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| Dr. Greg Tull has a word to the wise: Don’t neglect your wisdom teeth. Although not everyone will need to have their wisdom teeth removed, nearly two-thirds of the general population will. That is why Dr. Tull says it is so important for everyone to be evaluated. Ideally, an evaluation should occur between 15 and 20 years of age, Dr. Tull reports. Should it be necessary, removal during this time span actually decreases the risk of potential complications later in life such as nerve damage of the lip, chin, and/or tongue; future periodontal disease; the decay and/or loss of adjacent teeth in that area; and although rare, the formation of cysts and/or tumors that can occur if wisdom teeth are not removed. A board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Tull received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Boston University School of Dental Medicine. While attending dental school, Dr. Tull had a rotation in oral surgery. He says he realized this would be a good niche for him that could involve practicing within an office as well as a hospital setting. After graduating cum laude, Dr. Tull completed a hospital-based (American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons-accredited) residency and fellowship in oral and maxillofacial surgery through the University of Florida. He has multiple years of experience in a private practice setting, and he has hospital privileges at several local hospitals. He is licensed in both Kansas and Missouri, as well as in Florida. Specializing in oral and maxillofacial surgery can require up to six additional years of hospital-based surgical and anesthesia training after graduating from dental school. The services provided by oral and maxillofacial surgeons serve as a sort of bridge between dentistry and medicine. Dr. Tull manages a wide variety of problems relating to the mouth and teeth. His expertise includes the surgical removal of wisdom teeth, the surgical placement of dental implants, and orthognathic surgery, or corrective jaw surgery. He also diagnoses and treats facial pain, facial injuries, facial trauma, and fractures. His surgical expertise and thorough understanding of both aesthetics and function makes him uniquely qualified to diagnose, treat, and surgically manage the conditions, defects, injuries, and aesthetic aspects of the mouth, teeth, jaws, and face, he says. He currently shares office space with Dr. Joseph Camarata, who is American board certified in both plastic/reconstructive surgery and oral/maxillofacial surgery. Their two practices are separate entities. They have plans to open a center for corrective jaw surgery in the near future. In addition, Dr. Tull travels to St. Louis each week to work in an implant surgery center. Dr. Tull has won numerous oral and maxillofacial surgery awards, including the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Student Dental Award (2000) and the Quintessence Award for academic and research achievement (2000). He is a member of and participates in multiple organizations including, the American Dental Association, Kansas Dental Association, Missouri Dental Association, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and the Midwest Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. He also serves as a team member on medical/surgical mission trips. Perhaps the accolades that are most meaningful to Dr. Tull are those that come from his patients. Johan Prinsloo, 20, is a patient of Peppes Dental in Leawood. A while ago he began to experience what he describes as “toothaches near the wisdom teeth.” After evaluating him, Johan’s general dentist, Dr. Peppes, referred him to Dr. Tull’s office. Dr. Tull removed all four of Johan’s wisdom teeth in December 2009. Johan says that he experienced some pain for about three days following the procedure, but he did not encounter any problems with swelling, infection, or dry sockets in that area. “I think he’s a great guy and he did a very nice job,” says Johan. He goes on to say that the office staff is “amazing. They actually talk to you when you visit the office, and they are helpful when you have questions. I would definitely recommend Dr. Tull to anyone who needs an oral surgeon.” Hannah Stern, a 20-year-old journalism student at KU, was referred to Dr. Tull nearly four years ago by her orthodontist, Dr. Klein, whose office is in Olathe. She met with Dr. Tull on a few occasions over the years, as well as during the time she wore braces beginning in February 2009. Hannah says Dr. Klein and Dr. Tull worked well together during the months she was wearing her braces. Hannah had visits with Dr. Tull to make sure everything was lining up OK in preparation for her surgery. In June 2009, Dr. Tull removed Hannah’s wisdom teeth. In December 2009, he performed corrective jaw surgery. Hannah shares that even though “it’s a big deal” and “a very scary thing to go through,” the most positive aspect of her care was the comfort level Dr. Tull created. She says he was good with answering her questions and was very “warm and reassuring,” which made her feel comfortable with going through with a procedure that would essentially be changing the shape of her face. She says she feels as though she was well-prepared for the entire process. A visit to Dr. Tull’s Web site (www.tullofs.com) provides additional evidence that patient education is of great importance to him. There are a number of interactive patient videos available on a variety of topics such as orthognathic surgery and TMJ, as well as other helpful information for patients who are preparing for surgery or another procedure. Hannah says that during the four days she was hospitalized, Dr. Tull came in every day to follow-up and see how she was doing. She says he communicates well and is easy to work with. Tull Oral and Facial Surgery is now located at 12541 Foster Street, Suite 330 in the Southridge Medical Building on the campus of St. Luke’s South Hospital in Overland Park. For further information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Tull, call 913-888-9300. To learn more about the procedures available at Tull Oral and Facial Surgery, visit the Web site at www.tullofs.com. |
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