Often, when our wisdom teeth come in, there is simply not enough room and they become impacted. Impacted teeth are not able to fully enter the mouth or break through the gums. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause crowding, tooth misalignment or infection.
Wisdom tooth extraction is usually recommended when there are:

• infections and/or periodontal disease;
• cavities that cannot be restored;
• pathologies such as cysts, and tumors, and
• damage to neighboring teeth.

According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) :

Contact us to schedule a consultation for a wisdom tooth extraction procedure.

While simple procedures and treatments can be utilized to correct some bite or tooth misalignment, jaw misalignment is somewhat more serious and will usually require surgery.This jaw misalignment may be the result of injuries, birth defects or the  upper and lower jaws growing at different rates. Corrective surgery can be used to treat jaw misalignment - a consultation with Dr. Daniel Muff at Reno Oral Surgery should determine whether or not you are a candidate for jaw misalignment surgery. 

From the AAOMS website:


Following are some of the conditions that may indicate the need for corrective jaw surgery:

• difficulty chewing, or biting food
• difficulty swallowing
• chronic jaw or jaw joint (TMJ) pain and headache
• excessive wear of the teeth
• open bite (space between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed)
• unbalanced facial appearance from the front, or side
• facial injury or birth defects
• receding chin
• protruding jaw
• inability to make the lips meet without straining
• chronic mouth breathing and dry mouth
• sleep apnea (breathing problems when sleeping, including snoring)

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders are a complex set of conditions often characterized by pain in the jaw joint and surrounding tissues and limitations in jaw movements. At Reno Oral Surgery, Dr. Daniel Muff offers advanced solutions for diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders, aimed at alleviating pain and restoring functionality. This comprehensive guide will explore the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for TMJ disorders, underscoring the specialized services provided at Reno Oral Surgery.

Understanding TMJ Disorders

The temporomandibular joint connects the jawbone to the skull, acting as a sliding hinge. TMJ disorders can cause pain in your jaw joint and in the muscles that control jaw movement. The exact cause of a person's TMJ disorder is often difficult to determine.

Pain may arise from problems with the muscles of the jaw or with the joint itself, such as:

• Injury to the jaw or the joint itself.
• Joint arthritis.
• Stress, which can cause a person to tighten facial and jaw muscles or clench the teeth.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorders

People with TMJ disorders can experience severe pain and discomfort, which can be temporary or last many years. Some common symptoms of TMJ include:

• Pain or tenderness in the jaw.
• Pain in one or both of the temporomandibular joints.
• Aching pain in and around your ear.
• Difficulty chewing or discomfort while chewing.
• Aching facial pain.
• Locking of the joint, making it difficult to open or close the mouth.

Diagnostic Approaches at Reno Oral Surgery

Accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment of TMJ disorders. At Reno Oral Surgery, the following diagnostic procedures may be employed:

• Clinical Examination: Dr. Muff conducts a thorough examination of the jaw and bite, checks for pain or tenderness, and assesses how smoothly the joint can move.
• Imaging Tests: X-rays, MRI scans, or CT scans may be recommended to provide detailed images of the bones involved in the joint, and to check for any problems with the surrounding soft tissue.

Treatment Options for TMJ Disorders

Treatment for TMJ disorders at Reno Oral Surgery may include:

• Medications: Often, the first line of treatment includes pain relievers and anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants.
• Therapies: Non-drug therapies for TMJ disorders might include oral splints or mouth guards, physical therapy, or counseling to help manage stress.
• Surgical Procedures: In severe cases, surgical interventions such as arthrocentesis, TMJ arthroscopy, modified condylotomy, or open-joint surgery might be necessary.

Minimally Invasive Treatments

Reno Oral Surgery focuses on minimally invasive treatments for TMJ disorders, such as:

• Arthrocentesis: This is a minor procedure that involves the insertion of small needles into the joint so that fluid can be irrigated through the joint to remove debris and inflammatory byproducts.
• TMJ Arthroscopy: In some cases, a small thin tube (cannula) and an arthroscope are inserted into the joint space, and small surgical instruments are used for surgery.

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Managing TMJ disorders also involves lifestyle adjustments and home remedies such as:

• Eating soft foods.
• Applying ice packs.
• Avoiding extreme jaw movements.
• Learning techniques to relax and reduce stress.
• Practicing gentle jaw stretching and relaxing exercises that may help increase jaw movement.

​TMJ disorders can significantly impact quality of life, causing persistent pain and functional limitations. At Reno Oral Surgery, Dr. Daniel Muff is dedicated to providing patients with the most advanced and effective treatments for TMJ disorders, tailored to each patient’s unique needs. If you are experiencing symptoms of a TMJ disorder, consider consulting with a specialist who can offer you a range of therapeutic options tailored to improve your health outcomes.

Dental implants have revolutionized the approach to restoring missing teeth, offering a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution for patients. At Reno Oral Surgery, Dr. Daniel Muff specializes in the placement of high-quality dental implants that improve oral function and boost self-confidence. This article explores the advantages of dental implants, the process of getting them, and why they might be the best choice for tooth replacement.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically inserted into the jawbone beneath the gum line. This post serves as a stable anchor for a replacement tooth or a bridge. Unlike dentures, which can be removed, dental implants are permanent fixtures that can help prevent bone loss and maintain facial structure.

Benefits of Dental Implants

The benefits of choosing dental implants include:

• Durability: Implants are designed to last many years and are a more permanent solution compared to other tooth replacement options.
• Improved Oral Health: Unlike a dental bridge, implants do not require reducing other teeth, as more of your own teeth are left intact, improving long-term oral health.
• Convenience: Implants eliminate the inconvenience of removing dentures and the need for messy adhesives to keep them in place.
• Improved Appearance and Comfort: Because they integrate into the structure of your bone, implants feel like your own teeth and can greatly enhance your smile.

The Process of Getting Dental Implants

The process of getting dental implants involves several steps:

• Consultation and Planning: Initially, Dr. Muff will perform a thorough examination and discuss your specific needs and treatment options.
• Surgical Placement: The implant post is surgically placed into the jawbone where your tooth was previously.
• Healing and Bone Integration (Osseointegration): Over the next few months, the implant will bond with the jawbone, a process known as osseointegration.
• Placement of the Prosthesis: Once integration is complete, a small connector post or abutment is placed on the implant to securely hold the new tooth.

Who Can Benefit from Dental Implants?

Dental implants are an excellent option for individuals who:

• Have one or more missing teeth
• Are unable to wear dentures
• Want to improve their speech and comfort
• Seek to boost their confidence and smile aesthetics

Dental implants are a significant advancement in dental restoration technology. At Reno Oral Surgery, Dr. Muff's expertise ensures that patients receive the best care, from initial consultation to the final placement of the implant. If you're considering dental implants, it's essential to consult with an experienced oral surgeon who can guide you through the process and help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.

Wisdom teeth, often known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to develop. While some people never experience any issues with their wisdom teeth, for others, these teeth can lead to significant dental complications. At Reno Oral Surgery, Dr. Daniel Muff and his team emphasize the importance of timely wisdom tooth removal to prevent such problems. This article explores why wisdom tooth extraction is necessary, what to expect from the procedure, and how it contributes to overall oral health.

Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth may need to be removed for several reasons:

• Impaction: Wisdom teeth are often impacted, meaning they cannot fully emerge through the gums. This can lead to pain, swelling, and infection.
• Overcrowding: They can push against other teeth, causing them to become misaligned.
• Hygiene Difficulties: Positioned at the back of the mouth, wisdom teeth are hard to reach and clean, which can lead to decay and gum disease.

The Procedure: What to Expect for Wisdom Teeth Removal

At Reno Oral Surgery, the removal of wisdom teeth is performed with precision and care to ensure patient comfort and safety. Here's what you can expect:

• Initial Consultation: Dr. Muff conducts a thorough examination, often using advanced imaging techniques to assess the position and condition of your wisdom teeth.
• Sedation Options: Various sedation options are offered to make the procedure as pain-free as possible.
• The Surgery: The procedure involves making an incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and bone, removing any bone that blocks access to the tooth root, and then removing the tooth itself. The site is then cleaned, and the incision is closed with stitches.

Post-Surgical Care and Recovery

Following wisdom tooth removal, patients receive detailed care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery:

• Pain Management: Pain can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Diet: A soft food diet is recommended initially to avoid irritation.
• Oral Hygiene: Gentle oral hygiene practices are important to prevent infection.

Long-Term Benefits of Wisdom Tooth Removal

Removing wisdom teeth can have several long-term benefits, including:

• Prevention of Oral Health Issues: It helps prevent decay, gum disease, and the potential for future dental crowding.
• Pain Relief: It eliminates pain and discomfort often associated with impacted teeth.
• Improved Oral Hygiene: With the removal of hard-to-reach wisdom teeth, overall oral hygiene becomes easier, reducing the risk of decay and gum disease.

Timely removal of wisdom teeth at Reno Oral Surgery helps maintain oral health and prevent future dental issues. Under the expert care of Dr. Daniel Muff, patients can expect a supportive and informative process, ensuring the best outcomes for their dental health and overall well-being.