Archive for the ‘ Blog ’ Category

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, […]

DENTIN HYPERSENSITIVITY: ETIOLOGY, DIAGNOSIS, and MANAGEMENT

Dentin hypersensitivity may present as anything from a mild discomfort, ache, or “electrical” sensation, to being overtly painful. It is typically transient and can be initiated by the same types of things as toothache type pain such as temperature variation or irritating foods. Any exposure of the dentin such as wear, abrasion, bone loss, periodontal […]

No More Wisdom Teeth Means More Ice Cream!   

You’re fresh out of high school and wondering what’s next. Maybe it’s college, maybe it’s a summer internship, or maybe you still haven’t decided. Perhaps, what you do know is that there is a sharp pain in the back of your mouth. So, while you’re thinking about your future impact on the world, your wisdom teeth might just be impacted […]

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 […]