expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Kent E. Moore, M.D., D.D.S.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Dr. Kent Moore is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon practicing in Charlotte, NC. Dr. Moore specializes in the treatment of problems related to the face, mouth and jaws. As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Moore is a unique dental specialist who can provide emergency medicine, perform general surgery and give anesthesia. These medical doctors are the only type of medical care specialist who can administer anesthesia, besides anesthesiologists. Typical procedures performed by Dr. Moore are tooth extractions, especially wisdom teeth, corrective jaw surgery, cleft palate surgery and reconstructive surgery after an injury. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons can also perform dental work including placing dental implants. These surgeons might also deal with conditions of sleep apnea, oral cancers and more.
Dr. Kent E. Moore, M.D., D.D.S.
  • Charlotte, NC
  • Year
  • Accepting new patients

Is jaw surgery necessary for a crossbite?

Always remember: you’re not going to die from a cross bite!! It’s somewhat of a quality of life issue and somewhat an orthodontic issue… having teeth properly aligned and related READ MORE
Always remember: you’re not going to die from a cross bite!! It’s somewhat of a quality of life issue and somewhat an orthodontic issue… having teeth properly aligned and related to each other in many ways ensures longevity of your teeth. Small cross bites can often be corrected orthodontic, i.e., without the need for jaw surgery, but please discuss this issue further with your treating orthodontist and Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon prior to proceeding.

Do they put you to sleep for oral cyst surgery?

Not necessarily; a variety of variables play a role in what type of anesthesia to provide for each patient and each procedure type. You should discuss these variables and options READ MORE
Not necessarily; a variety of variables play a role in what type of anesthesia to provide for each patient and each procedure type. You should discuss these variables and options with you surgeon prior to proceeding.

How long does your nose bleed after jaw surgery?

Bleeding varies by procedure and anesthesia type. Please discuss with your surgeon, as prolonged and excessive bleeding can be life-threatening.

Can missing teeth cause jaw problems?

Absolutely!! Missing posterior teeth can cause a variety of issues related to posterior vertical facial collapse including jaw joint problems, over eruption of posterior teeth, READ MORE
Absolutely!! Missing posterior teeth can cause a variety of issues related to posterior vertical facial collapse including jaw joint problems, over eruption of posterior teeth, and overloading of remaining anterior teeth. Besides being an aesthetic issue, missing anterior teeth can cause problems with teeth shifting, to trauma to the posterior teeth. Please discuss further with your treating OMS.

How long do you wear rubber bands after jaw surgery?

This depends upon the purpose for the elastics: often light guarding elastics can be used for an interval of several weeks following Jaw surgery when the teeth are fitting together READ MORE
This depends upon the purpose for the elastics: often light guarding elastics can be used for an interval of several weeks following Jaw surgery when the teeth are fitting together well. Other times heavier elastics are used to help gain additional movement needed to maximize intercuspation and these elastics may be needed for a longer interval of time. Please discuss with your treating oral and maxillofacial surgeon

Can wisdom teeth surgery go wrong?

As with any surgery complications can arise. With wisdom teeth this can generally relate to nerve damage, problems with healing, problems related to adjacent teeth, or problems READ MORE
As with any surgery complications can arise. With wisdom teeth this can generally relate to nerve damage, problems with healing, problems related to adjacent teeth, or problems with anesthesia. Please discuss this further with your treating oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Do you need braces for underbite surgery?

Pre-surgical orthodontics are often needed to properly align the teeth to the underlying skeletal base depending upon the amount of dental compensation that may be present. Orthodontics READ MORE
Pre-surgical orthodontics are often needed to properly align the teeth to the underlying skeletal base depending upon the amount of dental compensation that may be present. Orthodontics performed preoperatively can enhance the chances of attaining a stable anesthetic postoperative result.

How is a dislocated jaw treated?

Treatment sometimes depends upon the length of time the jaw has been dislocated; acute dislocations can often be manipulated (typically under sedation) so that the condyle(s) are READ MORE
Treatment sometimes depends upon the length of time the jaw has been dislocated; acute dislocations can often be manipulated (typically under sedation) so that the condyle(s) are reseated. Chronic dislocations may require more invasive procedures.

What do you do if a dental implant screw falls out?

By using the term "screw"- this term is somewhat ambiguous... the implant itself is typically a "screw-like" configuration, but there is also a "cover screw"; the healing abutment READ MORE
By using the term "screw"- this term is somewhat ambiguous... the implant itself is typically a "screw-like" configuration, but there is also a "cover screw"; the healing abutment is a "screw", and the final abutment is also a "screw". So, without more information, my advice is to see the doctor who placed the device.

How deep does a dental implant go?

Depths of dental implants vary from location to location, and by how much bone is available. The longer and wider an implant is, the more bone-implant interface exists for force READ MORE
Depths of dental implants vary from location to location, and by how much bone is available. The longer and wider an implant is, the more bone-implant interface exists for force distribution. This must be balanced, however, by the distance from adjacent teeth, and by local anatomy. The needs for establishment of immediate implant restoration differ from those where the implant is allowed to heal prior to restoring.

Is sinus lift surgery safe?

All surgeries carry risks and the potential for complications. A perfect outcome is never guaranteed. However, sinus-lift surgery (if performed by a trained surgeon) should result READ MORE
All surgeries carry risks and the potential for complications. A perfect outcome is never guaranteed. However, sinus-lift surgery (if performed by a trained surgeon) should result in a good outcome- acknowledging risks of bleeding, infection, loss of any graft material, anesthesia risks, and potential need for additional surgery. Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons are well trained in this procedure and management of complications.

How should I prepare for wisdom teeth removal?

This depends largely upon the type of anesthesia you will be receiving for your procedure. Please discuss your particular situation with your treating OMS.

How long will my face be swollen after oral surgery?

The answer depends upon the extent and type of the procedure performed. More extensive and invasive procedures will typically result in more swelling. Discuss this issue with your READ MORE
The answer depends upon the extent and type of the procedure performed. More extensive and invasive procedures will typically result in more swelling. Discuss this issue with your treating surgeon.

What's the difference between a tooth extraction and a surgical tooth extraction?

The 2021 ADA CDT book defines an "extraction, erupted tooth or exposed root (elevation and/or forcepts removal)"- as a procedure that includes removal of tooth structure, minor READ MORE
The 2021 ADA CDT book defines an "extraction, erupted tooth or exposed root (elevation and/or forcepts removal)"- as a procedure that includes removal of tooth structure, minor smoothing of socket bone, and closure, as necessary. An "extraction of an erupted tooth requiring removal of bone and/or sectioning of the tooth, including elevation of a mucoperiosteal flap (if indicated)"- includes related cutting of gingiva and bone, removal of tooth structure, and smoothing of socket bone and closure.

Is jaw surgery permanent?

Yes, typically it is. It depends upon exactly what type of jaw surgery you are inquiring about.

Does jaw surgery change your face?

Yes, jaw surgery can change your appearance, with changes being more apparent the farther the jaws are advanced. The changes can be exceedingly beneficial, both in esthetics and READ MORE
Yes, jaw surgery can change your appearance, with changes being more apparent the farther the jaws are advanced. The changes can be exceedingly beneficial, both in esthetics and for your upper airway.

Should I see a dentist or oral surgeon for jaw pain?

I think you should see your general dentist first... if they have concerns they can refer you to an oral surgeon for evaluation...

How common is jaw surgery relapse?

Relapse is more common the farther the jaw is advanced, so for long movements (i.e., > 6-8mm) skeletal relapse is more likely.

Can your jaw move back after surgery?

Yes, skeletal relapse is a possibility for any corrective jaw surgery. Relapse is typically more so a problem with larger movements. Bone plates and screws are used to minimize READ MORE
Yes, skeletal relapse is a possibility for any corrective jaw surgery. Relapse is typically more so a problem with larger movements. Bone plates and screws are used to minimize the relapse, but it can still occur.

Can you brush your teeth with your jaw wired shut?

Yes, you can brush the outsides of your teeth, but not the insides.