Posts Tagged ‘ oral surgery ’

VERTICAL DENTAL RIDGE GRAFTING – TIME IS THE BIG CHALLENGE

In the years during which I have been in practice as an oral surgeon, we have experienced quantum leaps in bone grafting techniques, materials, and methods. The use of various bone products, PRGF, PRP, and titanium mesh, to name a few, have greatly enhanced our ability to gain bone height in areas where it has […]

ORAL SURGERY PATIENTS TAKING ANTICOAGULANTS

Advances in medical and surgical care over the years have resulted in a continual increase in life expectancy and individuals surviving who have more significant healthcare concerns. It is very common to see patients with various disease states requiring blood thinners (anticoagulants). Many of these patients are significantly anticoagulated (INR > 2.5). As an oral […]

TERMS FOR DISCOMFORT

Pain control is a key part of the training of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. The list below is medical terms we use to describe or qualify discomfort. I thought they might be interesting and give a couple of “words with friends” additions.

PEARLS OF WISDOM: TOPICAL FLUORIDE

Topical fluoride gel is available over-the-counter without a prescription at your pharmacy. We often use it with kids that are in orthodontic care to try to give some extra strengthening to the tooth structure and to rebuild tooth structure that might be adversely affected by debris on the teeth.

HAVING TECHNOLOGIES DOES NOT MAKE YOU AN EXPERT

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons have always been the experts in providing surgical care for the oral and facial region. New technologies, such as cone beam scanning, are instruments that help us all to provide better care. So many individuals use these technologies, such as advanced instruments, medications, materials such as bone graft, dental and facial […]

WATER BOTTLES TO BRAZIL: RECYCLING

Some people might beg to differ, but I am not a hoarder or a pack rat. In fact, I have spent quite a bit of time over the past few years trying to downsize and simplify my life (see the book: Freedom of Simplicity by Richard Foster).

KEEP A POSITIVE ATTITUDE ABOUT ORAL SURGERY

Removal of wisdom teeth and other oral surgical procedures can cause discomfort. It is very interesting to me that I find that a positive mental attitude on the part of parents, friends, spouses, and especially the patient can have a profound effect on how a given patient handles the stress of surgery and recovery.

TREATING PATIENTS ON BLOOD THINNERS

We are all living longer and in many cases living healthier lives into older age. Daily aspirin and the use of blood thinners have helped to improve and prolong life for many people. This seems to be especially true for patients who have undergone advanced surgical procedures, such as valve replacement and vessel repair which […]

SHOULD YOU CHEW BETEL NUT?

On our mission trip to Papua, New Guinea we were introduced to betel nut chewing in a big way. We flew into Port Morsby and from there drove cross country to the mission camp where we did our work. On the way, we would see friendly people along the road smiling, revealing blackened teeth and […]

Molar Extraction Technology Helps with Dental Implants

 Oral surgery procedures like molar extraction and dental implants can sometimes be a difficult process, but new technology is making these processes better than ever. Having teeth removed and dental implants put in after a long period of time can cause several issues. The more you delay the installation of dental implants, the higher chances […]