Wisdom Teeth

New Evidence Based Dentistry Site

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The American Dental Association has recently launched a new website dedicated to providing evidence based dentistry. You can visit the site at http://ebd.ada.org/ Upon reviewing the website, there are systematic reviews, clincal recomendations, and resources. Resources link to other useful websites that may aid in finding evidence based health information. What is missing in this list is a link to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. However, there are numerous links to other sites in the U.K. In addition what is missing are any clinical recommendations on wisdom teeth removal. As of now there are only 3 clinical recommendations. The list and information is short and hopefully this can grow in the future. Even so, it is nice to see that the ADA recognizes the need for evidence based dentistry and is attempting to provide and link to … Read more

Oral Wound Healing Improvement

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Netherlands-based research team’s successful development of a gum tissue for transplantation to aid wound healing in mouth (oral cavity) reconstruction has advanced. Dr. Susan Gibbs says that skin substitutes have been far more advanced than oral gingiva substitutes and up until this study, no oral tissue-engineered products have been available in a clinical setting. The team was the first to develop a same patient full thickness skin substitute “Reconstructive surgery within the oral cavity is required during tumor excision, cleft palate repair, trauma, repair of diseased tissue and for generating soft tissue around teeth and dental implants,” explained Dr. Gibbs. “Drawbacks of using skin as an autograft material in the oral cavity include bulkiness, sweating and hair formation and the limited amount of donor tissue available.” Their current study was aimed at constructing analogous, full-thickness oral substitutes in a similar … Read more

Wisdom Teeth in the News

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Here are a few brief highlights of articles and links to them about wisdom teeth. “Dentists give new Meaning to Military Drills.” This article discusses dental work needed for U.S. soldiers. Soldiers have certain requirements they must meet regarding oral health. “Tooth Truth: Dental Surgery is Not all That Bad.” The author discusses his experience with wisdom teeth removal. He also portrays the near death experiences he has heard from others. (Well you could scroll down this blog to find death experiences… ) “Two Sides Quarrel on Wisdom Teeth.” Discusses the different sides of the wisdom teeth debate. Dr. Jay W. Friedman who leads the charge on stopping useless and uncessary removal of wisdom teeth discusses some of his viewpoints.

12 Million Given After Wisdom Teeth Removal Caused Death

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In New Jersey, a jury has reached a verdict to award over 12 million to the family of 21 year old Francis Keller who had died the morning after his wisdom teeth extractions. The verdict is believed to be one of the largest ever awarded for dental malpractice. The 21 year old man died from suffocation in August of 2005. The morning after the extractions he had trouble breathing due to swelling in his throat. However, it was known that Keller had a genetic immune disorder which caused severe swelling in reaction to trauma. The oral surgeon who extracted the teeth was aware of the immunity disorder and performed the wisdom teeth removal anways. The verdict was obtained by David A. Mazie of the law firm of Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman, LLP. To learn more about the attorney and … Read more

Wisdom Teeth Removal Leaves to Death Two Days After

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Through an email I was saddened to hear about the recent loss and death of a young 21 year old. Her name was Victoria “Tori” Rubino. The article states “Rubino had had her wisdom teeth removed by dentists in her hometown two days before.” The results and reasons surrounding her death are still not clear. Hopefully a reason can be found soon. My website lists other reasons as to why people have died from wisdom teeth removal, although typically it happens more suddenly than several days after the extraction. To learn more visit http://web.bu.edu/today/campus-life/2009/03/09/student-dies-sleep-home