Category: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Failure to obtain proper consent is a common cause of litigation. Given that the number of dentoalveolar surgical procedures is rising, a lack of proper informed consent being obtained from patients is likely to become an increasing issue.

Dental implants are now commonly used in patients with missing teeth, giving both functional and aesthetic improvements. However, bone loss can compromise the ideal placement of dental implants and increase the risk of implant failure.

Skin cancer is one of the commonest forms of cancer, currently accounting for around one-third of all cancers annually, and the incidence is rapidly increasing. Fortunately, effective treatments are available and the risks of mortality and other complications associated with most types of skin cancer are extremely low. However, some challenges remain.

Facial deformities may occur due to congenital abnormalities or as a result of trauma or disease, and most have their origin in the bony structures of the face, but can also affect the soft tissue drape.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most complex in the human body and has a unique range of movement. This is made possible by the articular disc, which lies between the two main bones of the joint. In order for the joint to function properly, the disc needs to remain in the correct location and shape.

A patient’s suitability for dental implantation depends on many factors, including their general state of health, smoking history, oral health, the quality and size of the bone into which the implant will be inserted, and the amount of space available in the jaw.

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a rare but serious adverse reaction seen in patients administered one of several drugs used to treat skeletal conditions (1-3). It is most commonly associated with bisphosphonate (BP), which is frequently used to treat multiple myeloma and bone metastases from solid tumours (2, 4) and osteoporosis (4, 5), but can also follow […]

Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the jaws is a well-known complication of radiation therapy to the head and neck. ORN is defined as an area of exposed necrotic bone in an area previously irradiated that fails to heal over a period of 3–6 months. Head and neck cancers are sensitive to radiotherapy (RT), which is being increasingly […]

Facial trauma can be a major cause of morbidity, particularly in young adults. This is because the head and neck region contains the major sensory and functional organs. A major component of the morbidity is changes to facial appearance. This can lead to detrimental physiological, aesthetic and psychological effects. Although facial trauma alone is rarely […]

It is well established that oral cavity cancer, commonly squamous cell carcinomas, develops in a two-step process involving molecular and biochemical cellular alterations. This pathological evolution can be associated with clinical changes of the affected tissues. Such lesions are the hallmark of conditions affecting the lining of the mouth, associated with malignant transformation, known as […]

The salivary glands, which are divided into the major and minor glands, are extremely important structures. The major glands comprise the parotid, submandibular and sublingual glands. These contain acinar cells, which are chiefly responsible for the production and secretion of saliva. Saliva is essential within the mouth; it maintains oral hygiene, and facilitates chewing, taste […]

Mr Zaid Sadiq, Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, discusses the complications and challenges associated with wisdom tooth and dental implant surgery. Problems with the third molars, or wisdom teeth, are extremely common. Often, there is not enough space for the tooth to erupt into its normal position. If this happens and the tooth erupts at […]