Dental Blog
Lehigh Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery created this informative blog to help educate the community.
If you like an article or the dental blog in general please use the "share it" button to post to Facebook, Twitter, or Google+.
Did you like a topic? Please contact us today!
Click an Icon Below to Share Our Blog.
Latest Posts:
| Top 4 Symptoms of TMD |
Posted on 1/15/2020 by Ankur Johri |
The jawbone works like the dual hinges you may find in your kitchen cabinet or your front door that has three sets. Your jaw has two, one on each side near your ears. The jawbone rests against what is called your temporal bone and pivots up and down. There are many tissues that run in-between the two including a set of nerves. When you have TMJ or temporomandibular disorder. You can experience pain in the jaw joint as well as connecting tissue. Unexplainable Pain and TendernessThe top two first signs patients notice are pain and tenderness that don't have an easily identifiable cause. For many it is felt on both sides, some can feel it only on one side or the other. The pain is most commonly experienced near the joint area around the ear. It can radiate outwards and create tenderness in the muscles. There are some cases where the facial muscles will experience soreness when the jaw is opened and closed. Difficulty Chewing or Odd Noises Coming from the JawIf you have ever chewed on some gum for a long period of time or you ate something new that you had to chew on for a long period of time. The next day you most likely felt some stiffness in the jaw muscles when you ate. TMJ is similar, except the pain starts to occur without any explainable changes. There can be a feeling like something is grinding in your jaw when you yawn and open wide. If you start to notice noises while eating and/or opening your mouth, described as a clicking or popping. They can be some of the early signs of TMJ. If you are experiencing any of the signs above, consulting with your oral specialist can help you come to a definitive conclusion. Most jaw pain is linked to TMJ and seeking medical advice can help remedy the problem....
Read more... |
| Over the Counter Medications Are Often Enough Following Oral Surgery |
Posted on 12/25/2019 by Ankur Johri |
There seems to be a misconception prevalent among dentists and patients that only opioids and narcotics have the necessary strength to be effective against the pain that follows oral surgery. But this is not quite correct. Over the counter (OTC) medications can work just as fine as narcotics. The Role of Over the Counter Medications After Dental SurgeryNonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) that are available over the counter are effective against inflammation in the mouth and in the process, they also exhibit and analgesic effect. Ibuprofen and Naproxen are commonly prescribed NSAIDS. Acetaminophen is another pain reliever that may not bring down the swelling, but does give the feeling of reduced pain. NSAIDS and acetaminophen can be used in combination under the instructions of the dentist. These will help you experience relief from mild, moderate, and even severe pain. OTC painkillers are accompanied by far fewer side effects as compared to opioids. Opioids can lead to nausea and constipation, among other side effects. More importantly, as the dosage of opioids increases over time, the risk of addiction becomes very real. Prescription-based addiction is a big issue in America, and a lot of it is prevalent because of misconceptions regarding the efficacy of NSAIDS in managing pain following oral surgery. Overdose and sometimes fatal complications are a real issue with opioids. Not just the subject, even family members are at risk, should they consume such pain-relieving medication. For the most effective and safe post-operative pain relief, the dentist must take into account a subject's medical history. Any past record of substance abuse should totally rule out narcotics-based pain relievers. We can help you learn more about pain relief. Get in touch with us for your dental issues, our post-surgery recuperation plan is detailed, and we assure you of effective and safe pain management. Call now....
Read more... |
| How Common Are Jaw Fractures Following Auto Accidents? |
Posted on 12/15/2019 by Ankur Johri |
Vehicular accidents are a common cause of jaw fractures. Individuals riding motorcycles without helmets are at greater risk of fracturing their jaws in case of an accident. The mandible or the lower jawbone can fracture at more than one place. During an accident, the chances of a sudden impact of the protruding jawbone on a hard surface are high. What are the Symptoms of a Jaw Fracture?Pain, bruising, and inflammation are common symptoms of a jaw fracture. The subject may find it difficult to open the jaw, and if it does open, the jaw will move sideways. The shape of the jaw is such that trauma can easily result in fractures in more than one place. An infection of the bone is a risk, particularly if the alveolar bone suffers a fracture and bacteria present in the mouth gain access to the site of the open fracture wound. A fracture of the temporomandibular joint that connects the mandible with the upper face makes jaw movement nearly impossible, and any attempt at movement is accompanied by a cracking sound. How are Jaw Fractures Treated?A jaw fracture requires expert treatment. In the case of an auto accident, doctors first focus on major fractures and injuries. Once, they're satisfied that the patient is out of danger, they proceed to treat the jaw fracture. An X-ray or a CT scan will reveal the extent of the fracture. Open wounds in the mouth are treated with antibiotics. Loose teeth are wired in place after the broken jaw has been realigned and the bite fixed. The jaw may be repaired via open or closed surgical procedures. For both, the jaw is wired shut for a period to give the bone a chance to heal. Fix an appointment with us for comprehensive and safe treatment for a jaw fracture. From emergency procedures to stem the blood flow and getting the patient ready for more pressing treatment to a more exhaustive procedure for treating jaw fractures and accompanying tooth loss, we have the experience, expertise, and equipment to deliver the best results....
Read more... |
All Posts:
|
