Archive for the ‘ Blog ’ Category

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 […]

VOLUNTEER PURSUITS

Dr. Richard M. Wagner is a member of the Alpine Valley Ski Patrol and has been a ski patroller for over 25 years. “Rich” is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon in Racine and Kenosha Wisconsin and has served in a number of capacities with ski patrol including OEC and toboggan instructor. You will find him […]

History of Wisdom Teeth

Most people need their wisdom teeth removed, so why do we have them in the first place? Here’s a quick history lesson of wisdom teeth and the important role they once played! Wisdom teeth were once an extremely valuable asset to our ancestors. When a typical diet consisted of chewy plants and uncooked meat, third […]