Articles

Why Would Someone Get Rhinoplasty Surgery?

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preparing for rhinoplasty

We’ve created this post for those who might be dissatisfied with their nose and are considering a change. At Minnesota Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we empathize with your concerns, and we’re here to provide insight into the procedure known as rhinoplasty, or more casually, a ‘nose job.’ Here are some reasons why someone might opt for this surgery.

Enhancing Facial Symmetry

A key motivator for rhinoplasty is to enhance facial symmetry. For some, the desire to have a symmetrical face is about more than just aesthetics. It can also boost self-confidence and overall well-being. Rhinoplasty can:

  • Alter the size: Whether you feel your nose is too big, too small, or just not in proportion with the rest of your face, rhinoplasty can help.
  • Change the shape: You might desire a nose that’s less round, more pointed, less wide, or differently shaped in other ways. Rhinoplasty offers the flexibility to alter the shape of your nose.

Correcting Breathing Issues

Beyond cosmetic reasons, many people seek rhinoplasty to address functional issues, such as:

  • Deviated septum: This is a condition where the wall between your nostrils (the septum) is not straight. A deviated septum can cause breathing difficulties, which rhinoplasty can correct.
  • Other structural issues: Sometimes, the structure of your nose can impede your breathing. This could be due to congenital disabilities or injuries. Rhinoplasty can rectify these structural issues.

Repairing After Injury

Injury to the nose is a common reason to consider rhinoplasty. This can include:

  • Sports injuries: Fast-paced and contact sports can sometimes lead to injuries that alter the shape of your nose.
  • Accidents: Unforeseen incidents like car accidents or falls can cause damage to the nose, requiring surgical intervention.

Post-Cancer Reconstruction

As a clinic that specializes in head and neck cancer treatment, we know that patients sometimes require reconstruction after cancer surgery. Rhinoplasty can play a key role in this process, helping patients regain a sense of normalcy and improve their quality of life.

Rhinoplasty is an individualized procedure, and the decision to have it is a personal one. If you’ve been self-conscious about the appearance or function of your nose, you’re not alone. At Minnesota Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we’re here to listen to your concerns and guide you through the process. Whether it’s for symmetry, functionality, post-injury, or reconstruction, we can help you understand your options and decide what’s best for you. Here’s to embracing our individual beauty, one nose at a time!

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.

The Purpose of Oral Pathology and Benefits of Early Detection

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What is Oral Pathology?

Oral pathology is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases affecting the mouth, jaws, and facial structures. From common issues like cavities to complex conditions such as oral cancer, oral pathologists play a crucial role in maintaining your oral health. Our team at Minnesota Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery dedicates its efforts to ensuring your smile stays bright and healthy through expert care and early detection.

The Oral Pathology Process: Unraveling the Mystery of Oral Diseases

Think of oral pathologists as detectives. They gather clues and analyze evidence to uncover the root cause of oral health issues. This is our process.

Symptoms and Examinations

Everything starts with an examination. Our oral surgeons assess your symptoms, like pain or swelling. Then we examine your mouth for any signs of abnormality. Examinations vary quite a bit in complexity depending on what we’re looking to uncover.

Diagnostic Tools

To get a clearer picture of your oral health, we might use advanced diagnostic tools such as imaging devices or biopsy procedures to collect samples of the affected tissue.

Analysis and Diagnosis

Once we have the information we need, our experts identify the problem and recommend the most effective course of treatment to restore your oral health.

Why Early Detection Matters

Catching oral health issues in their infancy can make a world of difference. Here are some reasons why early detection is essential:

Timely Treatment

As with all health issues, the sooner we catch a problem, the quicker we can address it. Early detection can significantly improve the outcome of your treatment and help prevent further complications. We can also discover the “why” in the equation.

Cost-Effective Care

Addressing issues early on can save you money in the long run. As the old saying goes, “You can pay me now or pay me later.” It’s much more affordable to tackle a small cavity than to wait until it develops into a more serious issue that requires a root canal or extraction.

Peace of Mind

Knowing that your oral health is in check is priceless. Regular checkups and early detection can alleviate stress and anxiety associated with potential oral health issues.

Prevention is Key: An Ounce of Prevention Beats a Pound of Cure

We can’t emphasize the importance of prevention enough when it comes to oral health. Here are some handy tips to keep your mouth in tip-top shape:

Don’t Ignore Symptoms

If you experience any unusual symptoms or discomfort, don’t wait to get it checked out. The sooner we can evaluate your oral health, the better your chances are for a quick and effective recovery.

Brush and Floss

It may sound simple, but brushing and flossing daily is the foundation of good oral hygiene. Keep those pearly whites sparkling by brushing twice a day and flossing once a day.

Regular Checkups

Schedule dental checkups and cleanings at least twice a year. These visits help detect and prevent potential oral health issues and keep your smile looking its best.

Watch Your Diet

A balanced diet is not only essential for your overall health but also for your oral well-being. Limit sugary snacks and acidic beverages to prevent tooth decay and enamel erosion.

At Minnesota Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we understand the importance of oral pathology and the benefits of early detection. Our team of experienced oral surgeons is committed to providing you with the highest quality care and ensuring that your smile remains bright and healthy. So, the next time you’re in need of an oral health checkup or have concerns about your oral health, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Importance of cancer screening

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Cancer screening is an essential tool in the fight against cancer. It uses tests or exams to identify the presence of cancer or precancerous conditions in individuals with no symptoms of the disease. Cancer screening aims to detect cancer early when it is most likely to be treated successfully.

Several types of cancer screening tests are available, including mammography for breast cancer, pap tests for cervical cancer, colonoscopies for colorectal cancer, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests for prostate cancer, skin exams for skin cancer, and low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans for lung cancer.

Oral cancer screening is typically performed by a dentist or oral surgeon during a routine dental examination. The screening involves a visual and tactile examination of the mouth, throat, and neck to look for any abnormalities or signs of cancer. The following steps are typically involved in an oral cancer screening.

Visual examination

The dentist or oral surgeon will visually inspect the inside of the mouth, including the lips, gums, tongue, and roof of the mouth, looking for any red or white patches or swelling.

Palpation

The dentist or oral surgeon will use their hands to feel for any lumps or abnormalities in the neck, jaw, and lymph nodes.

Use of a bright light or special dye

The dentist or oral surgeon may use a bright light or special dye, such as toluidine blue, to highlight any abnormal tissue in the mouth.

X-rays or other imaging studies

If necessary, the dentist or oral surgeon may order additional imaging studies, such as x-rays or a CT scan, to further evaluate any abnormalities detected during the screening.

It is important to undergo regular oral cancer screenings, as early detection of oral cancer can greatly improve the chances of successful treatment.

The benefits of cancer screening are numerous. Early cancer detection can lead to earlier treatment, significantly improving a person’s chances of survival. In some cases, cancer can be cured if it is detected and treated early. In addition, cancer screening can help to reduce the risk of cancer by detecting precancerous conditions that can be treated before they turn into cancer.

However, it is essential to note that cancer screening tests are not foolproof and can sometimes produce false positive or negative results. An incorrect positive impact is when a test indicates the presence of cancer, but further testing reveals that no cancer is present. A false negative effect is when a test fails to detect cancer that is present.

Despite the potential for false results, the benefits of cancer screening far outweigh the potential drawbacks. Individuals need to speak with their healthcare provider about their risk factors for cancer and the appropriate cancer screening tests for their age and gender.

In addition to cancer screening, individuals need to maintain a healthy lifestyle to reduce their risk of developing cancer. This includes maintaining a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, avoiding tobacco, and limiting alcohol intake.

Overall, cancer screening is an important tool in the fight against cancer, and it allows for the early detection of cancer, leading to earlier treatment and improved chances of survival. It is important for individuals to speak with their healthcare provider about their risk factors for cancer and the appropriate cancer screening tests for their age and gender and to maintain a healthy lifestyle to reduce their risk of developing cancer.

Why Experience Matters

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To become board-certified in oral and maxillofacial surgery, oral surgeons must complete a number of requirements, including:

Dental school: Oral surgeons must first graduate from an accredited dental school and obtain a DDS or DMD degree.

Residency program: Oral surgeons must then complete a four- to six-year residency program in oral and maxillofacial surgery, which includes both didactic and clinical training.

Written and oral exams: After completing their residency, oral surgeons must pass written and oral exams administered by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS).

To give you an idea of what JUST the written exams comprise, read on. The written exam for the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS) certification program is designed to assess the knowledge and skills of oral and maxillofacial surgeons. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover a range of topics, including:

  • Anatomy
  • Embryology
  • Pathology
  • Diagnostic methods
  • Anesthesia
  • Pain management
  • Surgical principles and techniques
  • Reconstructive surgery
  • Trauma surgery
  • Orthognathic surgery
  • Tumor surgery

Not what you’d call a cake walk.

The written exam is typically administered over a two-day period, with approximately 400 questions in total. It is graded on a pass/fail basis, and candidates must pass the written exam in order to progress to the oral exam. The oral exam is a more intensive evaluation of a candidate’s knowledge and skills, and includes both a clinical and a written component.

Maintenance of certification: To maintain their board certification, oral surgeons must participate in continuing education and demonstrate their ongoing commitment to the highest standards of patient care.

The process of becoming board-certified in oral and maxillofacial surgery is rigorous and requires a significant investment of time and resources. However, this specialized training enables oral surgeons to provide the highest level of care to their patients.

Therefore, an experienced, board-certified oral surgeon can provide some distinct advantages over other options when it comes to having dental implant surgery done.

Expertise: Oral surgeons are specialists in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery, which includes the placement of dental implants. They undergo additional training beyond dental school and are skilled in the most advanced techniques for implant placement.

Safety: Oral surgeons operate in accredited surgical facilities and follow strict protocols to ensure patient safety.

Comfort: Oral surgeons are trained in the administration of conscious sedation and can provide a more comfortable experience for patients who are anxious about the procedure.

Success rate: Oral surgeons have a high success rate for dental implant surgery due to their specialized training and experience.

Comprehensive care: Oral surgeons can provide comprehensive care for patients, including the placement of dental implants as well as any necessary extractions, bone grafting, or sinus lifts.

Maybe it’s a bit more clear now why It is important to choose a qualified and experienced oral surgeon for dental implant surgery to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Neograft – What It Is And Is It For You

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Neograft is a hair transplant procedure that uses a device to harvest individual follicular units (a group of one to four hair follicles) from the donor area (usually the back of the head) and transplant them to the recipient area (usually the top or front of the head) to restore hair growth. It is a minimally invasive procedure that does not require stitches or incisions and is often used to treat male and female pattern baldness.

The NeoGraft device uses pneumatic pressure to extract follicular units from the donor area, minimizing the risk of damage to the hair follicles. The extracted follicular units are then carefully transplanted to the recipient area, where they can grow healthy, permanent hair. The NeoGraft procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia. It takes several hours to complete depending on the size of the treatment area and the number of follicular units transplanted.

There are several benefits to the Neograft procedure, including the following:

  1. Minimally invasive: Neograft is a minimally invasive procedure that does not require incisions or stitches, meaning there is less scarring and a shorter recovery time than traditional hair transplant procedures.
  2. Natural-looking results: Neograft is designed to achieve natural-looking results by transplanting individual follicular units rather than large hair grafts. This allows the transplanted hair to grow and blend seamlessly with the surrounding hair.
  3. Fast recovery time: The Neograft procedure has a relatively fast recovery time, with most patients returning to normal activities within a few days.
  4. High success rate: The Neograft procedure has a high success rate, with most patients experiencing significant hair growth within several months after the procedure.

The Neograft procedure may be an option for individuals experiencing hair loss or thinning due to male or female pattern baldness or other conditions. It is generally not recommended for individuals with a history of scarring, skin infections, or other medical conditions that may affect the healing process.

Before deciding if the Neograft procedure is right for you, you must consult a qualified healthcare provider, such as a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, who can evaluate your medical history and determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Your healthcare provider will also be able to discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure, as well as any possible alternatives that may be available.

In summary, Neograft is a hair transplant procedure that uses a device to extract and transplant individual follicular units to restore hair growth in hair loss or thinning areas. It is a minimally invasive procedure with a fast recovery time and a high success rate. It may be an option for individuals experiencing hair loss due to male or female pattern baldness or other conditions. However, consulting with a qualified healthcare provider is essential before deciding if the Neograft procedure is right for you.

Uncommon Dental Issues After 40

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As you age, your body experiences natural changes, impacting your life. Some changes will occur in your mouth, and these changes present certain oral complications that need to be addressed to improve your quality of life. Fortunately, there are specific oral issues you won’t have to worry about when you reach a certain age. This article tells you about the uncommon dental problems after 40.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

You’ll develop four additional molars at the back of your mouth. They usually erupt in your teenage years or early 20s. They usually erupt in your teenage years or early 20s. Most of them present serious dental complications because there isn’t enough room in the jaw for them to erupt fully.

This problem is commonly referred to as impacted wisdom teeth. It presents numerous oral complications, including sore gums, pain in the jaw, bacterial infections, and more. The only effective remedy for your impacted wisdom teeth is extraction. Dentists advise their patients to extract their wisdom teeth to prevent future complications as soon as they erupt. Fortunately, you aren’t likely to develop the problem of impacted wisdom teeth after 40 because wisdom teeth don’t erupt at this age.

Overcrowded or Misaligned Teeth

Also referred to as malocclusion, the problem of overcrowded and misaligned teeth is very common in children because they are still going through various human development stages. A child’s mouth usually has 20 primary teeth that eventually fall off to give way to the permanent adult teeth. Unfortunately, sometimes losing the primary teeth and developing new ones doesn’t occur smoothly, resulting in overcrowded and misaligned teeth.

This problem normally occurs when a child’s teeth and jawbone don’t develop simultaneously, leading to a discrepancy in the size of the baby teeth and adult teeth. Sometimes a child will develop adult teeth before losing their primary teeth, resulting in overcrowded and misaligned teeth. Since all your 32 adult teeth should be fully developed in your late 20s, you are less likely to experience the problem of crowded or misaligned teeth after 40. At 40, your teeth should be fully developed and firmly attached to your jawbone and gums to avoid misalignment.

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 dentists 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.