Month: June 2024
A Quick Anatomy Review of the Frontal Sinus
The modified Lothrop procedure is used to treat the affected frontal sinus surgically. The frontal sinus is an asymmetrical pair of moist air pockets above the eyebrows. It is separated by a bony partition called the inter-sinus septum. Each frontal sinus drains out through its opening, the frontonasal duct, which leads into the nasal cavity.
All sinuses drain into the nasal cavity, which has soft tissue and bony structures that create pathways for airflow. For example, the nasal septum separates the nasal cavity vertically, making breathing on each nostril unilateral.
When the frontal sinus is affected, the doctor may remove parts of these structures to widen the frontonasal ducts and improve drainage. One such procedure is the modified Lothrop.
Understanding the Modified Lothrop Procedure
The initial Lothrop procedure is an open surgery in which the inter-sinus septum is removed. The surgeon also cuts out parts of the nasal septum and the bony partition between the nasofrontal ducts.
The modified Lothrop Procedure is completely internasal and shares the same goals. It’s a more minimally invasive procedure that creates an enlarged frontonasal cavity by removing the frontal sinus floor, inter-sinus septum, upper nasal septum, and the frontal beak of the inner skull.
This procedure uses an endoscope, a thin wire with a tiny light and camera on one end, to guide the doctor in resecting bones and tissues. The endoscope is inserted inside the nose with tiny surgical tools such as a soft-tissue shaver and bone-cutting drill.
Advantages of the Modified Lothrop Procedure
The modified Lothrop procedure shares the benefits of all endoscopic sinus surgical techniques.
Commonly, an Outpatient Procedure
The modified Lothrop procedure is commonly performed as an outpatient procedure. Depending on the state of the frontal sinus, the operation can take 1-3 hours to complete.
After surgery, the patients are placed in a recovery room for a few hours until they are well enough to go home.
No Scarring
Because it is endoscopic, modified Lothrop does not result in any facial scarring or changes to the shape of your nose.
A Modified Lothrop procedure involves inserting an endoscope and small surgical tools through your nose. Because the endoscope’s light and camera guide the doctor, they can improve the frontal sinus opening without open surgery.
However, some scar tissue may develop inside the nose. This concern is solved with post-operative follow-up visits for necessary scar tissue removal under local anesthesia.
Excellent Frontal Sinus Visualization Post-Operation
In a 2018 retrospective review, 84% of patients who underwent the modified Lothrop procedure sustained expansion of the widened frontonasal ducts. The expansion was graded endoscopically after each post-operative visit. Those who suffer from partial or closed openings post-operation are caused by scarring effects of persistent inflammation from their conditions, such as chronic rhinitis and nasal polyps.
High Cure Rate for Chronic Frontal Sinusitis
In the same review, 78% of patients require no further revision surgery after undergoing a modified Lothrop procedure. 90% of the patients reported “significant clinical improvement” at the latest recorded follow-up.
Those who are more likely to require revision surgery are those with the presence of inflamed tissue, often from reoccurring conditions, with the majority of the patients suffering from chronic rhinitis.
Surgical Indications: Who Can Benefit from the Modified Lothrop Procedure
The modified Lothrop procedure can reduce the number of surgeries for people with severe chronic sinusitis. According to the same review, those with oral mucus cysts and tumors can also benefit from this resection procedure. By removing the affected parts and widening the frontonasal ducts, patients can experience improved quality of life.
Expertise at Puget Sound Sinus Center
The modified Lothrop procedure is a minimally invasive surgical procedure for the affected frontal sinus. This outpatient procedure only takes a few hours and leaves no external scarring. It also has a high surgical success rate in sustained expanded openings and symptom improvement. It’s important to be in capable hands when undergoing this procedure. Dr. Amy Anstead, a seasoned skull-based surgeon at Puget Sound Sinus Center, offers decades of expertise. Experience personalized, holistic care with us. Schedule your appointment today for sinus relief and a clearer head.
Click below to learn more.
Dr. Amy Anstead | Benefits of the Modified Lothrop Procedure
Dental implants are no reason to skip good oral health habits, as oral hygiene is about much more than the teeth themselves. For those with all-on-4 dental implants, brushing and flossing are still critical tools to battle dental issues.
Explore how to clean all-on-4 dental implants below, why it’s so crucial, and how to avoid common oral hygiene mistakes in keeping the implants clean.
Why Cleaning Dental Implants is Important
Even with dental implants, no matter the sort, bacteria can still grow and cause infection or food debris leading to gum disease, and a host of other issues that affect other parts of the mouth. Beyond maintaining overall dental health, not regularly cleaning your dental implants can cause implant failure which can lead to a costly replacement or impair their function and lifespan.
Maintaining good oral cleaning habits, proper teeth cleaning techniques, and in-office cleanings combined help keep your dental implants working for as long as intended while also combating other dental issues. It’s crucial to keep brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash even with all-on-4 dental implants.
What Happens When All-on-4 Dental Implants Aren’t Cleaned?
It was mentioned, but it’s worth doubling down on. Cleaning your dental implants is critical for keeping good oral health, but also to protect the implants themselves. If you neglect a good cleaning routine, you risk:
- Infection around the dental implants
- Damage to teeth, blood vessels, and other tissues in the mouth.
- Nerve damage, which causes pain, numbness, and tingling sensations.
- Issues with the sinuses when the implants are in the upper jaw.
How to Clean Your All-on-4 Dental Implant
How to clean your all-on-4 dental implants may appear obvious, but dental implants usually require a few extra specialty tools on top of the usual teeth cleaning equipment:
- Soft toothbrush: You’ll want a soft and thin bristled toothbrush for gentle cleaning
- Soft picks: extremely thin toothpicks that are better for tight spaces
- End tuft brush: a small type of brush that can reach the surface of the bridge’s intersection and the gum crevice
- Mouthwash: You’ll want mouthwash that is specifically designed to soothe oral sores and other irritations that dental implants can cause.
With the right tools ready, let’s go over how you clean your all-on-4 dental implants:
Brushing Techniques for Your Implants
Using a toothbrush for your dental implants isn’t any different technique-wise, you can brush them as you would normal teeth. Make sure to pay specific attention to the area where the implants meet the gum line though.
How to Floss Between Your Dental Implants
Using floss twice a day is a given for general teeth care, but with dental implants, floss threaders should be used after every meal.
Using floss is a bit different with the all-on-4 implants, as you’ll want to thread under the bridge using the floss’s firm head and floss around the implants carefully with the sponge floss.
Using End-Tuft Brushes
The end-tuft toothbrush shouldn’t replace a normal one, but it’s a great extra tool to get to any tough areas, like where the bridge intersects with the gums. This is an important step as any food or area left unscrubbed can contribute to bacteria growth, risking infection and damaging the dental implants.
Rinsing with Water or Mouthwash
Besides not wanting to leave all the toothpaste to sit in your mouth, you’ll want to Clear out all the food debris scrubbed off and bacteria brushed away from the tongue. You can use water, but antibacterial mouthwash or mouthwash that targets oral sores and other irritations common with dental implants is best.
Additional Tips for Maintaining Clean Dental Implants
The standard cleaning routine for the all-on-4 dental implants is fairly similar to regular brushing habits, with some extra tools and attention paid to areas around them, but some additional tips can only benefit:
- Use a nightguard if you’re a teeth grinder
- Maintain a regular dental cleaning appointment
- use a water pick or water flosser
- Brush the inside of your cheeks to get excess food particles
- Remove and soak the dental implants in denture cleaner once a week for a deep clean
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Having a regular cleaning routine is the best way to protect your oral health and dental implants, but there are common mistakes people make in this routine that you should avoid:
- Brushing too aggressively: brushing too hard damages the gum tissue and the surface of the implants. Use a soft toothbrush and keep the brushing gentle to clean without doing any damage.
- Neglecting regular dentist visits: professional cleaning is a must, they not only get in deeper and have better tools, but it’s an opportunity to track your health and keep an eye on your all-on-4 dental implants, prolonging their lifespan.
Consulting Your Dentist for Proper Guidance
If unsure of how to best keep your dental implants clean, it never hurts to ask your dentist, especially if there are signs of irritated gums or aggressive brushing. Dental implants can be costly to replace and you’ll want to keep them in good condition for as long as possible.
We at Bellevue aim to help all our patients improve their smiles and work with them to ensure that the price doesn’t prevent them from the smiles they deserve. If you’re searching for a dentist in Bellevue to help restore your smile with dental implants, look no further than the team at Bellevue Dentist.
Dr. Siamak Najafi is an accomplished dentist who has trained with the world’s leading dental pioneers. These days he teaches dentists from all over the world how to enhance the health and appearance of their patients’ smiles through state-of-the-art dentistry services.
Dr. Don Jayne is a nationally recognized leader in dentistry. He focuses on providing unparalleled expertise in cosmetic, general, implant, and sedation dentistry. He is dedicated to providing you with the most advanced techniques and effective technology available in dental care. Click below for more information.
Bellevue Dentist | Cleaning Instructions
Delta 8 THC has become increasingly popular due to its milder psychoactive effects compared to Delta 9 THC. However, there may come a time when you decide to detox from Delta 8, whether for a tolerance break, personal health reasons, or an upcoming drug test. To ensure a successful detox, it’s important to follow best practices that will help cleanse your system efficiently and effectively.
Understanding the Detox Process
Detoxing from Delta 8 involves eliminating the cannabinoid and its metabolites from your body. This process can vary in length depending on factors such as the frequency of use, dosage, metabolism, and overall health. Here are some best practices to guide you through a successful Delta 8 detox.
1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
One of the simplest yet most crucial steps in detoxing is staying well-hydrated. Water helps flush toxins from your system through urine. Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily. Herbal teas and detox drinks can also aid in the cleansing process.
2. Exercise Regularly
Physical activity increases your metabolism and helps burn fat where Delta 8 and other cannabinoids tend to be stored. Regular exercise can accelerate the detoxification process by promoting sweating and improving circulation. Activities such as running, cycling, swimming, and yoga are all effective.
3. Maintain a Healthy Diet
Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can support your body’s natural detox processes. Certain foods, like leafy greens, berries, and citrus fruits, have detoxifying properties that can enhance the effectiveness of your detox. Avoid processed foods, sugar, and excessive salt.
4. Get Plenty of Rest
Adequate sleep is vital for overall health and aids in the detoxification process. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to allow your body to recover and eliminate toxins more efficiently.
5. Use a Detox Kit
Consider using a specialized detox kit designed for Delta 8 THC. These kits usually contain a combination of supplements, dietary guidelines, and instructions that help speed up the detox process. For those seeking an effective solution, check out more info on detox kit to find a comprehensive product tailored for Delta 8 detoxification.
6. Practice Mindful Relaxation Techniques
Stress can hinder your body’s ability to detoxify effectively. Incorporating relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness can help reduce stress and support your body’s detox efforts.
7. Monitor Your Progress
Keep track of your detox journey by monitoring how you feel throughout the process. Note any changes in energy levels, mood, or physical symptoms. Adjust your routine as needed based on your observations.
8. Avoid Re-exposure
During your detox period, it’s essential to avoid re-exposure to Delta 8. This means abstaining from any products containing the cannabinoid to ensure your detox remains effective.
Conclusion
Detoxing from Delta 8 THC can be a beneficial step towards maintaining overall health and wellbeing. By following these best practices—hydrating, exercising, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, using a detox kit, practicing relaxation techniques, monitoring progress, and avoiding re-exposure—you can optimize your detox efforts and achieve a successful cleanse.