Apicoectomy

For most patients with an infection of the nerves or roots of the teeth, a root canal procedure is enough to get rid of the infected tissue and help save the tooth from extraction. But in some cases, it does not solve the problem, in which a procedure called an apicoectomy is needed.

 

At Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, we provide the apicoectomy for patients who are still experiencing difficulties with their teeth after the root canal procedure is complete. The procedure removes infected tissue while still saving the tooth structure.

 

We perform the following steps when providing an apicoectomy:

 

1. X-rays are taken during the consultation to be sure an apicoectomy is needed.

2. The procedure begins by giving patients anesthesia to numb the area.

3. We make a small incision in the gum, lifting it away from the tooth.

4. A drill is used to get access to the root of the tooth, where the infected tissue can be removed.

5. We look for cracks in the tooth to decide if the tooth needs to be extracted.

6. The tooth canal is cleaned and sealed, followed by sutures if needed.

 

This procedure is very similar to a root canal, with about the same healing and recovery time. Call any of our four locations to schedule an appointment for an apicoectomy.

Why Implants Work So Well

Why Implants Work So Well

Dental implants are used here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania to help patients replace their missing teeth, but many new patients wonder why implants work so well. Dental implants work by having a titanium metal post implanted into the patient’s jawbone where their tooth is missing. It requires a sufficient amount of bone to fit the implant, otherwise we either use a mini implant which is half the size, or we provide bone grafts before placing the implant.

 

The important thing to remember is that after the post is implanted, we let it heal for 3-6 months. During this time, the bone is actually healing around the post, which holds it in place permanently. This is exactly why our implants work so well; they are considered permanent because they become part of the bone, acting as the tooth’s root. While the crown on top may need to be replaced in about 10-15 years, the post remains intact.

 

After the implant process is complete, the patient has a new tooth that looks and functions exactly like a natural teeth. As opposed to bridges or dentures, they continue eating just about anything they want. Call to schedule a dental implant appointment with one of our doctors at 215-463-4141.

Ancient Dental Implants

Ancient Dental Implants

While dental implants seem like a newer procedure offered by our doctors, the procedure actually dates back to the Mayans. These ancient dental implants were made using ivory and shells that were fabricated by hand to look like human teeth. They were not strong like today’s implants, as they have evolved in improved strength and function over their long history.

 

The following steps detail how modern technology here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania helps us to provide patients with dental implants:

 

1) The patient visits our office for a consultation where we take x-rays and assess if implants are a viable option.

 

2)The patient return for their first appointment where the titanium post is implanted into their jaw bone. An incision is made into the gums and the post is placed in the bone.

 

3)After 3-6 months when the bone has healed completely around the post, the patient returns to our clinic for evaluation and is sent to their dentist for the abutment and crown to be placed on top of the implant for the final step.

 

While dental implants are considered an ancient form of providing a tooth when one or more is missing, modern technology allows for a highly successful and effective procedure. Visit Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA to discuss your implant options.

What are My Anesthesia Options for Oral Surgery

What are My Anesthesia Options for Oral Surgery

Here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, we want our oral surgery patients to understand everything about their surgery. This includes educating them on their anesthesia options. There are three main options for oral surgery and dental procedures: local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, and general anesthesia with intravenous sedation. In some cases, our doctors offer the patients a choice in what anesthesia they get, while in others, one type of anesthesia is recommended highly for the comfort of the patient.

 

1) Local anesthesia is used most often in our office, and simply numbs the area being treated. The patient is awake and fully alert, though they experience no pain. Local anesthesia is often used in conjunction with other types of anesthesia.

2) Nitrous oxid, is known as laughing gas, and the patient is relaxed and conscious. Nitrous oxide is typically used for non-complicated wisdom tooth extractions and sometimes for dental implants.

3) With general anesthesia administered through IV sedation, patients are asleep so that they do not experience the procedure being performed. It is often used for longer or more intensive oral surgeries, such as removing impacted teeth, as well as dental implant surgery.

 

These anesthesia options are offered to patients, whether they are getting a simple procedure and want IV sedation or getting their wisdom teeth extracted and general anesthesia makes them feel more at ease. If you are in the Philadelphia, PA area and in need of oral surgery, contact our office about your anesthesia options.

Surgical Instructions After Implants

Surgical Instructions After Implants

Dental implants can help you replace missing teeth with a permanent solution. The implant is installed in the jaw bone of the missing tooth, which grows around the post as it heals. A crown abutment is placed over the top of the implant when healing is complete, providing a flawless implant that looks and functions like a natural tooth. Following our surgeons'  instructions after implants helps reduce complications and provides a more successful healing process.

 

Here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, we recommend following these surgical instructions after getting dental implants:

 

1. On the day of surgery, avoid touching the surgery site and don’t spit or rinse.

2. Place a gauze pad over the implant site to control bleeding.

3. Expect some swelling and use an ice pack to reduce swelling.

4. Drink plenty of water and fluids, avoiding extremely hot or cold fluids.

5. Take prescribed pain medication as instructed following the procedure. Over-the-counter ibuprofen and acetaminophen is also acceptable.

6. Always take antibiotics if they are prescribed.

7. Use an oral rinse for the first few days, then brush and floss regularly.

 

For more in-depth surgical instructions after getting dental implants, contact us at our Philadelphia, PA office.