Martin Kaplan, DMD, and Peter Vitruk, PhD Why 10,600 nm CO2 Laser? Soft tissue surgical lasers have many advantages over traditional scalpel surgery, cryosurgery and electrosurgery. However, not all lasers are equally efficient at both cutting the soft tissue and […]
Read ArticleRhinomanometry-Measuring Nasal Flowrate to Improve TMJ Function
Editor’s intro: Dr. Steven Olmos shows a case study where rhinomanometry measurements and airflow-related treatment led to improvement of TMJ function. by Steven Olmos, DDS, DABCP, DABCDSM, DABDSM, DAIPM, FAAOP, FAACP, FICCMO, FADI, FIAO Diane a 62-year-old female, BMI 22, unremarkable medical […]
Read ArticleA Team Approach to Functional Laser Frenuloplasty and Optimal Orofacial Function
by Melissa Mugno, OMT, RDH, and Tara Erson, DMD Frenum Release Methods Frenum release may be performed with a scalpel, scissors, electrocautery or lasers. Procedure performed with a scalpel or scissors can result in significant bleeding, obscuring the surgical field […]
Read ArticleHot Glass Tip Diode Frenectomies ARE NOT Laser Frenectomies
Do dental laser education and proficiency certifications fail patients’ and dentists’ expectations across the globe? by Peter Vitruk, PhD, MInstP, CPhys In the summer of 2018, when traveling with the family on vacation in Europe, my 26-year-old daughter underwent an […]
Read ArticleCO2 Laser Functional Frenectomy
by Cara Riek, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, IBCLC, DABLS; Stevanie Bahnerth, DC; and Peter Vitruk, PhD, MInstP, CPhys The goal of frenectomy is to release the restricted frena (i.e., Tethered Oral Tissues or TOTs). The goal of a Functional Frenectomy1-3 in […]
Read ArticleTongue-Ties and Sleep Issues (and More!)
by Richard Baxter, DMD, MS, DABLS A tongue-tie is a thick, tight, or short string of tissue under the tongue that restricts the tongue’s movement and causes a functional issue. Collectively, tongue-ties and lip-ties are referred to as tethered oral […]
Read ArticleOSA and Cerebral Palsy
By Ronald S. Prehn, ThM, DDS Patient: Matthew is a 17-yr. old male with OSA and CPAP intolerant due to Cerebral Palsy (CP). He is a special kid who is full of happiness and brings joy to others. Diagnosis: OSA. […]
Read ArticleThe Importance of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Before and After CO2 Laser Frenectomy in Achieving Optimal Orofacial Function
by Karen M. Wuertz, DDS, ABCDSM, ABLS, FOM, and Brooke Pettus, RDH, BSDH, COMS Frenectomy Methods Frenotomies performed with a scalpel or scissors can be accompanied by significant bleeding, obscuring the surgical field making it difficult to ensure if the […]
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