When it comes to extracting impacted mandibular third molars, the risk of causing damage to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) is a significant concern for both dentists and patients. Traditional methods of complete tooth extraction have been associated with temporary or permanent neurological disturbances. However, an alternative procedure known as coronectomy has emerged as a promising technique to mitigate these risks. Coronectomy involves the removal of only the crown of the tooth, leaving the roots in place to avoid direct or indirect injury to the IAN. Incidentally, leaving root remnants after a tooth has been pulled was once considered taboo. This systematic review, based on ten studies, aims to elucidate the clinical effectiveness of coronectomy, particularly focusing on outcomes like nerve injury, post-operative complications, and the need for subsequent surgeries. By providing a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature, I explore how coronectomy can serve as a safer approach for managing third molars in close proximity to critical anatomical structures.
Read MoreI use local anesthetics every single day at work without fail. Even most of my ardent holistic patients who shun "chemicals" don't object to its use. The reasons are clear. Their use is generally very safe, and most people don't want to risk feeling dental pain, which can be intense. This post will cover what local anesthetics are, what they do, the side effects, and the risks of their use.
Read MoreVitamin B12 deficiency is way more common than most conventional physicians are willing to admit. The literature states that only 7% of the population is deficient, but t the current limit of 200 ng/ml is probably too low. Neurological symptoms can be experienced in the low-normal range, and western medicine ignores this fact. Using functional medicine standards, which are higher, nearly half of the population may be suffering from B12 deficiency. Data from the Tufts University Framingham Offspring Study suggests that 40 percent of people between 26 and 83 have plasma B12 levels in the low-normal range. Most surprising to the researchers was that low B12 levels were as common in younger people as in the elderly. This is alarming as children suffer irreparable neurological damage with chronic B12 deficiency. Today I would like to talk about B12 deficiency and how to avoid it.
Read More