Archive for the ‘ Oral Surgeon ’ Category

A Tribute to Dr. Anna Marie Williams

Dr. Anna Marie Williams came to the University of Wisconsin – Parkside right at the point where they were transitioning from their local campus to the new campus where it exists today, on their beautiful grounds in Kenosha County. Dr. Williams worked tirelessly to pursue excellence from the students and faculty in developing an exceptional […]

DRUG-RELATED BONE BREAK DOWN IN THE JAWS

I have seen and treated many cases of drug-induced osteonecrosis of the jaw or DIONJ. This was formerly called bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ) but now other drugs have been shown to cause it as well. In this disorder there is bone exposure, bone death, and pain. It typically occurs in the areas […]

DRUG-RELATED BONE BREAK DOWN IN THE JAWS

I have seen and treated many cases of drug-induced osteonecrosis of the jaw or DIONJ. This was formerly called bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ) but now other drugs have been shown to cause it as well. In this disorder there is bone exposure, bone death, and pain. It typically occurs in the areas […]

WHAT’S IN A NAME? MAXILLOFACIAL SURGEONS EXPLAINED

So many people and agencies use the term “oral surgeon” or “dental surgeon” to label oral and maxillofacial surgeons. I have resisted the reference when I can, but I admit that it is hard to say, “Maxillofacial” [/makˌsilōˈfāSHəl/]. If you know how to say it, it rolls off the tongue nicely but most people certainly […]

THE COST OF PUTTING OFF TREATMENT FOR ORAL/FACIAL INFECTIONS

Oral Infections Should Not Be Ignored Patients with significant oral, dental, or facial infections typically present to their dentist early on in the process. They get antibiotics, and are treated or referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for care, which may include drainage of the infection and sometimes definitive care such as removal of […]

ROOT TIP SURGERY TO SAVE FAILING TEETH

Root tip (periapical) surgery has been a standard procedure for oral and maxillofacial surgeons for many years and has been an area of expertise for me throughout my practice life. Basically, the procedure is used as the “ultimate root canal.” We approach the root tip surgically and seal off the root canals at the point […]

BONE GRAFT FAILURE IN VEGETARIANS

Much of what we do in bone and soft tissue grafting has come out of a combination of research along with clinical trials and clinical usage. Many great advancements come out of a simple idea – to apply something in a new way, to try to enhance a result. Contrarily, we also find that through […]

INFORMED CONSENT

There is no question, that there can be anxiety when we go in to see a doctor and they have us sign a consent form prior to a procedure. The way this is presented can have a dramatic effect on how we perceive the process. I never want to “candy-coat” the fact that risks are […]

EPINEPHRINE SENSITIVITY

Epinephrine (or adrenaline) is used along with local anesthetics because it increases the duration of effectiveness, decreases blood loss, and reduces the systemic toxicity of anesthetic drugs by localizing them. Epinephrine can cause systemic problems for some individuals.

TERMS FOR DISCOMFORT

Pain control is a key part of the training of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. The list below is medical terms we use to describe or qualify discomfort. I thought they might be interesting and give a couple of “words with friends” additions.