wisdom teeth extraction

Easing the Pain and Swelling After Wisdom Tooth Removal: The Promise of Photobiomodulation Therapy

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Wisdom tooth extraction, while a common oral surgery, often comes with its share of discomfort. Post-operative pain, swelling (edema), and difficulty opening the mouth (trismus) are frequent challenges for patients. These complications can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life and recovery time. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBM) may offer a significant advantage in easing the recovery process.   PBM, a non-invasive therapy, involves the application of low-level lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to specific areas. This therapeutic approach has gained traction in various medical fields due to its potential to:   In a recent double-blind clinical trial, in an article titled “PAIN, OEDEMA AND TRISMUS RESPONSES FOLLOWING PHOTOBIOMODULATION THERAPY IMMEDIATELY AFTER LOWER THIRD MOLAR EXTRACTION: RESULTS OF A RANDOMIZED, DOBLE-BLIND AND SPLIT MOUTH CLINICAL TRIAL,” written by GISELA CRISTINA VIANNA CAMOLESI and et. al. … Read more

Automated Classification of Third Molar Development Stages Using Deep Learning

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Accurate assessment of tooth development is crucial in various fields, including dentistry, orthodontics, and forensic science. Traditional methods, such as the Demirjian system, rely on visual inspection by dental professionals, which can be subjective and prone to inter-observer variability. This study aimed to develop a fully automated system for classifying third molar (wisdom teeth) development stages using deep learning, offering a more objective and efficient approach. The research utilized a large dataset of orthopantomograms (OPGs), which were meticulously labeled by dental experts according to the Demirjian system. The dataset comprised images of both left and right lower jaws, resulting in a substantial collection for model training and evaluation. To enhance the accuracy and robustness of the system, several key techniques were employed: The results demonstrated the superior performance of the EfficientNet model, achieving a classification accuracy of 83.7%. This significant … Read more

Wisdom Teeth Extraction: Can AI Outsmart X-rays? – A blog post based on a new study

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Traditionally, dentists rely on panoramic X-rays to assess wisdom teeth before extraction. But these 2D images can be misleading, sometimes leading to unexpected surgical challenges. A recent study explores the potential of using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the accuracy of predicting wisdom tooth extraction difficulty. The Study’s Findings The study showed that X-ray limitations are confirmed. Relying solely on X-rays for predicting surgical complexity can be inaccurate, even for experienced dentists. The study showed that AI shows promise. Deep learning models, a type of AI, analyzed panoramic X-rays and showed promise in identifying features that might be missed by the human eye. These models could predict the need for additional procedures like tooth separation or bone removal with high accuracy. The study also compared the accuracy of AI models with dentists in predicting the need for crown or root … Read more

Is Wisdom Teeth Extraction Putting Patients at Risk of Temporomandibular Disorders

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An interesting article titled “The relationship between third molar extractions and TMD: Or is there one?” written by Dennis Marangos appears in Cranio: the Journal of Craniomandibular and Sleep Practice (Volume 41, Issue 4, 2023). The author was prompted to write the article based on patients coming in saying they did not have jaw pain before my wisdom teeth were extracted but, now have jaw pain and clicking. As a result the author did a literature review to examine the possible relationship. One of the most common surgeries in the 20th century is wisdom teeth surgery. Experts have suggested that our face and jaw structure has become smaller due to the introduction of processed foods over generations. This smaller jaw size means underdeveloped cranial structures and that wisdom teeth just do not fit. Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a term used … Read more

Do Patients Desire Liposomal Bupivacaine After Wisdom Teeth Surgery

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An interesting article titled “Are Patients Interested in Liposomal Bupivacaine as a Nonopioid Alternative for Postsurgical Analgesia Following Third Molar Extractions?” written by Annie Ho and et. al. appears in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (online August 9, 2023). The article seeks to determine a patient interest in the use of Liposomal Bupivacaine as an alternative to opioids after wisdom teeth extraction. Studies have shown that patients given opioids after surgery have a 44% increased risk of long-term opioid use. Long lasting local anesthetics like liposomal bupivacaine (LB) were first approved in the U.S by the Food and Drug Administration in2011. Only a single dose to the surgical site is needed for postsurgical analgesia. Research has shown that Liposomal Bupivacaine can lower cumulative pain scores, reduce opioid requirements, and make for faster discharges from the hospital. Although Liposomal … Read more