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Case Presentation
Ravichadra Juluri, DDS
Even the mention of a tooth extraction can strike fear in a patient—so the key for clinicians is to turn this dreaded event in a patient’s day into a routine, over-before-you-know-it procedure. To make the process as clean, painless, and unexciting as possible, it is important to have the most advanced materials on hand to absorb blood, relieve pain, and promote healing.
In this case, the patient presented with a palatally positioned premolar that needed to be removed. Prior to presenting to my office, the patient’s orthodontist tried to bring the premolar back to normal occlusion. After determining it could not be moved even with the bracket and chain, the orthodontist recommended extraction.
During the procedure, I wore HiRes 2 loupes and the Zeon Endeavour LED headlight system (Orascoptic). I prepped the area using local anesthesia, loosened and extracted the tooth using forceps (Brasseler USA) and a Luxating Elevator (Karl Schumacher), and then applied SafeGauze HemoStat (Medicom) to control the bleeding. The immediate control of blood and fluid allowed me to begin suturing over the material within about 30 seconds.
Super Absorption
The patient returned a couple of days later for a postop appointment with no bleeding or pain, indicating that the products I used were effective.
I have tried several different hemostatic materials since I began practicing 13 years ago, and SafeGauze HemoStat handles bleeding longer than other gauze brands. Unlike materials that soften on contact with moisture, SafeGauze HemoStat quickly and easily fills the socket and controls the bleeding without added pressure. It is a sterile fabric prepared by the chemical treatment of regenerated cellulose; the 100% hypoallergenic cellulose material doesn’t stick to instruments while packing in the socket. This design allows it to expand when in contact with fluids and adhere to the conformation of the extraction socket.
In addition to SafeGauze HemoStat, I used VEGA Oral Care Gel (StellaLife) for pain control. Formulated with homeopathic, antimicrobial ingredients from botanical plants and minerals, this product speeds up the healing process, reduces bruising, and relieves swelling. Plus, the patient really liked it.
The postop appointment 2 weeks later presented no complications. The patient presented asymptomatic and said she was comfortable during the healing process. She had a slight depression in the extraction area, which I determined would heal in time. The socket is now filled with new tissue and completely covered with no bone exposure.
Go-To Product Used in this Case
SafeGauze HemoStat topical hemostatic dressing is a sterile fabric prepared by the chemical treatment of regenerated cellulose. It is a safe and effective product that has been cleared by the FDA for use in the oral cavity to control bleeding from extractions, periodontal surgery, and other selected procedures. When SafeGauze HemoStat comes in contact with blood or fluids, it expands and transforms to a clear, viscous gel that fills and adheres to the conformation of the extraction socket.
About the Doctor
Having graduated dental school in India in 2000 and practiced general dentistry for several years, Dr. Juluri decided to specialize in periodontology and oral implantology. He completed his perio residency and received his Master’s degree in Oral Biology from Temple University in 2008. Dr. Juluri taught at Meharry Medical College Dental School in Nashville, TN, from 2008 to 2012 as an Assistant Professor of periodontics and Director of the Oral Implantology Program. He is currently in private practice in Illinois and serves on the faculty at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
