Everyday Oral Surgery

The oral and maxillofacial board exam is a daunting prospect for even the most courageous of us. So today, we are joined once again by Dr. Matthew Pham to discuss everything related to the oral board exam and what you need to do to pass. Having recently passed his exam, Dr. Pharm shares how he studied for uncommon procedures, how the exam process is structured, what the final assessment looks like, and how he overcame his nerves. Our guest explains what you should be on the lookout for prior to your exam, how to present material in the right way, the importance of study groups and mock tests and leaning on alumni, and what you can expect on exam day. After Dr. Stucki walks us through his board exam process, Dr. Pham offers parting words of advice to those who are preparing for their oral board exams.Key Points From This Episode:Dr. Pham’s initial thoughts on the oral board exam. How he prepped for his oral board exam. The way he studied for uncommon procedures. How the exams are structured: from the application to the test.A closer look at the way the final test is laid out. How to overcome nerves and stress in a public setting. What you should look out for when you begin studying for your oral board exam.  How to present material to the examiner in the right way.The wonders of forming study groups ahead of the exam and leaning on alumni. What you can expect on exam day. Debunking the notion of examiners having to fail a certain percentage of students. Taking a look at how Dr. Stucki tackled his oral board exams. Reiterating the importance of mock tests.Dr. Pham’s parting words of advice to those preparing for their oral boards. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Matthew Pham — https://mycenters.com/about/our-doctors/matthew-h-pham-dmd-md/Dr. Matthew Pham on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/mtpdds/Dr. Matthew Pham on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/phamomfs Royal Oak Dental Group — https://yoursmileteam.com/ American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery — https://www.aboms.org/Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/ Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/ Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059KLS Martin promo code EOSExo22 — https://www.klsmartin.com/  

It’s rare for residencies to equip you with all the experience you’ll ever need. And depending on where you’re based, you won’t always be able to predict which procedures are most likely to be referred to you. In situations like these (where you lack experience) you’ll need to seek out the information you need in order to best serve your patients. That was the case for today’s guest, Dr. Carlos Takahashi, an oral maxillofacial surgeon based in Guadalajara, Mexico, who did extensive research and pursued multiple external courses to supplement his learning after his studies. We talk with Dr. Takahashi about his unique experience of training and working in Mexico, the challenges he faced when he first started his practice, and how he supplemented his training to meet the needs of his patients. You’ll hear Dr. Takahashi break down everything he’s learned about coronectomies, like the benefits of performing them under local anesthesia and how to deal with roots that are especially close to the nerve. He also shares how he refined his genioplasty technique to ensure minimum downtime, and why go-cart racing has made him a better surgeon. For an enlightening conversation on coronectomies, minimizing downtime, local anesthesia, and more, be sure to tune in today!Key Points From This Episode:Introducing today’s guest, Dr. Carlos Takahashi.Learn about Dr. Takahashi’s uniquely strenuous training in Mexico.How Dr. Takahashi opened his first practice and his early experience as a teacher.The challenge of doing your residency and opening your practice in separate locations.Why Dr. Takahashi decided to rent a larger office space for his practice and expand his team.The general standard of oral surgery in Mexico.How Dr. Takahashi began researching coronectomies for challenging cases of wisdom teeth removal while also working at his local university.Learn about the two primary methods for doing a coronectomy.How to help the root migrate away from the nerve over time.The benefits of doing coronectomies under local anesthesiaA breakdown of the surgical burs Dr. Takahashi uses during extractions and coronectomies.What Dr. Takahashi does to reduce swelling after surgery.The most common types of trauma Dr. Takahashi sees with his patients in Guadalajara, Mexico, and why they are more commonly treated by plastic surgeons.Dr. Takahashi answers our rapid-fire questions, from the best book he’s read recently to how racing improves his concentration.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Carlos Takahashi on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-carlos-takahashi-00a6a092/The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts — https://www.amazon.com/Love-Languages-Secret-that-Lasts/Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/ Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/ Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059KLS Martin promo code EOSExo22 — https://www.klsmartin.com/ 

Depending on the underlying cause of a neck mass, treatment may involve antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, surgical removal, or other interventions as needed. Early detection and prompt neck mass treatment can help prevent complications and improve patient outcomes. What is the best approach for neck masses? How do you refer a patient after a workup and diagnosis? Here to help guide us through the steps is Dr. Ben Hechler, an oral maxillofacial surgeon practicing in North Carolina. In our conversation, Dr. Hechler walks us through the basics of diagnosing and treating neck masses, and the best approach for referring patients. We discuss the leading causes of neck masses, the symptoms of neck masses, and how to approach treatment. Learn what the best imaging tools for evaluation are, whether ultrasound can be used to evaluate a neck mass, the different ways of performing a biopsy, the likelihood of neck masses with no associated symptoms, how to deal with patient expectations, why it is crucial to assume a cyst is cancer, and more. To learn everything you need to know about neck masses and how to treat them, tune in now. Key Points From This Episode:Why every dentist should have a basic understanding of neck masses.An outline of the major causes of neck masses. The difference between how neck masses manifest in adults and children.How to best perform a physical exam and identify any problems.Describing neck masses effectively to other doctors and patients.Find out how Dr. Hechler characterizes a neoplastic mass.Symptoms in the neck that are helpful for diagnosis.What to keep in mind when diagnosing and treating patients.Our guest us about the ideal imaging modalities to further evaluate neck masses.The steps involved for definitely diagnosing a neck mass and performing a biopsy.Dr. Hechler explains what type of biopsy requires anesthesia.We review the different types of lesions and how to treat them.We briefly discuss salivary gland tumors that present as neck masses.How to effectively diagnose and treat developmental cysts.Essential aspects to remember when referring patients.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Ben Hechler on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-hechler/Duke University Health System — https://www.dukehealth.org/Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/ Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/ Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059KLS Martin promo code EOSExo22 — https://www.klsmartin.com/ 

Joining us on the show again today, is Dr. Benjamin Hechler, an oral and maxilofacial surgeon practicing in North Carolina. He is here today to take us through a thorough review of OPMDs, Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders. We dive into what OPMDs are, the risk factors associated with developing them, and those risk factors associated with the progression of OPMDs to cancer. We have a lengthy discussion on the terminology associated with OPMDs and our guest talks us through the continuum of higher-grade to lower-grade/mild, moderate, and severe dysplasia. With his experience in the field, Dr. Hechler is phenomenal at presenting a diverse set of topics, and today’s review of OPMDs is just one of them. If you want to find out more about how he navigates different processes surrounding OPMDs and how clinicians can help minimize the risk of their progression, then don’t miss out on this episode of Everyday Oral Surgery!Key Points From This Episode:Dr. Hechler breaks down the topic of today’s episode: What are OPMDs?The reason behind the list of OPMDs.Why they changed the name from OPMLs (lesions) to OPMDs (disorders).Dr. Hechler goes over some of the risk factors for developing OPMDs.A quick tangent on tobacco and research findings on its role in developing OPMDs or cancer.Risk factors associated with the progression of OPMDs to cancer.We discuss different terminology often associated with OPMDs; lichenoid mucositis and oral lichen planus, for example. More about oral lichen planus and its propensity to develop into cancer.Dr. Hechler talks to us about [defining] higher-grade to lower-grade/ mild, moderate, and severe dysplasia.Buccal mucosa ulcers and how he navigates the process of biopsying these types of lesions.How to go about excising high-grade dysplasia; tips and recommendations. Scalpel, blade, or electrocautery; what to use when, according to Dr. Hechler.What clinicians can do to help patients minimize the risk of OPMDs progression.His thoughts on taking COX inhibitors. Why he recommends the Mediterranean diet. How to manage the diagnoses of a progression to PVL. Follow-ups and recommendations regarding them for monitoring patients. How Dr. Hechler manages patients leaning more on the oral medicine/ therapeutic side of things.Pro-parenting tip for the day from Dr. Hechler. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Ben Hechler on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-hechler/‘Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders’ — https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.825266/fullOral Oncology Journal — https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/oral-oncology Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/ Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/ Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059KLS Martin promo code EOSExo22 — https://www.klsmartin.com/ 

Residency is a challenging time that demands a lot physically and mentally. Maintaining good health can help you perform at your best, stay focused, and reduce the risk of burnout. As a healthcare provider, you are responsible for providing the best possible care for your patients and good health can help you make sound clinical decisions, communicate effectively with patients, and provide compassionate care. However, this is easier said than done, and joining us to unpack the subject is Dr. Gabriella Tehrany, a maxillofacial surgeon practicing in California. In our conversation, Dr. Tehrany shares strategies you can practice today to help you feel and perform at your peak. We discuss the benefits of a healthy mind and body, and why health and wellness should be prioritized in the medical industry. We share our sleep deprivation experiences, tips and tricks for getting quality sleep, why processed foods should be avoided, the benefits of phytochemicals in food, and how to stay ahead of the dehydration game. We discuss the importance of exercising every day, what type of physical activities you should focus on, the value of creating and following a routine, why posture is key for a resident’s performance, how to effectively manage stress, what adaptogens are and how they can help, and why skincare is an essential part of wellness. To discover how you can perform and feel your best, tune in now!Key Points From This Episode:Introduction to Dr. Tehrany and why she thinks a healthy body and mind are important.Dr. Tehrany explains the role of sleep and why getting enough rest should be a priority.She explains why you are what you eat and how an unhealthy diet can impact performance.We learn about phytochemicals and why you should include them in your diet.The challenges medical residents face accessing healthy food, and how to overcome them.The single most important aspect to prevent chronic disease: hydrate effectively.Hear strategies to help residents consistently pursue a healthy lifestyle. What residents can do to ensure they are getting enough exercise in their daily routine.An overview of the different natural supplements and stimulants to help manage stress.Find out why a good skincare routine is essential to the health and wellness of residents.How intermittent fasting can be beneficial to your overall health.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Gabriella Tehrany on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriella-tehrany/Dr. Gabriella Tehrany Email — gabriella.m.tehrany@kp.orgKaiser Permanente — https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/Yuka — https://yuka.io/en/The Pegan Diet — https://www.amazon.com/Pegan-Diet-Principles-Reclaiming-Nutritionally/Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/ Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/ Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059KLS Martin promo code EOSExo22 — https://www.klsmartin.com/ 

Not all ridge augmentation techniques are created equal, and there are pros and cons to all of them! During this episode, we welcome back Dr. Andy Loetscher for a conversation in which we delve into the details of the Ramus Block Graft, Titanium Mesh, and BMP techniques. From recovery time to cost implications to the best tools to use, Andy covers it all. So, if you are interested in learning how to ensure a successful, aesthetically-pleasing, long-lasting ridge reconstruction, this episode will provide you with a fantastic foundation. Key Points From This Episode:Key principles for a successful Ramus Block Graft.The length of time it takes for a Ramus Block Graft to mature.Andy’s approach to taking screws out. The downsides of a Ramus Block Graft.Cases in which Andy uses the Ramus Block Graft technique.Andy describes his technique for using titanium mesh.How Andy limits the chances of a dehiscence. The cost of a Ramus Block Graft. Other types of ridge augmentation techniques. An overview of Andy’s sinus lift technique.The pros and cons of BMP.Advantages of putting in the implants and the graft simultaneously.How Andy gets bone around an entire implant.Additional advice for ensuring a successful ridge reconstruction. How Andy learned how to do tissue grafts, and he thinks it is an important skill for every oral surgeon to learn.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Andy Loetscher Cell: 678-938-4053Dr. Andy Loetscher Email:  jawimplant@aol.com Pikos Institute: Live Courses - https://pikosinstitute.com/live-courses/Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/ Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/ Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059KLS Martin promo code EOSExo22 — https://www.klsmartin.com/ 

It’s easy to forget that not everyone has access to and education about oral surgery and today on Every Day Oral Surgery, we are joined by the founder of Smile Bangladesh, Dr. Shahid Aziz to tell us all about how his foundation is making a difference in oral surgery in Bangladesh. Tuning in, you’ll hear about our guest’s education and career, what led him to create Smile Bangladesh, what they do exactly, the assistance he receives, and what surgeons his usual team consists of. Dr. Aziz delves into how residents can get involved in Smile Bangladesh, the scholarships they offer, and how to get in touch with him before explaining what the foundation teaches to both residents and local and American doctors. Developing cultural competency is essential for a mission like Smile and in this episode, Dr. Aziz explores how this program teaches it and so much more! He even shares some advice with residents about the importance of giving back. Lastly, we end off with some of the usual rapid-fire questions. So to hear more about this incredible organization and why you should support it and get involved, tune in now!Key Points From This Episode:Welcoming today’s guest, Dr. Shahid Aziz. A brief history of Dr. Aziz’s training, his career so far, and what his current focus is in practice. Dr. Aziz tells us about his childhood-induced travel bug and his surgical missions abroad. What Smile Bangladesh is, what they provide, how our guest created it, and who assists him.He breaks down his usual team size and the doctors that accompany him to Bangladesh. Dr. Aziz discusses the scholarship that the foundation offers for residents. How the mission benefits all the doctors involved and why it is an incredible experience. What these trips cost, who covers what costs, and how they raise funds. Approximately how many surgeries they do per trip and how many patients get treated.How Smile communicates and partners up with local doctors. How many residents Smile takes per year and how and when to get in touch with Dr. Aziz.The importance of developing cultural competency as a surgeon, particularly with Smile. What Dr. Aziz does outside of his job that makes him a better surgeon. He tells us why he doesn’t work on his car or with power tools much. Why he doesn’t often elevate when removing tooth number 14. Why Dr. Aziz’s favorite quote is one with a bit of profanity and how it makes residents sweat. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Shahid Aziz Email Address — azizsr@sdm.rutgers.eduDr. Shahid Aziz — https://doctors.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/Shahid+Rahim+Aziz/1500148?unified=aziz&sort=networks%2CrelevanceSmile Bangladesh — http://www.smilebangladesh.org/Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/ Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/ Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059KLS Martin promo code EOSExo22 — https://www.klsmartin.com/ 

Recent technological advancements have led to incredible innovations in oral surgery, and today’s guest, Dr. Andy Loetscher, DDS, MS, is using them to full effect at his Atlanta Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Dental Implant Center. After taking us through his full arch rehabilitation surgery process, Dr. Andy explains what Face Hunter is and how he uses it at his practice. We then learn why payment options are better when discussed upfront, why practices have different prices, and how Dr. Andy decides on a course of treatment for his patients. What sets Dr. Andy apart from the rest are the techniques that he uses during surgery, and he educates us on how he inserts implants while accounting for varying bone densities, why osseodensification burs don’t excite him, the mechanics behind his use of prosthesis, and a rundown of his practice’s digital workflow. We end with our guest explaining some of the challenges he faces at work, why prosthesis hygiene is vital, why you’d do well to develop a digital workflow for your practice, and some of Dr. Andy’s life-changing reads from the past. Key Points From This Episode:A warm welcome to today’s guest, Dr. Andy Loetscher, DDS, MS.  Looking at Dr. Andy’s process for when a patient comes in for full arch rehabilitation. Dr. Andy explains Face Hunter and how he uses it at his practice. Why discussing pricing options upfront makes the rest of the process easier.  How varying prices across practices confuse patients and doctors alike.The way Dr. Andy decides on a course of treatment for his patients.How he inserts patient implants and how he accounts for different bone densities. Why he doesn’t use osseodensification burs anymore. Our guest explains the mechanics behind prosthetics on the day of surgery.  Digital workflow: the different technologies and methods that he uses in his surgical process.How technological advancements make Dr. Andy’s work easier, but also more expensive. Exploring some of the challenges that he faces at work.The usual amount of grafting done during Dr. Andy’s full arch rehabilitations. How developing a digital workflow will do wonders for you and your patients.Our guest walks us through some of his favorite reads.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Andy Loetscher Cell: 678-938-4053Dr. Andy Loetscher Email:  jawimplant@aol.com Dr. Christian Andy Loetscher - https://www.jawimplant.com/meet-us/dr-christian-loetscher/Dr. Christian Andy Loetscher on Twitter – https://twitter.com/OralSurgeryPCImetric4D - https://www.imetric4d.com/ NDX nSequence - https://nsequence.com/ Pikos Institute - https://pikosinstitute.com/live-courses/ 75 HARD - https://andyfrisella.com/pages/75hard-info Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/ Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/ Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

During today’s episode, Dr. Ben Hechler joins us in conversation to unpack some of the most used tools in reconstruction and when to use them. Assistant Professor of Craniomaxillofacial Surgery and Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery at Duke University, Dr. Hechler has a gift for transferring knowledge in a way that is easy to understand. Tuning in, you’ll get an overview of reconstruction options for patients who have had pathology removed, including why it is so important to determine your goal ahead of choosing an option. Dr. Hechler addresses some of the challenges often faced during the process, and goes into detail about the different flaps and their relevance for different patients. We hope that today’s episode will motivate surgeons to further explore this side of oral maxillofacial surgery. Thanks for listening!Key Points From This Episode:Welcome to Dr. Ben Hechler, Assistant Professor of Craniomaxillofacial Surgery and Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery, Duke University Health System.Today’s topic: reconstruction options for patients who have had pathology removed. Why defects in the maxillo usually involve a portion of the bone. Why it is so important to determine your goal before choosing an option.Challenges surrounding the mandible.Reconstruction for pathologic defects.Why the submental island flap has recently gained popularity.When titanium-only reconstruction in the mandible is most appropriate.Adhering to the adage of replacing life with life.A caveat to be aware of with regards to mucosa. Rotating nasolabial flaps to rotate into the mouth.Why Dr. Hechler recommends using the FAMM flap. Considering the size of the defect and the desires of the patient when selecting an approach.The challenge of creating continuity of the mandible with titanium-only reconstruction.Circumstances where you would consider doing a delayed reconstruction.Pitfalls to using VSP.Resources for reconstruction guidance. Why Dr. Hechler hasn’t read much lately: he recently welcomed a new baby!Grant’s two recommendations on Audible. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Ben Hechler on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-hechler/Duke Health – https://www.dukehealth.org/Head & Neck — https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10970347Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery — https://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/pages/default.aspxFlaps and Reconstructive Surgery — https://www.amazon.com/Flaps-Reconstructive-Surgery-Fu-Chan-FACS/dp/0323243223Spare — https://princeharrymemoir.com/Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/ Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/ Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059KLS Martin promo code EOSExo22 — https://www.klsmartin.com/ 

Back and neck pain are common complaints amongst oral surgeons, and incorrect chair positioning is one of the main culprits. Unfortunately, chair positioning is not something that is taught during residency, so in this episode, Jake and Grant discuss how to ensure that your posture is taking pressure off your spine, how chair positioning impacts visibility, why you shouldn’t be afraid to sit, and more! The mentality that is drilled into oral surgeons during residency is to “deal with what you’ve got,” but when it comes to your chair positioning, you do have the power to make changes that will benefit you in and outside of the operating room! Key Points From This Episode:An overview of where Jake is currently at.The lack of focus on chair positioning during residency.What correct operator posture looks like. Negative impacts of poor posture.Ideal chair positioning for mandibular versus maxillary procedures. Common misconceptions about what “good posture” means. Different approaches to the positioning of sedated patients. The benefits of dynamic chair positioning. How chair positioning impacts visibility. The pros and cons of using loops. Don’t be afraid to sit!How too much sitting can affect your spine.Understanding the sniffing position. How to approach chair positioning during the recovery period.The importance of getting into a good chair positioning habit during residency.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Jake Stucki on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-stuckiNever Finished — https://www.amazon.com/Never-Finished-Unshackle-Your-WithinRich Dad’s Cashflow Quadrant — https://www.amazon.com/Rich-Dads-CASHFLOW-Quadrant-FinancialThe Energy Paradox — https://www.amazon.com/Energy-Paradox-Being-Tired-FinallyEveryday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/ Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/  Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059KLS Martin promo code EOSExo22 — https://www.klsmartin.com/