Everyday Oral Surgery

What does it take to build a thriving cosmetic and orthognathic surgery practice? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Randy Sanovich to discuss the ins and outs of running a cosmetic and orthognathic surgery. Dr. Sanovich is a dual board-certified facial cosmetic and oral and maxillofacial surgeon based in Dallas, Texas. He practices out of Dallas Surgical Arts, a premier cosmetic and oral surgery center that offers a comprehensive range of facial, neck, and oral-maxillofacial procedures. In our conversation, Dr. Sanovich explains his journey from purchasing an existing practice to transforming it into a largely cosmetic and orthognathic surgery-focused clinic. He provides insight into building a niche market, navigating patient expectations, and maintaining a balanced work-life approach. Dr. Sanovich also shares valuable advice for budding surgeons looking to establish their own practice and outlines strategies for marketing, patient management, and leveraging relationships with orthodontists and dentists. He also unpacks the evolving role of digital marketing, using Google reviews, the power of referrals, how cosmetic and orthognathic cases can complement each other, and more. Join us to learn the nuances of running a cosmetic surgery and how to make your practice stand out in a competitive market with Dr. Randy Sanovich!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Background about Dr. Sanovich’s training, expertise, and practice setup.
• How he grew his cosmetic and orthognathic practice with digital marketing.
• The range of patients he receives and the types of surgeries he focuses on.
• Explore how he establishes trust with his patients and competing surgeons. 
• Learn about the typical hurdles and challenges of starting your own practice.
• He shares valuable tips for starting your own practice and the pitfalls to avoid.
• Hear how he maintains a balance between cosmetic and orthognathic surgeries.
• Uncover how Dr. Sanovich has grown his patient base through word-of-mouth. 
• Recommendations for handling high-maintenance cosmetic patients. 
• What Dr. Sanovich enjoys the most about the cosmetic side of dentistry. 
• Discover the benefits of adding cosmetic services to a traditional oral surgery practice.
• Final takeaways for budding surgeons and how to contact Dr. Sanovich.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Randy Sanovich — https://www.dallassurgicalarts.com/about-us/our-team/dr-randy-r-sanovich-dds/

Dr. Randy Sanovich on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/drrandysanovich/

Dr. Randy Sanovich Email — [email protected]

Dr. Randy Sanovich Phone — 352-278-1776

Dallas Surgical Arts — https://www.dallassurgicalarts.com/

Greenlights — https://www.amazon.com/Greenlights-Matthew-McConaughey/dp/0593139135

The Perfect Couple — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11514868/

Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/ 

Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/ 

Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/

Dr. Grant Stucki Email — [email protected]

Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

Essentialism, at its core, is the belief that everything has its place but not every place is for everything; everything has its own characteristics that make it what it is. This philosophy urges us to accept and embrace everything that makes us unique, and in Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less, Greg McKeown invites us to focus on what matters and cut out all the rest. We use Greg’s book as source material for this episode, and to begin, returning guest Dr. Ben Hechler shares his thoughts on the book’s overarching premise. We unpack the many things that unnecessarily take up our time, how setting goals allows you to refocus on what’s really important, tips for creating a more balanced life that prioritizes your interests, and go deep to explore the paradox of success or being liked. We end with a reminder that you can’t please everyone—you will always have both lovers and haters—and Dr. Hechler shares helpful advice for setting boundaries and taking ownership of the things that matter to you.   

Key Points From This Episode:

• Why we’ve used Essentialism by Greg McKeown as the foundation of today’s episode.
• Dr. Ben Hechler’s thoughts on the book’s premise. 
• Unpacking the many frivolous things that stick in our minds and take up our time. 
• How ascertaining your goal will release you from many mental distractions. 
• The balancing act, and whether a work-life balance is achievable or a myth.
• Love maps, and other tips for balancing all areas of your life.
• The paradox of success or in Dr. Hechler’s terms, the paradox of being liked.  
• Why you can’t please everyone, and how to set boundaries and take ownership. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Ben Hechler on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-hechler/ 

Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less — https://gregmckeown.com/books/essentialism/ 

Safe People — amazon.com/Safe-People-Relationships-Avoid-Those/dp/0310345790 

AAOMS — https://www.aaoms.org/ 

Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/ 

Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/ 

Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/

Dr. Grant Stucki Email — [email protected]

Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

The buccal fat pad flap is a wonder for oral surgeons thanks to its versatility and multiple possible applications. Today, Dr. Ben Hechler reassumes his position as one of our favorite guests as he explains how the buccal fat pad can be used in oral reconstructions. After detailing the many possible applications for the buccal fat pad in oral reconstructions and explaining why this particular flap is a dream for oral surgeons, Dr. Hechler shares his technique for retrieving and securing buccal fat, the best tools to use for this process, the sutures that work best for securing buccal fat, and other examples that highlight the unique versatility of the buccal fat pad flap. We end with buccal pad contraindications to be aware of, with more advice on how to use this particular flap responsibly and effectively.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Why the buccal fat pad is pure gold for oral surgeons. 
• Expanded indications for using the buccal fat pad in oral reconstructions. 
• Dr. Ben Hechler’s technique for retrieving and securing the buccal fat pad. 
• The best tools and instruments to use for buccal fat extraction. 
• What to consider when securing buccal fat; the types of sutures to gravitate towards. 
• Contraindications to using the buccal fat pad. 
• More ways to use the buccal fat pad flap (that highlight its versatility).

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Ben Hechler on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-hechler/ 

AAOMS — https://www.aaoms.org/ 

Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/ 

Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/ 

Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/

Dr. Grant Stucki Email — [email protected]

Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

As a surgeon, your goal should be to build a strong enough team that can run your office for you so that you can increase practice production every year! Today we are joined by a third-generation dentist and the Chairman and CEO of the Levin Group, Dr. Roger Levin to discuss how to build a world-class team and how surgeons can master referrals and marketing! Tuning in, you’ll hear all about the Levin Group and Dr. Levin’s career, the importance of increasing referrals as an oral surgeon, how you can do so, and a breakdown of how the Levin Group helps oral surgeons do so through their four referral marketing principles. We delve into the importance of being a likable surgeon before discussing how to manage your referral marketing and operational systems. Dr. Levin even shares an example of a system (a new patient phone call) and how to ensure that system is optimized, and reminds us that scripting turns ordinary people into superstars. Finally, our guest shares his thoughts on practices being sold to large organizations. To hear all this and so much more, be sure to press play now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Welcoming Dr. Roger Levin to the show. 
• Dr. Levin tells us about his career and company. 
• Why oral surgeons should improve referrals and the benefits of doing so. 
• How to increase your referrals and how the Levin Group can assist.
• Four principles to live by when it comes to referral marketing. 
• The importance of being likable as an oral surgeon. 
• Dr. Levin shares some management practices and operational systems. 
• Why your goal as a surgeon should be for your team to run your office. 
• An example of a system and how to optimize it. 
• How scripting turns ordinary people into superstars. 
• Dr. Levin shares his thoughts on practices being sold to organizations. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Roger Levin on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/roger-levin-69ab744/ 

Dr. Roger Levin Email Address — [email protected]

Levin Group — https://levingroup.com/ 

Levin Group Tip of the Day — https://levingroup.com/free-resources/tip-of-the-day/ 

How to Win Friends and Influence People — https://www.amazon.com/How-Win-Friends-Influence-People/dp/0671027034 

Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/ 

Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/ 

Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/

Dr. Grant Stucki Email — [email protected]

Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

Buccal fat is currently trending in the world of cosmetic surgery, but it is an important feature of some dental surgeries too. During this episode, Dr. Jake Stucki joins the conversation again. Drawing on his experience as an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, he shares his insights on using the buccal fat pad to close Oroantral Communications (OACs). Join us as we discuss the function of the buccal fat pad, and how it can be used to protect the maxilla while removing teeth in the sinus. Learn about preferred tools and techniques to address different causes of teeth moving into this space, and some of the factors to consider when choosing whether or not to use the buccal fat pad. In closing, Dr. Jake Stucki shares his advice for residents and doctors, before answering some rapid-fire questions. Thanks for listening. 

Key Points From This Episode:

• What Dr. Jake Stucki is speaking about today: using the buccal fat pad to close OACs.
• Background on the buccal fat pad, where it is located, and why it is considered an axial flap.
• The function of the buccal fat pad in mastication: supporting the face contour and providing lubrication.
• Dr. Grant Stucki’s experiences where the third molars have been pushed into the Sinus.
• Which tool he considers most helpful for removing teeth in the sinus: Frazier Suction Tips.
• Two causes behind the tooth being pushed up and different techniques to address them. 
• Using a finger to gently create an opening for dissection. 
• Intraoral scans for cysts and sinus pathologies. 
• Factors to consider when choosing whether or not to use the buccal fat pad including weight and pathologies.  
• The importance of gaining a concept of patient history before operating. 
• Why it is not usually necessary to include bone grafting or any other additional procedures.
• Dr. Jake Stucki’s tips for residents trying to make it through. 
• Rapid fire questions pertaining to Dr. Jake Stucki’s life as a resident. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Jake Stucki on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-stucki-ab19a593/ 

Frazier Suction Tips — https://busseinc.com/product/frazier-suction-tips/ 

Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/ 

Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/

Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/ 

Dr. Grant Stucki Email — [email protected]

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need decades of experience to master orthognathic surgery planning. With advancements in virtual surgical planning (VSP) and streamlined treatment approaches, even early-career surgeons can achieve precise, efficient results! Today, we are joined by Dr. Patrick Wong, Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center and an OMS specializing in orthognathic surgery, facial trauma surgery, and cleft and craniofacial surgery. In this episode, Dr. Wong shares insights into his simplified orthognathic treatment planning technique for residents, detailing the step-by-step process for executing these complex surgeries. He explains why the Steiner method for cephalometric analysis may fall short in modern practice and highlights his preferred facial projection reference methods for optimal outcomes. We also explore four critical factors to consider when rotating the maxillofacial complex, emphasize the importance of ethnic-specific planning in contemporary procedures, and hear practical advice for preparing for VSP. Additionally, Dr. Wong walks us through his own VSP sequence and wraps up with his favorite books, shows, tools, and more!

Key Points From This Episode:

• A brief overview of Dr. Wong’s training and his current practice setup.
• Insight into his simplified orthognathic treatment planning technique for residents.
• The step-by-step process for planning and executing orthognathic surgeries.
• Why the Steiner method for cephalometric analysis falls short in modern practice.
• Dr. Wong’s preferred facial projection reference methods for optimal outcomes.
• Four factors to consider when rotating the maxillofacial complex.
• The emphasis on ethnic-specific planning in contemporary orthognathic procedures.
• How to use the 90-90-10-10 rule to achieve the best aesthetic results.
• Advice to help residents prepare for virtual surgical planning (VSP).
• Benefits of VSP for planning complex surgical procedures.
• A look at Dr. Wong’s VSP sequence, from bite planning to soft tissue overlay.
• Recommended books, shows, non-OMS habits, and more in the rapid-fire section!

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Patrick Wong on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-wong-29ab14239/

Dr. Patrick Wong on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/dr.patrickewong/

Dr. Patrick Wong Email — [email protected]

UT Southwestern Medical Center — https://utswmed.org/

‘Barcelona line. A multicentre validation study of a facial projection reference in orthognathic surgery’ — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36609073/

Can't Hurt Me — https://www.amazon.com/dp/1544512287

Ego is the Enemy — https://www.amazon.com/dp/1781257027/

True Detective — https://www.hbo.com/true-detective

Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/ 

Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/ 

Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/

Dr. Grant Stucki Email — [email protected]

Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-44

There are so many different surgical approaches for oral surgeries. Today on Everyday Oral Surgery, Dr. Andrew Jenzer joins us once again to discuss submandibular and retromandibular approaches. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about the best resources to use when learning about these surgeries, what the submandibular approach does and when it’s used, the instruments you need to use, anesthetic versus epinephrine solution, and so much more! We delve into incision design and nerve testing before discussing what the retromandibular approach does and when it’s used. Dr. Andrew goes on to explain the three different carotid methods used for this surgery, the incisions used, potential issues with the carotid, healing traction problems, and more! Finally, our guest tells us about what’s keeping him busy at work. Thank you for listening! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Welcoming Dr. Andrew Jenzer back to the show. 
• Dr. Jenzer talks us through some resources to use. 
• What the submandibular approach does and when it’s used. 
• How the House Brackmann skill is used. 
• The kinds of instruments you want during this surgery. 
• Local anesthetic versus pure epinephrine solution. 
• Dr. Jenzer breaks down the incision design of this procedure. 
• Why Dr. Jenzer is so aggressive about nerve testing. 
• The node of Stahr and what you need to know about it. 
• What the retromandibular approach does and when it’s used. 
• The three kinds of approaches for carotid incisions in this surgery. 
• A breakdown of the incisions used in this approach. 
• Potential issues that come with cutting through the carotid. 
• How to try to repair traction issues and nerve weakness if something goes wrong. 
• Dr. Jenzer tells us about his new book, papers, and course.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Andrew Jenzer — https://surgery.duke.edu/profile/andrew-clark-jenzer
Dr. Andrew Jenzer Email Address — [email protected] 

Submandibular Approach — https://surgeryreference.aofoundation.org/cmf/trauma/mandible/approach/submandibular-approach 

Retromandibular Approaches —  https://surgeryreference.aofoundation.org/cmf/sequela/approach/retromandibular-approaches 

‘Surgical Anatomy of the Mandibular Ramus of the Facial Nerve Based on the Dissection of 100 Facial Halves’ —  https://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/citation/1962/03000/surgical_anatomy_of_the_mandibular_ramus_of_the.5.aspx 

‘Virtual Subcondylar Osteotomy’ — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/5230341/ 

Essentialism — https://www.amazon.com/Essentialism-Disciplined-Pursuit-Greg-McKeown/dp/0804137382 

Wheel of Time — https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F7MLR2R?binding=hardcover&ref=dbs_m_mng_rwt_sft_thcv_tkin 

Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/ 

Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/ 

Everyday Oral Surgery

Of all the things that are within your control, having a healthy and balanced lifestyle is the best way to keep the doctor at bay. Furthermore, your lifestyle dictates your healing rate post-surgery, so you must understand what your body needs to bring you back to 100% as quickly as possible. Today we are joined by Dr. Gaby Tehrany, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon practicing in Los Angeles, California, and she begins by walking us through everything she learned at the recent annual AAOMS summit. We discover how Dr. Gaby got into functional medicine and how she uses it in her practice before unpacking the importance of diet and nutrition both for a healthy lifestyle and for quick recoveries from illness and injury. We discuss why smoothies aren’t always the best choice, the supplements and vitamins that work and those that don’t, the importance of regular exercise and staying mobile, and the wonders of sleep in aiding recovery and reducing stress. We also explore healthy pain management methods, how to manage your oral hygiene, Dr. Gabby’s treatment protocol at her practice, and a reminder that drastic improvement starts with small, simple changes. 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Welcoming Dr. Gaby Tehrany as she details what she learned at this year’s AAOMS meeting.
• How she got into functional medicine and how she’s incorporated it into her practice. 
• Understanding the importance of nutrition, and learning about how to improve your diet. 
• A brief interlude on smoothies, and why anti-inflammatory diets are crucial.  
• Exploring the dangers of dehydration with tips on how to stay hydrated. 
• The ins and outs of supplements; what works and what doesn’t. 
• Exercise, mobility, and physical therapy. 
• Everything you need to know about sleep and how it aids recovery. 
• Healthy protocols for dealing with pain, and advice for managing anxiety and stress.
• How to stay in control of your oral hygiene, and more biohacking tips and tricks.   
• Diving deeper into Dr. Gaby’s treatment protocols. 
• Simple, daily alterations that will drastically change your diet for the better. 
• The Anxious Generation, and some of Dr. Stucki’s favorite guests so far. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Gabriella Tehrany — https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/southern-california/physicians/gabriella-tehrany-2329453 

Dr. Gabriella Tehrany on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriella-tehrany-602b15b2/ 

Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/ 

AAOMS — https://www.aaoms.org/  

Dr. Steven Gundry — https://drgundry.com/ 

Dr. Istvan Urban on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/dristvanurban 

The Anxious Generation — https://www.amazon.com/Anxious-Generation-Rewiring-Childhood-Epidemic/dp/0593655036 

Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/ 

Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/

Dr. Grant Stucki Email — [email protected]

Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

Surgeons are leaders in their field and have to make an effort to foster a healthy environment. In Liz Wiseman’s book, Multipliers, two types of leaders are explored and today on Everyday Oral Surgery, Dr. Ben Hechler joins us to discuss how to be a multiplier, not a diminisher. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about the different kinds of leaders (multiplier and diminisher), what characteristics they possess, some assumptions about each, the danger of assumptions, and where this behavior usually comes from. We delve into the great responsibility multipliers have to try create more multipliers in the workplace before discussing how being aware of your actions and reflecting on them can make you a better leader. Our guest shares some thoughts on dealing with working for a diminisher, the importance of resilience and humility, how surgeons may accidentally be diminishing people, and so much more! Finally, Dr. Hechler shares his suggestions that surgeons in leadership positions should implement into their practice to be better multipliers. Thanks for listening in!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Welcoming Dr. Benjamin Hechler back to the show. 
• Dr. Stucki shares some leadership stories from his experience. 
• The two types of leaders in the book Multiplier and a breakdown of each. 
• Some assumptions diminishers and why their actions can be problematic. 
• Dr. Hechler shares his thoughts on the danger of assumptions. 
• Assumptions about multipliers and their responsibility to snuff out diminishers. 
• How previous work experience affects our behavior at work. 
• The importance of being aware of and reflecting on our actions as surgeons. 
• How to handle working for a diminisher and be a multiplier in that scenario. 
• Why you need to be resilient when working with difficult people. 
• How nuanced communication makes a difference in work relationships. 
• The importance of maintaining your humility as you progress to higher positions. 
• The ways surgeons in leadership positions accidentally diminish people. 
• How formally imbedding the idea of multiplying into your business is helpful. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Benjamin Hechler on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-hechler/ 

Multipliers — https://thewisemangroup.com/books/multipliers/ 

Multipliers Book Summary — https://readingraphics.com/book-summary-multipliers/ 

Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/ 

Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/ 

Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/

Dr. Grant Stucki Email — [email protected]

Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

Today’s nuggets of wisdom are courtesy of Dr. Nekky Jamal, a general dentist practicing in rural Alberta, Canada, and he is here to speak about the best ways to avoid dental complications when professional help is many miles away. Our conversation begins with Dr. Jamal’s professional history and how he currently interacts with his patients before unpacking the best solutions for dealing with complications (especially after surgery) and even better, how to avoid them. We explore medical school teachings versus real-world occurrences, the wonders of PRF, how to manage post-op infections, and the best practices for shorter patient recoveries.  We also dive deeper into root tip extractions, the best dental tools to use, the perils of being a dentist, and how to facilitate happiness in even the most afflicted patient. 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Dr. Nekky Jamal’s professional history and current practice setup. 
• The best ways to learn about complicated dental issues. 
• How to marry what you learned at dental school with what happens in the real world. 
• The way Dr. Jamal uses platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) to expedite healing post-surgery. 
• How he deals with post-op infections. 
• Doctors Stucki and Jamal’s post-op regiments – how they coach patients back to full health.
• Root tip extractions, using dental tools wisely, and actively reaching for success. 
• Why patients appreciate tailored solutions, and other ways to finesse patient happiness.
• Exploring Dr. Jamal’s bone grafting protocol. 
• The most difficult aspects of being a dentist and oral surgeon. 
• How to Win Friends and Influence People, David Goggins, Malcolm Gladwell, and more.  

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Nekky Jamal on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/nekky-jamal-b68220233

Dr. Nekky Jamal on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/drnekkyjamal/ 

The Extraction Course — https://theextractioncourse.com/  

Third Molars Online — https://www.thirdmolarsonline.com/  

Bites Institute — https://www.bitesinstitute.com/ 

Wayside Dental Care — https://www.waysidedental.com/  

How to Win Friends and Influence People — https://www.amazon.com/How-Win-Friends-Influence-People/dp/0671027034 

David Goggins — https://davidgoggins.com/ 

The Office — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0386676/ 

Dr. Gundry — https://drgundry.com/  

FollowHim — https://followhim.co/  

The Art of Manliness — https://www.artofmanliness.com/podcast/  

Revisionist History — https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/revisionist-history 

Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/ 

Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/ 

Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/

Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grant