Columnist Jane E. Brody says “I first lost a permanent molar to decay in my early 20s, and the resulting bridge has had to be replaced several times in subsequent decades…”
Brody goes on to explain why dental implants have become the standard in tooth restoration by dentists, periodontists, and of course, Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons.
The main reason: dental implants rarely need to be replaced.
OMS Surgeons Respond Among the First at Fort Hood
According to a recent press release from the AAOMS, two oral and maxillofacial surgeons were among the first to arrive at Fort Hood after the tragic shooting November 5th.
Majors Mark Ranschaert, DMD and Joseph Dylan Bowles, DDS recalled the situation as “pretty chaotic” – “like being in a combat zone.” The surgeons arrived to find 30 injured soldiers and operating rooms that were already full.
The two men said they reverted to their training and “did what we do best: taking care of patients.” One patient with a severe neck wound was likely saved by the two surgeons, who stabilized the solider and quickly had him transferred to Scott and White University Medical Hospital.
As noted by the association, oral and maxillofacial surgeons “are indispensable in the hospital ER when it comes to repairing facial trauma caused by car crashes and street violence.”
8 Things to Look For When Selecting a Cosmetic Dentist?
Platelet Rich Plasma is no longer limited to treatment of injuries in high profile athletes. Orthopedic surgeons say they have witnessed rapid healing time with PRP when it is used to treat hamstring sprains, calf strains, oblique strains and tissues that “traditionally don’t do a good job of healing by themselves.”
A recent article appearing in the Wall Street Journal discusses the documented benefits (and possible limits) of platelet rich plasma, responding to research presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Surgeons Perform First Full Face Transplant in U.S.
A 25-year-old construction worker from Texas who was disfigured in a power line accident has received the first full face transplant in the U.S. A team of more than 30 doctors and other providers led by plastic surgeon Dr. Bohdan Pomahac at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston performed the transplant during a 15-hour surgery on the man.
The recipient received a new nose, lips, skin, muscle and nerves from an unidentified donor. The U.S. military paid for the operation, and it plans to use knowledge gained from the procedure to help soldiers with severe facial wounds.
The man will not resemble “either what he used to be or the donor,” but something in between, according to Dr. Pomahac. “The tissues are really molded on a new person.”
The operation was not able to restore the man’s sight, and some nerves were so badly damaged from his injury that he will probably have only partial sensation on his left cheek and left forehead, the surgeon said.
About a dozen face transplants have been done worldwide, in the U.S., France, Spain and China. This was the third in the U.S.; the first two were partial transplants.
If you have lost a permanent tooth, you’re not alone. According to statistics, 69% of adults aged 35 to 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth.
If you have missing teeth and are considering dental implants, Will Surgical Arts in Maryland offers you this overview.
Dental Implant Facts
A few decades ago the only solutions to replace permanent teeth were fixed bridges or removable dentures.
Today, patients with missing permanent teeth have the option of dental implants, which are long-term replacements that are surgically attached to the jawbone.
You can avoid the potential problems that used to come with having “false teeth” with dental implants:
Dental implants never slip
Dental implants never decay
Dental implants fuse with the jawbone, so bone loss is usually not a problem
Dental implants can last a lifetime, if cared for properly
Dental Implant Surgery in Maryland
Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The metal anchors act as root substitutes, and the bone bonds with the titanium to create a strong foundation for artificial teeth.
Typically the process takes two surgical procedures. During the first, the implants are placed in the jawbone. Then for about three to six months after surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums bonding with the jawbone. During this time, you can wear a temporary crown.
Once the implant bonds to the jawbone, the second procedure can be done. During this procedure, the artificial tooth is surgically fixed to the implant with a connector post.
“Patient care was incredible! We are so very happy our child was referred to Dr. Will. We appreciate the attentiveness given to his medical condition. Will highly recommend to others.”
If you have lost a permanent tooth, you’re not alone. According to statistics, 69% of adults aged 35 to 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth.
