Archive for the ‘ Oral Surgery ’ Category

MICROSURGICAL NERVE REPAIR

Nerve repair technology has continued to improve over the years, particularly with the use of nerve grafts and guided tissue regeneration.

SURGICAL ROOT CANAL TREATMENT

Surgical root tip surgery (apicoectomy and retrofill) has been a common procedure for us my entire career. Although it is a tedious and meticulous procedure, I actually enjoy it. In many cases, it is a last-ditch effort to save a failing tooth. Because of this, and with the advancement of implant treatment, it is often […]

A PRIMER ON X-RAYS AND RADIATION

With the use of better and better sensors for our radiographic scans, we are now able to take a 3D Cone Beam Scan with less radiation exposure than we used to use for a panoramic film. Certainly, all radiation exposure is a concern and we continue to strive to provide the best care with a […]

THE USE OF CONE BEAM SCANS IN ASSESSING IMPACTED THIRD MOLARS

Third molar or wisdom tooth impaction is a common clinical issue for us as oral surgeons to deal with. We are experts in it and we are able to assess, plan, and appropriately treat these concerns. In the past several years, the cone beam scan has been a part of our assessment and examination for […]

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 […]

VERTICAL DENTAL RIDGE GRAFTING – TIME IS THE BIG CHALLENGE

In the years during which I have been in practice as an oral surgeon, we have experienced quantum leaps in bone grafting techniques, materials, and methods. The use of various bone products, PRGF, PRP, and titanium mesh, to name a few, have greatly enhanced our ability to gain bone height in areas where it has […]

ORAL SURGERY PATIENTS TAKING ANTICOAGULANTS

Advances in medical and surgical care over the years have resulted in a continual increase in life expectancy and individuals surviving who have more significant healthcare concerns. It is very common to see patients with various disease states requiring blood thinners (anticoagulants). Many of these patients are significantly anticoagulated (INR > 2.5). As an oral […]

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.