Why is wisdom tooth extraction necessary?

A human person's mouth can fit 28 teeth without any problem. However, once a person reaches maturity, wisdom teeth start to break out -- bring the teeth count up to 32. Since the typical human mouth cannot accommodate the increase, crowding happens, which causes some wisdom teeth to become impacted. This, then, causes misalignment. However, for some people, it can get extremely painful.

No matter how painful it can get, some people still don't go for the extraction out of fear. However, wisdom teeth extraction is unavoidable, which is why dentists have come up with various techniques to help their patients through the procedure. In Southpark Oral Surgery, Dr. Kevin Bond and his staff help patients lower their anxiety during wisdom teeth extraction by making use of local anesthesia and nitrous oxide (laughing gas). For some cases, they make use of general anesthesia.

Going through a dental procedure can be scary. But, before letting fear get its way, think of your dental needs first. With various techniques dentists now offer, wisdom tooth extraction is no longer something to be afraid of! Say goodbye to your painful wisdom teeth now and schedule a visit with your local dentist.

Why should you visit an oral surgeon?

Oral surgeons are doctors that specialize in maxillofacial surgery; which is surgery that focuses on the mouth, head, jaw, face, and neck. People are usually referred to oral surgeons by their dentists or general doctors if they need a specialist to take a look at their case. Some instances are when a patient suffers from sleep apnea or jaw abnormality, wherein maxillofacial surgery may be needed to correct the problem.

Oral surgeons may also place dental implants by embedding a titanium anchor to the jaw bone where a prosthetic tooth will be attached. In relation to this, oral surgeons can also perform bone grafting for cosmetic patients who do not have enough jaw bone density to accept an implant.

Do you need to see an oral surgeon? You can visit Southpark Oral Surgery in Charlotte NC for all your maxillofacial surgery needs. Dr. Kevin Bond and his team of experts are always ready to help any person achieve a beautiful smile and an improved health.

Have you been feeling extra tired lately?

Are you having sleep problems? Are people complaining about your loud snoring? Like millions of other Americans, you may be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. This condition causes you to stop breathing while you are asleep. As a result, people who suffer from this are interrupted from their sleep constantly.

Sleep apnea is usually linked to illnesses like coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, and blood sugar problems such as diabetes. Since it makes your heart work extra hard at night (blood oxygen levels lower when breathing stops, hence making the heart work harder to circulate more oxygen), sleep apnea can cause many heart problems - even strokes.

The usual treatment for sleep apnea is the use of a nasal CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine. The patient basically puts a nasal mask on, which then provides constant flow of air; therefore facilitating free and easy breathing throughout the night. If this does not work, oral surgery is another option for people suffering from sleep apnea.

There are several surgical options, all depending on the nature of obstruction. One is called UPPP or uvulo-palato-pharyngo-plasty. In this procedure, the surgeon opens up breathing passages by making changes to the soft palate and throat. Another option is the use of radio-frequency to tighten the soft palate. For more serious conditions, patients will have to stay in the hospital for a day or two to undergo orthognatic surgery wherein changes are made to the structure of the jaw.

End the sleepless nights now! If you live in the Charlotte NC area, you can have your sleep apnea treated by Dr. Kevin Bond of Southpark Oral Surgery. All you need to do is to schedule a consultation so he can give you the proper treatment.

What should you consider before getting jaw surgery?

More often than not, orthodontics can help patients with occlusion issues. However, if orthodontics do not work, then jaw surgery may be the next best option. Jaw surgery, otherwise known as Orthognathic Surgery, is performed by an oral surgeon to reposition the jaws.

Jaw surgery is usually recommended when there is a problem in the size, shape, or position of one or both jaws -- which can cause problems in the facial profile. Jaw abnormalities can also affect health and may cause digestion problems due to improper chewing. More severe abnormalities can lead to sleep apnea, jaw joint problems, and speech impediment.

This irreversible treatment may last up to two years since a patient must go through many stages. Jaw surgery is often paired with orthodontic treatment, which means some teeth will be removed, others will be restored with dental crowns, bridges, or implants, and braces may be placed. Although it may seem like a hassle, it is well worth it since the smile and facial features will be significantly improved.

If you are interested and are looking for a trusted oral surgeon in Charlotte NC, contact Southpark Oral Surgery about their services that target the jaws.

TMJ Treatment in Charlotte NC

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ Disorder) is the pain felt in the jaw joint, which is caused by many factors like aging, disease, trauma, and habitual behaviors. If you hear clicking sounds in the jaw, experience locked jaws, have bite problems, get constant headaches or ear pain, or often feel stiffness in the neck -- you are probably suffering from TMJ.

Humans have two temporomandibular joint located on both sides of the head. It consists of muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and bones. It moves by rotation and helps in chewing and in opening and closing the mouth.

In minor cases of TMJ Disorder, patients can just take counter pain medication. If the pain persists or if locked jaw or a dislocated jaw is experienced, it is important to seek medical help right away. Your local dentist in Charlotte NC may either give you higher doses of pain medicine and apply heat compression or make a splint/bite plate if you are grinding your teeth. Jaw exercises may also be recommended to control the pain. Chewing gum will also be prohibited and it is advised to eat soft food.

If none of the above works, injecting pain medication will be the next option. Local anesthesia will be directly injected to your jaw to lessen the pain.

In some cases, medication and jaw exercises may no longer work. TMJ Disorder caused by major trauma will need surgery. In this procedure, jaw joints will be replaced by artificial implants. This option is irreversible, which is why it is essential to research first and to talk with your dentist.

For more information on Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, visit a dental clinic like Southpark Oral Surgery.

Is it about time to have your wisdom teeth removed?

Wisdom teeth are called that way not because they make a person wiser but because they break out when a person reaches around 23 years of age, which is usually referred to as the "age of wisdom." Since all of the teeth already came out by this time, wisdom teeth are given little space to come out. Although some people do not encounter any problems, there are still many whose wisdom teeth cause pain or discomfort. If you are experiencing this, it is best to consult a dentist about tooth extraction.

Why should you have your wisdom teeth removed right away? Wisdom teeth cause pain and discomfort because they did not break out quite right. This means that your teeth are either partially impacted or completely impacted. Problems may be encountered later on if impacted teeth are not removed right away like infections. The best time to remove impacted teeth is before a person reaches 30.

If you are considering tooth extraction, there are many skilled oral surgeons like those in Southpark Oral Surgery who can do the procedure on you.

Finding Trusted Oral Surgeons

If a patient has a problem in the maxillofacial region, the dentist usually refers him/her to an oral surgeon. This type of surgeon usually deals with procedures like teeth extraction, dental implansts, cyst removal, and temporomandibular treatment.

It's true that oral surgery can sound frightening. The mere thought of it will make a lot of people back out. However, it shouldn't be something to be worried about if you find yourself a trusted surgeon. One way of finding a skilled surgeon is through recommendations. You can ask your dentist or you can ask people who went through maxillofacial surgery before and their experiences. Another way of looking for a trusted surgeon is through the internet. There are sites like RateMDs.com, YELP.com, and DrOogle.com that can help you search and filter doctors.

If you are in the Charlotte NC area, however, there are clinics like Southpark Oral Surgery that caters to patients who are looking for skilled oral surgeons. They also offer general dental care.

All About Cleft Lip and Palate

Recent studies show that one or two out of a thousand babies are either born with a cleft lip or a cleft palate. However, this is a birth defect that shouldn't worry any parent because there are already procedures that can correct it. To correct a cleft lip or palate, a maxillofacial and oral surgeon will have to be present during the procedure. The recommended age for a surgery is around 8 to 12 years old and the patient has to be in good condition.

You may ask: "Why should my child undergo this surgery?" Cleft lip or palate correction will significantly improve not just your child's physical appearance but also his/her quality of life. If this is not corrected early on, a cleft lip or palate may cause poor teeth development, middle ear infections, hearing loss, and may even hinder speech development.

If you want to give your child a better life, consider getting his/her cleft lip or palate corrected. All you need to do is to consult with your local oral surgeon for more information on the surgery.