Category:

Soft Tissue Oral Surgery for the GP

About the Authors

Lawrence I. Gaum

D.D.S. F.A.D.S.A. F.I.C.D.

1955-1957 Pre Dental: Mt.Allison University, Sackville N.B.
1957-1961 Dalhousie Dental School, Halifax N.S. D.D.S. 1961
1961-1965 Private practice, Cornerbrook, Nfld.
1965-1968
  1. University of Pittsburgh and Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Penn. Resident in Anesthesia
  2. McGee Women’s Hospital, Pittsburgh, Penn.
  3. Resident in Oral Surgery
  4. Wilmington Medical Center, Wilmington, Del.
  5. Senior Resident in Oral Surgery
1968-present
  1. Private practice: Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery and Anesthesia.
  2. Received F.A.D.S.A. 1970. (Fellowship in American Dental Soc. Anesth.)
 
Teaching Appointments: Associate in Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry
University of Toronto, 1974 to 1995
Lecture Appointments: Seminars, Lectures given throughout Canada and U.S.A
Publications: Numerous articles on Oral-Maxillofacial ; Surgery and Anesthesia published in major Canadian, American and European Journals.
Hospital Appointment: St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario
Memberships:
  • Canadian Dental Association
  • Ontario Society of Oral-Maxillofacial Surgeons
  • American Association of Oral-Maxillofacial Surgeons
  • American Dental Society of Anaesthesiology
  • American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists
  • Member; Society for Advancement of Anes. in Dentistry (S.A.A.D.)
  • Ontario Dental Society of Anesthesiology
  • Ontario Society of Dental Specialists
  • Past Member, Board of Governors, Ontario Dental Association

Dr. Lawrence I. Gaum, D.D.S., F.A.D.S.A., F.I.C.D.

Course Synopsis

This course is designed for the general dentist who wishes to perform his or her own surgery and who rarely refers cases to the specialist. It is a step-by-step presentation, accompanied by photos of numerous minor soft tissue surgical procedures that the dentist can confidently perform in the office. It demonstrates techniques that have been utilized and updated successfully for over 30 years. It is important to emphasize that this course does not contain major maxillofacial surgery that are of no practical or clinical value to the G.P. The surgical procedures presented here are the “bread and butter” variety, allowing the participant to refine and update the necessary surgical skills.

Objectives of the Course

Following the completion of this course, the dentist will have the confidence to perform various surgical techniques described here. The proper instrumentation for each surgical technique, the use of these instruments and correct surgical techniques to be employed will no longer be a mystery, or appear so daunting to the dentist. The student will have a better understanding of the preoperative patient assessment and postoperative considerations, such as correct analgesics and antibiotics to prescribe when the patient is discharged.

Course Contents

Introduction to Soft Tissue Oral Surgery

How to Perform Proper Examination and Assessment of a Patient

  1. Radiographic
  2. Clinical

Physical Evaluation

  1. Review of the Systems
  2. Blood Work
  3. Patient and Family History
  4. Medical Conditions

Instrument Selection

Standard Tray Setup for Soft Tissue Oral Surgery

Surgical Removal of Hyperplastic Tissue

  1. Method #1: Muco-buccal Fold Tissue –Cutting Instruments
  2. Method #2: Muco-buccal Fold Tissue–Electrosurgical
  3. Method #3: Hyperplasia of the Edentulous Maxillary Ridge
  4. Method #4: Hyperplasia of the Mandibular Edentulous Ridge

Surgical Removal of Cysts

Soft Tissue Cysts (Mucocele)

Maxillary Labial Frenectomy

Mandibular Lingual Frenectomy (Ankyloglossia)

Incision and Drainage

  1. Anterior Maxillary Labial Infection
  2. Post-Op Mandibular Third Molar Infection
  3. Dry Sockets

Postoperative Medication

  • Recommendations for Postoperative Medications –Adults
  • Recommendations for Postoperative Medications–Children

References

Post-Test

Surgical Techniques

Surgical Removal of Soft Tissue Tumors (Fibroma)

  1. Cutting Instruments
  2. Electrosurgical Instruments

Surgical Removal of an Epulis

  1. Cutting Instruments

Surgical Removal of Papillomas

  1. Electrosurgical Instruments