TMJ Disorder

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a small joint located in front of the ear where the skull and lower jaw meet. The joint permits the lower jaw to move and function. TMJ disorders are not uncommon. Symptoms are usually reported by adults between the ages of 20 and 40 and tend to affect females more […]

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Oral Cancer Symptoms and Types

To help diagnose oral cancer early, patients should perform routine self-exams and identify potential oral cancer symptoms. The earlier oral cancer symptoms are identified and diagnosed, the easier the treatment and the greater the chance of a cure. When oral cancers are discovered in an early stage of development, the survival rate ranges from 80 […]

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Oral, Head and Neck Cancer

More than 53,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer this year, according to the National Cancer Institute. The mortality rate for oral cancer is particularly high – not because it is hard to detect, diagnose or treat, but because the cancer often is discovered late in its development. That’s why routine self-exams […]

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Oral Surgery vs. Oral Surgeons

Oral surgery, such as a dental implant procedure or the extraction of a tooth, is surgery performed in or around the mouth. But not everyone who performs oral surgery is an oral surgeon, and the difference between having oral surgery performed and seeing an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) is significant. While oral surgery is a category of procedures, the oral […]

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What is the Trigeminal Nerve?

Located in the head, the trigeminal nerve is one of the 12 cranial nerves – all with different and important roles in vision, hearing and controlling the function of facial muscles. The trigeminal nerve provides feeling to most of the face and mouth. Some problems with the nerve, such as trigeminal neuralgia, can be associated […]

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Dry Socket Symptoms

While some pain is to be expected following the removal of any teeth, dry socket symptoms typically include severe pain within a few days after a tooth extraction. Other symptoms include: Pain radiating from the socket outward – toward the eye, ear, neck or temple on that side of the face Visible bone in the socket Bad […]

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Diagnosing and Treating Sleep Apnea

If you believe you may have obstructive sleep apnea, a visit to the oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) is recommended for a complete examination and an accurate diagnosis. At your first visit, the doctor will take a medical history and perform a head and neck examination looking for problems that might contribute to sleep-related breathing […]

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