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Lehigh Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Lehigh Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Lehigh Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
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Hands typing at a laptop.Lehigh Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery created this informative blog to help educate the community.

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Latest Posts:

Tooth Loss Can Have Far Reaching Effects on Your Dental Health

Posted on 6/1/2026 by Lehigh Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Losing a tooth is more than just a gap in your smile. It can actually set off a chain reaction that impacts your overall dental well-being. Understanding these consequences can help you appreciate the importance of preventing tooth loss and exploring options to address it when it occurs. Bone Loss in the Jaw One of the first things that happens after a tooth is lost is bone loss in the jaw. Your teeth stimulate the jawbone through chewing. When a tooth is gone, that stimulation disappears. As a result, the bone in that area begins to shrink, a process called resorption. This bone loss can weaken the jaw and even change the shape of your face over time, leading to a sunken appearance. Shifting Teeth Your teeth are designed to work together. When a tooth is missing, the adjacent teeth will often start to shift into the empty space. This shifting can cause several problems. It can create gaps between teeth, making them harder to clean and increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Misaligned teeth can also put extra stress on your jaw joint (TMJ), leading to pain and discomfort. Bite Problems Tooth loss can also throw off your bite. When teeth shift, they no longer meet properly when you close your mouth. This can lead to an uneven distribution of chewing forces, putting excessive pressure on certain teeth. Over time, this can cause those teeth to wear down prematurely or even fracture. A misaligned bite can also contribute to TMJ disorders and muscle pain in the face and neck. Increased Risk of Decay and Gum Disease The shifting of teeth and the creation of new spaces make it more difficult to maintain good oral hygiene. Food particles and bacteria can easily get trapped in these areas, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis). Gum disease, in particular, is a serious condition that can lead to further tooth loss and has even been linked to other health problems, like heart disease and diabetes. Speech Difficulties Depending on the location of the missing tooth, you may also experience some difficulty with speech. Teeth play an important role in forming certain sounds, and a missing tooth can affect your ability to pronounce words clearly. This can sometimes lead to self-consciousness and social anxiety. Nutritional Impact Missing teeth can make it difficult to chew certain foods, especially those that are hard or crunchy. This can limit your diet and potentially lead to nutritional deficiencies. It's important to be able to eat a variety of foods to maintain good overall health. Taking care of your teeth and addressing tooth loss promptly is essential for maintaining a healthy and functional smile. Talk to your oral health provider about ways to prevent tooth loss and to explore the options available to you if you have already lost a tooth. Maintaining your oral health is an investment in your overall well-being....
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Can an Oral Splint Help to Relieve Your TMJ Pain?

Posted on 5/15/2026 by Lehigh Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Are you experiencing persistent jaw pain, headaches, or clicking sounds when you open and close your mouth? These could be signs of a temporomandibular joint disorder, often referred to as TMJ. Let's explore how a simple device, called an oral splint, can often bring significant relief. What is TMJ? The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acts like a sliding hinge, connecting your jawbone to your skull. You have one on each side of your jaw. TMJ disorders can cause pain in your jaw joint and in the muscles that control jaw movement. It can affect your ability to chew, speak, and even sleep comfortably. What Causes TMJ Issues? The exact cause of TMJ disorders is often hard to pinpoint. It can be a combination of factors, including: How Can an Oral Splint Help? An oral splint is a custom-made appliance that fits over your upper or lower teeth. It's often made of a hard acrylic material and is designed to help in several ways: Types of Oral Splints There are different types of oral splints available. A flat plane splint is a common type, providing a flat surface for your teeth to contact. Another type is a stabilization splint, which is designed to stabilize the jaw and reduce muscle tension. The type of splint that is right for you will depend on the specific nature of your TMJ disorder and the findings of your examination. What to Expect with an Oral Splint If your oral surgeon recommends an oral splint, they will take impressions of your teeth to create a custom-fit appliance. Once the splint is ready, you'll wear it as directed, typically at night. Regular follow-up appointments are important to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to the splint. It's important to maintain excellent oral care while using a splint, ensuring it remains clean and free from bacteria. Is an Oral Splint Right for You? An oral splint can be a very effective way to manage TMJ pain and improve jaw function. However, it's essential to consult with an oral surgeon or qualified dental professional to determine if it's the right treatment option for you. They can properly diagnose your condition and recommend the most appropriate course of action....
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Dental Implants - FAQ

Posted on 5/1/2026 by Lehigh Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Thinking about dental implants? You're not alone! They've become a really popular and effective way to replace missing teeth and restore your smile. It's natural to have questions, so let's go over some of the most common ones. We'll break down what implants are, how they work, and what you can expect. What exactly is a dental implant? Simply put, a dental implant is a small, strong post, usually made of titanium, that acts like the root of a missing tooth. It's surgically placed into your jawbone. Over time, the bone actually grows around the implant, making it super stable and secure. Once the implant is firmly in place, a replacement tooth (called a crown) is attached to it. Why are dental implants so popular? Implants offer several advantages compared to other tooth replacement options like dentures or bridges. They look and feel more like natural teeth, making it easier to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. Because they're anchored in your jawbone, they also help prevent bone loss, which can happen when teeth are missing. Plus, with good care, implants can last for many years, even a lifetime. Am I a good candidate for dental implants? Generally, good candidates for dental implants have healthy gums, enough bone in the jaw to support the implant, and are committed to good oral hygiene. Certain health conditions, like uncontrolled diabetes or heavy smoking, can affect the success of implants, so it's important to discuss your medical history with your oral surgeon. A thorough evaluation, including X-rays and a clinical exam, will help determine if implants are right for you. What is the implant process like? The process usually involves several steps. First, a comprehensive evaluation will be done. Then, the implant is surgically placed into the jawbone. This is usually done under local anesthesia, and you might also have the option of sedation to help you relax. After the implant is placed, it needs time to heal and integrate with the bone, which can take a few months. Once the implant is stable, the replacement tooth (crown) is attached. Does getting a dental implant hurt? Most patients report that getting a dental implant is less painful than they expected. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, so you shouldn't feel any pain during the surgery. After the procedure, you might experience some soreness or discomfort, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Your oral surgeon will provide you with specific instructions on how to care for the implant site and manage any discomfort. How do I care for my dental implants? Caring for dental implants is similar to caring for your natural teeth. You should brush and floss regularly, and see your dentist for checkups and cleanings. It's also important to avoid habits that can damage your implants, such as smoking or chewing on hard objects. With proper care, your dental implants can last a very long time and help you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile....
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All Posts:
Tooth Loss Can Have Far Reaching Effects on Your Dental Health
6/1/2026
Can an Oral Splint Help to Relieve Your TMJ Pain?
5/15/2026
Dental Implants - FAQ
5/1/2026
Calling Oral Surgeons After Facial Injuries is Important
4/15/2026
Dental Implants - Is There an Age Limit?
4/1/2026
Talk to Your Oral Surgeon if You Have Tinnitus
3/16/2026
Are There Jaw Exercises to Help You Manage Tmj Pain?
3/2/2026
Types of Extractions
2/16/2026
How to Slowly Readjust to Exercise Following Oral Surgery
2/2/2026
Keeping Your Jaw From Hurting This Winter
1/15/2026
Getting a Graft from the Roof of Your Mouth Doesn't Have to Hurt
1/1/2026
Pre-Implant Bone Augmentation - Building a Strong Foundation for Your Dental Implants
12/15/2025
Reconstructing Your Mouth After an Accident - Your Oral Surgeon Can Help
12/1/2025
How Oral Surgeons Can Also Help Place Hearing Aids
11/15/2025
Preventing Oral Cancer - Protecting Your Smile
11/3/2025
When Snoring Goes Unchecked - More Than Just A Nuisance
10/15/2025
Why Lowering Your Blood Pressure Could Result in Healthier Teeth
10/1/2025
Why You Need to Talk to an Oral Surgeon When Ringing in Your Ears Won't Stop
9/15/2025
The Dental Implant Procedure
9/1/2025
A Better Breakfast for a Better Smile
8/15/2025
How to Speed Up Recovery After Impacted Canine Surgery
8/1/2025
Important Info about Jaw Reconstruction Surgery
7/15/2025
Why Gum is Bad When Your TMJ Hurts
7/1/2025
Is Crown Lengthening a Necessary Procedure?
6/16/2025
Can Altitude Affect Your Dental Work?
6/2/2025
Oral Surgeons Use Sedation to Make Procedures Easier
5/15/2025
How Long Do Wisdom Teeth Take to Come In?
5/1/2025
Most Nutritious Foods for the First Few Days after Oral Surgery
4/15/2025
Signs You Need to Get an Oral Cancer Screening
4/1/2025
The Unexpected Procedures Covered by an Oral Surgeon
3/15/2025
What to Do When Teeth Come In at Odd Angles
3/3/2025
Why Are So Many People Afraid of Root Canals?
2/15/2025
Safe First Exercises in the Days Following Oral Surgery
2/3/2025
After Extractions - What to Expect and How to Heal Properly
1/15/2025
How Implantology Can Improve Your Oral Health
1/1/2025
Regain Your Full Smile with the All-on-4® Treatment Concept
12/16/2024
Foods That Can Get Stuck to Emerging Wisdom Teeth
12/2/2024
How to Tell if You Have Sleep Bruxism
11/15/2024
What Are Some of the Less Common Causes of Jaw Pain?
11/1/2024
Why We Trust Intraoral Cameras Over Just X-rays
10/15/2024
Things to Remember When Recovering From Oral Surgery
10/1/2024
What Are the Requirements for Implants?
9/16/2024
What Are the Procedures Involved in Dental Implants?
9/2/2024
What is Corrective Jaw (Orthognathic) Surgery?
8/15/2024
How a Sinus Lift Makes Implants More Possible - Restoring Smiles with Confidence
8/1/2024
The Role of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons in Managing Facial Trauma
7/15/2024
The Role of OMS in Sleep Apnea Management
7/1/2024
What to Eat and Not Eat Before Oral Surgery
6/15/2024
What Is Ridge Augmentation?
6/3/2024
How Long Should You Avoid Exercise Following Implant Surgery? Get Back in the Game Safely!
5/15/2024
After You've Had Multiple Teeth Extracted - A Roadmap to Recovery and Restoration
5/1/2024
Do I Need a Root Amputation Procedure
4/15/2024
Can Jaw Surgery Change Your Face
3/15/2024
Can Jaw Surgery Cause Sleep Apnea?
3/1/2024
How To Help Denture Mouth Sores
2/15/2024
How Long Does Facial Reconstruction Surgery Last?
2/2/2024
How Long Should You Rest After an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery?
1/15/2024
How Long Does It Take to Recover from Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery?
1/2/2024
Oral And Maxillofacial Surgeons Vs General Dentists
12/15/2023
The Role of Telemedicine in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
12/1/2023
Can Jaw Structure Cause Sleep Apnea?
11/15/2023
Cosmetic Dental Surgery, What You Should Know
11/1/2023
Oral Surgical Options for Receding Gums
10/31/2023
Dental Options for TMJ Disorders
10/15/2023
What is Hyoid Advancement Surgery
9/25/2023
Do Impacted Wisdom Teeth Cause Future Dental Problems?
9/11/2023
Protocols for Prosthetic Surgery in OMS
8/21/2023
Dental Extractions in Elderly Patients: Ensuring Oral Health in Golden Years
8/7/2023
Common Questions from Our Dental Patients
7/24/2023
Should you think about getting dental implants?
7/10/2023
What Can I Expect at My Maxillofacial Appointment
6/19/2023
Why Do Dentures Stop Fitting?
6/5/2023
Cannabis Oral health effects
5/22/2023
Should I Get Sedation For Oral Surgery?
5/8/2023
Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Necessary?
4/24/2023
Best Drinks for Toddlers To Prevent Tooth Decay
4/10/2023
Do Cavities Between the Teeth Do More Damage?
3/20/2023
Diseased Teeth Can Throb and Ache Nonstop
3/6/2023
Oral Piercing And Its Relationship To Oral Health
2/20/2023
Materials for Direct Restorations
2/6/2023
Can A Retainer Help With Jaw Pain?
1/23/2023
Do You Suffer From Sleep Apnea?
1/9/2023
Small Teeth? Crown Lengthening Will Make You Smile More
12/19/2022
How To Discuss Dental Concerns With The Dentist
12/5/2022
What Is Better, Old or New Tooth Cleaning Remedies?
11/21/2022
Why Do I Have To Get X-Rays If My Teeth Are Fine?
11/7/2022
Impacted Teeth: Fundamentals of an Expose and Bond Procedure
10/24/2022
What are Dental Implants Made of?
10/10/2022
What To Expect During an Oral Maxillofacial Surgery?
9/19/2022
Do Extra Teeth Need to be removed?
9/5/2022
What Is Oral Maxillofacial Surgery?
8/22/2022
Teeth extraction in the elderly
8/8/2022
Is Bonding as Good as Veneers
7/18/2022
Common Symptoms of Tooth Decay
7/4/2022
How long does it take to recover after oral surgery
6/20/2022
Clinical pathology in oral surgery treatment
6/6/2022
Common Reasons One Would Need to See an OMS
5/23/2022
Apicoectomy: Root End Surgery and How It Can Help You
5/9/2022
Why Are CT Scans Performed During An Oral Surgery
4/25/2022
What is dental plaque and how can I get rid of it?
4/11/2022
What are the different types of oral maxillofacial surgery
3/21/2022
Reasons To See An Oral And Maxillofacial Surgeon
3/7/2022
How To Prepare For Oral Surgery
2/21/2022
Can people with bone loss get dental implants
2/7/2022
Things We May Do to Prepare the Jaw for Dental Implants
1/24/2022
Here Are The Common Signs of Tooth Decay
1/10/2022
Jaw Pain Following an Auto Accident Is Something We Should Check
12/23/2021
Can Dentures Help Restore Your Speech?
12/10/2021
What Are the Most Common Symptoms of Tooth Decay?
11/22/2021
Main Differences Between Maxillofacial Surgery And Oral Surgery You Need to Know
11/8/2021
Enhancing Your Smile Through Gum Line Contouring
10/25/2021
Dental Emergencies Essentials
10/11/2021
Salt Water Rinses Can Keep You From Getting a Postoperative Infection
9/21/2021
What We Can Do to Help Remedy an Underbite
9/6/2021
Most Common Types of Oral Cancer Surgeries
8/23/2021
Dentures on Implant Abutments Can Make Your Teeth Feel Natural
8/9/2021
What Can Be Done to Treat Severe Bruxism?
7/26/2021
How to Make Brushing into a Fun Daily Habit
7/12/2021
Surgical Treatment for Bad Bite FAQs
6/21/2021
Chewing Can Increase Jaw Pain if You Have TMD
6/7/2021
Chewing Can Increase Jaw Pain if You Have TMD
6/7/2021
Habits Can Worsen Your TMJ Symptoms
5/24/2021
Habits Can Worsen Your TMJ Symptoms
5/24/2021
Lengthening Your Crowns Can Boost the Beauty of Your Smile
5/10/2021
Lengthening Your Crowns Can Boost the Beauty of Your Smile
5/10/2021
What Type of Mouth Cancers Do Oral Surgeons Treat?
4/26/2021
All About Antibiotic Prophylaxis
4/12/2021
Oral Surgery After-Care Tips
3/22/2021
6 Factors That Contribute to Long Term Success of Dental Implants
3/8/2021
What Does it Mean to Have Bone Loss in the Jaw?
2/22/2021
How Does Having Bone Loss in the Jaw Affect Your Oral Health?
2/8/2021
Teeth in a Day: Are They Right for You?
1/25/2021
Is It a Problem if Your Jaw Starts To Click?
1/11/2021
How Our Office Could Help Ease Sleep Apnea Symptoms
12/21/2020
Symptoms You Need to Know of Oral Cancer
12/7/2020
What You Should Do If You Have a Single Missing Tooth
11/16/2020
How TMJ Can Increase When You Regularly Chew Gum?
11/9/2020
What Makes TMD Worse?
10/19/2020
How to Stop Clenching Your Teeth
10/5/2020
Does Juice Damage Your Gums or Provide Them with Nutrients?
9/21/2020
Where Do Bony Growths Come From Inside the Mouth?
9/7/2020
Gums Often Swell When You Have an Abscess
8/24/2020
Oral Surgeons Like Us Know How to Manage Dental Pain Better Than Most General Dentists
8/10/2020
If You Chew Gum, Are You Guaranteed to Have Jaw Pain?
7/23/2020
Why You Should Call Us for Facial Injuries
7/7/2020
Why You Should Call Us for Facial Injuries
7/6/2020
Times Where a Sinus Lift Surgery Could Improve Your Oral Health
6/22/2020
Procedures That Can Happen During Periodontal Plastic Surgery
6/8/2020
Understanding a Tuberosity Reduction and When Its Needed
5/29/2020
Why Is Your Jaw Starting to Swell?
5/15/2020
Reducing Stress Can Help with Bruxism Problems
4/25/2020
Reasons Why Dental Implants Get Rejected By the Body
4/15/2020
How Gum Chewing Can Lead to TMJ Pain
3/25/2020
Do TMJ Disorders Impact Your Memory?
3/15/2020
Ways of Treating TMJ Pain Through Stress Reduction
2/29/2020
Signs Your Jaw Pain Is Something To Worry About
2/15/2020
Types of Oral Appliances That Protect Teeth from Grinding
1/25/2020
Top 4 Symptoms of TMD
1/15/2020
Over the Counter Medications Are Often Enough Following Oral Surgery
12/25/2019
How Common Are Jaw Fractures Following Auto Accidents?
12/15/2019
What Is an Uncomplicated Crown Fracture?
11/25/2019
Ways of Preventing Dental Implant Rejection
11/15/2019
Positions to Sleep in Following Oral Surgery
10/25/2019
How Your Oral Health Can Benefit from Getting a Bone Graft
10/15/2019
Do All Broken Teeth Require Extraction?
9/25/2019
How to Tell if You Need Oral Surgery
9/15/2019
Top 4 Reasons You Could Need Oral Surgery
8/25/2019
Things to Make Note of If Your Jaw Hurts
8/15/2019
Why Do We Offer Sedation Options?
7/23/2019
Who Benefits Most from Sinus Implant Procedures?
7/13/2019
Why We Offer Several Types of Sedation
6/25/2019
What Age Should Oral Cancer Screenings Start?
6/15/2019
We Offer Several Sedation Options for Your Oral Surgery
5/30/2019
Signs You Have Uneven Jaw Growth
5/20/2019
If You Have Ringing In Your Ears, We May Have Solutions to Help
4/25/2019
How to Track the Details of TMJ Pain
4/15/2019
What Is Distraction Osteogenesis?
3/30/2019
Signs Your Tooth May Need to Be Sectioned for a Dental Extraction
3/20/2019
Sinus Infections Can Come from Oral Health Issues
2/28/2019
Your TMJ Problems Could Leave Your Ears Ringing
2/20/2019
Understanding What Comes with Cleft Palate
1/30/2019
Types of Facial Trauma Oral Surgeons Help With
1/20/2019
Treating an Infection of the Salivary Gland
12/30/2018
Top 3 Reasons to Come See Us After an Auto Accident
12/20/2018
Are There Reasons to Fear Bony Growths in The Mouth?
11/30/2018
3 Bad Habits You May Have That Could Increase Your TMJ Pain
11/20/2018
Your TMJ Problems Could Leave Your Ears Ringing
10/20/2018
How Do Salivary Glands Get Infected?
9/30/2018
First Steps to Take Following Dental Trauma
9/20/2018
Making Your Mouth Healthier to Improve Your Odds of Getting Dental Implants
10/30/2010
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Lehigh Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 1251 S Cedar Crest Blvd #311, Allentown, PA 18103 / (610) 435-6161 / lehighoms.com / 6/13/2026 / Associated Words: oral surgeon Allentown PA /