Archive for the ‘ Tooth Extractions ’ Category

DOES USING A CONE BEAM SCAN BEFORE WISDOM TOOTH EXTRACTION CHANGE THE TREATMENT PLANNING?

This question is put forth in an article in the JAAOMS in 2020. (J Oral Maxillofac Surg 78: 1071-1077, 2020). The process is actually the other way around, at least in our practice. We first diagnose the third molar condition using a panoramic scan which is a lower radiation dose and less costly than a […]

USE OF PRF AND PRGF FOR THIRD MOLAR EXTRACTION SOCKETS

We have been using the PRF, L-PRF, and PRGF technologies now for many years. This technology uses concentrated platelets processed at the time of surgery, as a graft material either alone or in combination with bone graft material (autologous, allograph, and/or xenograft). A recent study looked at outcomes when this is used as a socket […]

ANTIBIOTIC PRESCRIBING PATTERNS. HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH ANTIBIOTICS?

We routinely prescribe antibiotics following oral surgery procedures such as removal of wisdom teeth or placement of dental implants. (JADA 2017:148(12):878-886). The mouth is a naturally dirty place and it is not possible to “sterilize” it prior to treatment. In fact, it is common that the structures that we are treating are infected such as […]

IS IT SAFE TO REMOVE TEETH IN TRANSPLANT PATIENTS WITHOUT ANTIBIOTICS?

This question is posed in an article in JOMS August 2019. (J Oral Maxillofac Surg 77:1557-1565, 2019) As long as patients understand the concerns and risks associated with treatment with or without antibiotic coverage I am happy to provide care either way. We have a great deal of experience in providing care under both scenarios. […]

Wisdom Teeth: Recovery Tips

Wisdom Teeth are the back molars that come in last, usually between the ages of 18-25. These molars are typically removed due to lack of space that can cause shifting of the surrounding teeth. If you are experiencing pain and discomfort, you may need to have your wisdom teeth removed. Below are a few things […]

BLEEDING FREQUENCY OF PATIENTS TAKING TICAGRELOR, ASPIRIN, CLOPIDOGREL, AND DUAL ANTIPLATELET THERAPY AFTER TOOTH EXTRACTION

For the most part, patients who are on anticoagulation regimens can modify their treatment prior to minor elective surgery to reduce the frequency of bleeding problems during the post-treatment healing period (JADA 149(2) February 2018, Pgs. 132-138). In cases where the patient cannot be off of their anticoagulant medications, there are techniques to help to […]

THIRD MOLAR COMPLICATIONS IN THE ELDERLY

We treat patients of all ages for removal of teeth including impacted third molars (wisdom teeth). Changes occur with the teeth and jaw bone as we age which can affect the risk factors with this surgical care. There are a number of identifiable factors such as the relationship of the tooth roots to adjacent vital […]