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

How long does novocaine last after wisdom tooth removal?

It depends on which local anesthetic was used and how much medication made it to the nerve. Varying anesthetics have different properties causing varying lengths of effect.

Is it possible to lose feeling in face after extraction?

Yes. Nerve anatomy and potential injury to the nerve is a critical element of discussion prior to surgery.

Do I need to go back to dentist after wisdom tooth removal?

Yes. I typically advise a return visit to allow evaluation of healing. Some complications can be prevented by close monitoring by your surgeon.

Stitches are loose after extraction. What do I do?

Return if you have concerns, or at least call your surgeon.

Can I drink coffee after oral surgery?

Don’t drink hot materials while you are numb... you can burn yourself and not be aware...

Do you have to be put to sleep to get your wisdom teeth out?

No... however, everyone’s situation varies upon a variety of factors, and your comfort is a priority.... I would advise a consultation where options for your situation can be discussed. READ MORE
No... however, everyone’s situation varies upon a variety of factors, and your comfort is a priority.... I would advise a consultation where options for your situation can be discussed.

Can oral surgery correct my sleep apnea?

Likely so, however, there are a number of variables to consider... you should consult with an OMS to discuss your specific situation.

What can an oral surgeon do about teeth grinding?

Tooth grinding - recognized and nocturnal "bruxism", and wakefulness "clenching"- is not a surgically-directed problem. At this point in time, the cause for these problems is READ MORE
Tooth grinding - recognized and nocturnal "bruxism", and wakefulness "clenching"- is not a surgically-directed problem. At this point in time, the cause for these problems is not fully elucidated. Dr. Gilles Lavigne at the University of Montreal is the world authority on this issue... you should Google him and read some of his work...

How long does it take to recover from wisdom teeth removal?

Recovery following wisdom tooth removal is largely related to the degree of difficulty encountered and the invasiveness of the surgery; those who require less to remove the wisdom READ MORE
Recovery following wisdom tooth removal is largely related to the degree of difficulty encountered and the invasiveness of the surgery; those who require less to remove the wisdom teeth will generally recover more quickly than those who have deeply impacted wisdom teeth. Overall, days 2-4 tend to be the worst timeframe for symptoms following wisdom tooth removal...

How painful is a tooth extraction?

Yes, unfortunately, some discomfort should be expected...however, use of pediatric ibuprofen and Tylenol should significantly help manage the discomfort.

Would I need to take opioids after my extraction?

We typically advise the use of Ibuprofen and Tylenol. In our experience, the vast majority of individuals adequately manage their discomfort with this combination - avoiding the READ MORE
We typically advise the use of Ibuprofen and Tylenol. In our experience, the vast majority of individuals adequately manage their discomfort with this combination - avoiding the potential side effects associated with narcotic medications.

What questions should I ask my surgeon about jaw corrective surgery?

Training, experience, and coordination with the treating orthodontist are all issues which should be discussed... as well as the pros/cons/ risks and potential benefits (and treatment READ MORE
Training, experience, and coordination with the treating orthodontist are all issues which should be discussed... as well as the pros/cons/ risks and potential benefits (and treatment alternatives) to surgery.

Is maxillofacial surgery used to treat jaw diseases?

Malocclusion is typically treated as a team effort between an orthodontist and maxillofacial surgeon. There is an "envelope" of orthodontic movement outside of which surgery becomes READ MORE
Malocclusion is typically treated as a team effort between an orthodontist and maxillofacial surgeon. There is an "envelope" of orthodontic movement outside of which surgery becomes necessary to allow correction. You should discuss this with your treating orthodontist.

Is my jaw pain from wisdom teeth?

There are a variety of causes for jaw pain in the back of your mouth... of which, wisdom tooth pain could be one of them... I would advise you see an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon READ MORE
There are a variety of causes for jaw pain in the back of your mouth... of which, wisdom tooth pain could be one of them... I would advise you see an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon for evaluation.

Do I need my wisdom teeth removed?

A variety of cyst and tumors can arises from impacted wisdom teeth without symptoms appearing until too late... on the other hand, if you can maintain erupted wisdom teeth hygienically, READ MORE
A variety of cyst and tumors can arises from impacted wisdom teeth without symptoms appearing until too late... on the other hand, if you can maintain erupted wisdom teeth hygienically, removal may not be necessary. Evaluation by an OMS is recommended.

How long is the recovery for a wisdom tooth extraction?

The time for recovery can vary from person to person depending upon a variety of factors. For most people days two through four tend to be the worst timeframe for swelling and READ MORE
The time for recovery can vary from person to person depending upon a variety of factors. For most people days two through four tend to be the worst timeframe for swelling and pain. Typically after day for symptoms start to improve .

Should I get all of my wisdom teeth extracted in one appointment?

Yes... Absolutely ... of people who undergo removal of wisdom teeth. The vast majority do all four at one time.

Why do I need to go to an oral surgeon for my tooth extraction?

A variety of dental service providers may remove wisdom teeth, however, only Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons have the requisite training and skills to best manage a wide variety READ MORE
A variety of dental service providers may remove wisdom teeth, however, only Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons have the requisite training and skills to best manage a wide variety of conditions related to the wisdom teeth.

Is surgery helpful in treating sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is a complex physiologic and anatomic process related to upper airway collapse- and is multifactorial in origin. Forward movement of the upper and lower READ MORE
Obstructive sleep apnea is a complex physiologic and anatomic process related to upper airway collapse- and is multifactorial in origin. Forward movement of the upper and lower jaw can be performed in an effort to expand the upper airway at multiple levels in one surgical procedure. However, there are a large variety of surgical procedures which can be applied based upon presenting anatomy and physiology. I would advise an evaluation by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who is knowledgeable and well versed in management of obstructive sleep apnea, as well as evaluation by a sleep position as a good starting point.