For all their good, surgical instruments can also be harmful when used incorrectly or irresponsibly. Once again, we welcome Dr. Ben Hechler to the show as he and Dr. Stucki walk us through the best practices for preventing injuries caused by dental instruments. We discover how oral surgeons view their instruments before learning of the dangers of surgical blades and dental elevators. Then, we explore the importance of jaw pressure, dental drills gone wrong, common dental instruments that also pose a threat, and the slippery tools that may cause harm if not carefully considered. We also discuss forceps and how to use them better to prevent injury, what you need to know about suture needles, the inadvertent trauma of anesthetic needles, and the value of unbridled truth. 

Key Points From This Episode:

• How we perceive and use instruments as oral surgeons. 
• Examples of how surgeons can cause harm with surgical blades.
• The dangers of misusing the periosteal elevator or dental elevator. 
• Why you always need to pay attention to the amount of pressure you put on a patient’s jaw. 
• Highlighting potential injuries when using the dental handpiece. 
• What to be weary of when using sweetheart retractors, throat packs, and sponges. 
• Unpacking common forceps-induced injuries that Dr. Hechler encounters.
• The Minnesota cheek retractor, and other unexpected tools that may cause damage. 
• Suture needles, and inadvertent trauma from dental anesthetic needles. 
• Why surgeons shouldn’t be ashamed about their instrument injuries. 
• The importance of always being honest and upfront with your patients.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

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

Moana 2 — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13622970/  

Wicked — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1262426/ 

Hamilton — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8503618/ 

The Music Man — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0293437/ 

Bonhoeffer — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26237514/  

Supercommunicators — https://www.amazon.com/Supercommunicators-Unlock-Secret-Language-Connection/dp/0593243919  

Jingle All The Way — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116705/  

Good Burger — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119215/ 

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