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

Can you brush your teeth with your jaw wired shut?

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

What is the best sleeping position for TMJ?

I'm not aware of any "best" sleep position for "TMJ"... this might depend upon what the problem with your jaw joints is. Sleeping on your back may be most detrimental for obstructive READ MORE
I'm not aware of any "best" sleep position for "TMJ"... this might depend upon what the problem with your jaw joints is. Sleeping on your back may be most detrimental for obstructive sleep apnea...

Can a jaw be realigned?

Yes, a jaw can be realigned, sometimes surgically, if necessary.

What x-rays do you need before jaw reduction surgery?

Typically a cone-beam CT scan is indicated.

Can screws come loose after jaw surgery?

It's uncommon...but it can happen, particularly with thin bone.

How much weight do you lose after jaw surgery?

Temporary weight lost (2% or so of body weight) after jaw surgery is typically regained fairly quickly.

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

A simple extraction requires simple elevation and removal with forceps. A surgical extraction includes (typically) elevation of a flap and/or use of a surgical drill to remove READ MORE
A simple extraction requires simple elevation and removal with forceps. A surgical extraction includes (typically) elevation of a flap and/or use of a surgical drill to remove bone and/or tooth structure, or to section a tooth...

Can I fix my underbite without surgery?

The answer depends upon the extent of the underbite, and whether you desire to "camouflage" the condition, rather than deal with the cause.... An evaluation by both an orthodontist READ MORE
The answer depends upon the extent of the underbite, and whether you desire to "camouflage" the condition, rather than deal with the cause.... An evaluation by both an orthodontist and OMS should be considered.

How many hours is jaw surgery for overbite?

it depends upon how complex the planned surgery is...that is, one jaw versus two jaws. The more, the longer the case will go.... 3D virtual planning with custom plates should speed READ MORE
it depends upon how complex the planned surgery is...that is, one jaw versus two jaws. The more, the longer the case will go.... 3D virtual planning with custom plates should speed up the surgery.

Does open bite get worse over time?

Depending upon the cause, it could get worse... Evaluation by an Orthodontist and OMS may be necessary to fully evaluate...

What to do when it hurts to swallow?

The differential is lengthy; please see an Otolarygologist.

Is TMJ genetic?

No, direct genetic linkage has been established for the majority of TMJ disorders; some conditions such as collagen-vascular disease or other medical conditions may have a genetic READ MORE
No, direct genetic linkage has been established for the majority of TMJ disorders; some conditions such as collagen-vascular disease or other medical conditions may have a genetic component.

How can I relieve TMJ pain?

Other than OTC pain meds, the recommendation is to see an OMS.

How long does the dental implant surgery last?

Typically, less than 30 minutes, assuming a surgical guide or a robotic placement is planned.

Do I need to remove all 4 wisdom teeth?

It is your decision to remove 0,1,2,3 or all 4 wisdom teeth. As the upper wisdom teeth will generally drift inferiorly following removal of the upper wisdom teeth, a general (not READ MORE
It is your decision to remove 0,1,2,3 or all 4 wisdom teeth. As the upper wisdom teeth will generally drift inferiorly following removal of the upper wisdom teeth, a general (not absolute) recommendation is to remove the upper wisdom teeth when the lowers are removed. If the upper teeth drift inferiorly, then they can eventually irritate the soft tissues over the lower arch and/or contribute to decay with the adjacent second molar teeth. Evaluation by an OMS is recommended.

Can grinding your teeth eventually lead to jaw surgery?

In addition to causing attrition and wear of your permanent teeth (potentially leading to eventual tooth extraction), those who clench and grind their teeth are at increased risk READ MORE
In addition to causing attrition and wear of your permanent teeth (potentially leading to eventual tooth extraction), those who clench and grind their teeth are at increased risk for temporomandibular joint dysfunction and problems, as the vertical forces transmitted during clenching are transmitted to the joint. TMJ meniscus and disc issues can arise.

Do I need to remove wisdom teeth?

If your wisdom teeth have erupted properly and you have functional contacts- AND are able to maintain your wisdom teeth (from a hygienic standpoint) - which is typically the problem READ MORE
If your wisdom teeth have erupted properly and you have functional contacts- AND are able to maintain your wisdom teeth (from a hygienic standpoint) - which is typically the problem we see in this situation- there's generally no absolute reason to remove the wisdom teeth in this case. Evaluation by an OMS would be recommended.

Is dental implant surgery painful?

While conditions vary from person to person, most people tell us the implant placement procedure is much less painful than the tooth extraction procedure.

Should I avoid hot foods after oral surgery?

We advise people to avoid hot foods during the interval of numbness following a procedure in order to minimize the chance of burning the oral mucosa. Heat or hot foods may cause READ MORE
We advise people to avoid hot foods during the interval of numbness following a procedure in order to minimize the chance of burning the oral mucosa. Heat or hot foods may cause vasodilation which may contribute to bleeding.

How long is the recovery time for tooth extraction?

6-8 weeks for soft tissue healing, and 3-6 months for bone healing (depending upon the maxilla [6 months] versus lower jaw (3 months)...