the bite or to bring the chin into proper proportion with the rest of the face.
If you have signs of a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, your general dentist may recommend a consultation with an oral surgeon. Similarly, an orthodontist may recommend surgery for a patient whose case cannot be resolved through braces alone.
Prior to undergoing any surgical procedures on your jaw, you and oral surgeon will meet a number of times to plan the surgery. Your surgeon will explore your treatment goals and gather data that will help to shape the techniques and approach used during the procedure.
If you are having jaw surgery in conjunction with orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist may need to reposition the teeth before the surgery can be completed. The oral surgeon and orthodontist work as a team in such cases.
Depending on the extent of your surgery, you may choose to take advantage of sedation dentistry or general anesthesia so that you will remain comfortable throughout the procedure. If you do, be sure to ask your oral surgeon what preparations are necessary to ensure a safe surgery.
Be prepared to give yourself adequate time for rest and recovery following the surgery, as well. At the very least, you’ll need to alter your diet to accommodate the healing process. Some patients may be able to eat soft foods, but others may have to switch to liquid meals for a few weeks.
Jaw surgery can be very complex, so it’s important to choose an oral surgeon who is experienced in performing such surgery. Your oral surgeon should be able to discuss the procedure in detail with you, and the surgeon should also be able to demonstrate results achieved with previous patients.
For more information and to schedule a consultation in the Dallas area, contact our dedicated and experienced oral surgery team at Northern Texas Facial & Oral Surgery.
Single Tooth Replacement: What are my options?
6 Feb 2012 | No Comments | posted by admin | in dental implants
A patient with a missing tooth has alternatives when it comes to replacing it. A fixed permanent bridge, dental implants, or even an orthodontic intervention to close the gap are all possibilities.
For years, fixed permanent bridges were the standard tooth replacement solution. These devices place a prosthetic tooth in the gap left behind, and that prosthetic tooth is anchored by dental crowns placed on adjacent teeth. This approach does require that healthy tooth enamel be sacrificed to accommodate the crown, and only the visible portion of the tooth is replaced.
Dental implants improved upon the fixed permanent bridge. The titanium screws fuse with the bone to replicate a missing tooth’s root. Then the implant is topped with a lifelike artificial crown. There is no impact on adjoining teeth, and dental implants look almost identical to their biological neighbors.
After the planning process is complete, an oral surgeon can place dental implants in an outpatient procedure that takes just a few hours. Patients can be fitted with temporary crowns to eliminate the gap in the smile as the dental implants fuse with the bone.
When a single tooth is absent, the patient will have functional and aesthetic concerns. This is where dental implants outshine their peers. Because the dental implant restores the entire tooth structure, not merely the visible portion, the device preserves the tooth’s utility.
The dental implant’s root-like structure stabilizes the jawbone, which will wear away in the absence of the tooth’s root. This is one of the most important dental implant roles, as bone loss can lead to the loss of neighboring teeth when less jawbone material is available to support them.
Dental implant wearers don’t have to change their diets or their oral hygiene routines for the devices, either.
When considering dental implants, it’s important to visit an oral surgeon early in the process to be sure that these devices are appropriate for your case.
Patients who already have extensive bone loss may need to undergo a procedure like a bone graft or sinus augmentation prior to dental implant placement to ensure that enough bone is available to sustain the implant.
Contact our experienced team at Northern Texas Facial & Oral Surgery in Keller TX for a dental implant consultation if you need to replace a single missing tooth.
Treatment Options for TMJ Disorder
30 Jan 2012 | No Comments | posted by admin | in TMJ
When the jaw joint and the corresponding muscles of the head, face, and neck functions abnormally, the resulting conditions are referred to as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. Also known as TMJ or TMD, the disorder contributes to a host of uncomfortable signs and symptoms.
The jaw joint functions like a hinge as it connects to the skull just below the ears. The muscles that support the joint are designed to perform specific duties that allow us to open and close for eating and chewing.
When the muscles and joints are not operating properly, you may begin to notice a number of symptoms. An evaluation by our oral surgeon who has experience treating TMJ in Dallas can provide the most accurate diagnosis of this disorder.
TMJ disorder is most often caused by a habit of clenching and grinding of the teeth, known as bruxism. This repeated and excessive force can lead to damaged teeth and gums, as well as stress on the jaw joint. You may want to schedule an evaluation if you have noticed these symptoms:
- Frequent headaches and/or neckaches
- Sore or tired jaws
- Difficulty opening or lockjaw
- Flattened or chipped teeth
- Popping or clicking in the jaw joint
Following your evaluation, your oral surgeon may recommend a combination of treatment options. It is important to determine the exact cause of your TMJ disorder and seek the appropriate treatment. This will protect your joints, teeth, and gums, as well as prevent further damage and discomfort.
Generally, your oral surgeon will suggest a conservative approach to restoring your TMJ health. Meditation and relaxation can be effective for preventing clenching and grinding. Various forms of behavior modification can also help to correct the habits that damage the joints.
Custom bite guards or night guards may be recommended for uncontrollable bruxism. These appliances also help to properly position the jaw joint, relieving stress and allowing the muscles to relax. In addition, conservative adjustments to your bite can be helpful.
In the event that non-surgical treatments are unsuccessful, your oral surgeon may recommend a surgical procedure. Typically, the earlier your TMJ symptoms are detected, the greater your chances for successful, non-surgical therapy. Consult with our experienced team of oral surgeons today for more information regarding your treatment options.
