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 […]
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 […]
Re-Infection Concern I stopped using drains for severe odontogenic infections about 15 years ago. I am concerned that drains may actually act as a path for re-infection. (J Oral Maxillofac Surg 71:42-46, 2013). Perhaps, with an under-educated or less cooperative patient population it may be appropriate, but I think that the population I serve tends […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
When we perform tooth extraction in patients who may have an immune compromised state such as diabetes (IDDM) or patients on chemotherapy, there is an increased risk of poor healing, poor bone fill, and infection.
We have been using Piezosurgery (ultrasonic frequency bone cutting technology) for a number of years. It is clean, precise, and has the advantage that it helps to minimize injury to soft tissue structures as the cutting mechanism with this technology selectively cuts hard tissue and tends to spare soft tissue.
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 […]
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 […]
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