Dear Dr.,
My 3 year old daughter has an open bite. We have been reffered to an oral surgeon and told that surgery would be required. Are these procedures usually preformed on children of this age and if so,
how does this affect future bone growth and development?
Also, could you help me find more information about Le Fort I osteotomy on the web to help us
better understand this procedure?
Answer:
The correction of an open bite is often done with a Lefort I osteotomy. The majority of the patients that undergo this procedure are older than 15 years old enless they have been diagnosed with a facial syndrome that requires a staged surgical correction. In these patients the final effects on overal growth and developement is unclear because of their underlying condition. For this reason I would be perfectly clear about your childs long term treatment plans as well as the primary diagnosis. Once you know this information you will be able to make a much better decision.
For additional information about Lefort I osteotomies I would reccommend researching these key words on the web and at your local public library.
Orthognathic surgery
Craniofacial surgery
Jaw corrective surgery
good luck
Question:
is there a cure for post nasal drip? I constantly have to blow my nose, and cough all the time.
Answer:
My recommendation would be to contact someone who specializes in sinus care and surgery (often an Ear, Nose & Throat specialist).In the Los Angeles area, I can recommend contacting Dr. Lorenzo Brown (310)412-3277. Good luck.
Dennis Thompson, M.D.
Question:
I am having trouble finding a OBGYN. I was diagnosed with endometriosis and might need Laparospic surgery. I found one who seems good. He is a member of the Amer. Assoc. of Gyno. Laparoscopists and Society for Endoscopy. Plus other things, but he is not board certified and doesn't have a FACOG after his name. Is this the right Doctor for me. What does FACOG mean anyway?
Answer:
FACOG mean Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. One must be certified by the American Board of Obstetricians and Gynecologists before becoming a Fellow. There are two steps to board certification. The first is passing the written exam. This is generally done at the completion of residency. The candidate then must practice for two years. A case list is then submitted to the board. IF accepted, the candidate then may take the oral exam. Passing the oral exam makes them a Diplomate of the ABOG and qualifies them for FACOG. MDs who are have recently finished their training may not yet have taken the oral part of the board. They are what is referred to as "board eligible". Membership in the AAGL and SE does not require competency testing. THis said, your MD may be a great laparoscopist and excellent physican. Try to speak to people in the community (especially former patients) about his reputation. FACOG also does not = excellence in laparoscopy. Good luck.