We have been using Piezosurgery for our office-based surgeries for many years. This is an advanced technology which uses ultrasonic frequencies to perform bone surgery. We have found it to be a cleaner, easier, less painful, and lower-risk way to perform many of our procedures involving bone and soft tissue treatment such as grafting, bone […]
When we perform bone regenerative procedures such as grafting of extraction sockets or osteotomies to build up the bone for treatments such as dental implants, we use various materials to aid in guiding the body to grow more bone. The use of synthetic barrier grafts and PRGF are relatively painless methods that have resulted in […]
As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, I am often asked by referring doctors what the protocol is for dealing with patients who are taking bisphosphonates and related medications. These drugs are associated with what has been termed medically-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), previously referred to as bisphosphonate osteonecrosis (BRONJ).
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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