Everyday Oral Surgery

We’re calling today’s episode the one-upper! Tuning in, you’ll hear Dr. Grant Stucki and Dr. Mike Hall share some of their best dental stories, partly for comedic relief but also to impart some important lessons about client communication, adequate sedation techniques, and careful employee selection, as well as what you can learn from your patients about different cultures and mindsets (and kinks). We hope that this episode leaves you with a lot to ponder and, hopefully, is as insightful as it is hilarious. Make sure not to miss it!Key Points From This Episode:Why Dr. Hall thinks that dentists should be keeping a record of their best stories.While we all want our practice to appear professional, Dr. Stucki believes there is a lot to be learned from mistakes.Dr. Hall’s first funny oral surgery story, which involves a Halcion-induced parking lot accident.The moral of the story: always over-communicate with patients taking oral sedation meds!Dr. Stucki shares a propofol sedation story about a wisdom extraction that required an osteotome on a military veteran.Why adequate sedation is crucial, especially when the patient poses a physical threat!Dr. Hall’s next story is more of a classic office drama regarding false accusations of an affair.The importance of careful employee selection and having a good no-tolerance policy.The funny next story comes from the time Dr. Stucki’s brother was shadowing him in Tucson.The unbelievable things patients will say and do that make for a good story and introduce you to different cultures and mindsets.Dr. Stucki’s last story involves a somewhat different Jamaican interpretation of his last name.How grinding down a patient’s molars taught Dr. Hall a lot about that patient’s kinks!Find out why Dr. Stucki is considering creating an “Only in dentistry!” bumper sticker.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Mike Hall on LinkedIn — linkedin.com/in/michael-hall-aa8379109Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720 441 6059

Today on the show the dynamic gets reversed because this is a recording of Dr. Stucki being interviewed by the famous Dr. Howard Farran! Dr. Farran is arguably the titan of dental podcasting, as he is the host of the widely loved Dentistry Uncensored show, and he also wrote Uncomplicate Business which Dr. Stucki is a big fan of. Dr. Stucki originally reached out to Dr. Farran, asking him to be a guest on Every Day Oral Surgery but to Dr. Stucki’s surprise, Dr. Farran asked him if he wanted to be a guest on Dentistry Uncensored instead! In today’s show, we get to know Dr. Stucki a little bit better, hearing Dr. Farran ask him about his experiences on residency, approach to a wide range of challenges oral surgeons face, the mission behind his podcast, and a whole lot more. Dr. Stucki weighs in on why he chose oral surgery as a specialization, how to overcome fear and do what it takes to get the job done, and how he manages his chronic lower back pain through posture and exercise. We hear about Dr. Stucki’s approach to sharing expertise, handling troublesome implant cases, and the question of whether oral surgeons should anesthetize their patients. We cover a whole lot more ground today, also getting the chance to hear Dr. Farran’s views on how dentistry and society as a whole could be a little more egalitarian! So for all this and more on today’s high-energy exchange between Dr. Stucki and Dr. Farran, be sure to tune in!Key Points From This Episode:Introducing Dr. Stucki, his qualifications, and how helpful his podcast is.The fruitful challenge of having kids and our guest and host’s experiences of this.Dr. Stucki’s perspectives on how to manage the difficult practice of implantology.The best postures and recovery methods Dr. Stucki used for his back trouble.Tips for dentists in situations where patients might rather need an oral surgeon.Rectifying hierarchies ingrained at dental residency and the focus of Dr. Stucki’s podcast.Getting past territorialism and ambition in the field by putting the patient first.Dr. Stucki’s recommendations for the best implant brands to use.Possible links between implant failure and the COVID vaccine.Toeing the line between atraumatic procedures and time-efficient surgery.The issue of oral surgeons sedating their own patients and how Dr. Stucki views this.The risks of totally removing a root and when it is okay to leave part of it in the gum.Whether CBCTs are needed for surgeries or if the panorex is enough.Complications in the surgery room due to patients who are smoking marijuana.Dr. Stucki’s perspectives on prescribing narcotics and using bone grafting material.Whether to remove a tooth or prescribe antibiotics to patients with infected teeth.Dr. Stucki’s experiences working at Pacific Dental Services and traveling between the offices.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Howard FarranDentistry UncensoredUncomplicate BusinessPacific Dental ServicesDr. Grant StuckiDr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720 441 6059

If an oral surgeon gets to the point where they cannot get a healing abutment off, or conversely, it keeps falling off, it can be a frustrating experience for all involved parties. So for this episode of Everyday Oral Surgery, we are exploring the things that can go wrong with healing abutments and what to do about them! We begin with the situation where a healing abutment has been screwed on too tightly and just won't budge. We lay out the possible reasons for why this could have happened, suggesting that the force of finger torque is more than enough for this part of the implant process. If for some reason it won’t come off, the techniques we cover range from using a torque wrench to the brute force method of cutting a new path in the abutment with a round bur. Moving onto the second scenario of the abutment that won’t stay on, we highlight that in most cases this is due to bone or tissue impingement. It is therefore always a good idea to make sure that your abutment is not being impinged by anything when you first install it. In this segment, we also cover the best kinds of kits to use regarding bone milling and adaptable implants. So make sure you join us today and get all the info you need for successfully installing healing abutments!Key Points From This Episode:Using a torque wrench and what to do if a healing abutment is not coming off.Errors that can happen when the dentist is taking the impression.Using endo ice on the abutment when the torque wrench won’t work.Scenarios where the driver port in the healing abutment gets stripped.Cutting a new path with a round bur or using an ultrasonic scaler.What to do when the healing abutment keeps falling off.Impingement on bone and why healing abutments can come off frequently.Bone mill kits and how to get the implant process right the first time.Changing hands and other reasons why the implant can come off.Straumann kits and the value of having a more adaptable kit.The best kinds of healing abutments to use and when to use one rather than a cover screw.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Scott WeiskopfDr. Grant StuckiDr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720 441 6059

The full mouth extraction process can be a daunting and traumatic one for patients. However through the right care and communication, it can be managed in a healthy and safe way, and joining to talk about exactly how he does this, is Dr. Scott Weiskopf! Scott is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, currently practicing in Memphis, and we get to hear all about the way he approaches his work in full mouth extractions. He talks about dentures, suturing, procedures, precautions, and more. The main point that our guest makes is around setting the patient at ease before and after the surgery, through communication and the proper care. Scott also shares some of his thoughts on alveoloplasty surgery before talking a bit about the follow-up process and how this differs from patient to patient. So for all this and then some, join us on the show!Key Points From This Episode:Lessons that Scott has learned over the years to make a full mouth extraction a little easier for patients.The improvement that is offered by the installation of dentures for extraction patients.Conversations around the available denture options and Scott's usual recommendations.The surgical component of the full mouth extraction; how Scott makes his way around the mouth.Extra measures and precautions that Scott takes to safeguard against sharp spots. Scott best tips for quick and successful suturing.How Scott goes about his alveoloplasty surgery and the extra attention he pays to his files.Scott's usual post-operation instructions to patients about their dentures. Follow-up appointments and how Scott prioritizes these measures where necessary.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Scott WeiskopfDr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720 441 6059

Oral surgery residency is a time of growth for dental students and but also an opportunity for those students to shape the program itself. It is important for there to be a good fit between the student and the institution so that a mutually beneficial dynamic is created. Today on the show we invite Dr. Michael Miloro, Program Chairman at the University of Illinois at Chicago, to shed some light on what students can expect and how they can best prepare themselves for their residency experience. Dr. Miloro has put a lot of work into making the program at UIC as high-quality as possible. He sketches out the broad range of facilities to be found and the ethos about the types of graduates they aim to produce there. The institution provides an atmosphere that encourages residents to be assertive and make an impact on the program itself. The program at UIC strives to give rise to leaders in the field who can practice a broad scope of surgeries. Dr. Miloro talks about how he vets new candidates and gives a few great tips for students about the kind of attitude they should bring to their residency and how to make the best impression on the interview committee. For a discussion packed with insight about how to make a residency experience as fruitful as possible be sure to tune in today!Key Points From This Episode:A window into Dr. Miloro’s education and the institutions he has worked at.Dr. Miloro’s work adjusting the residency program at UIC and the openness to change he encountered there.The spirit of aspiring to be leaders in the field encouraged at the UIC program.What the residency program at UIC looks for in candidates and how it vets them.Perspectives on the balanced approach that makes the UIC residency program great.The wide range of facilities at UIC, and the procedures they conduct and specialize in.How the UIC residency program prepares residents for the business aspect of surgery.A trend where many graduates end up operating in a narrow scope in private practice.Advice for a resident who wants to take control of their learning.The transformation Dr. Miloro sees in students during their residency at UIC.How residents who go into private practice can still give back.Rapid round with Dr. Miloro: self-care tips, forceps use, favorite quote, and more. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Michael Miloro University of Illinois at Chicago‘The Perfect Match’The Catcher in the Rye

Dr. Bryan White has spent the past eight years as a traveling surgeon with Pacific Dental Services (PDS), and has accumulated a lot of knowledge along the way. He joins us on the show today to share his pearls of wisdom with regard to preparation, surrounding oneself with a great team, and transporting equipment. There are over 100 surgeons who are employed by PDS, and Bryan is one of the top producers. Additionally, he has recently started a business with his brother, which you’ll learn more about in this episode too! Bryan appreciates that being a traveling surgeon is not for everyone and it does come with its challenges, but he explains the benefits of working in this type of environment and the types of surgeons who he feels will thrive in a role like his. You’ll also hear about one of Bryan’s career goals, and why working out is a practice that benefits him in his profession. If you’re considering a career as a traveling surgeon, this episode may help you make up your mind! Key Points From This Episode:Areas where Bryan works.Hear about Bryan’s educational and work background. An explanation of how Pacific Dental Services (PDS), where Bryan works, is set up. Why Bryan enjoys being a traveling oral surgeon. Bryan shares tips for anyone who wants to work the way he does. Challenges that come with being a traveling surgeon, and how Bryan overcomes these. The goal Bryan has for himself with regard to his working hours. How PDS compares to other groups that work in the same way.Differences between the tools that Bryan and Grant use in their practices. The way the PDS tax system works and how to get the most benefit out of it. Stresses that surgeons experience in private practice that doesn’t exist at PDS. Find other doctors with who you can communicate, and stick with them. Traveling surgery isn’t for everyone but Bryan describes those who he thinks will thrive in this setting.Dealing with equipment while traveling. How working out benefits Bryan professionally.The exciting new business that Bryan has started with his brother. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Pacific Dental ServicesNSK Ti-Max Bien-AirOSTEOSETTed LassoCobra KaiHow to Win Friends and Influence PeopleLululemonBirdie Scrubs

Building and maintaining a solo practice is a multi-faceted project, something that Dr. Michael Hall knows all about! Dr. Hall returns to the podcast today to drop a few pearls of wisdom and talk about the lessons he has learned running his office so far. Specifically, we get into the hiring process, smart ways to cut costs, and his philosophy towards patient care and treatment. Dr. Hall weighs in on the worthwhile investment of hiring the right person for the job, while also emphasizing the ability to do in-house training once someone appropriate has been hired. From there, we discuss how to facilitate the sharing of expertise within the different parts of the office and positions, before Dr. Hall talks about the importance of staying abreast of your business' numbers as the head of the company. The conversation also covers the need to constantly seek out the best and most affordable options for supplies and equipment for the practice. In dental healthcare, these expenses make up a big piece of the pie, so do not underestimate the power of finding a deal! To finish off we get into how to deal with patients, stay engaged with the goings-on in the office, and the ultimate value of patient loyalty. For all this and a bunch more, join us today!Key Points From This Episode:The emphasis that Dr. Hall places on hiring strong players and the lessons he has learned around this. How to determine the experience and suitability of a person during the hiring process.The best training for assistants and office managers in Dr. Hall's experience.Approaches to dealing with the exclusivity of office knowledge and systems expertise. Staying familiar with and on top of the numbers of your practice. The importance of seeking out the best-priced equipment and supplies for a business.The benefits of staying open-minded to different products and brands. Storytelling in dentistry; how Dr. Hall focuses on stories to build his practice's culture.Dr. Hall's advice regarding the opportunities for variety in the field of dentistry. Prioritizing the loyalty of a customer over small disagreements and issues. Thoughts on how general dentists can better serve the needs of oral surgeons. A round of quick-fire questions with Dr. Hall; books, previous work, and more!Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Pueblo DentalChick-fil-AShut Up and ListenTilmanHouston Rockets

Significant anesthetic emergencies in oral and maxillofacial surgery offices are rare events. However, emergencies do occur, and being prepared is key for mitigating the impact of these events. Today’s guest is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. David Salomon. He is on staff at Yale-New Haven Hospital, where he also serves as faculty for the Yale Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency Training Program. In today’s episode, Dr. Salomon shares how he stays prepared for emergency situations using what he calls ‘monthly familiarity drills’, quarterly emergency simulations, and implementing a 911 protocol, as well as making sure that his staff has clearly defined roles should an emergency occur. This episode is full of practical advice for keeping your office emergency-ready, so make sure to tune in today! Key Points From This Episode:How often the State of Connecticut requires that anesthesia certifications are renewed.What those renewals entail versus the initial certification; an evaluation of supplies and emergency scenarios.Learn about what Dr. Salomon calls a familiarity drill, which his staff does on a monthly basis. How regularly you should be simulating anesthesia emergency scenarios with your staff.The importance of having a 911 protocol in your office and involving your front desk.Why your front desk personnel should use a landline rather than a mobile phone to call 911.Why your staff needs to know what emergency equipment looks like, where it is, and what their individual roles are.You can create useful tools like laminated emergency cheat sheets; education is key!The importance of documenting everything in an emergency to avoid legal action.Tweetables:“We’ve actually created a schedule where, now, we’re at the point where we do a monthly what’s called a ‘familiarity drill’ and, at quarterly, we do actual emergency scenarios.” — Dr. David Salomon [0:07:54]“A front desk individual will be the one on the phone [with 911] because, if you take an assistant away to be on the phone, I think you’re taking away potential useful hands.” — Dr. David Salomon [0:18:06]Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. David Salomon on LinkedIn

Today on the Everyday Oral Surgery Podcast we are joined by Dr. David Saloman to discuss post-extraction bleeding and how to handle bleeding complications. As postoperative bleeding is most commonly experienced by the elderly on anticoagulants or blood thinners, the doctors discuss how best to deal with these patients before, during, and after any extractions. They talk about the role of medication as both a cause and a treatment for bleeding. They also discuss how to treat a patient who bleeds heavily during surgery, is still bleeding hours after surgery, or develops a liver clot post-extraction. Different tools, equipment, and products, the role of cautery and lasers, and even the best way to use gauze are all covered in today’s show, so don’t miss it!Key Points From This Episode:Hear about the different types of post-operative bleeding.The effect of anti-coagulants and blood thinners on post-extraction bleeding. The importance of post-operative instructionsThe relevance and timing of INR testing for patients on anticoagulants and blood thinners.The benefits of staging extractions for patients with a high bleeding risk. When to stop or bridge anticoagulant medication. The types of anticoagulants and blood thinners that cause the most problems. How to deal with a patient who is still bleeding hours after an extraction.The different tools, equipment, and products that can be used to stop the bleeding.How dentures may affect the extraction site post-operatively. The importance of informing patients how to care for themselves post-extraction. Extra measures that can be taken for high-bleeding risk patients.How to deal with Liver clots.When lasers and cautery can be used to stop bleeding.Whether or not to moisten gauze.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. David SalomonDr. Grant StuckiDr. Grant Stucki EmailDr. Grant Stucki Phone Number — +1 720-775-5843

Today’s guest on the Everyday Oral Surgery Podcast is Dr. Michael Hall, a general dentist who practices in Pueblo, Colorado, and a close friend of your host, Dr. Grant Stucki. In this episode, Dr. Hall shares his perspective as a general dentist when dealing with an oral maxillofacial surgeon and reflects on his personal business experience, as a dentist who owns his own practice. Tuning in, you’ll hear what his top criteria are when referring out, why patient feedback is important, and how having an abundance mentality can make you a better teacher. So stay tuned, and enjoy!Key Points From This Episode:Hear a brief introduction for Dr. Hall, including his training and his current practice setup.He also shares a bit more about the demographic of dentists in Pueblo, Colorado.Dr. Hall’s top criteria when referring out to an oral surgeon, like competency, bedside manner, personality, and what they charge.Why he’ll send all his referrals to a specialist that backs him up and helps him out in a pickle.The importance of receiving feedback from the patient about their referral experience..How having a colleague to refer to can feel more like a real relationship or partnership.Why Dr. Hall chose to watch a surgery that the referral oral surgeon performed on a patient of his; gaining trust and familiarity.The abundance versus scarcity mentality that can make oral surgeons good teachers.Tweetables:“Whether it’s to an oral surgeon or to an orthodontist or an endodontist, basically, I have the expectation that whoever I refer out to has the competency to get the work done [and has] a great skill level. Better than myself, essentially.” — Dr. Micheal Hall [0:04:06]“It [is] great for me to know that I have that professional college within the area that we can work together on, because at that point, it feels like a real relationship.” — Dr. Micheal Hall [0:10:13]Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Pueblo Dental