Staff Writer

How Can Sleep Apnea Be Treated?

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sleep apnea sufferer

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve been battling sleep apnea, or you know someone who is. At Minnesota Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we understand how challenging this condition can be. The good news is, there are multiple ways to treat sleep apnea, many of which are far less invasive than you might think. So, let’s discuss some of the potential treatment options.

Lifestyle Changes

Believe it or not, some simple lifestyle changes can significantly impact sleep apnea symptoms. These include:

  • Weight Loss: If you’re overweight or obese, shedding those extra pounds can relieve constriction of your airway. Consult with a nutritionist or dietitian who can guide you through a healthy weight loss plan.
  • Exercise: Regular physical activity can help ease the symptoms of sleep apnea. Exercise benefits your heart and lungs and often leads to weight loss.
  • Alcohol and Smoking: Both can worsen sleep apnea and snoring. Try reducing your alcohol intake and, if possible, quit smoking.
  • Sleep Position: Changing your sleep position can help open up your airway. Many people find relief from sleeping on their sides or stomachs rather than on their backs.

Oral Appliances

One of the options we often recommend at our clinic are oral appliances. These are devices that you wear in your mouth while you sleep.

  • Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs): These look like mouth guards used in sports. MADs help by pushing your lower jaw forward, which opens up the airway.
  • Tongue Retaining Devices: These are similar to MADs but include a small compartment that holds the tongue forward, preventing it from collapsing and obstructing the airway.

If you opt for an oral appliance, it’s important to remember that these devices must be custom-fitted to your mouth, a service we provide at Minnesota Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

CPAP is perhaps the most common treatment for sleep apnea. This involves wearing a mask over your nose and/or mouth while you sleep. The mask is connected to a machine that delivers a constant stream of air, keeping your breathing passages open.

While CPAP is highly effective, it can take some getting used to. Fortunately, modern machines are quieter and masks are more comfortable than ever before.

Surgery

When other treatment options are not successful or suitable, surgery may be an option. There are several types:

  • Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): This surgery removes soft tissue from the back of the throat, increasing the width of the airway.
  • Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA): This surgery moves the upper and lower part of the jaw forward to increase the size of the airway.
  • Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation: This relatively new surgical procedure involves the implantation of a device that stimulates the nerve controlling the tongue, keeping it from blocking the airway.

At Minnesota Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we are skilled in these procedures and can discuss whether they might be suitable for your particular situation.

Sleep apnea is a serious condition, but it doesn’t have to control your life. With various treatment options available, you can find a solution that suits your lifestyle and needs. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. We are here to guide and support you every step of the way. Sleep well, friends.

Happy Holidays from all of us at MNOFS!!

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Happy Holidays from all of us at MNOFS!!

  • November 29, 2022

2023 Events

Learn More
  • March 25: Spring Conference in Minneapolis
  • April 16-22nd: Head & Neck Cancer Awareness Events
  • 35W and Lowry Bridge Lighting
  • Provider Screening Campaign
  • Monthly Events
  • April 27: Star of the North Meeting
  • May 21: 2nd Annual Head & Neck Cancer Walk for a Cause Event
  • June 1: CPR Training 5:30pm-8:30pm in Willmar at Ridgewater Technical College
  • June 17: Grandma’s Marathon Charity Partnership MN Head and Neck Cancer Run - email [email protected] if you wish to sponsor or participate!
  • July: Mission of Mercy
  • August 24: CPR Training 5:30pm-8:30pm in St. Cloud at St. Cloud Technical College Mission of Mercy
We look forward to the opportunity of supporting your practice for all your oral and maxillofacial surgery needs. We value your trust and the relationships created through the referrals you provide.
Our three state-of-the-art offices offer a broad range of services, from dental extractions and implant placement, to facial cosmetic surgery and skin care. In addition, we utilize the latest technologies in hair transplantation, CO2 laser resurfacing, and all-on-four immediate dentures. Our comprehensive facial cosmetic practice includes blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, face lifts, and non-surgical treatments such filer and toxin to achieve beautiful and natural aesthetic outcomes.
Dr. Kademani has 20 years of experience and has performed over 20,000 surgical procedures in his career. In addition, he has authored over 100 peer reviewed publications and 2 textbooks used worldwide to educate surgeons, and given over 300 invited lectures. He sees patients from all over the state, and is known for treatment of some of the most complex maxillofacial surgery problems. Dr Kademani is committed to his community and profession through education, research, and philanthropy.

Deepak Kademani, DMD MD FACS

CEO Minnesota Oral and Facial Surgery

When I started Minnesota Oral and Facial Surgery in 2014, I had no idea the amazing journey that would begin! With consolidating an existing successful oral surgery practice into my hospital based surgery practice, we quickly established a regional center of excellence for all aspects of oral and maxillofacial surgery. A wonderful, dedicated team works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure all our patients needs are met. It gives me great pleasure to introduce two new physicans/surgeons to our practice Dr Scott Claiborne DDS MD and Dr Carrie Hill MD.
We are tremendously grateful for our patients and referral base who entrust us with the care of their patients.
We continue to have a busy hospital based surgical practice. We perform all aspects of maxillofacial and head and neck surgery from TMJ, orthognathic, facial trauma, and benign/malignant pathology and reconstructive surgery.
In 2020, I founded the Head and Neck Cancer Foundation, dedicated to education, awareness, research, and advocacy to this special patient population. In collaboration with several organizations, such as the MDA and other stakeholders, we are working towards creating meaningful change and improving outcomes with earlier diagnosis. We had our first annual Head & Neck cancer walk with over 100 participants including patients, families and providers.
As always, professional leadership, research and education remain a high priority in my practice. Dr. Scott Claiborne and I are starting a new educational campaign through the Spears Study Club. This will provide monthly learning opportunities for our colleagues and staff.

 Dr.Hill, Dermatology, brings a new perspective and service to our clinic and patients. I was nominated for MN Monthly Top Doctor and Top Dentist recognition for the tenth year in a row…thank you. We remain dedicated to creating the highest level of surgical care. I am confident that our team will exceed your expectations!

Reviews

  • Mary Aarons
    Mary Aarons
    Google

    They do an excellent job. Everyone is so kind ,compassionate and caring. Would definitely recommend them!!!

  • Tristan Cole
    Tristan Cole
    Google

    Dr K and the incredible NP Julie are above and beyond the most compassionate, grounded, kind and incredible team!! I have been seeing them over the past two years dealing w oral cancer and I could never imagine anyone else in the world taking care of me. They’re not only the best in their field by a mile, they personalize my care and make me and my husband feel entirely like we’re part of their family. I trust them implicitly and can’t sing their praises high enough!!

  • mike malone
    mike malone
    Google

    Older reviews are obsolete as the previous Dr sold to Dr K. Dr K and Kristy were the model of professionalism. They weren't rushed and took the time to thoroughly explain all options and answer all question for the tooth extraction that I was very sad about. They had the best bedside manner. I'll be going back to them if I need any work in the future.

  • Jeanne Hamoude
    Jeanne Hamoude
    Google

    Anyone would be lucky to be under the care of Dr. Kademani. He is a top expert in his field and has written the textbooks from which other doctors learn their specialty. He is a world famous author, lecturer, and consultant for oral surgery. I have seen him for eight years and am always amazed at his compassion, expertise, and care of his patients.

  • Mark Olinger
    Mark Olinger
    Google

    I've been seeing Dr Kademani for 6 years. Always very professional and I place complete trust in him.

«12»

Provider Highlights

Scott Claiborne DDS MD

Dr. Claiborne joined Minnesota Oral and Facial Surgery in September of 2021. He has been a tremendous addition to the practice and is already making St. Cloud his new home! Dr. Claiborne grew up in North Carolina and earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology and History at Wake Forest University in 2004. He attended the University of Maryland from 2005-2009, where he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree.
Upon completing his dental training, he completed a six-year Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree at the University of Connecticut. He completed two years of General Surgery training. Following residency, Dr. Claiborne completed an advanced fellowship and sub-specialty training in Oral/Head and Neck Oncology and Reconstruction with Dr Kademani. Before returning to Minnesota Dr Claiborne was in private practice in Connecticut.
Throughout his career, he maintains a strong clinical interest in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with chronic head, neck, and facial pain. He has written multiple textbook chapters and presented research at local, national, and international meetings in the field of Oral/Head and Neck Oncology.
Dr. Claiborne is a classical pianist, designated as “Musically Advanced” by the National Federation of Music Clubs. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, studying history, tennis, and golf. He is excited to be back in Minnesota and giving back to the community! He is Board Certified by the American Board of Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery.
Dr. Carrie Cera Hill has been practicing dermatology since 2010 and joined our practice in 2021. Dr. Cera Hill is a board-certified dermatologist with extensive experience in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology with personal interests in skin of color and pediatric skin.
Dr. Cera Hill received a BA in Art and MBA in Marketing both at The University of Iowa. After working for 7 years at Procter & Gamble, she received her MD from The University of Colorado School of Medicine in 2006. She completed her dermatology residency at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
Dr. Cera Hill is originally from the Midwest, and has practiced Dermatology in Colorado in 1994, and the Midwest. In her spare time, Dr. Cera Hill enjoys traveling, photography, design, working out and spending time with her two children. She speaks Spanish.

Carrie Cera Hill, MD, FAAD

Staff Testimonial

I was born and raised in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota and am proud to call Sartell my home. I obtained my bachelors of science degree in nursing from the College of St. Benedicts. While exploring career options in nursing, I found tremendous joy and fulfillment working in oral surgery. For over 20 years now, I have devoted my career to oral surgery and I continue to enjoy the daily challenges. I always smile when a nervous patient acknowledges that “it wasn’t so bad” – I consider that a win! I enjoy the surgical procedures, fast pace, and technology that comes with a career in oral surgery. I also love working closely with the surgeons who keep me on my toes! It amazes me how much variety there is each day in oral surgery. I’ve enjoyed this career so much that I now have two children who are nurses – and one who works alongside me in our clinic! I am mom to three, stepmom to three, and (soon to be) grandma to three beautiful babies. In my free time, I love my flower garden and kayaking on the lake. I’ve been to Fiji X times and am always looking for my next road trip or beach vacation. I am tremendously proud of my career in oral surgery and I hope my patients feel a sense of comfort in the care I provide.
Kristy Orth, RN
Lead Clinical Nurse

Publications

To be released in April 2023

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Why Board Certification Matters for Oral Surgeons

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Oral surgeons perform complex surgeries that are likely to have a life-changing impact on you if they go wrong. When choosing an oral surgeon for your procedure, you must ensure they have the necessary training, skills, and certification. This article will tell you why board certification matters for oral surgeons.

What is Board Certification, and Why is It Important for Oral Surgeons?

Board certification for oral surgeons is a certificate issued to American oral surgeons by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS). This board is the only certifying board for the specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery that is recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA). Although this certification is not mandatory, it shows that the oral surgeon has completed all the necessary training and examinations and meets the standards required to perform successful oral surgeries.

A board of eight directors oversees the ABOMS. It is to make sure all oral surgeons meet the criteria for training and professionalism. It’s certified by peer appraisal.

Before the board gives an oral surgeon a certificate, they must provide professional credentials and prove they have the required training and understanding of different oral surgeries. The certification process involves the qualifying exam and oral certifying exam. The qualifying exam is computer-based, and it’s meant to test the surgeon’s competency in oral and maxillofacial. An oral surgeon must pass this test to move to the following evaluation stage.

The oral certifying examination is designed to evaluate a surgeon’s understanding and judgment in oral and maxillofacial surgery. The test comprises three segments, each with four timed cases. The entire oral test takes 144 minutes, while the qualifying exam takes 200 minutes. An oral surgeon needs to go through this certification process because they meet the prerequisite standards and have demonstrated a high commitment to offering the best services to their patients.

Using Zirconia for Dental Implants

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Dental implants permanently replace missing teeth because they’re designed to integrate your jawbone to offer permanent roots. There are different types of dental implants, but this article talks about using zirconia for dental implants.

Zirconia for Dental Implants

Previously, titanium dental implants dominated the dental industry because of their impressive ability to integrate with the jawbone for a permanent replacement. But recently, zirconia dental implants have become very popular, offering an alternative to titanium in terms of osseointegration with the jawbone.

Zirconia comprises zirconium dioxide (ZrO2), also referred to as zirconia. But you shouldn’t confuse zirconia with zircon. Zirconium oxide is a white crystalline oxide, and it can be synthesized to produce various products, including dental implants.

Benefits of Zirconia Dental Implants

Numerous studies have been conducted on zirconia dental implants to establish their viability and benefits to patients. Here are the main advantages of zirconia dental implants.

Corrosion and Wear Resistant
Zirconia dental implants exhibit superior resistance against corrosion and deterioration, keeping your replacement teeth looking new and natural for many years. Since your mouth is always wet, you should choose dental implants that are corrosion resistant. The yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline (Y-TZP) constituents in zirconia implants enable them to remain effective for years.

Extra Strength
Zirconia dental implants exhibit a high flexural forte compared to other dental implants. They are durable and inflexible, even under extreme pressure. Therefore, you can bite and chew hard foods without damaging them. They’ve proven to be more effective and pressure-resistant when placed in the anterior part of your mouth.

Osseointegration
Like titanium implants, zirconia dental implants are designed to bond with your jawbone to form a firm foundation for your dental crowns. Remember that a successful installation of dental implants depends on the effectiveness of their osseointegration. Fortunately, zirconia is known to offer successful osseointegration.

Doesn’t Conduct Heat
Since zirconia isn’t a metal, it doesn’t conduct heat. Therefore, your zirconia dental implants won’t burn your gums when you eat or drink something hot. This allows your gums to heal and bind themselves around the implants for a firm and permanent replacement.

Their only setback is that a few dentists only offer them. Although zirconia dental implants are gaining popularity worldwide, very few dentists are offering them. They arrived in the United States in 2019, which means they’re still not readily available.

What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Surgery?

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As you go through your puberty stage, you will develop four additional molars at the back of your mouth, known as wisdom teeth. Unfortunately, these molars are prone to many problems, including emerging at the wrong angle and getting stuck underneath your gums. That’s why oral surgeons advise their patients to get rid of their wisdom teeth as soon as they emerge.

But many people who plan to get their wisdom extracted are concerned about what to eat after the extraction. This article offers you the ultimate list of what to eat after wisdom teeth surgery.

Best Foods to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Since wisdom teeth extraction is an invasive procedure that involves cutting your gums, especially when your wisdom teeth are stuck underneath your gums, you need to develop a healthy diet plan that will help you recover quickly. Here are the most important foods to eat after wisdom teeth extraction.

Mashed Potatoes
Potatoes are packed with fiber and other nutrients that will benefit your body immensely, and they’re also very marshy and easy to digest. For one to two weeks after wisdom teeth extraction, you shouldn’t eat any hard or crunchy foods to avoid hurting the healing surgical wounds or dislodging the blood clot from the empty sockets. However, eat them in moderation because they’re very high in calories.

Soups
Soups are beneficial for your overall health and accelerate healing. They are soft and easy to chew, so you won’t disturb the surgical wounds while chewing and swallowing. You can even take your soups while blended.

Porridge
Porridge is made with simple ingredients like corn flour, cheese, flour, and more. It doesn’t require a lot of chewing, and it’s easy to swallow cassava. Porridge is a substantial meal that will give your body all the nutrients it needs for faster healing.

Eggs
Eggs are highly rich in proteins, vitamins, and zinc, which your body needs for recovery. Furthermore, they are easy to chew and swallow without putting pressure on the surgical wounds, especially when scrambled.

Avocadoes and Blended Fruit Juices
Avocadoes are packed with healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. You can add them to blended fruit juices to add flavor. They’re soft and easy to chew without disturbing your surgical sites.

Why Do Some Dental Procedures Need Bone Grafting?

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When you go for a major dental procedure, your dentist will examine your jaw to ensure it’s perfect for the procedure. If your jawbone doesn’t have enough density and mass, your dentist will advise you to go for a bone graft. Why do some dental procedures need bone grafting?

What is a Dental Bone Graft?

A dental bone graft refers to the bone tissue implanted into your jawbone to add bone mass and density. This bone tissue may be harvested from a human or animal donor or manufactured in a lab. A bone graft obtained from another part of your body is an autogenous graft, while a graft obtained from a human donor is known as an allograft. A bone graft obtained from an animal donor is known as a xenograft.

Why Do You Need a Dental Bone Graft?

Many situations warrant a dental bone graft. Here are the main reasons why a dental bone graft may be necessary.

Fitting Dental Implants
Your dentist may advise you to have a bone graft before getting the implant. This bone graft is meant to provide a strong base for your implants. According to studies, almost 50 percent of patients require bone grafting for dental implants. Without enough base, they will become loose and fall off.

Severe Gum Disease
If you’ve lost your teeth due to severe gum disease, your doctor may recommend bone grafting before getting dental implants, significantly if the disease has affected your jawbone. In this case, your doctor may have to surgically remove the affected portions of your jawbone and restore the lost bone mass through grafting.

Bone Loss
If you take long to replace your missing teeth, your jawbone will lack the necessary stimulation to regenerate itself. Consequently, it will shrink. This condition is prevalent in elderly people who have stayed for a long time with missing teeth. In such a situation, a bone graft is necessary.

Can I Get My Dental Implants the Same Day as My Extractions?

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Some oral complications may force you to have one or several of your teeth extracted. How can you have the tooth replaced immediately so you can restore your natural smile? Dental implants have proved to be permanent teeth replacement solutions, and this article gives you the correct answer.

What’s an Immediate Dental Implant?

But with the latest technologies in dentistry, it’s possible to have your dental implant fitted immediately after tooth extraction. This type of dental implant is commonly referred to as an immediate dental implant.

In most cases, an immediate dental implant is fitted on the same day your tooth is extracted. But sometimes, it can be fitted after two weeks, especially if your gum is infected or your jawbone requires a bone graft. If you are getting a dental bridge anchored on the dental implant, the procedure is immediate loading.

Importance of Getting an Immediate Dental Implant

Although losing a tooth through extraction is distressing enough, staying with a gap in your teeth for weeks or months is more upsetting because you’ll feel embarrassed every time you laugh or speak in front of people. Many patients prefer to have their dental implants fitted immediately after extraction. Getting your dental implant on the same day as your tooth extraction means you won’t have to cover your mouth when talking or smiling.

Your dental implant fitted immediately after tooth extraction helps speed up osseointegration, coming together with the implant and jawbone. The open gum will heal quickly and tighten up around the implant to give a firm grip. It’s easier to have a dental implant fitted when the wound is still fresh than to open the gum when it’s already healed. An immediate dental implant also helps preserve gum tissue.

When Is a Ridge Augmentation Needed in Oral Surgery?

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Ridge augmentation is one of the most common oral procedures that pave the way for dental implants and other restorative oral procedures. Aside from preparing you for the placement of dental implants, ridge augmentation also ensures that you get maximum aesthetic results by enhancing your facial contour by adjusting the indentations along your jawline. Continue reading to learn more about ridge augmentation and when it is necessary.

What Is Ridge Augmentation?

When you lose a tooth, the jawbone surrounding the root will eventually shrink because your body gradually absorbs it. So, when it’s time to replace the missing tooth with a dental implant, your dentists will recommend you for ridge augmentation before they place the implant. Ridge augmentation involves the use of tissue and grafting to improve and reconstruct the affected part of your jawbone and gum. It is aimed at providing you with a solid foundation and support for the dental implant.

When Is Ridge Augmentation Necessary?

As mentioned above, ridge augmentation becomes necessary when you’ve suffered from jawbone loss or alveolar ridge reabsorption. If a dental implant is placed in an area that has resorbed, it will soon become loose and eventually fall off. Some of the main causes of jawbone loss and reabsorption include:

  • Tooth extraction
  • Developmental defects
  • History of neoplasm
  • Injury or blunt trauma
  • Long-term denture use
  • Severe periodontitis
  • Infection
  • Congenital anomalies

So, if you have suffered any of these problems and you are planning to get a dental implant, you should prepare for ridge augmentation. The first step, ridge augmentation, is assessingsess the amount of alveolar bone loss through radiographic and 3D imaging. That way, your dentists will have the exact measurements of the alveolar ridge so that they can choose the best ridge augmentation method to use.

Through the latest technological advances, dentists can easily create a naturally contoured area of your jawbone that imitates your natural smile. Poor bone outlines can cause dark, irregular shapes around your teeth, especially if you have a dental bridge. These blemishes show a lack of sufficient healthy bone support in the affected area. Ridge augmentation of your jawbone would enhance the appearance of this area, ensuring that your dental implant looks like a natural tooth. It also prevents wide spaces between the bridge and gum where food particles may get stuck. For more information on ridge augmentation, get in touch with Dr. Kademani right away.

Are Dental Implants Really as Good as My Original Teeth?

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When you lose your tooth due to infection or accident, you have to choose the most effective and lasting tooth replacement solution. Thankfully, dental implants have proved to be quite effective in replacing missing teeth and permanently restoring a patient’s natural smile. But the question that many people ask is: Are dental implants really as good as my original teeth? This article answers this and other related questions.

Why You Should Choose Dental Implants

While there are several other tooth replacement options, dental implants have proved to be the most suitable solution because of several reasons. For instance, they are easy to maintain, especially since they only need brushing and flossing like natural teeth. With dental bridges and dentures, you have to remove them occasionally for cleaning, which can be very inconvenient.

Additionally, dental implants will provide you with more comfort because they won’t fall off when you laugh or chew food. Furthermore, you won’t have to remove your dental implants at night. Dental implants are designed to attach to your jawbone permanently through a bonding process referred to as osseointegration. This means that the metallic implant will bond with your bone to form a permanent root that will provide your jawbone with the necessary stimulation for regrowth.

Dental Implants and Real Teeth

Many people want to know if their dental implants will be better than their natural teeth. The short answer is that it depends. First of all, it is not easy to compare dental implants to natural teeth because implants are artificial and may not perform the same way natural teeth would. So, your dentist will try as much as possible to restore your natural teeth if it’s possible. Although the process of restoring natural teeth can require multiple procedures that might be frustrating to some patients, you shouldn’t lose your natural teeth to dental implants.

But having said that, sometimes dental implants are the better option, especially in a situation where severe teeth decay is involved. In that case, dental implants will help you restore your natural smile and live your everyday life. Tooth decay is known to cause numerous health complications, including stroke, cardiovascular disease, reduced insulin effectiveness, osteoporosis, and others. Therefore, you need to replace the decayed teeth with dental implants. The good thing about implants is that they do not decay, so you won’t have to worry about root canal or cavity. For more information about dental implants, talk to Dr. Kademani right away.