Posts Tagged ‘ oral surgery ’

Advanced Physics Topics in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

I was recently introduced to two tissue analysis methods that are on the cutting edge and give us a glimpse of the future of oral and maxillofacial surgery and medicine. Optical Coherence Tomography OCT uses an optical signal to process three-dimensional images that can be taken from biological tissues. The light is from the infrared […]

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 […]

THE COST OF PUTTING OFF TREATMENT FOR ORAL/FACIAL INFECTIONS

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 […]

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 […]