Missing Teeth - In Your Local Area

Jaw Fractures and the Healing Process

If you've fractured your lower jaw, it will have occurred in one of three places: where the lower jaw joins the upper jaw and facial bones; near the angle of the jaw; or in a vertical line between the teeth.

When the opposing segments of jaw are brought close enough together, bones heal quickly. New bone is actually generated between the two segments and the bond can be stronger than before the trauma.

We "wire" the jaws for the rest of your recovery. Also, the splinting of the teeth helps keep the jaws properly opposed. Healing takes about six weeks, during which time the wire remains in place. You'll be limited to a liquid diet and perhaps less animated conversation.

It's a good time to read that big novel and relax; let nature take its course.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Oral Surgery: The Solution to Wisdom Tooth Impaction Oral Surgery: The Solution to Wisdom Tooth Impaction Oral Surgery: The Solution to Wisdom Tooth Impaction

Oral surgery is frequently a part of growing up and developing wisdom teeth. Many people don't have the space in their mouths for their wisdom teeth, so the teeth aren't able to come in straight.

Impacted wisdom teeth happen when the developing wisdom tooth pushes into the tooth next to it. This can be quite painful, but some patients don't experience pain and don't realize they have impacted teeth.

That's why wisdom teeth dentists take x-rays. This enables a dentist to see how much the teeth have developed so far and where they look to be headed.

If the patient has impacted wisdom teeth, then the dentist will recommend oral surgery to remove the wisdom teeth. Simple extractions may be performed by a general dentist in his or her office under local anesthesia (like Novocain), but more complex cases will be referred to an oral surgeon.

During wisdom tooth oral surgery, the dental surgeon surgically removes the problematic teeth. (Most people get all four wisdom teeth removed, but that's not true for everyone.) In general, wisdom tooth surgery is easier to perform on younger people, as their wisdom teeth are still developing and haven't fully hardened to bone.

A visit to the wisdom tooth surgeon is not an inevitable part of becoming an adult, but for many people, it's a wise investment in their long-term dental health!

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.