Archive for the ‘ Blog ’ Category

MULTIPLE TRAUMA PATIENTS WITH FACIAL FRACTURES

With the use of seatbelt restraints, airbags, and protective equipment such as helmets, we have seen a significant reduction in the number of multiple trauma incidents and facial fractures associated with traumatic brain injury. High speed automobile accidents and multiple trauma incidents such as plane or train crashes often bring in much more complicated cases, […]

COMPLETE IMPLANT SUPPORTED TEETH AND JAW SURGERY TECHNIQUES

Complete implant supported teeth (All-On-Four, Teeth In A Day, Immediate Teeth, Implant Prosthetics, etc.) is wonderful treatment that we are able to provide with a high degree of success when it is done correctly. I do have concerns that every dental clinic is offering some variation of this and it is not “easy” treatment to […]

DINS – DYNAMIC IMAGE NAVIGATION SYSTEM TO ASSIST IN COMPLEX MANDIBULAR THIRD MOLAR REMOVAL

To an experienced OMS the idea of complexity of surgery for any problem is a relative thought. All surgery is at the same time complex and, if prepared, trained and experienced – all is straightforward. The way we approach any surgical procedure involves planning and carrying out the plan while being prepared to deal with […]

PREGNANCY AND THIRD MOLAR PROBLEMS

Many women will give a history of developing problems with their teeth and gums during pregnancy. There are certain types of problems that we see that have been studied such as progression of gum disease during pregnancy, but these are not consistent nor universal. There does appear to be a certain genetic predisposition to this […]

SPREAD OF ORAL CANCER

Many of the cells in our bodies contain packets of substances that they release when given a chemical command. A good example is the release of histamines from cells in response to chemical mediators in an allergic reaction. The histamines are released from the affected cells to the surrounding tissues and into the blood stream […]

TREATMENT OF ATYPICAL MIDFACIAL PAIN WITH A MAXILLARY SINUS LIFT PROCEDURE

I have found that atypical facial pain in the upper jaw is often related to a bone defect in the sinus wall which has healed with tissue ingrowth. This typically occurs as the result of dental trauma or a surgical defect after tooth extraction or orthognathic surgery, as examples. (J Oral Maxillofac Surg 72:2453.e1-2453.e5, 2014). […]

SHOULD WE GET CONE BEAM SCAN (CBS) IMAGES PRIOR TO THRID MOLAR REMOVAL?

Every once in awhile I read an article in a responsible medical or dental journal that just floors me in its stupidity. The article I reference here is one of these (JADA 148(8) 575-583). This article is nothing more than an analysis of other articles written on the subject which draws a completely stupid conclusion […]

IS ORAL HEALTH THE KEY TO OVERALL HEALTH?

Here is another article which seems to suggest that tooth loss predisposes one to the development of disease – rather than the opposite. Wow! Another crazy article in what should be our nation’s premiere dental journal – the JADA. This guest editorial suggests that maintaining good oral health is the key to reducing overall health […]

Dental Implants: Aftercare

Are you considering dental implants but are worried about the recovery time? Don’t worry, we’re here to give you the facts! The recovery time following dental implant surgery tends to vary but is usually based on the amount of teeth being implanted, whether or not a bone graft was needed and how well the individual […]

WHY DO WOMEN SUFFER FROM TMJ PROBLEMS MORE THAN MEN?  

The quick answer is that women, on average, have smaller anatomy than men and their smaller anatomy does not handle the stresses on the joint system placed by other variations in anatomy and physiology as well as it does for men. (2019 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons 0278-2391/19/30453-7)  The most common main cause […]