Archive for the ‘ Blog ’ Category

MINI DENTAL IMPLANTS: ARE THEY OK?

We have used Mini Dental Implants (implant diameter less than or equal to 2.9 mm) over the years for a variety of applications. The most common use has been to use them for orthodontic anchorage – that is where the implant is placed and used to secure braces in order to move teeth. The implant […]

ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORD AND PRIVATE PRACTICE

Computerization has been present since the start of my practice life, about 30 years ago. We have always transcribed our notes and so we have always utilized computer based systems to organize our data including patient registration. The use of this information to file insurance came on the scene a number of years ago and […]

Flossing: Absolutely Necessary!

Yes, You Still Have to Floss. No, the dance move “flossing” does not count. The AP recently released an article making the claim that “there’s little proof that flossing works”. Their review cited a series of studies that found flossing does little or nothing to improve oral health. Here’s the problem: the studies were flawed. […]

Wisdom Teeth: Questions Answered

If you or your child are getting your wisdom teeth removed, you must have questions! We are here to make you feel as comfortable as possible. As always, if you have other questions feel free to contact us. We are more than happy to help you understand more on your upcoming procedure. Read on for […]

When Should You Consider Dental Implants?

Dental implants typically consist of three components: the post, the abutment, and the restoration. The post is a screw which is inserted into the bone. The abutment is attached to the post and the restoration is placed on top, giving the finished product a beautiful, realistic look. Dental implants are an effective way to replace […]

ROOT RESORPTION (ROOT ABSORPTION) FROM THIRD MOLAR TEETH (WISDOM TEETH)

It is fairly common to see abnormalities on the second molar teeth caused by the presence of the third molar impactions (wisdom teeth). (J Oral Maxillofac Surg 77:11-17, 2019). These are developmental and are caused by the developing tooth structures of the second molar sharing the same space during development causing them to form in […]

ROOT CANAL INFECTIONS SPREADING TO THE SINUSES

It is common for dental infections to spread to other areas outside of the jaw bone such as the upper jaw, sinuses, or the facial structures. When there is a more serious infection the danger is that the spread can extend to the brain or chest where it can kill you. I am often amazed […]

3 Tips to Keep Your Gums Healthy and Happy

Keeping your gums healthy is vital to ensuring that your mouth stays clean and your teeth stay intact and in pristine condition. Incorporating a few simple steps into your daily oral hygiene routine will keep your teeth and gums healthy, happy and your smile shining bright for years to come. Floss Like a Boss Flossing […]

WHICH IS BETTER; PRGF OR PRF?

 I have written on this in the past, and was reintroduced to the subject in a recent article in our journal (J Oral Maxillofac Surg 76:1823.e1-1823.e12, 2018). PRGF (platelets rich in growth factors) and PRF (platelet rich fibrin – also called L-PRF) are terms used to describe products of blood fractionation used in surgical procedures. […]

DIRECT ORAL ANTICOAGULANTS AND MEDICAL COMORBIDITIES

Patients who are taking oral anticoagulant drugs such as Coumadin or Plavix (as examples) can be divided into about 10,000 groups based on their medication, age, medical problems, history, genetics, dosage, the treatment needed (to name a few). In other words there is no simple one-size-fits-all answer to this question/problem of how do you manage […]