Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a specialty of dentistry that treats injuries or diseases of the head and neck, including problems with the skull, the jaw, and the inside of the mouth. Patients may be referred to an oral surgeon by their regular dentist if they have a problem that goes beyond the dentist’s area of expertise. The following are some of the most common services provided by an Oral Surgery Practice in Short Hills NJ.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Wisdom teeth are the last four teeth to grow in, usually appearing in the late teens or early twenties. Wisdom teeth can be problematic when there is not enough room for them, as is often the case, or when they grow in at an improper angle. When there is no room for the teeth to erupt, they become impacted, or trapped, under the gum. This can cause pain and infection, so wisdom teeth are usually removed as soon as it’s clear that there is a problem. The extraction is typically an out-patient procedure.
Treatment For Snoring And Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a serious condition that occurs when the soft tissues in the mouth and throat become lax and block the flow of air. This causes the sleeper to stop breathing-;sometimes as often as several times per hour. Sleep apnea is diagnosed with a sleep study, and then treatment is prescribed by an oral surgeon. The oral surgeon can treat sleep apnea with medications, sleep devices, somnoplasty, or traditional surgery. The treatment option chosen depends on the patient’s particular condition.
Dental Implants
Patients who are missing teeth can benefit from dental implant surgery performed by an oral surgeon. The process involves the implantation of a titanium post under the gum, which then heals for several months. Once the implant site is fully healed, a crown can be attached. An implant can replace only one tooth or a row of teeth.
TMJ Disorder
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder refers to pain or other problems with the lower jaw. People with TMJ disorder may have an aching pain in their jaws, or they may experience stiffness and problems with occlusion. An oral surgeon can diagnose the problem and work with the patient on non-surgical therapies such as jaw exercises or an oral device for use at night. To consult with an Oral Surgery Practice in Short Hills NJ, visit the website.
