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 — grantstucki@gmail.com