Runnemede Oral Surgeons

Many problems with the mouth or jaw cannot be addressed at the dentist’s office, and those patients will likely be advised to see an oral surgeon. For example, wisdom teeth extraction is a common reason for people to be referred to an oral surgeon. A problematic wisdom tooth can cause a host of issues and should be addressed before the condition worsens.

Some other chronic conditions that might require an oral surgeon are listed below.

Jaw Problems

Jaw issues can be genetic or the result of trauma. Sometimes, jaw misalignment is the result of long-term childhood habits, such as thumb-sucking. When the maxilla or upper jaw and the mandible or lower jaw become misaligned, it can result in crooked teeth. Jaw problems can lead to an irregular bite, impact the way people chew food, misalign the teeth, make speech difficult, and have a negative impact on appearance.

These issues may require orthognathic surgery. Orthognathic surgery may be followed up with treatments, such as braces.

Types of conditions that jaw surgery can address include:

Overbite: When the upper jaw protrudes over the lower jaw.
Underbite: When the lower jaw protrudes too far forward.
Open bite: When the upper and lower teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed.

TMJ Surgery

Grinding teeth when asleep is a common problem. In some cases, a mouthguard can be worn to ease clenching and to prevent pain. However, some people do not find relief with this. The TMJ is an extremely strong joint that acts as a hinge for the mouth, and while nighttime teeth grinding may be prevented by the mouthguard, TMJ pain can also be a sign of a problem with the joint itself.

Types of TMJ surgery include:

Arthroscopy/arthrocentesis: Fluid is injected into the joint to wash it out, which might reduce inflammation and the pressure that makes the joint stiff or painful. This should give the jaw more range of motion. This procedure is minimally invasive.
Soft tissue repair: This surgical procedure helps people who have severe soft tissue damage. This surgery tightens up stretched connective tissues and ligaments.
Joint restructuring: This procedure is for patients who have severe arthritis with deteriorating joints. This involves smoothing the condyle and restructuring the joint. In some cases, an artificial joint may be placed.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea often presents itself as loud snoring, which is often first noticed by loved ones. However, sleep apnea is a serious condition. Sleep apnea means difficulty breathing at night or not breathing for short periods of time while asleep. Often, the person with sleep apnea will wake up after a brief period of silence with a startle or a snort. This happens because for that moment, they are not breathing.

Sleep apnea is a common problem. The American Heart Association estimates that about one in five Americans has sleep apnea to some degree. This problem may be treated, but it often goes undiagnosed.

Sleep apnea might be able to be treated with oral devices or surgery. There are several types of sleep apnea surgeries. Most of them involve making the airway larger or unblocking the nose or repositioning the jaw.

Dental Implants

Missing or damaged teeth impact the way a person eats, what they eat, their smile, and even their social interactions. Patients can get permanent, secure dental implants to replace those teeth. The dental implants are secured with titanium screws and they heal with the bone tissue.

What Should I Expect at My First Visit?

Your first visit at Lanzi Burke Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons will involve an initial consultation with a doctor. The doctor will review your medical history, obtain any necessary tests, and examine your mouth. Then, they will explain your diagnosis and treatment options. In most cases, surgery will be scheduled at a later date.

At the consultation, patients should have the following:

Government issued ID.
Medical and dental insurance cards.
Referral from a general dentist.
Recent X-rays.
List of medications.
List of allergies.
Insurance referral form.

Runnemede Oral Surgeons at Lanzi Burke Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons Can Find a Treatment for Your Condition

Our Runnemede oral surgeons at Lanzi Burke Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons can remedy your chronic condition. Call us today at 856-582-4222 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. Located in Washington Township, Haddonfield, and Woolwich Township, New Jersey, we serve patients throughout South Jersey.