Archive for the ‘ Blog ’ Category

HOW SHOULD WE MANAGE THRID MOLAR TEETH?

As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and one who is experienced and expert in the treatment of and removal of third molar teeth, I read with great interest the article titled “Management of Third Molars” in the Dental Academy of CE.com’s magazine. I will first reference you to our article on the subject which is […]

IS YOUR FACE CROOKED?

I apologize up front if you are drawn to this blog to seek a solution to a crooked face. We do perform orthognathic surgery in our practice which can address this; however this blog is directed at an article comparing observers-variations in how facial asymmetry is seen. (J Oral Maxillofac Surg 73:1606-1614, 2015). Our training […]

Who is the best oral surgeon in Wisconsin

Who is the best oral surgeon in Wisconsin? Richard M. Wagner DDS. Who is the best oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Wisconsin? Richard M. Wagner DDS. Who is the best oral surgeon in the Milwaukee area? Richard M Wagner DDS. Who is the best oral and maxillofacial surgeon in the Milwaukee area? Richard M Wagner […]

A FOUNDATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR ANDRAGOGY IN ORAL and MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY/THE USE OF SOCRATIC TEACHING

Ok, if you are reading this blog entry you are certainly a one percenter. Maybe you are even a part of the problem or part of the solution. At any rate andragogies also called “medical pimping” has been a part of medical and surgical training forever (at least my forever). (J Oral Maxillofac Surg 77:1101-1102, […]

CORONECTOMY and THE NEED FOR REOPERATION

If you have read my blogs on the subject you know that I am almost completely opposed to the procedure of coronectomy as a treatment for impacted third molar teeth. I base this on a number of factors including – we rarely have problems with complete removal in the first place; the procedure leaves “the […]

SCREENING AMBULATORY ANESTHESIA PATIENTS FOR OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA

We do not use the STOP-BANG questionnaire per-se to screen patients who are planned for intravenous anesthesia. (J Oral Maxillofac Surg 77:1135-1142, 2019) STOP – BANG is an acronym for questions you would ask someone you suspect might have sleep apnea.  Snoring – Tired – Observed – Pressure – BMI – Age – Neck – […]

REMOVAL OF IMPACTED SUPERNUMERARY TEETH USING A DYNAMIC SURGICAL NAVIGATION SYSTEM

There are systems available for computer guided techniques to approach difficult-to-visualize structures such as dental implant sites, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and impacted teeth such as supernumerary teeth. (J Oral Maxillofac Surg 77:1130-1134, 2019)  I have had the opportunity to train in and try these techniques and use this equipment. In most cases, as it […]

THE USE OF INJECTABLES TO MAKE YOUR GUMS LOOK AND FUNCTION BETTER

I read with interest this article on the use of injectable Hyaluronic Acid to help with areas where the gums might be deficient around the teeth. (J Oral Maxillofac Surg 77:2467-2474, 2019). Oral surgeons have been using injectables for facial rejuvenative treatments ever since these products came out. They work great and result in a […]

TEACHING THE NEXT GENERATION OF ORAL and MAXILLOFACIAL SURGEONS

This blog entry is based on an article with the title “Standing on the Shoulders of Giants” (J Oral Maxillofac Surg 78: 12-17, 2020). The implication is that those who have gone before us are “giants” and are due a certain amount of awe. I guess there is a great deal of truth in that […]

ESSENTIAL OILS IN ORAL SURGERY

Talk about misinfodemics! (J Oral Maxillofac Surg 77:2466.e1-2466.e7, 2019). Ok, now please do not berate me and bombard me with all kinds of opine-blasts. I understand how sensitive many of you are about your essential oils and the proclaimed medical benefits of these. I do recognize that there are certainly many essential oils, especially aromatics, […]