The nerve bundle that runs through the mandible provides sensory perception (feeling) to the lower lip and chin, the teeth and gums, and there is a branch that goes to the side of the tongue. The nerve enters the bone on the inside surface at the back of the jaw and then runs forward from […]
Sometimes we are questioned about the need for IV Anesthesia for treatment. The typical concerns are for the appropriateness of care, risks of treatment, and cost of treatment. This most often comes up when there is an urgent care need. The patient is of course under some stress in that they have to see another […]
The typical techniques used by Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (OMFS’s) have evolved over my years in practice, but the overall safety has remained the same. It is very safe. (J Oral Maxillofac Surg 79: 990-999, 2021). Anesthesia administered by OMFS’s has one of the highest safety records in medicine. There is a very good reason […]
Should I take a dose of ibuprofen prior to my wisdom tooth treatment? There have been many studies through the years showing that taking an NSAID, such as ibuprofen, prior to extraction of wisdom teeth reduces post-treatment pain and swelling. (J Oral Maxillofac Surg 77:1990-1997, 2019). I believe this is true for most dental procedures […]
I (Dr. Wagner) have been removing impacted wisdom teeth for over 30 years. I regularly have to treat very difficult cases, including cases where there is a significant risk to the neurovascular bundle in the jaw (inferior alveolar nerve), jaw cysts (odontogenic cysts), infections, and complicated/difficult extractions. I am an expert in this treatment and […]
Another way to phrase the question would be, “Does the presence of diabetes cause problems with dental implant care?” The quick answer to the question is “no”. (JADA 2021:152(3):189-201). Over the years, we have looked at the presence of diseases and the effect of these diseases on dental implant care. This can be looked at […]
The cone beam scan is by far the better of the two if you are just basing the question off which gives you more information (J Oral Maxillofac Surg 77:1968, 2019). The panoramic is a two-dimensional x-ray picture of the jaw structure, and the cone beam imaging is a three-dimensional reconstruction of multiple scans, and […]
As soon as we started using PRGF for bone-grafting procedures in our practice, I recognized the great benefit that this technology had for healing in bone defects. (J Oral Maxillofac Surg 79:305-312, 2021) I read with interest this article where PRGF was used to help with the healing of tooth extraction sites for patients undergoing […]
If you are in pain from an injury or a surgical procedure, the answer is usually yes! In my patient population I rarely run into prescription abusers, and we are very responsible in our prescribing patterns. We perform procedures that typically require pain relief during recovery and we prescribe appropriate medications and amounts. When we […]
The technical question would be “does orthognathic surgery affect the upper airways?” There is a favorable effect of orthognathic surgery in the upper airways regardless of the surgical approach. Bimaxillary (upper and lower jaws together) advancement and counterclockwise rotation of the mandibular occlusal plane are the most significant contributors. (J Oral Maxillofac Surg 79:450-462, 2021). […]
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