Common Questions
Answers to common questions from patients considering oral and maxillofacial surgery at Oromax NSW.
Jaw growth and jaw surgery
When the upper and lower jaws do not line up, braces alone may not be enough to correct the bite. In growing children, appliances can sometimes guide jaw growth. In adults, jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) combined with orthodontics can correct the jaw position. These are the questions we are asked most often. For children and… Read more
Dental infections and facial swelling
Most tooth infections are treated by your own dentist and settle quickly once the cause is dealt with. A few spread into the face and neck, and these are emergencies best managed in a hospital. These are the questions we are asked most often. If you have difficulty breathing, cannot swallow your saliva, or your… Read more
Radiotherapy and your teeth
Radiotherapy to the head and neck changes the jaw bone and the mouth for life. Looking after your teeth before, during and after treatment is the best way to avoid problems. These are the questions we are asked most often. After radiotherapy Why is an extraction riskier after radiotherapy? Radiotherapy to the head and neck… Read more
Blood thinners and tooth extractions
If you take a blood thinner, a tooth extraction needs a little more planning, but in most cases you will not need to stop your medicine. These are the questions we are asked most often. Blood thinners Do I need to stop my blood thinner before an extraction? Usually not, and please do not stop… Read more
Osteoporosis and your teeth
Many people take a bone-strengthening medicine for osteoporosis, such as a Prolia injection every six months or a bisphosphonate tablet. If you need a tooth out, you may have heard about a rare jaw problem linked to these medicines. These are the questions we are asked most often. About the medicines and the risk Which… Read more
Jaw cysts
A jaw cyst is often found by chance on an X-ray taken for something else. Most are harmless and slow-growing, but they usually need treatment because they keep enlarging. These are the questions we are asked most often. Looking for an overview, fees and locations? See our Oral Pathology & Biopsy page. About jaw cysts… Read more
Mouth sores and biopsies
Most mouth ulcers, patches and lumps are harmless and heal or stay the same. A few need a closer look. Mouth cancer is much easier to treat when it is found early, and your dentist is often the first to notice a change. These are the questions we are asked most often. Looking for an… Read more
Dental implants
A dental implant replaces the root of a missing tooth, and your dentist then fits the crown on top. Many of the decisions that shape the result are made early, before or at the time a tooth is removed. These are the questions we are asked most often. Looking for an overview, fees and locations?… Read more
Impacted canines
The upper canine (eye tooth) is the most commonly stuck tooth after wisdom teeth. Most are first noticed by the family dentist, and acting early gives the most options. These are the questions parents ask us most often. Looking for an overview, fees and locations? See our Exposure of Impacted Teeth page. About impacted canines… Read more
Wisdom teeth
Lower wisdom teeth are the most common reason people are referred to us. These are the questions we are asked most often, with what the research shows and what we have found in our own patients. Looking for an overview, fees and locations? See our Wisdom Teeth Removal page. Deciding on treatment Do my wisdom… Read more