The complications of lower third molar surgery are well documented. Almost all patients experience some pain, swelling and difficulty in mouth opening after operation. Temporary or permanent iatrogenic nerve damage is not uncommon. Despite these complications, the removal of third molars associated with disease is generally justified, but not if the teeth are pathology free since the risk of future disease is low and impossible to quantify accurately for individual patients. Continue reading
Author Archives: chzechze
Drains used in dentistry
A surgical drain is a tube used to remove pus, blood or other fluids from a wound. Drains inserted after surgery do not result in faster wound healing or prevent infection but are sometimes necessary to drain body fluid which may accumulate and in itself become a focus of infection. The routine use of drains for surgical procedures is diminishing as better radiological investigation and confidence in surgical technique have reduced their necessity. It is felt now that drains may hinder recovery by acting as an ‘anchor’ limiting mobility post surgery and the drain itself may allow infection into the wound. In certain situations their use is unavoidable. Drains have a tendency to become occluded or clogged, resulting in retained fluid that can contribute to infection or other complications. Thus efforts must be made to maintain and assess patency when they are in use. Once a drain becomes clogged or occluded, it is usually removed as it is no longer providing any benefit. Continue reading
Mandibular fractures Part 3
- Complex facial fractures: Such fractures can be reconstructed best after open reduction and fixation of the mandibular segments to provide a stable base for restoration.
- Condylar fractures: Although strong evidence supporting open reduction of condylar fractures is lacking, a specific group of individuals benefit from surgical intervention. The classic article by Zide and Kent lists absolute and relative indications for open reduction of the fractured mandibular condyle.Palmieri et aland De Riu et aldemonstrated better long-term range of motion and occlusion in patients with condylar factures treated with ORIF versus closed reduction and MMF. Continue reading
Mandibular fractures Part 2
The effect of muscle action on the fracture fragments is important in classification of mandibular angle and body fractures. Angle fractures may be classified as (1) vertically favorable or unfavorable and (2) horizontally favorable or unfavorable. The muscles attached to the ramus (masseter, temporal, medial pterygoid) pull the proximal segment upward and medially and the symphysis of the mandible is displaced inferiorly and posteriorly by the pull of the digastric, geniohyoid, and genioglossus muscles. Continue reading
Mandibular fractures Part 1
Mandible fractures are a frequent injury because of the mandible’s prominence and relative lack of support. As with any facial fracture, consideration must be given for the need of emergency treatment to secure the airway or to obtain hemostasis if necessary before initiating definitive treatment of the fracture. Continue reading
Types of suture needles used in dentistry Part 2
Blunt-point needles
Blunt point needles dissect friable tissue rather than cut it. The points are rounded and blunt, ideal for suturing the liver and kidneys. Additionally, blunt needles are being developed for more conventional uses in an effort to reduce needlestick injuries. Continue reading
Types of suture needles in dentistry Part 1
Suture selection is dependent on the anatomic site, surgeon’s preference, and the required suture characteristics. No standardized sizing system or nomenclature is available for needles or needle holders; the main consideration in needle selection is to minimize trauma. The length, diameter, and curvature of the needle influence the surgeon’s ability to place a suture. Continue reading
Indications of different types of extraoral radiograph Part 2
IV. TRAUMA TO THE MANDIBLE: LOWER FACE SERIES
1. Panorex: Best single view short of a CT for viewing the mandible.
-View of choice for viewing condyles.
2. Lateral Oblique: Excellent for viewing the mandibular body and ramus.
– film-5×7 screen film usually hand held horizontally by patient. Continue reading
Indications of different types of extraoral radiographs Part 1
Extraoral radiographic examinations include all views of the orofacial region with films positioned extraorally.
Importance to the Comprehensive Dentist:
– Federal Service Boards
– Maxillofacial trauma
– diagnosis
– communication Continue reading
Research on Oral Hemangiomas
A hemangioma, also called a strawberry nevus, is an abnormal buildup of blood vessels from an unknown cause. These can occur in the skin or the internal organs and are usually present at birth, although they also can show themselves a few months later. When on the skin, they are visible red lesions. They tend to be most alarming to parents when they are present on the face or head of infants. Most are treatable, but some are dangerous. Continue reading