If you often feel like saying “ouch” upon opening your mouth, or if you hear a click or pop with every bite you take, it’s time to take a load off your TMJ. When something’s off with the alignment of your jaw joint, you’ll definitely feel the pain. Doing some exercises can help, and so can taking smaller bites and applying moist heat to the jaw. Once you’ve tried everything and still haven’t found relief, it’s time to visit your Houston oral surgeon for TMJ therapy, Dr. Steve L. Koo.

(more…)

If you have wisdom teeth, you’re probably thinking there’s nothing very “wise” about them. There is rarely enough room for the teeth to emerge properly, and impaction or infection are likely to occur. Don’t panic if you need to have wisdom tooth extraction — at Piney Point Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we offer comforting sedation dentistry to help you receive the care you need without any pain. With a combination of local anesthesia and IV sedation or general anesthesia, wisdom tooth extraction is nothing to fear.

(more…)

Many people go their entire lives without needing oral surgery — but for others, the time will come when surgery is the recommended approach to protect oral and overall health. It’s especially common for older teens, who often require wisdom teeth removal. So, is it time for you to schedule an oral surgery? Let’s take a look at some of the most common procedures for your oral health.

(more…)

You’ve had a dramatic underbite your entire life. It’s always the first thing you notice whenever you look in the mirror or see a picture of yourself. You had braces as a child to make your teeth straighter, but they did little to actually correct the position of your jaw. What can be done about it? You’ve heard you can get it fixed with corrective jaw surgery, but that sounds very dramatic, is it really necessary? Today, Dr. Thomas Weil, a Houston oral surgeon, is going to discuss why you might need to get corrective jaw surgery. (more…)

If you’re suffering from Sjogren’s Syndrome, you might think that you’ll be tied to medication and eye drops for the rest of your life. However, a new study just released by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons shows that Botox could now be an effective way to manage the salivary gland inflammation common with the disorder. This is exciting news for patients, especially those who suffer from frequent parotitis. By now you’re probably asking, “How does this work?” and, “Would this be right for me?” (more…)

Do you suffer from chronic jaw pain? Does it constantly pop and click, or is it difficult to open and close? If so, you may be suffering from a temporomandibular disorder, also known as a TMD. This refers to problems with the jaw, specifically to the small joints located in front of your ears. Doctors have known for years that a TMD could lead to headaches and neck pain, but did you also know that it could make you more pain sensitive overall? New research at the Temporomandibular Joint Association (TMJA) suggests that a prolonged TMD could affect the nervous system similarly to fibromyalgia. (more…)

Visiting the dentist or oral surgeon isn’t the best part of anyone’s year, but it doesn’t have to be a thing to fear or dread. Patients of Houston oral surgeon Dr. Koo and Dr. Weil know that oral surgery isn’t a bad thing at all — and when it improves your health, it’s actually something you can look forward to. Learn more about dental fears and what you can expect from Piney Point Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery today.

(more…)

Have you noticed your front teeth looking more crowded than they used to? There’s got to be a reason they’re suddenly moving around — and actually, your front tooth crowding can be caused by your wisdom teeth. These third molars erupt between ages 15 and 24 and often put pressure on the surrounding teeth, making them move around when you least expect it. Your oral surgeon in Houston recommends the extraction of problematic wisdom teeth.

(more…)

Early detection of oral cancer is crucial for successful treatment. Just over half of people diagnosed with the condition survive after five years, according to The Oral Cancer Foundation. Receiving regular screenings and keeping an eye out for the early warning signs of oral cancer can help you increase the odds of successfully treating the condition.

(more…)

Does your outer skin reflect your best you? You know, the version of yourself that’s confident, energized, and ready for anything. If you’re like most adults, the answer is a big no. That good old Texas sun, daily stress, and simple aging take a real toll on the facial tissue. Dr. Koo at Piney Point Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery can quickly rejuvenate your appearance with cosmetic facial treatments. Botox injections and dermal fillers are two popular options for refreshing your skin — but they’re not the only ones.

(more…)