Orthognathic Surgery

Orthognathic surgery is performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons for corrective jaw and face conditions. This sort of surgery is usually required for those who suffer from misaligned jaws, whether the misalignment is a result of skeletal irregularities, injury, or improper growth rates. When a dentist thinks that the patient is a good candidate for orthognathic surgery, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is consulted, along with an orthodontist. Often, this sort of surgery requires orthodontic treatment both before and after the procedure, making it a commitment that lasts several years. Once the jaw is corrected, however, most patients report greater comfort, easier speech, a more aesthetically pleasing appearance, and an improved bite. Although orthognathic surgery is a serious commitment for the patient, the benefits often outweigh the orthodontic and surgical discomfort. Before surgery takes place, the orthodontist repositions a patient’s teeth so that they align correctly once the jaw is properly set. During the actual surgery, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon removes, adds, or reshapes bones on the jaw in order to achieve the desired effect. If possible, all incisions are made within the mouth so that patients do not have any visible scarring from the procedure. Once the jaw is aligned, plates, screws, wires, and rubber bands are used to hold the jaw in place during the healing period. The initial setting period is about six weeks, while it takes the body up to a year to heal completely from orthognathic surgery.

Dr. Steven Selchow Discusses How the Sun Can Damage Skin

As the owner and Medical Director of Rejuv Skin & Laser Clinic, Steven Selchow, DDS, frequently treats patients with sun-damaged skin. The sun supplies valuable vitamin D to the skin in controlled amounts. However, uncontrolled sun exposure can lead to damage that includes discoloration, premature wrinkling, or skin cancer. In the following, Steven Selchow, DDS, talks about how the sun can damage skin. Dr. Selchow also offers tips on how to avoid sun damage.

As your exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation increases, the skin attempts to protect itself from dangerous rays by producing melanocytes, skin cells that produce melanin. Melanin represents the brown pigment responsible for a suntan and the darkened skin protects deeper layers from further sun damage. Increased melanin production can lead to sunspots or an uneven, mottled appearance that accumulates over time. Sunlight can also cause thinning of the epidermis and a rapid breakdown of collagen, which is responsible for the skin’s elasticity. As the collagen fibers attempt to reform, they may do so in a disorganized fashion. Over time, this results in increased wrinkles. The skin also absorbs the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, which may then influence the growth of normal skin cells. As a result, malignant growths may form instead of healthy cells, potentially leading to basal cell cancer, squamous cell cancer, and malignant melanoma.

While cosmetic sun damage may be minimized through procedures such as photorejuvenation, the best way to protect your skin is through prevention. This includes limiting the time spent in the sun, avoiding tanning booths or lamps, and always wearing sunscreen and protective clothing. Likewise, avoid being in the sun when the rays are strongest between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and remember that clouds and windows do not protect you from UV radiation. For more information about the photorejuvenation process, please visit RejuvSkinandLaser.com.

Mouth Cancer

Unlike many other forms of cancer, mouth cancer can be detected easily in its early stages, due to its telltale visual signals that anyone can catch through regular self-exams. You should perform self-exams at least once each month, and the entire process takes only a few minutes. During the exam, pay attention the inside of your lips and gums, the roof of your mouth, the insides of your cheeks, and your tongue.

Using a bright light and a mirror, look for any white patches of tissue, known as eukoplakia; red patches, known as erythroplakia; multicolored patches; sores that are taking especially long to heal; lumps or especially think tisses; and chronic sores. Be sure to note if the lymph nodes in your neck are swollen or if you have any difficulty chewing.

 If any of these symptoms arise during your self-exam, be sure to consult an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, who is trained to detect signs of mouth cancer. The surgeon will be able to order a biopsy for any suspicious tissue, sending it to a pathology laboratory for microscopic inspection. Once the biopsy report is received, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon will be better prepared to diagnose the problem and forge a plan for treatment.

A number of factors contribute to the formation of mouth cancer, many of which are completely avoidable, such as the consumption of tobacco and alcohol. The heat from smoking can irritate the mouth and throat, leading to mouth cancer. Even the use of chewing tobacco, however, can raise your risk. Other common factors include poor hygiene, poor nutrition, chronic infections, and irritants, such as poorly fitted dentures.