Wisdom Teeth

The Parents Guide to Wisdom Teeth

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I recently came across a press release promoting a book entitled “The Parent’s Guide to Wisdom Teeth.” If you are a parent and thinking about the surgery for a child, I would NOT recommend purchasing this book. The main conclusion offered by this book is found on the book’s website… “It is far better to assume a lower degree of surgical risk, paying the cost “up front” (which is likely to be less in terms of money and time) at an earlier age than to gamble on a more risky, difficult and uncomfortable experience later in life when problems arise” I would say that it is better to wait until problem’s arise before removing wisdom teeth due to the risks and potential lasting complications of wisdom teeth removal surgery. If a complication arises wouldn’t it be better to only deal … Read more

Wisdom Teeth Removal Leads to Coma

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I was saddened to hear recently that a high school junior in Tonganoxie, Kansas, who recently went in to have his wisdom teeth removed, was seriously injured and left in a coma.  The oral surgeon who performed the surgery had just opened a new dental center. The cause for the injury is due to a faulty medical gas system which delivered oxygen and nitrous oxide. My prayers and thoughts go out to the family of Austin Stone, his friends, and the community. Already, the community has organized ‘Team Tongie’ to help raise money for incidental expenses of those who suffer from medical emergencies and crisis. To learn more visit the following links. http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2009/apr/22/medical-gas-accident-may-lead-policy-change/ http://www.drbicuspid.com/index.aspx?sec=sup&sub=pmt&pag=dis&ItemID=301758&wf=34 http://www.kctv5.com/news/19223205/detail.html

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.

My Interview with ABC

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I recently conducted an interview with ABC 7 which is a local affiliate for Chicago. The video and story is by Sylvia Perez and Christine Tressel and can be found here http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/health&id=6480245 The video portrays my website and discussion of it along with Michael Miloro, DMD, MD, FACS from UIC Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Jay W. Friedman, DDS, MPH. I think it gives some more prospective on the issue my website raises and is worth a view if you have the time.

California Dental Association – Wisdom Teeth

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I wanted to write briefly about the California Dental Association and applaud them for their current stance on wisdom teeth and their removal. It is available to the public at http://www.cda.org/popup/Wisdom_Teeth Here is an excerpt from the site. “In addition to problematic impacted wisdom teeth, partially erupted wisdom teeth (poking through the gums a little bit) should also be removed. Bits of food and bacteria get trapped in the pockets between the partially erupted tooth and gum, and cause infections and gum disease, not to mention pain. But according to Dr. Robert Boyd, Orthodontist, Periodontist, and Chairman of the Orthodontics Department at University of the Pacific School of Dentistry, the trend today is to leave healthy, stable, wisdom teeth alone, monitoring them over the years to make sure they stay healthy and stable. Dr. Alex McDonald, Oral Surgeon and Director … Read more