Description
This handbook is a guide and update for the general dentists who enjoy performing minor oral surgery in their office. It is meant to aid such “surgery‐minded dentists” perform procedures more quickly, smoothly, easily, and safely. The easy to read and concise format also make it an indispensable tool for dental students as it allows them to develop an understanding of basic oral surgery principles with detailed emphasis on case selection, step‐by‐step operative techniques, and the prevention and/or management of complications.
The experience of dentists in minor oral surgery is quite varied and while some have had extensive experience and training through general practice residencies, military or other postgraduate programs, or a mentoring experience with an experienced practitioner, others have had only minimal instruction and training. Use of this handbook will diminish some of this discrepancy between experienced and inexperienced generalists and provide the necessary, contemporary knowledge base for the interested clinician.
The book presents a review of minor surgical procedures and relevant principles in several clinical surgical areas following the current standards of care. It is assumed that the reader possesses fundamental knowledge and skills in oral anatomy, patient/operator positioning for surgery, the care of soft and hard tissue during surgery, and basic patient management techniques. Therefore, the authors, all of whom are recognized leaders in their field, have skipped directly to the crux of each procedure. Within these pages, the authors share many pearls gleaned from years of experience and training to increase the readers’ confidence and competence. Many procedures covered in this book are often performed by specialists and many a times,
patients would be better served by being referred to specialists. This book will help readers also more clearly understand the scope of each surgical procedure and more accurately define their own capabilities and comfort zones.