Wisdom Teeth

Perioperative Information for Third Molar (Wisdom Teeth) Removal

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A recent study titled “An Evaluation of Patients’ Knowledge About Perioperative Information for Third Molar Removal,” appears in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (vol. 70, pages 12 – 18, 2012). The study attempts to look at what patients know about third molar (wisdom teeth) removal before having surgery performed. The study was conducted by authors in Brazil and Kentucky (United States). The study explains on being nervous and anxious before having wisdom teeth removed can actually cause a longer surgery, more potential swelling, and even more pain. Hence there is incentive for the surgeon and the surgical team to help produce a calming environment for patients to help reduce anxiety which can lead to potentially better outcomes. The study had 67 patients which included 43 female and 24 males who had 1 or more wisdom tooth removed. The … Read more

One Star Yelp Reviews on Wisdom Teeth

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In this post I will examine some recent 1 star reviews of a dental and/or oral surgery practice on Yelp and some of the comments received. At an office in Seattle, Washington, a women writes in her review on Yelp ” I am still upset about what happened. It is a very long and disturbing story. Basically – [the doctor] performed the surgery in a very cold room [on my 19 year old daughter] and seriously damaged a muscle in her jaw. Within 24 hours after surgery she could not open her mouth more than a quarter inch….the doctors determined that she had a massive infection in her jaw and immediately put her on IV antibiotics….it took FOUR months for the damage to heal & for her to be able to open her mouth normally!” At a dental center in Virginia … Read more

Wisdom Teeth Removal: Thoughts From Around the Internet

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I try to highlight scientific analysis and debate regarding wisdom teeth and the risks and benefits of extraction on my site. The wisdom teeth controversy page is good start on the subject of wisdom teeth removal for those interested. It is a bit surprising to see other people’s opinion on the internet of the subject of wisdom teeth removal. Below are some comments by those who have vocally said they feel wisdom teeth removal is a scam around the internet. Over on Yahoo Answers http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100508164012AAamuki a user says “Wisdom teeth are the BIGGEST scam in America TODAY!” Another user on Yahoo Answers http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20101227193912AAyScR7 says: “wisdom teeth extraction is a money making scam used by dentists…” Mike Adams over at Natural News http://www.naturalnews.com/019414.html says “It’s just a revenue generating procedure that’s dishonestly pushed onto patients who gladly go along with anything … Read more

American Dental Association Toothflix Demo Series

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Recently the American Dental Association (ADA)  has released a Patient Education DVD series called Toothflix. It contains 23 different video segments which explore different topics designed to educate patients on their oral health and prevention and treatment strategies. The complete series including all 23 segments currently is available for $699. Each segment is around 3 to 6 minutes long. It is intended to be played on a TV and DVD player in the reception or waiting area of a dental office. It could also be used in actual treatment rooms perhaps to help explain more clearly certain topics to patients. In addition another use would be for when a dentist goes out into the community to give a presentation or some other event. The ADA has 7 of the segments partially available on their website for demonstration purposes. I reviewed … Read more

Advocacy White Paper on Third Molar Surgery by AAOMS

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Recently the American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) issue a Press Release located over at http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aaoms-white-paper-discusses-why-when-and-how-to-treat-third-molar-teeth-135889358.html In the conclusion of the press release it states “The AAOMS encourages patients and their families to talk to their general dentist, orthodontist or family physician to determine whether third molar surgery is indicated. If a decision is made to retain these teeth, regular dental check-ups and good dental hygiene to control or prevent periodontal disease are essential.” The press release discusses a recent Advocacy White Paper released on Third Molar Surgery. This is located at http://www.aaoms.org/docs/evidence_based_third_molar_surgery.pdf I think the this recent White Paper issued on November 10, 2011, is well worth the read for anyone considering having elective healthy wisdom teeth surgery performed. The paper mentions some of the recent controversy of the medical necessity of removing erupted and impacted third molars. Numerous references to … Read more