Wagner Oral Surgeon & Dental Implant Specialists
Best time to remove wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth are an extra set of teeth that are not necessary in a normal functional bite. I feel that their main purpose is to provide an extra set of teeth that can come in, in place of teeth that would have been lost earlier in life to dental disease in a person who did not have regular dental care.
Wisdom Teeth Problems
One of the main wisdom tooth problems is that most people do not have functional room for them to come in and for those who do, there is rarely good gum tissue contours around them for proper oral health. As they develop, they start to cause problems on the adjacent teeth and they may also develop in a way that affects and can put adjacent vital structures at risk.
We can make a very good prediction even as early as age 12 using a panoramic scan as to whether a patient will have adequate room for the teeth or that their position will be satisfactory for proper development. Early treatment of wisdom teeth makes sense on a number of levels.
Best time to remove wisdom teeth
I have found that about age 15 is an ideal time for evaluation and wisdom tooth extraction. At that age, there is typically not a lot of root formation and so the risk of surgery to the adjacent vital structures is very low. At that time, the development of the teeth has not adversely affected the adjacent second molar teeth. Because the wisdom teeth are smaller at that time, it is typically a less involved procedure and tolerated better by the patient with less wisdom teeth pain and swelling. Psychologically and socially, it is typically a less complicated time in their life and results in less lost time from work, school, or professional pursuits. The younger patient is often under the care of parents who are able to guide them through the process. Younger patients are typically healthier and more resilient through this type of procedure as well.
As we age, there can be increased risks and concerns in this process. Even in the adult, I recommend evaluation and proactive care. At any age it never gets easier and less risky. There are certainly cases in the adult patient where I may recommend no treatment on a wisdom tooth. It is easy to assess.
With advancing age, comes deterioration in health. When we start to overlay medical problems as well as the normal decreased resistance to disease and general decrease in our immune system, we find that there comes a point where the body cannot hold off the problems associated with the wisdom teeth and we then have to deal with them often in a less healthy patient. This is completely avoidable with proper early diagnosis and early treatment.
As the person who ends up having to treat you at an older age with greater risks and with increased complication possibilities, I feel it is almost inexcusable when proper treatment is not provided early on. Come on in. We will take excellent care of you through your evaluation, consultation, and treatment.
For a consultation, call Wagner Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Specialists at (262) 634-4646 today — we’ll take excellent care of you.
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Dec 15th, 2013
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Bridges and Partial Dentures
Many people confuse the term bridge with the term partial denture. What are the differences between bridges and partial dentures? A bridge is cemented and a partial denture can be removed.
Bridges and Partial Dentures
What Are Dental Bridges?
A bridge is a dental treatment used to replace a segment of teeth where there is a good tooth on either end of the segment. The teeth on either end are reduced so that they can be “crowned”. Your dentist has a bridge made which is one piece that cements onto the tooth on either end of the segment with artificial tooth or teeth “bridging” the place where teeth had been missing.
What Are Partial Dentures?
A partial denture is a dental treatment also used to replace missing teeth. It is typically used in areas where there are multiple teeth missing and can also be used in areas where there is not a support tooth on either side of the segment where the teeth are missing. A partial denture may be a preferred treatment when there are multiple teeth missing, as it can be used to replace multiple teeth in a dental arch. Removable partial dentures typically has clasps and rests which are attachments onto the remaining teeth which help to hold it in place. Occasionally, dental implants are used along with a partial denture to providing extra points of attachment which can make it more secure.
Dental implants may be viewed as superior to a bridge restoration, in that they avoid “cutting down” the enamel on the adjacent teeth. They also stand alone so any problems with the adjacent teeth will not affect the implants and vice versa. They also have the advantage over a partial denture, that it avoids having to deal with a removable appliance as crowns that are placed on dental implants are cemented and do not come in and out. Implants act and feel more like natural teeth.
For a consultation, call Wagner Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Specialists at (262) 634-4646 today — we’ll take excellent care of you.
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Dec 11th, 2013
10:47 am
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How Your Wisdom Teeth Grow
Ever wondered how wisdom teeth grow? By your late teens, your jawbone has nearly reached its adult size. But sometimes it isn’t big enough to hold developing wisdom teeth. When this happens, your teeth become trapped in the bone and grow wherever they can. The crown (chewing surface of the tooth) may only partially break through the gum. In other cases, it may remain completely in the bone. The roots, which hold the wisdom teeth in place, may become misshapen or grow dangerously close to a sinus cavity or to the nerve located in your lower jaw. Since wisdom teeth pose a number of serious problems, wisdom tooth extraction is often a necessity.
How Your Wisdom Teeth Grow
Positions of Impaction
Cramped for room, impacted wisdom teeth grow in many different directions, commonly at an angle. A wisdom tooth may grow at an angle toward you other teeth (mesioangular position) or away from your other teeth (distoangular position). Wisdom teeth also can grow into a horizontal or vertical position.
The Advantages of Early Wisdom Teeth Removal
Like all teeth, wisdom teeth develop inside an opening (socket) in you jaw, protected by bone and gum tissue until they erupt. Over time, your wisdom teeth become more firmly anchored in your jaw as their roots lengthen and the jawbone becomes more dense. So, the older you are, the more difficult wisdom tooth extraction can be. Early removal of wisdom teeth offers several advantages such as:
- Easier Procedure
- Less Risks
- Healthier Patient
- Life is Less Complicated
- Less Dental Disease/Problems
At about age nine, the crown of your tooth begins to form in a small sac inside your jaw. The roots begin to grow into the soft, developing bone. By your late teens, the crown often begins to erupt, if there is room. Roots continue to lengthen in the jawbone, which is almost adult size and density. By your early twenties, the crown has emerged or is impacted. Roots are usually completely formed, and the jawbone is adult size and density. By your forties, the roots of your wisdom teeth are solidly anchored to the dense jawbones, making removal more difficult.
Wisdom Teeth Problems
Whether wisdom teeth cause your mouth harm depends on several factors, including the size of your jaw and how your wisdom teeth grow in. Sometimes, wisdom tooth problems can cause wisdom teeth symptoms like swelling or wisdom teeth pain. Or you may have no symptoms at all, but the other teeth in your mouth could be at risk for damage.
Gum disease.
When a wisdom tooth partially breaks through the gum’s surface, bacteria can get under the flap, causing an infection in the gum.
Crowding.
Impacted or erupting wisdom teeth can push on adjacent teeth, causing them to become crooked or even damaging them structurally.
Decay.
A wisdom tooth that is hard to clean due to its position or because it is partially covered by gum disease may collect cavity causing bacteria. This could also lead to decay in the tooth next to it.
Poor position.
Wisdom teeth that grow toward the cheek can irritate nearby tissue. If an erupted tooth is crooked, it maybe hard to bite down.
Cysts.
If the sac that holds the crown remains in the bone, it can fill with fluid, forming a cyst that can destroy surrounding bone. These can become quite destructive.
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Dec 2nd, 2013
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Bone Grafting Recovery Tips
Dental Bone Grafting Material consists of many small particles. It’s not uncommon to find some small granules inside your mouth for several days after you receive bone grafting treatment. While it is normal to have some of these Bone Grafting Materials come out of the graft area, there are a few things that you can do to minimize the amount of particles that you experience in your mouth.
Bone Grafting Recovery Tips
- Do not touch, poke, rub or disturb the area.
- You should avoid rinsing or spitting for 2 days. This helps to allow for blood clot and graft stabilization.
- Avoid applying pressure with your fingers or tongue to the grafted area. During the initial healing process, this material is movable. Following your surgery you will be instructed on how to place gauze on the area.
- You do not need to continuously inspect the sutures. Refrain from pulling on your lip to look at them as this can cause damage to the wound site.
- You should not smoke after surgery.
- Rinsing is allowed following the second day of recovery, but this is to be done gently and not too vigorously as you can disturb the bone graft granules.
Sinus Lift Recovery Tips
- Do not blow your nose for at least 4 weeks following your Sinus Lift Surgery. Sniffing is allowed but refrain from blowing until advised by your oral surgeon.
- Do not sneeze while holding your nose. If you need to sneeze you should do so with your mouth open.
- Do not use straws when drinking and do not spit.
- Any activities that could increase sinus pressure should be avoided. This includes activities such as scuba diving, blowing up balloons, playing musical instruments that require blowing and flying in pressurized aircraft.
- You may be prescribed decongestants to help reduce the amount of pressure in your sinuses. You need to avoid anything that causes pressure in your nasal cavity so take these as directed.
- You should not smoke after surgery.
For a consultation, call Wagner Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Specialists at (262) 634-4646 today — we’ll take excellent care of you.
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Nov 21st, 2013
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Tags: bone grafting, bone loss, sinus lift
Oral Health Tips for Kids
Good oral health care for adults start when we’re still children. As a parent, you want the best oral health for you child during the course of their life. Below you will find the best dental care tips for you child to ensure a beautiful and healthy smile.
Oral Health Tips for Kids
- Introduce your child to the concept of oral health by their first birthday or as soon as they get their first teeth in by taking them to a pediatric dentist.
- By the time their last 2 molars come together you should begin helping your child to floss. This typically happens between the ages of 2 1/2 to 3 years of age. Cavities often begin in between teeth. It’s important that you begin a flossing routine once the teeth come together to prevent plaque buildup.
- You should supervise your children’s brushing habits. Don’t let them brush their own teeth until they are 7 to 9 years old. You want to ensure proper dental care until they are old enough to completely handle it on their own.
- Break any thumb sucking habits before the age of 5 in order to prevent any developmental abnormalities.
- Toddlers should not be allowed to walk around with sippy cups filled with anything other than water.
- Limit their amount of sugary snacks between meals. Eating sugary foods throughout the course of the day is one of the primary causes of cavities. Think about the amount of sugar in breakfast cereals with toast and jelly, mid-morning snacks, chocolate milk and PB&J for lunch and any other sugary snacks they get before super. That’s a lot of exposure to sugar day after day. Take this into consideration when making your grocery list.
- Cut back on the sticky foods your children eat such as fruit roll-ups and raisins. Raisins might be healthy but they also cling to the teeth and get wedged in between them.
- As your children get older, allow them to have sugar-free gum. This actually increases the flow of saliva which helps to neutralize acids on the teeth. Studies have shown that chewing sugar-free gum containing xylitol for roughly 20 minutes after a meal can help to prevent tooth decay.
For a consultation, call Wagner Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Specialists at (262) 634-4646 today — we’ll take excellent care of you.
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Oct 22nd, 2013
4:03 pm
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What to Do After Having a Tooth Pulled
After having a tooth pulled or any other dental surgery, there are a number of things you would want to do or to avoid doing to facilitate faster healing. It is important to keep in mind that the area will be tender for a while, and that a blood clot will form on the extraction site. The following should help with recovery:
Immediately After Having Your Tooth Pulled
Dental surgery uses local anesthesia and this will make your mouth, in particular your tongue, lips and cheek numb. You should therefore avoid drinking hot beverages immediately. You should also avoid rinsing your mouth for up to 12 hours. If you do so, this may remove the blood clot and may result in bleeding and pain.Swelling after having a tooth pulled is normal. You can reduce the swelling using an ice bag. Apply the ice bag to the affected area as soon as possible, and hold for as long as 10 minutes. Immediately the anesthesia wears off, you will experience pain at the extraction site. Therefore, you should also take pain relief medication right away. Simple over the counter painkillers like ibuprofen should do. But it is important to check with your dentist and to take them precisely as prescribed.
When at Home
After surgery, it is best to keep activity at a minimum. You should avoid exercise for 12 to 24 hours and get adequate rest, preferably with your head above the level of your feet. Avoid activities that require heavy lifting or bending. If possible keep your head up by sleeping on more than one pillow at night.
Brushing Your Teeth
You should take caution when brushing your teeth to avoid dislodging the clot. As much as you need to brush your teeth to keep the teeth and the gums clean and prevent infection, brush the extraction site gently. Do not spit forcefully.
Eating After Having A Tooth Pulled
Soft food and liquid diets are ideal after having a tooth pulled. To prevent irritation, avoid hot and spicy foods. As pressure could dislodge the clot, avoid sucking and drinking from straws. You should also avoid chewing on the area or chewing the cheeks. Do not prod the extraction site with your fingers or with your tongue. Keep away from smoking and drinking alcohol until the tooth heals. Alcohol could delay the healing process, while the pressure from smoking can dislodge the clot.
Bleeding
If the area bleeds, rinse the mouth with warm water and wipe the area with a clean gauze pad or handkerchief. With the gauze positioned on the extraction site, apply pressure to the socket by closing your jaws tightly together for about 30 minutes. During bleeding, blood mixes with saliva in the mouth, giving the impression of excessive blood. Because of this, you should change the gauze after about 30 minutes. Minor bleeding for the first day or two after having the tooth pulled is normal.
If the bleeding and pain is severe, especially 2 to 4 hours after having your tooth pulled, then you should consult your dentist. You should also see your dentist if you notice any prolonged numbing after surgery, by up to 6 hours, fever, nausea, vomiting or excessive pain.
Healing after getting a tooth pulled can take as long as 3 weeks. For oral surgery-related information, contact Wagner Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Specialists at (262) 634-4646 today.
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Oct 9th, 2013
1:24 pm
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Does Oral Health Change When We Get Older?
You have to feel for teeth, the amount of biting, gnashing, chewing, grinding – they take a battering over a lifetime. But with the proper oral health care regime throughout your life, you can keep them looking good for longer. The truth is your teeth change with age and you should have a different regime to the one you had when you were younger.
Does Oral Health Change When We Get Older?
A common misconception is that teeth become more brittle with age – they don’t according to the American Dental Association. However they may become darker due to the aging and thickening of the teeth’s middle layer (dentin). While this happens the tooth enamel on your teeth also thins allowing for the darker color to come through. The teeth also become discolored from food, coffee and smoking stains. Gums may recede and there may be some shrinkage of the bone around the teeth, which can lead to root sensitivity.
Aging teeth should be cleaned at least twice daily in a good oral health care regime. The aim is to remove the plaque and food debris from in-between the teeth and around the margins of the gums. All surfaces of the teeth should be brushed working on two teeth at a time. Be aware of any loose teeth or decay that needs attention. Flossing is particularly important for older adults because they are at increased risk for gum disease.
Daily flossing can also help stop your gums receding. If you have trouble with flossing, try an electric flosser to help remove food particles. Spongy floss is another option that works well to fully fill the gaps between the teeth and remove any food present. Careful examination should also be given to lips, tongue for sores or unusual bleeding.
Oral Health Care
Comprehensive oral health care remains important as you age and catching any problems before they develop is a good way to approach it. For those with stained teeth, whitening toothpastes are a good option to combat unsightly stains. Care should be given to the brand you choose, as some are less sensitive on the teeth as others. If sensitivity becomes a problem, fluoride rinses can help as can the myriad of sensitivity countering toothpastes on the market.
You should also take steps at avoiding gingivitis. A recent report from the Health Care Research Centre and Proctor & Gamble, a manufacturer of oral health care products, claimed the intensified mechanical oral hygiene’ – brushing and flossing – combined with an antibacterial mouth rinse on plaque, had the effect of reducing and preventing gingivitis.
The purpose of the report was to investigate the effects of different product combinations of brushing, pasting, rinsing, and flossing on the prevention of plaque growth and gingivitis. In its conclusions, it suggested that plaque was reduced when therapeutic rinses were combined with manual brushing opposed to using a brush and rinse alone. Most of our dentists support the findings in recommending a regimen that includes thorough brushing and flossing combined with a fluoride rinse.
For a consultation, call Wagner Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Specialists at (262) 634-4646 today — we’ll take excellent care of you.
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Oct 7th, 2013
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History of Oral Surgery
Oral surgery has played a large role in ancient and modern-day societies alike. Over the years, oral surgery has helped improve the oral health and quality of life of communities around the world. As oral surgeons and dental implant specialists, we believe it is important to revisit the crucial role our industry has played in an effort to appreciate the advances we have made.
Oral Surgery: The Origins
Ancient Oral Surgery
You may be surprised to learn that oral surgery has roots that trace all the way back to between 500-300 BCE, when historians found writings from Hippocrates and Aristotle discussing the practice of everything from tooth extraction to wired jaws and teeth. Later in 1210 CE, a group of barbers in France formed a group of surgeons that were separated by advanced and less advanced surgeries. This group acted as one of the earliest known oral surgery organizations.
Oral Surgery During the Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages (14th Century CE), there were no dentists. Instead, there were experts who performed oral surgery. There was no formal training, but rather skills and techniques were shared and passed on to individuals who had the aptitude and hand skills necessary. They were usually scientists who studied the body and disease processes. During that time period there were no preventative care measures in place. Typically, the only solution to dental disease was to remove the problem teeth through tooth extraction, one of the earliest forms of oral surgery. This was done to get rid of the pain that patients experienced. A forcep-like device was used to remove teeth. Anesthesia was either absent or consisted of alcohol consumption to dull the effects. Needless to say, the early years of oral surgery were archaic.
The Industrial Revolution brought about further advancements in science and surgical technique. People became more urban and schools developed to teach science. In 1840 the American Society of Dental Surgeons was founded.
The Continual Evolution of Oral Surgery
From here, oral surgery continued to grow progressively. The 1900’s showed great advances in industry and science. The World Wars and the surgical care for battlefield injuries brought about dramatic advancements in surgical technique and anesthesia. Most of the modern techniques came out of the lessons of that era coupled with the great scientific advancements since World War II. Although the oral surgery field has made many improvements, the constant improvement in materials, methods and nanotechnology hold great promise. What will the future bring?
A more stable and brighter smile!
For oral surgery-related information, contact Wagner Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Specialists at (262) 634-4646 today.
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Oct 1st, 2013
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Tags: oral and maxillofacial surgery, oral health, oral surgeon, oral surgery, tooth decay, tooth extraction
Oral Surgeons Needed on Medical Missions
The dental and oral surgery profession is known for their generosity and talent on medical missions. However, worldwide, there is still a huge need for these specialists’ skills. A great way for dentists and oral surgeons to help find solutions to the world’s ongoing dental crisis is to become involved in medical missions. At Wagner Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Specialists, we are dedicated to helping improve dental hygiene across the globe. The solution? Medical missions.
Need for Oral Surgeons in Medical Mission Trips
A medical mission is comprised of healthcare professionals, which sometimes includes a group of dental and oral surgery specialists.Together, these individuals travel from one foreign country to another. However, oral surgery medical missions are not always international.
Generally, these medical missions are approximately one week in duration, although some trips involve longer commitments. While these medical missions are generally supported and organized by fraternal or religious organizations, there are also non-religious medical mission organizations that partake in these activities. Each year, approximately two million oral surgeons and dental professionals participate in dental medical missions in North America. There is still a huge demand for oral surgeons’ expertise outside of our own country, though.
Developing Countries in Need of Medical Missions
Healthcare in developing nations is quite different from that of developed countries. In these countries there is almost always a shortage of well-trained healthcare professionals. Basic necessities, such as electricity, supplies facilities, equipment, and sometimes water, are limited, which makes oral health care even more scarce.
To put things in perspective, consider the fact that “Almost 100 percent of the rural population and a vast majority of the poor population living in urban areas of underdeveloped nations have absolutely no dental care. This translates into billions of people,” reported an industry authority. Because of this, it is more important than ever for oral surgeons and other industry professionals to step up and get involved in medical missions.
Many oral surgeons would be horrified to discover the outdated oral surgery practices employed in these remote areas of the world. “In rural areas, where there is no dental care at all, infected teeth are extracted with the help of pliers or twine, without the luxury of local anesthesia. There is no such thing as pain killers or freezing of tissue before extraction. It is always a case of extraction, surgery or extreme crisis situation,” explained a source.
Oral Surgeons, Join Medical Missions Today.
Things do not have to be this way. With the involvement of you and your fellow oral surgeons on medical missions, you can make the world a healthier place, one smile at a time. What may seem like the most basic oral surgery procedure has the potential to make a huge difference in the lives of those less fortunate. In the matter of weeks, your services on medical mission trips could change a community for the better.
To learn more about our involvement in medical missions, contact Wagner Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Specialists at (262) 634-4646 today.
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Sep 27th, 2013
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Tags: mission, tooth, tooth extraction, wagner oral surgery
Oral Cyst Symptoms & Types
Unless you have personally encountered an oral cyst, you may not know much about them. In an effort to maintain good oral health, it is important to be aware of the different symptoms and types of cysts. Wagner Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Specialists is an expert in oral care. For information about the signs and different types of oral cysts, make sure to read this important information.
Oral Cyst Symptoms
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Development of lumps or liquid-filled pockets in or around your mouth
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Acute tooth pain
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Infection
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Difficulty swallowing and chewing
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Continued soreness of the throat
These are some of the telltale signs that you could be suffering from an oral cyst. Most often, oral cysts are noncancerous and can be treated through oral surgery. When it comes to your oral health, it is always better to air on the side of caution, though. If you are exhibiting any of these signs, make a call to your oral surgeon as soon as possible.
Oral Cyst Types
If you are concerned that you have an oral cyst, the next step is identifying which type of oral cyst you have. There a number of different oral cysts, so it is important to make the distinction.
Dentigerous
This is a common type of cyst, as it is induced by the impact of wisdom teeth. Although these cysts themselves do not usually cause any pain, it is important to address them. Left untreated, they can actually move surrounding teeth out of their proper placement.
Odontogenic
This type of cyst typically surfaces in the jawbone, causing an unnatural bulge to appear. When it comes to treatment, removal is usually recommended since these cysts can be damaging over time, causing the weakening and sometimes fracturing of surrounding teeth and jawbone.
Periapical
Unlike the other types of oral cysts, these can be very painful. These fluid-filled sacs form from an infection in the pulp area of teeth. To determine what action needs to be taken, you should visit an oral specialist immediately.
Mucocele
The last type of cyst is usually caused by excessive injury or irritation to the mouth. As a result, these mucus-filled pouches typically rupture over time. If these oral cysts fail to heal over time, a quick visit to the dentist, where the cyst can be drained, will usually do the trick.
As oral surgeons, we are concerned about your oral care. If you are showing signs of any of these oral cysts, it is important to receive a dental consultation as soon as possible. In the event that your oral cyst results in the need for oral surgery, look no further than Wagner Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Specialists. For information about oral cyst treatment, contact us at (262) 634-4646 today.
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Aug 14th, 2013
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Tags: oral and maxillofacial surgery, oral cyst, oral health, wagner oral surgery, wisdom teeth