Posts Tagged ‘ wi ’

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 […]

Tooth Extraction Healing Problem in Diabetic Patients

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.

PIEZOSURGERY ON THE FACIAL BONES

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 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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

GRINDING AND CLENCHING AND THE EFFECTS ON JAW JOINTS

Grinding and clenching of teeth have been studied extensively and clearly have multiple causes. In most cases, there are multiple overlapping and layered causes. In some cases, it is a normal physiologic activity (such as a child naturally responding to a changing bite during development). In many cases, it is a natural response to a […]

FLUORIDE USE REDUCES DECAY

A big part of the dental surgery practice is removal of teeth that are decayed and broken down past the point where they can be saved. In many cases, this involves decay that has occurred underneath a filling or crown and in many cases could be avoidable.