Welcome to Dr. Wagner's general questions and answers section. These questions came from patients just like you. We hope that you will find them helpful and informative. If you don't find the answer to your question in the sections below, please feel free to call our office at (262) 634-4646 and speak to anyone on our staff.
What is Oral and Maxillo-Facial Surgery?
Oral and Maxillo-Facial Surgery is the specialty of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, surgical and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries and defects of the face and jaws. This involves both the functional and esthetic aspects of the hard and soft tissues of the mouth, jaws, face and related structures. This includes tooth removal including impacted teeth, placement of dental implants, orthognathic/reconstructive jaw surgery, biopsy and removal of cysts and tumors of the mouth and jaws, and treatment of facial trauma.
What does maxillofacial mean?
[maxill(a) + facial] The maxilla refers to the jaws and related structures, and facial pertains to the face. As a Maxillo-Facial surgeon, Dr. Wagner surgically treats disorders of the face, jaws, mouth and teeth.
How long has Dr. Wagner been in practice? What sets him apart?
Dr. Wagner has been in practice in Racine for over 20 years. He is experienced and practices excellence in care. Dr. Wagner and his staff pride themselves on providing a very high level of service and treatment. They are gentle, caring, and go above and beyond to assure the utmost in care for their patients. Dr. Wagner and his staff maintain a friendly, fun, and pleasant disposition while attending to your needs and providing a comfortable and calming atmosphere for your care. Dr. Wagner, the nurses, administrative staff and medical/surgical staff have invested years in their education to provide you with the highest quality care. They also continue their education to stay at the top of the field. Dr. Wagner also regularly puts on continuing education programs for regional doctors and staffs, especially in the area of dental implant care.
Dr. Wagner welcomes and serves patients all across Southeastern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois including; Racine, Kenosha, Union Grove, Milwaukee, Burlington, Waterford, Oak Creek, Franklin, Waukegan, Zion, Antioch, and Gurnee. [back to top]
What does it mean to be Board Certified in Oral and Maxillo-Facial Surgery?
Dr. Wagner is a Board Certified Oral and Maxillo-Facial Surgeon. In order to be board certified, you must go through a rigorous series of examinations including multiple written and oral/practical exams. Dr. Wagner has graduated from an accredited dental school and has completed an oral and maxillo-facial surgery residency program approved by the American Dental Association Commission in Dental Accreditation. This involved thirteen years of higher education and training.
Board certification shows that you are recognized by your peers as achieving a high level of training and knowledge. Along with board certification through the American Board of Oral and Maxillo-Facial surgery, Dr. Wagner is also board certified through the Central Regional Dental Testing Service. He is also a Fellow in the American Association of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Surgery and is a member in good standing in the American Dental Association, the Wisconsin Dental Association, The Wisconsin Society of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Surgeons and the Great Lakes Society of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Surgeons. [back to top]
What type of anesthesia does Dr. Wagner provide?
Dr. Wagner not only has advanced anesthesia training as an Oral and Maxillo-facial surgeon; he also has a one year anesthesia residency where he learned advanced techniques. He worked as a hospital-based anesthetist during his OMS training. Dr. Wagner is ACLS trained and certified and his staff is BLS trained and certified.
Advances in medications, techniques and monitoring have greatly improved anesthesia. Dr. Wagner is well trained and experienced in these techniques. We use a controlled anesthesia called Titrated Dose Anesthetic Technique. This involves the use of small doses of the medications to gain a desired result and desired level of sedation. We are able to closely control this throughout your procedure. This is a much safer method. You are monitored throughout the procedure with continuous EKG, blood pressure and pulse oximetry. You will experience a peaceful and relaxed sleep-like state, and will wake nicely after the procedure. [back to top]
