Collagen Treatment After Wisdom Teeth Removal

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An interesting article titled “Effects of Collagen Resorbable Membrane Placement After the Surgical Extraction of Impacted Lower Third Molars,” appears in the 2015 Journal of Oral and Maxilofacial Surgery (vol. 73, pp. 1457-1464) written by Isidoro Cortell-Ballester and et. al. The article explores the use of resorbable collagen membranes (RMs) in the healing of a bone defect on the distal side of a lower second molar (L2M) after surgical extraction of an impacted lower wisdom tooth. In recent years, various clinical studies have been carried out to evaluate the efficacy of guided tissue regeneration in the treatment of intraosseous defects and deep periodontal pockets on the distal aspect of lower second molars after surgical extraction of impacted wisdom teeth. Nonresorbable expanded tetrafluoroethylene membranes, resorbable polylactic acid and resorbable collagen membranes (RMs), bone graft substitutes, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) have been … Read more

Treating with Platelet Rich Fibrin After Wisdom Teeth Removal

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An interesting article titled “Evaluation of Treatment Outcome After Impacted Mandibular Third Molar Surgery With the Use of Autologous Platelet-Rich Fibrin: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Study,” appears in the Journal of Oral and Maxilofacial Surgery written by Nilima Kumar and et al. (vol 73, pp. 1042-1049). The article sets out to explore the effect of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) on postoperative pain, swelling, trismus, periodontal healing near the second molar, and progress of bone regeneration in upper wisdom teeth extraction sockets. Clinicians have identified a subpopulation of patients having wisdom teeth removed that are at ‘‘high risk’’ for periodontal defects after wisdom teeth removal Las Vegas (such as greater than 26 years old, pre-existing periodontal defects [attachment level, >3 mm; probing depth, >5 mm]; and horizontal or mesioangular impaction). The authors studied a patient sample that consisted of 31 patients with … Read more

Bleeding After Dental Extractions in Patients on Warfarin

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An interesting article titled “Postoperative Bleeding Following Dental Extractions in Patients Anticoagulated With Warfarin” written by Anthony Febbo and et al. appears in the 2016 Journal or Oral and Maxilofacial Surgery (vol. 74, pp. 1518-1523). The article sought to explore the risk of bleeding in patients on warfarin after dental extraction. Warfarin is the most common anticoagulant used in Australia which can be used to prevent life-threatening thromboembolic events, such as stroke and deep vein thrombosis from occuring in patients at risk. Varying viewing points exisist as how to best handle these patients when a tooth or teeth need to be extracted. Some options include stopping the anticoagulant before extraction or continuing to use it while local hemostatic techniques are used. However ceasing the anticoagulant could be deadly so it is not generally used. The therapeutic effect of warfarin is … Read more

Dental Extraction Complications in Patients on Double Antiplatelet Therapy

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An interesting article titled “Hemorrhagic Complications of Dental Extractions in 181 Patients Undergoing Double Antiplatelet Therapy” written by Olga Olmos-Carrasco and et al. appears in the 2015 Journal of Oral and Maxilofacial Surgery (vol. 73, pp. 203-210). The study sought to explore if dental extractions can be done safely on patients with double antiplatelet therapy. Double antiplatelet therapy is the combination of 100 mg per day of acetylsalicylic acid and a second antiplatelet agent. This type of therapy is done to prevent blood cells from forming a clot in certain types of patients who have a history of coronary artery disease, or have had a heart attack or stroke. A total of 181 patients with a mean age of roughly 67 were included in the study.  Most of the patients (76.8%) were male. A total of 217 teeth were extracted … Read more

Filing Billing for Dentists to Help Patients

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An interesting article titled “You want me to do what?” written by Douglas Auld appears in the March 2016 issue of JADA. The article discusses a patient who has an an abscess on a mandibular right third molar which requires extraction. The treatment was done in December and the patient had already used their full benefits from their dental insurance for the year. So the patient suggested to the dentist to bill for the extraction in January and also suggested to file it as a surgical extraction and apply the difference to his balance. The article asks if it is ethical for dentists to do any of this. The article states that a dentist has a duty to communicate truthfully with third parties. It says “A dentist who submits a claim form to a third party reporting incorrect treatment dates for the purpose of … Read more