Understanding the Reasons for Wisdom Teeth Extraction Gilbert AZ | Guide to Dental Implants Gilbert AZ

Why is it so common for people to have their wisdom teeth removed? This practice is needed for a variety of reasons. If you are trying to decide whether the time is right for wisdom teeth extraction Gilbert AZ, maybe this guide will help.

For further information, talk to the knowledgeable team at Desert Valley Oral Surgery. Dr. Donovan Hansen, Board certified oral surgeon, can consult with you about your particular case.

WHY ARE WISDOM TEETH WISE?

Third molars, as dentists call them, are the last teeth to develop. Usually they don’t break the surface of the gums until a person is in their mid to late teens. As such, the teeth became known as wisdom teeth, a sign of adulthood.

The human mouth has 28 teeth until these four teeth emerge. Unlike the rest of a person’s teeth, wisdom teeth take a long time to reach their full size. Often the teen’s mouth is too fully formed to allow for the addition of these molars. Third molars sometimes come in sideways, jamming into the second molars. If there is space, they push through and shove the second molars as they do it. This sets off a chain reaction in which the teeth push and overlap.

DO PEOPLE NEED WISDOM TEETH?

A healthy tooth is always welcome, if there’s room for it. However, the human jaw is no longer what it was when wisdom teeth were needed. Our distant ancestors subsisted on hard-to-chew edibles such as roots and tough meat. As the human diet changed, the jaw didn’t need to be so big, and now we have more teeth than there is space in our mouth.

If third molars are coming in straight without causing a crowding problem, then they are welcome. However, x rays often show that there isn’t room for wisdom teeth. X rays may show that the developing tooth is already headed in the wrong direction, pushing against the second molars at a bad angle.

Dentists watch their teenage patients for signs of these problems. Then they may refer them to an oral surgeon Gilbert AZ for wisdom teeth evaluation and possible removal.

WHY WOULD A DENTIST RECOMMEND WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL?

Dentists aren’t just concerned with cavities. They watch over the child’s mouth health. One crooked tooth may not be a big deal, but if the wisdom teeth are coming in sideways, it’s worth pursuing removal. Dentists worry about what will happen if the wisdom tooth is allowed to push through at a crooked angle. This can cause an impacted tooth.

An impacted tooth is stuck under the gum. Infection soon follows. In extreme cases, this has led to death. Fortunately, there are antibiotics to stop the infection and board certified oral surgeons to remove the impacted tooth.

Even if the teeth haven’t reached the impaced stage, a dentist may be worried about damage to the second molars. Then there are jaw issues from the crowded conditions in the back of the mouth caused by extra teeth. Finally, there can be long term damage to the second molars and other teeth because the mouth is too crowded. Dentists make a referral to an oral doctor to help patients avoid these problems later in life.

WHY WOULD AN ORTHODONTIST RECOMMEND WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL?

Orthodontists are also concerned about wisdom teeth because their job is to straighten their patient’s teeth. Wisdom teeth can emerge and undo all of the hard work that has been done by expensive braces. For many parents, that makes it cost effective to choose wisdom tooth extraction Gilbert AZ.

SHOULD WISDOM TEETH BE REMOVED?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. However, most teens do benefit from wisdom teeth extraction. Many adults come to our practice because they didn’t have the advantage of wisdom teeth removal as teens. They want to relieve overcrowding in their mouths and spare themselves from the dangers of impacted wisdom teeth Gilbert AZ. Of course, if you have an impacted wisdom tooth, the answer is an unqualified yes.

The team at Desert Valley Oral Surgery will take a panorex x ray of the patient’s mouth. Using this surround-view, Dr. Donovan Hansen can advise you on what’s best for you or your teen.

SCHEDULE NOW

Our Gilbert location is open five days a week to serve your needs. Dr. Donovan Hansen is a board certified oral and maxofillial surgeon. Schedule a consultation to learn more.

 

 

A Patient’s Guide to Wisdom Tooth Extraction Queen Creek AZ | Dental Implants Queen Creek

Are you or your child a candidate for wisdom teeth extraction? Only a board certified oral surgeon, such as Dr. Donovan Hansen, is qualified to answer that question, but here’s some general information you should know about wisdom tooth extraction Queen Creek AZ.

WHAT ARE WISDOM TEETH?

Dentists call them third molars. These teeth emerge during late teens to early twenties. Thus, third molars long ago received the name ‘wisdom’ to coincide with their emergence in young adulthood.

Third molars may take a long time to develop. They must enter a mouth already crowded with teeth. The jaw is, of course, fully formed. This means the tooth has to work to make a place for itself behind the second molars at the back of the mouth.

Scientists have determined that these teeth were more important when the human diet consisted of roots and other hard-to-chew edibles. Of course, that diet has changed. Over thousands and thousands of years, the jaw grew smaller, but third molars haven’t gone away.

DO WE NEED WISDOM TEETH?

Wisdom teeth are useful if they don’t cause problems. Dentists want third molars to come in straight. If they do, they won’t crowd the other teeth, causing healthy teeth to shift and overlap. On the other hand, many wisdom teeth cause problems that can be avoided with early removal. At this point, dentists tend to see a need for removal.

WHY DO DENTISTS AND ORTHODONTISTS RECOMMEND REMOVAL?

The family dentist may recommend a visit to an oral doctor to determine if your or your child’s wisdom teeth need to be removed. With so little room, third molars often cause problems. They grow in crooked. They cause a gum infection. Dentists want to protect healthy patients from these problems in the future. Their concerns include:

• Impacted tooth
• Infection
• Damage to adjacent molar(s)
• Jaw issues
• Long term damage to healthy teeth due to teeth crowding

Orthodontists often recommend removing wisdom teeth because they cause crowding. Third molars often push teeth together. If a person had braces, it can ruin all of the hard work that’s been done to straighten the teeth. At this point, it is cost-effective to have the wisdom teeth removed rather than risk reversing the progress made by expensive braces. Orthodontist concerns include:

• Teeth crowding
• Jaw issues
• During braces: Interference with orthodontic goals
• After braces: ruining straight teeth

HOW DOES A TOOTH BECOME IMPACTED?

The human mouth would have 28 teeth without the third molars. When the four new teeth come in, the human jaw is often too small to accomodate them. This may mean there is no space for the tooth to emerge. This tooth is impacted, stuck in the gum. This can cause pain and infection.

In extreme cases, an impacted wisdom tooth can cause such an infection that it becomes dangerous to the patient’s health. This may result in an unplanned and expensive emergency surgery.

HOW TO DECIDE WHEN TO REMOVE WISDOM TEETH?

At Desert Valley Oral Surgery, Dr. Hansen will review a panorex view of your mouth and jaws. This special full-mouth x-ray can show the position of the third molars. With this information, it is easy to predict which ones will emerge easily and which ones will most likely become impacted.

In teens and young adults, removing third molars before they emerge is the only surefire way to prevent problems. If you want more information about wisdom teeth Queen Creek AZ parents can talk to the knowledgeable staff at Desert Valley Oral Surgery. Dr. Hansen treats each patient as an individual and will recommend extraction only if science supports this approach.

For sure, there are patients who didn’t have the advantage of wisdom teeth extraction when they were younger. It is certainly possible to remove third molars at any age, if they are causing a problem. Adults who want to learn more about wisdom teeth extraction Queen Creek AZ should make an appointment with our office to learn more.

WHY CHOOSE AN ORAL SURGEON NEAR ME?

Removing a wisdom tooth requires oral surgery rather than regular dentistry. This is because the procedure involves more than the tooth. It involves the jaw bone. Only a board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon has the education, skill and certification to do the job.

SCHEDULE NOW

Make an appointment for yourself or your child with our office. Appointments are available five days a week at our Queen Creek location. Dr. Donovan Hansen is a board certified oral and maxofillial surgeon.

Understanding the Reasons for Wisdom Teeth Extraction Gilbert AZ | Guide to Dental Implants Gilbert AZ

Should you get dentures or dental implants? Here’s a guide to the reasons that dental implants are now the preferred way to replace lost teeth. With All on 4 implants Gilbert AZ, implants can be done in just a few visits. If you have heard of teeth in day, this is as close as you can get.

A new smile starts with a visits to the Gilbert office of Desert Valley Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Your questions about dental implants Gilbert AZ can be answered by Dr. Donovan Hansen.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DENTAL IMPLANTS AND DENTURES?

Dentures are removable. They must be removed for cleaning, and they may be removed at night any way for the patient’s comfort. Often adhesives must be used to ensure that the dentures stay in place. Over time, they may need to be replaced as changes in the jaw lead to a poor fit. Dental implants involve a post that is grafted to the bone. Then a permanent tooth replacement is put on the post. This is a permanent solution to tooth loss.

Dental implants have another advantage besides permanence. The procedure actually promotes bone growth and stability. Dentures can do nothing to prevent the natural bone loss that occurs with tooth loss.

ARE IMPLANTS SIMPLY A COSMETIC REPLACEMENT FOR DENTURES?

Some patients do choose individual implants or All on 4 implants for cosmetic reasons. Implants look and function much more like real teeth. You don’t have to be a Hollywood star to want to have a smile that looks so clean and natural. Furthermore, many patients say that it eliminates concerns over a poor fit that can affect the way a denture-wearer looks.

However, the fact that this method prevents bone loss would indicate that the benefits are much greater than a beautiful smile. This goes beyond cosmetic dentistry. It’s a matter of mouth and jaw health to choose implants over dentures.

IS A DENTURE PARTIAL AS EFFECTIVE AS A DENTAL IMPLANT?

A partial replaces a few teeth, and it is considered important to the stability of the remaining teeth. However, it is a temporary appliance that isn’t as stable as a true dental implant. On the other hand, implants are permanent replacements for lost teeth. They look and function like regular teeth. They promote bone health and reduce the chances of teeth shifting.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRADITIONAL IMPLANTS AND ALL ON 4?

To replace teeth one by one, an oral surgeon can implant one post per tooth. That’s at last ten implants for the upper teeth and another ten for the lower teeth. The All on 4 method is a hybrid device that allows the oral surgeon to place all upper or lower teeth on just four implants. That cuts down the time it takes to do the surgery and the time it takes to heal. Dr. Donovan Hansen, a Gilbert oral surgeon, can use the technique to replace a patient’s teeth in just two appointments. At your consultation, you can learn more about dental implant placement.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM ALL ON 4 IMPLANT SURGERY?

The process starts with a board certified oral surgeon Gilbert. At a consultation, the oral doctor uses panoramic x rays to determine if the patient is a good candidate for the implant procedure. Considerations include the patient’s general health and ability to undergo anesthesia. Mouth health issues include the strength of the jaw bones.

During the procedure, anaesthesia is used to keep the patient comfortable and to allow the surgery to conclude with minimal interruption. At Desert Valley Oral Surgery, the staff has the knowledge and equipment to handle all aspects of the anaesthesia process. Furthermore, Dr. Hansen has extensive training and certification to oversee application of anaesthesia.

You can expect that the upper and lower jaw will need four implants. Sometimes an extra one is needed to ensure stability. When necessary, teeth are pulled to make way for the implants. Also, the surgeon may decide that a bone graft is needed. Sometimes the bone needs to be leveled as well.

CAN I REALLY GET TEETH IN A DAY?

At your Gilbert oral surgery appointment, you can learn more about the timeline from start to finish. However, it is safe to say that a temporary prosthesis is provided when the surgeon finishes the All on 4 implants. This will allow natural smiling and eating until permanent teeth replacements are ready.

You can get answers to your questions when you schedule an appointment with Dr. Donovan Hansen, certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

 

 

 

Removing wisdom teeth as a teen or young adult is the best way to prevent the dental problems and/or dental procedures that can lead to heart disease. Early removal means getting the teeth out before they have had a chance to grow. These late-arriving molars don’t have deep roots and nerves.

Our third molars usually start to arrive around the time we graduate high school. As a person’s body moves into adulthood, all four teeth are likely to arrive. This happens from age 18 to 25. That’s why wisdom teeth removal is usually done early within this time frame.

When a person’s wisdom teeth push through the gums, they may grow at an angle, impacting other teeth. If a mouth is crowded, it becomes more crowded with more teeth. These back molars are the most likely to have food get stuck around them. It is harder for the toothbrush to reach and then bacteria mounts up.

It is that bacteria that drives cavities and gum disease. Furthermore, that bacteria can migrate elsewhere in the body, increasing the chances of physical disease.

Connecting the Dots Between Wisdom Teeth Removal and Better Physical Health

The American Dental Association has made many studies about how oral health affects our bodies. Since wisdom teeth are a prime candidate for bacteria, the area around them is a prime candidate for gum disease.

This unwanted inflammation can spread to the rest of your body. Scientists are still studying the cause and effect of this bacteria on the heart, noting that these germs may lead to an infection of the heart’s inner lining, endocarditis, or more broadly to cardiovascular disease.

Another concern is pneumonia. The same bacteria that occurs in the mouth can be directed into the lungs. This can lead to respiratory diseases.

An important tool for oral health, wisdom teeth removal is a smart move for teenagers. They will still have a responsibility to care for their mouth, but they will have a better outcome than those whose wisdom teeth grow in, crowding their other teeth and encouraging bacteria to grow.

For information about wisdom teeth removal, give us a call. A consultation with Dr. Hansen, our oral and maxillofacial surgeon, will tell you more.

 

Cosmetic dentistry isn’t strictly the job of your regular dentist. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is also vital to this discipline. While it isn’t simply cosmetic, tooth replacement and full mouth tooth replacement are best done by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon with advanced training and capability.

What is cosmetic dentistry? Usually the definition of cosmetic dentistry has as much to do with insurance as it does anything else. Teeth whitening, for instance, is cosmetic and isn’t covered by insurance. Furthermore, there are some cosmetic dentists who specialize in covering up bad teeth with veneers.

However, there are other procedures that may be labeled cosmetic when, in fact, they are important to your dental health. Dental implants are called cosmetic, when, in fact, they are the only known way to strengthen the bone, preserving the jaw and any remaining teeth. At this point, you need an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Queen Creek and Gilbert AZ.

Generally regular and/or cosmetic dentists aren’t well-equipped and/or licensed to do dental implants. Therefore, they refer you to us to get the procedure. We consider it an honor to help you restore your tooth or teeth, and we take it very seriously.

Do You Deserve Cosmetic Dentistry?

This is a common question. And the answer is that cosmetic dentistry and regular dentistry aren’t so different when it comes to the need for tooth replacement. Every tooth plays a role in your bite. If you lose one, it is only logical to want to replace it.

Furthermore, replacing a tooth with a dental implant is actually a much smarter idea than using a partial. That’s because an implant actually strengthens your bone and your jaw. It helps preserve the teeth on either side you lost. Some may call it cosmetic, but science says it is vital to the health of your mouth for the rest of your life.

This brings us to full mouth tooth replacement. Obviously you could get partials or dentures. But science has proven that the implants help preserve the structure of your jaw. Dentures don’t do this, and that is why so often dentures cease to fit after five to eight years.

The only way to get permanent teeth is to get dental implants. This is the only way to get a truly healthy smile after losing one, several or all of your teeth.

Before you agree to having a dental implant in a dentist office, get more information about the procedure from our experts. Dental implants may be called cosmetic dentistry, but the truth is that dental implants should be done by a highly trained professional oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Don’t deny yourself this vital service because insurance tends to label it cosmetic. It is important to your health and long term well-being. Call our Queen Creek or Gilbert AZ office for a consultation.

 

 

 

Most people think of having your wisdom teeth removed as something you do when you are a teenager. It is true that a majority of people who have their wisdom teeth removed are between the ages of 17 and 25. Five million people in the U.S. have their wisdom teeth removed annually according to the American Dental Association.

Even though that is a massive number of teeth removed annually, many adults still make it to adulthood with their wisdom teeth intact. Sometimes it is just one wisdom tooth, but can be up to four total. As people with intact third molars age, they may have dental problems due to these extra teeth. As an older patient, you have to weigh out the issues you are having with the possible complications of having your wisdom teeth removed.

Signs you may need to make an appointment to discuss your wisdom teeth:

Tooth And Jaw Pain – When you still have your wisdom teeth, they can be fine for years without any issue. If you are having tooth and jaw pain, it may be a sign that your wisdom teeth need attention. The pain can come from pressure on the nerves or cavities. At Desert Oral Surgery, we can determine if your wisdom teeth are the cause of your pain and if removal is needed.

Decaying Teeth – Wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean. They can cause crowding making flossing and brushing less effective. This can lead to cavities which can cause significant decay. Sometimes taking out the wisdom teeth will save other teeth around them.

Recurring Infections – Your wisdom teeth can come in partially, creating a pocket along the gum near your wisdom tooth. Filling with bacteria, plaque and food, the pockets can become infected and spread that infection to other teeth and gums. Not only can this be very serious, it can enter your bloodstream causing serious health issues.

Health Issues – If you have gum disease, it can affect your wisdom teeth and be cause for concern. Gum disease affects much more than just your mouth, teeth and jaw. There is a connection between gum disease and other illnesses like heart disease. Experts don’t know at this time if one causes the other but they know they are linked and can cause increased health risks. Sometimes these factors can lead to the decision to remove your wisdom teeth.

Why Older Patients Should Consider Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Pain is what may bring you to visit us at Desert Valley Oral Surgery, but there are much more serious issues at stake. There is infection to consider, damage to healthy teeth and oral health issues. These in turn may lead to other dental issues like loose or crooked teeth requiring more dental work and this does not address the possibilities of links to other problematic health issues like heart disease and diabetes.

CONTACT US FOR AN EVALUATION

When your dentist refers you for evaluation for wisdom teeth issues, no matter your age, we are happy to help. The quicker you contact us, the better it will be for your oral health!

If you want to know more about your options for having your adult wisdom teeth removed, please get in touch with us to discuss a treatment plan at Desert Valley Oral Surgery: Contact us online or by phone at 480-539-6420.

 

 

Dental implants are used to replace teeth in a permanent way. When taken care of, they can last a lifetime. They can be used to replace teeth that are lost due to any reason like injury, decay or disease. You have to be an older teen or adult to take advantage of this dental treatment because you must have a fully mature jaw bone.

Three million people in the U.S. have dental implants. A number which is growing by 500,000 people each year, according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Implants stand alone as a treatment for tooth replacement because it is the only remedy that not only preserves the patient’s jaw but helps boost bone growth.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants begin with an artificial tooth root placed in the jawbone which bonds to your jaw. This becomes the base for an abutment which is placed on the implant and will be used to attach the crown which will be created to match your surrounding teeth in size and color.

If you have multiple missing teeth or need dentures, an excellent treatment plan is the All on 4 plan allowing your oral surgeon to replace multiple teeth at one time. At Desert Valley Oral Surgery, Dr. Hansen will evaluate your teeth to determine how many implants you will need. If multiple teeth are missing, you may qualify for the All on 4 as your treatment plan to replace teeth.

Compared to dentures, implants are much more like real teeth. Dental implants are stationary where dentures can be removed as well as shift or loosen. Here are seven important benefits:

Quality Oral Health

This tooth replacement plan not only leaves your other teeth in place, it strengthens your jaw, improving your oral health. Dental implants are also easier to brush and floss than dentures, which is key to excellent oral health. The implants are also highly durable, often lasting a lifetime if well cared for on a regular basis.

Attractive Appearance

Dental implants are like your own teeth in their appearance and feel. They fuse with your jaw and are permanent. This is great for a confident smile.

Clear Speech

There is no slipping or movement with dental implants. Your speech can be distinct and clear without worrying about your teeth.

Daily Comfort

Dental implants will feel the same as your natural teeth. This is a great benefit and they should be cared for with dedicated oral hygiene which will not only guarantee they last well but it will help keep your natural teeth healthy.

Stress Free Eating

Implants behave like your natural teeth, so eating will be stress free. You can continue to eat your favorite foods without worrying about the pain or issues you were experiencing before implants.

Boost to self-esteem

Dental implants immediately give you a boost. You are able to smile, laugh and speak without the concern of loose teeth or holes from missing teeth.

Long-term convenience

With dental implants, you have a permanent solution to missing or loose teeth. You also won’t have to worry about possible embarrassing inconveniences of dentures.

Desert Valley Oral Surgery Is Here For Your Dental Implant Needs

It is important when you have a loose tooth or a missing tooth that you are evaluated immediately. Neither issue will resolve by themselves. It is necessary for your oral health that you have a treatment plan so that you won’t suffer from bone loss, decay or disease stemming from your loose or missing teeth.

If you want to know more about your options for replacing a tooth or multiple teeth, please contact us to discuss a treatment plan at Desert Valley Oral Surgery: 480-539-6420.

 

 

If you are an adult with a loose tooth, you may have many questions like: How to tighten a loose tooth?; or How to get a loose tooth out? The tooth may be annoying you or it may hurt.

One thing is for certain, you need to get it checked immediately. The most important action an adult with a loose tooth can do is to visit their oral care provider. A dentist will perform a thorough evaluation of your mouth and may order diagnostic tools like X-rays to determine the underlying cause of the loose tooth.

How to Get a Loose Tooth Out

If you want to remove a loose tooth, please realize that part of every tooth is below the gum line. That’s why a dentist or oral surgeon is needed to carefully remove the roots which are attached to the jaw bone.

You also cannot ignore the problem. Unlike a child’s loose tooth, a loose adult tooth can not be left to resolve on its own. You will need treatment. It is important to understand that a loose adult tooth indicates a more serious problem that needs to be addressed.

Why is Good Oral Health Important?

Oral health refers to the health of your entire system that allows you to speak, smile and chew as well as your gums and teeth. According to the Centers for Disease Control, many people consider oral conditions to be separate from other chronic conditions, but they are intertwined with one another.

Poor oral health is associated with other chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Oral disease also is associated with risky behaviors such as smoking and all tobacco use as well as eating sugary foods and beverages.
Above all when dealing with a loose tooth, you should not try to pull it or repair it yourself. It is important for the health of your teeth and gums that you let a professional treat the issue.

What Treatments Will Be Considered For My Loose Tooth?

• Splinting
  If an injury caused the loose tooth, your dentist may use bonding to strengthen the tooth. The loose tooth is fitted with a splint, which is geared to support the tooth and keep the structure firmly in place.
• Treatment and Grafting
  In cases of gum disease, a dentist or periodontist will clean the loose tooth and clear out all gum infections. Sometimes, once infections are eliminated, receding gums will bounce back and cling to the loose tooth and surrounding teeth. In more difficult instances, an oral care provider might perform a procedure known as grafting, which is a surgical option used to stimulate gum regrowth.
• Remove Tooth
  Unfortunately, there may be times when the loose tooth cannot be saved. When that’s the diagnosis, the best course of action is to remove the loose tooth or teeth. Then you will want to talk to your dentist about filling the new gap with a dental implant.

Dental Implants and Missing Teeth

A loose tooth often must come out. When you lose a tooth it means both the root and the crown are removed. With an implant replacement, your oral surgeon replaces the root with a small titanium piece – the implant.

Once it is placed, the jaw heals and begins to grow around the implant with the bone bonding with the titanium over time, and a strong foundation for an artificial tooth develops. The surgeon also attaches a support post to the implant, to which a new replacement tooth – the crown – will be placed.

If the tooth is one of the molars in the back of your jaw, they have two or even three roots, so the usual approach is to use larger implants in replacing missing back teeth.

If many teeth are missing, All on 4 implants allow for fewer implants with the maximum number of replacement teeth added.

Contact Us for an Evaluation

When your dentist refers you for evaluation for tooth loss, there’s no time to waste. Loose and missing teeth need to be addressed immediately. The quicker you receive treatment, the better it will be for your oral health!

If you want to know more about your options for replacing a loose adult tooth, please get in touch with us to discuss a treatment plan at Desert Valley Oral Surgery: Contact us online or by phone at 480-539-6420.

 

 

What is Sleep Apnea Jaw Surgery?

Are you one of the 26 percent of Americans who suffer with sleep apnea? If you are, you most likely know that the common treatment for this condition is wearing a machine with a mask nightly for the rest of your life.

What you may not be aware of is an alternative to cpap machines for sleep apnea treatment. Sleep apnea jaw surgery is a safe and effective procedure that has been successful in significantly improving sleep apnea in patients.

Sleep Apnea – A common ailment

Sleep apnea is more common than you think, often going undiagnosed, according to Cleveland Clinic’s Sleep Disorders Center. This is especially true for the most typical form: obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when your airway gets blocked or constricted while you sleep.

There is much more at risk than being tired and having trouble thinking clearly for anyone who has sleep apnea. Having obstructive sleep apnea increases your risk of high blood pressure and also may increase your risk of recurrent heart attack, having a stroke and abnormal heartbeats, such as atrial fibrillation.

How is the sleep apnea Jaw surgery done?

According to the Mayo Clinic, sleep apnea jaw surgery or Maxillomandibular advancement surgery (MMA) can be an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. The upper and lower jaw bones are repositioned to relieve obstruction. The surgery affects all airway levels, from the nasal cavity pharynx.

MMA is considered one of the most effective and safe jaw surgeries for patients with moderate to severe sleep apnea that have failed other non-surgical treatment. Serious complications are rare, under one percent. Recovery takes about six weeks with most patients gradually returning to normal activities after about three weeks.

Can you reverse Sleep Apnea?

The majority of patients, even those with severe obstructive sleep apnea, usually have a successful outcome, according to the Mayo Clinic. Statistically more than half of patients can achieve elimination or reversal of obstructive sleep apnea. Typically, the majority of patients are freed from having to ever use the mask and machine again.

Am I a Candidate for Jaw Surgery for Sleep Apnea?

The patient considered ideal for this jaw surgery would have failed typical treatments like the mask or a splint and is less than 50 years old and has a BMI under 30. However, with many surgery patients not fitting into those categories, the surgery is still considered the most safe and effective airway surgery for patients with moderate to severe sleep apnea.

All patients with sleep apnea with difficulty complying with treatment like cpap machines should, at least, be evaluated for jaw surgery for sleep apnea as they can have drastic improvements in symptoms and quality of life, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Contact Us for an Evaluation for Alternative to Machines for Sleep Apnea

Jaw surgery for sleep apnea is a safe and effective alternative to cpap machines for treatment. Please get in touch with us to discuss your treatment plan at Desert Valley Oral Surgery: Contact us online or by phone at 480-539-6420.

Read on to Find Out More.

Do You Have TMJ? What are the most typical TMJ Symptoms?

The TMJ joint is located in the jaws and acts as a hinge to open and close your mouth. The joint attaches to your skull. If you routinely have pain in your jaws, you might have a TMJ disorder. If the pain persists or gets worse, you’ll need TMJ surgery treatment from a TMJ specialist.

• The primary symptoms of TMJ include:
• Jaw pain.
• Clicking and grating sound coming from your jaws.
• Pain in a TMJ joint.
• Pain around your ears.
• Problems chewing or swallowing.
• Facial discomfort.
• In the worst cases, your jaw may lock. When this happens, your mouth might not open or close all the way.

When some common sense treatments don’t work, it’s time to rely on a TMJ specialist for some real answers to your jaw pain. One of these answers might include TMJ jaw surgery done by an expert.

What Causes TMJ?

There might be no specific cause for your jaw issues. Some events can also cause TMJ, such as a jaw injury which leads to TMJ disorder. The TMJ disc becomes misaligned or erodes over time. Grinding or clenching your teeth is a common cause. Finally, arthritis can play a role in developing the disease or simply making a bad situation worse.

As damage continues to increase in your jaws, you and your TMJ specialist might consider TMJ jaw surgery to keep your mouth hinges working appropriately.

About TMJ Jaw Surgery

The types of jaw surgeries to treat TMJ include arthroscopy, modified condylotomy, and open-joint jaw surgery. Please discuss all aspects of any procedure with your TMJ specialist before you proceed. Here’s a short explanation of each procedure:

Arthrocentisis.

A cannula (thin tube) becomes placed in the joint of the jaw. Fluid gets put into the joint to reduce jaw pressure and stiffness. The range of motion can also become restored using this procedure. Arthrocentisis has an 80 percent success rate, and remains minimally invasive, making it a prime choice for treating TMJ.

TMJ arthroscopy.

During this process, a thin tube called a cannula becomes placed into space in the jaw joint. An arthroscope gets put into the tube, and tiny surgical instruments get used during the surgery. This procedure remains relatively risk-free and tends to have excellent results.

Modified condylotomy.

This surgery is on the mandible rather than in the TMJ joint itself. If you have chronic jaw pain or problems with your jaws locking up, a modified condylotomy might work well for you.

Open-joint surgery (Arthrotomy).

If there’s a structural problem in your jaw’s joint, your TMJ expert might recommend arthrotomy. Open-joint jaw surgery might work well, but it does contain more risks than other jaw surgeries.

If your standard TMJ treatments don’t work anymore, or if your pain levels suddenly become worse, please talk to your TMJ specialist on using surgery to help you feel better and improve or relieve your pain levels. Contact us online or by phone at 480-539-6420.