Getting published in peer-reviewed journals

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An interesting article appears in the December 2011 issue of the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (vol. 40, issue 12, pages 1342-1345) titled “Getting published in peer-reviewed journals,” by G. Dimitroulis. The author opens by saying “Writing a paper for publication in a peer-reviewed journal is a rewarding experience. Even though there are no direct financial incentives for publishing in peer-reviewed journals, thousands of manuscripts are produced each year which compete for the limited journal space available worldwide. In other words, there is a sense of pride and achievement behind every published journal article that has its own rewards for which money plays no role.” Journal articles can be published to help comment or criticize the work of others, to synthesize and build a consensus about what is presently known, to announce new work, to serve as training … Read more

Using Computed Tomograph (CT) To Lower the Incidence of Wisdom Teeth Removal Nerve Injuries

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A question that everyone who has wisdom teeth wants to know these days is the following: “If you use Computed Tomography (CT) can it lower the risk of developing a nerve injury from having wisdom teeth removed?” Three authors from Spain (Sanmarti-Garcia, Valmaseda0-Castellon, Gay-Escoda) recently conducted a study asking this question titled “Does Computed Tomography Prevent Inferior Alveolar Nerve Injuries Caused by Lower Third Molar Removal?” appearing in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (vol 70, pages 5-11, 2012). The issue is as stated by the authors is that “panoramic radiography alone cannot identify the buccolingual position of the mandibular canal and the 3M roots.” Computed tomography (CT) is able to show this information. Even so an estimated 40% of cases show superposition of the roots and the mandibular canal. Hence many of the potential CTs performed may potentially … Read more

Potential Alternatives to the Current Medico-Legal System in the United States

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On my site I discuss numerous issues with the current legal system and how this relates to the medical system with a focus on third molar (wisdom teeth) removal. See http://www.teethremoval.com/legal_system_medical_malpractice, http://www.teethremoval.com/legal_standpoint.html, and http://www.teethremoval.com/dental_malpractice.html. One issue is that there are a host of different damage caps (non-economic ‘pain and suffering’ awards) in different states throughout the United States. This can sometimes limit the amount a patient can receive even if there was gross negligence by the dentist or oral surgeon. Hence this can prevent fair compensation from being awarded. Another issue with the legal system is that sometimes when patients suffer complications and problems due to negligence they will not be able to sue due to the case not being able to get a very large settlement amount. In addition, these legal cases can drag on for years and years … Read more

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

Ed Leedskalnin on Education

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Here is a very intersting quote by Ed Leedskalnin on education I came across from http://www.leedskalnin.com/  “You know we receive an education in the schools from books.  All those books that people became educated from twenty-five years ago, are wrong now, and those that are good now, will be wrong again twenty-five years from now.  So if they are wrong then, they are also wrong now, and the one who is educated from the wrong books is not educated, he is misled.  All books that are written are wrong, the one who is not educated cannot write a book and the one who is educated, is really not educated but he is misled and the one who is misled cannot write a book which is correct. The misleading began when our distant ancestors began to teach their descendants.  You know … Read more