The time maxillofacial and oral surgeons spend in residency is invaluable, but sometimes what you learn in practice can be just as beneficial. This sentiment is echoed by Dr. Ryan Sheppard, today’s guest, who is on the show to talk about platelet therapy and internal sinus lifting techniques. We open the episode by taking a look at Ryan’s history in surgery, the influences of having a surgeon for a father, as well as how being trained in Texas and Chicago gave Ryan unique perspectives on surgery. Turning toward the present day, Ryan tells us about the changes he’s made to his surgery, touching on the use of ketamine during procedures and why he prefers his patients to be light on drugs rather than being on a heavy dose. On the topic of dosage, Ryan shares how a patient’s own drug habits can affect how he approaches their anesthesia. As our conversation progresses, we cover the highlight of the show as Ryan dives into his PRF technique, how it aids healing, and why dry sockets are less likely to occur from his method. He goes on to explain other techniques, including his Sticky Bone technique, which uses platelets and bone grafting. After hearing why Sticky Bone keeps the bone as a unit and why it’s easier to pack, we delight in some humor and hear a couple of Ryan’s Texas-isms. To find out what socks on a hen feel like, and a whole lot more, be sure to join us today!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing today’s guest, maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Ryan Sheppard.
• Ryan shares a brief history of his professional life.
• Contrasting the training that Ryan received in Texas versus Chicago.
• Why Ryan enjoys working in a four-man team.
• How Ryan’s life drastically changed when a hurricane hit the city he was living in.
• How Ryan has adapted his training into a per-scenario style of surgery.
• Changes Ryan has made to evolve his practice. 
• Hear how Ryan’s implant techniques have improved over the years.
• How Ryan uses something called the “PRF clot”.
• Ryan tells us in detail how he performs the PRF technique.
• The patient benefits from using PRF.
• Ryan explains the Sticky Bone technique. 
• The most important aspects of Ryan’s practice outside the realm of surgery.
• How you can learn from yourself, and perfecting your own techniques.
• The peculiar southern phrases Ryan says to his patients.
• How people who are regular users of marijuana need higher doses of ketamine.
• Ryan discusses various drilling techniques.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

School of Dentistry UAB

University of Texas

Astra Tech

Nobel Biocare

Blue Sky Bio

Dr. Joe Funderburk