Posts Tagged ‘ oral surgeon ’

Orthognathic Surgery in Patients Over 40

Having gone through a residency training program which was strong in trauma, orthognathic, tempromandibular joint, dentoalveolar, and implant surgery I came into practice well versed and confident with these treatments. Over the years, we have progressed with the technologies. Adult orthodontics has become more and more popular which has brought some of these patients in […]

Coated Titanium Implants Revisited

During the late 80s and during the 90s we were introduced to various ceramic coated dental implants. I embraced this technology because it made sense. We placed many of these and many of you have been functioning on them for years. In fact, I have been placing dental implants for over 30 years and failure […]

DRUG-RELATED BONE BREAK DOWN IN THE JAWS

I have seen and treated many cases of drug-induced osteonecrosis of the jaw or DIONJ. This was formerly called bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ) but now other drugs have been shown to cause it as well. In this disorder there is bone exposure, bone death, and pain. It typically occurs in the areas […]

DRUG-RELATED BONE BREAK DOWN IN THE JAWS

I have seen and treated many cases of drug-induced osteonecrosis of the jaw or DIONJ. This was formerly called bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ) but now other drugs have been shown to cause it as well. In this disorder there is bone exposure, bone death, and pain. It typically occurs in the areas […]

WHAT’S IN A NAME? MAXILLOFACIAL SURGEONS EXPLAINED

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 […]

ROOT TIP SURGERY TO SAVE FAILING TEETH

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 […]

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.

DIPHENHYDRAMINE – BENADRYL AS A LOCAL ANESTHETIC

I saw a recent article about the use of amitriptylene as a topical anesthetic for dentistry. (J Oral Maxillofac Surg 71:23-28, 2013). This is interesting. There are many medications which block nerve transmission orally.

CLOSTRIDIUM DIFFICILE COLITIS AND ANTIBIOTICS

Clostridium difficile is an uncommon disease that has been on the increase and is felt to be mainly a side effect of antibiotic use. Clindamycin is a commonly used and appropriate antibiotic for oral infections. It is, however, a second or third line drug for me as an oral surgeon because of the risk of […]