Archive for November, 2016

PLACING IMPLANTS FOR PATIENTS WHO HAVE HAD RADIATION THERAPY

A gentleman came to our office recently for evaluation for dental implants. He had undergone radiation and chemotherapy for head and neck cancer a number of years ago. He had been to another surgeon recently and had a consult regarding dental implants and was told that he would need HBO (hyperbaric oxygen) treatment prior to […]

PRESCRIPTION OPIOID ABUSE

We perform many procedures that have discomfort as a possible side effect so we prescribe pain medication regularly. I have always taken this responsibility seriously and we have genuine concern for the potential for individuals to abuse this. (J Oral Maxillofac Surg 74:1291-1293, 2016). Although it is a very real responsibility for surgeons to prescribe […]

CLOSURE OF SINUS OPENINGS RESULTING FROM DENTAL EXTRACTIONS (Oral Antral Fistulas; Sinus Fistula; OA Fistula)

Upper back teeth often have roots that extend up into the sinuses. When these teeth need to be removed, healing with a persistent sinus opening can occur. there are a number of factors that can contribute to this and these include cigarette smoking, healing problems such as autoimmune disease, presence of sinus disease, periodontal issues, […]

PREVENTING PERIODONTAL DEFECTS AFTER THE EXTRACTIONS OF THIRD MOLARS

The article in the September issue of JADA regarding Periodontal Therapy as a preventive measure for Third Molar sites was very interesting on several fronts. First and foremost is prevention. We can predict early on with a panoramic scan the expected arch length concerns and pathology concerns there may be with third molar (wisdom) teeth. […]