Are Dental Implants Painful?

If you are receiving dental implants in the near future, our doctors at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania don’t want you to be frightened, we want you to be informed on what to expect. Pain is a common concern among individuals who are considering dental implants and we want you to know that while some discomfort is expected, it shouldn’t be your primary concern.

As with any major dental procedure, or surgery in general, some discomfort is to be expected during the recovery process since it is a surgery that typically involves removing teeth, cutting gums, drilling into the jawbone and inserting a titanium post. The procedure itself is not painful since it is performed with either general or local anesthesia to completely numb your mouth. If you’re anxious about the discomfort during the procedure and being aware of drilling noises and forces being applied to your mouth, please ask us about our sedation options.

If you have questions about dental implants or sedation options give us a call. For more information about the services we provide, contact us in one of our Philadelphia, PA area locations today. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, call 215-463-4141 or visit www.oralsurgerypa.com. 

Cleaning Your Dental Implant

When visiting the Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, we make sure that you receive the highest level of service and ensure that our dental work is of the highest quality. If you’ve recently received a dental implant, you’ll want to protect your investment. To ensure that you maintain great oral health, this level of quality that we provide needs to extend into your personal oral hygiene routine. Allow us to inform you how to take care of your dental implant.

To ensure the long life of a dental implant, some special techniques and efforts are required to keep the implant clean and free of dental plaque. Plaque may cause infection in the tissues around the implant and lead to its ultimate failure. No single device has been shown to remove plaque from all surfaces of the dental implant; however you should take care of them as you would your natural teeth. To achieve long-term success of your dental implant you should brush at least twice a day and floss between your teeth once daily.

If you have questions about how to maintain oral care for your dental implant, give us a call. For more information about the services we provide, contact us in one of our Philadelphia, PA area locations today. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, call 215-463-4141 or visit www.oralsurgerypa.com. 

What Causes Sensitive Teeth?

If you avoid eating cold foods or drinking hot beverages because your teeth are sensitive, it may be time to get a check up at your dentist. Some of the causes include tooth decay, a cracked tooth, worn tooth enamel, worn fillings and tooth roots that are exposed as a result of aggressive tooth brushing, gum recession and periodontal disease.

The inside of your tooth is primarily made up of a material called dentin, which contains microscopic tubules filled with tiny nerve endings. A hard outer layer of enamel protects the dentin within the crown portion of your tooth, and the dentin extending down to the root of your tooth is protected by a layer of cementum. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), dentin hypersensitivity or nerve irritation occurs whenever dentin loses its protective covering of enamel or cementum, exposing the nerve endings to hot, cold, acidic or sticky foods, causing you pain.

For more information about the services we provide, contact us in one of our Philadelphia, PA area locations today. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, call 215-463-4141 or visit www.oralsurgerypa.com. 

What Can I Eat after a Frenectomy?

A frenum is a fold of tissue in the mouth found between the upper two front teeth, under the tongue, and on the sides of the gums. When a frenum constricts the movement of your lips or tongue too much, our doctors at Oral Surgery Consults of Pennsylvania will perform what is called a Frenectomy. A frenectomy is an oral surgery procedure in which the frenum is cut.  Recovery time for a frenectomy is short – generally about 24 hours. During this time, you will be advised to follow a soft diet.

A soft diet consists of foods that are easy for you to chew and swallow. You can consume pureed, mashed, ground, chopped and moist foods. Starchy foods that are recommended include rice, pasta such as macaroni, rolls, muffins, soft bread and tortillas. Fruits and vegetables include applesauce, fruit or vegetable juice, avocado and ripe bananas. Dairy choices include cheese sauces, cottage cheese, milk, milkshakes, soft ice cream and plain yogurt.

For more information about the Frenectomy procedure and aftercare, contact us in one of our Philadelphia, PA area locations today. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Oral Surgery Consults of Pennsylvania, call 215-463-4141 or visit www.oralsurgerypa.com.  

When a Dental Implant Fails

Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. In fact, they are one of the most reliable long-term methods of tooth replacement. However, as with any other surgical procedure, there are a variety of internal and external factors that cause complications or even total failure of treatment. When this happens, the Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania are here to help.

Osseointegration describes the formation of a direct functional and structural connection between a person’s bone and an artificial implant. There are two primary reasons for “later” implant failure after the osseointegration process has been successful. These include over-stressing implants with too much biting force, or inflammatory disease of the gum tissues and/or bone around the implant. Prevention plays a tremendous role in avoiding implant failure. Once the implants are placed, it’s crucial to maintain a good oral hygiene routine. Make sure you have regular professional dental cleanings to help keep the tissues around your implants healthy.

If you are considering dental implants, contact us at one of our Philadelphia, PA area locations today to see if you are eligible. For more information about dental implants, visit www.oralsurgerypa.com. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Oral Surgery Consults of Pennsylvania, call 215-463-4141.

Diet and Dental Erosion

As much as we would love to see your smile here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, we do want you to keep your permanent teeth healthy. You know you should brush your teeth twice a day, and see your dentist regularly, but your diet also plays a role in the health of your teeth.

A diet that promotes good oral health is not just about the foods you eat or avoid – when and how you eat them is equally important. Dental erosion or the loss of tooth enamel and at times deeper parts of the tooth due to chemicals has numerous causes.  These causes range from dietary factors such as fruits, juices and candies with high concentrations of citric acid and carbonated beverages. Dental erosion can also be caused by reflux disease or gastritis to the prolonged oral retention of medications such as vitamin C or aspirin. To maintain a balanced diet and to reduce harm on your teeth, eat a variety of foods from each of the five major food groups and limit the number of snacks you eat.

For more information about oral surgery procedures, contact us in one of our Philadelphia, PA area locations today. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Oral Surgery Consults of Pennsylvania, call 215-463-4141 or visit www.oralsurgerypa.com.  

Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?

If wisdom teeth don’t really supply us with wisdom, then what purpose do they serve? Anthropologists believe wisdom teeth, or the third set of molars, were the evolutionary answer to our ancestor’s early diet of coarse, rough food – like leaves, roots, nuts and meats – which required more chewing power and resulted in excessive wear of teeth. Fast forward to today, and take a look at what we are eating and more importantly how we are preparing our food. We cut, dice, chop, boil, steam and bake everything we eat.

Chewing these tough, coarse, and rugged foods required a broader jaw, and strong molars – including the wisdom teeth. Having all three molars was vital, in order for our ancestors to be able to eat the foods necessary for survival. These days, however, all of the food preparation has made eating easy to accomplish, in fact experts believe that our jaw line has become less broad and smaller over the years due to how food is prepared and consumed.

Many times, however, wisdom teeth don’t have room to grow properly and can cause problems. When they do, the Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania can provide you with the best care possible. For more information about wisdom teeth, contact us in one of our Philadelphia, PA area locations today. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Oral Surgery Consults of Pennsylvania, call 215-463-4141 or visit www.oralsurgerypa.com.  

Soft Foods to Eat After Oral Surgery

 

You should eat a soft food diet for 5 to 7 days after oral surgery, depending on which type you receive. During your soft food diet, we at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania want you to know the importance of taking in the foods your body needs for energy and to carry out its basic processes.

Immediately following oral surgery you will not be able to chew semi-solid food due to swelling in the mouth. Your diet may consist primarily of soups, breads and grains, fruits and vegetables, as well as protein-based foods. Some soft protein-based foods include tofu, broiled lean beef, chicken, tuna, liver and salmon. You may also be able to consume scrambled eggs. You may also be able consume dairy products following oral surgery. Dairy foods that may be mild enough for consumption include milk, yogurt, milkshakes, custard, plain ice cream, ricotta cheese, and cream cheese. 

For more information about oral surgery procedures and aftercare, contact us in one of our Philadelphia, PA area locations today. Call Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania at 215- 463-4141 or visit our website, www.oralsurgerypa.com. 

You should eat a soft food diet for 5 to 7 days after oral surgery, depending on which type you receive. During your soft food diet, we at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania want you to know the importance of taking in the foods your body needs for energy and to carry out its basic processes.

Immediately following oral surgery you will not be able to chew semi-solid food due to swelling in the mouth. Your diet may consist primarily of soups, breads and grains, fruits and vegetables, as well as protein-based foods. Some soft protein-based foods include tofu, broiled lean beef, chicken, tuna, liver and salmon. You may also be able to consume scrambled eggs. You may also be able consume dairy products following oral surgery. Dairy foods that may be mild enough for consumption include milk, yogurt, milkshakes, custard, plain ice cream, ricotta cheese, and cream cheese.

For more information about oral surgery procedures and aftercare, contact us in one of our Philadelphia, PA area locations today. Call Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania at 215- 463-4141 or visit our website, www.oralsurgerypa.com. 

 

Mouth Cancer

Mouth cancer refers to cancer that develops in any of the parts that make up the oral cavity. Your oral cavity includes the lips, gingivae, retromolar trigone, teeth, hard palate, cheek mucosa, tongue and the floor of the mouth. At Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania we want you to understand that oral cancer is preventable and we can’t stress enough how important it is to have a powerful oral hygiene routine.

Oral cancer, which includes cancers of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and pharynx (throat), can be life threatening if not diagnosed and treated early. The next time you’re brushing your teeth, spend a minute looking at these parts of the mouth and ones that lie farther inside the oral cavity such as your tonsils and uvula. Don’t try to brush these areas, because it won’t end well, however, if you brush and floss regularly your immune system will build its own strength and ability to fight off potential cancers.

To learn more about oral cancer and how to prevent it, give us a call. For more information about oral health and procedures, contact us in one of our Philadelphia, PA area locations today. Call Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania at 215- 463-4141 or visit our website, www.oralsurgerypa.com. 

Ear Aches After Teeth Extraction

Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania want patients to know that extractions are done for a number of reasons. You may have a tooth that is badly damaged to the point of decay or you may need an orthodontic appliance such as braces and your mouth is too overcrowded to place them. The most common type of extraction is wisdom teeth removal, but no matter which type of extraction you need to encounter, there will be a type of pain you need to prepare for.

Pain that seems to originate in your ear after having a tooth extracted is not unusual. The most likely cause of the ear pain after wisdom teeth removal is that there are many nerves in and around your teeth and jaw which send signals through your head and past your ears. Because you have trauma in the area of the tooth extraction, it is normal for the nerves to send pain signals to your brain. Ear pain is often caused by the patient biting down with force on something. This is one of the reasons why you are instructed to eat soft foods in the days immediately following a tooth removal. Despite ear pain being a common problem, if the pain becomes severe or gets worse than normal you should contact us to ensure the pain is not caused by something else like an infection.

If you have questions about tooth extractions, give us a call at 215-558-2400. For more information on Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania visit www.oralsurgerypa.com.

How Smoking Affects Your Oral Health

We all know that smoking is bad for our health. But are you really aware of what it can do to your oral health? The doctors here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA want to inform patients of what effect smoking has on the mouth and what it means.

Smoking and other forms of tobacco use increase risks for a lot of problems inside the mouth and the rest of the oral cavity. Developing cancer is probably the scariest risk it increases. Tobacco use can also lead to gum disease, bone loss within the jaw, increased plaque and tartar, and problems healing after surgery.

As we know, gum disease can be very hard to get rid of, and if left untreated, it may lead to loss of teeth and bone tissue. When a tobacco user has surgery, it can complicate healing. Tobacco slows down healing and can also promote infection. This not only causes health issues but may render the procedure a failure.

Tobacco can also stain teeth, stain your tongue, and cause bad breath. So if you’re a smoker, what can you do to lessen the risks created? Quit! There is no form of tobacco that is safe to use, so it is best to just quit altogether. Your oral health and the health of your whole body will benefit greatly.

For more information about oral health and procedures, contact us in one of our Philadelphia, PA area locations today. Call Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania at (215) 463-4141 or visit our website, www.oralsurgerypa.com. 

How to Stop Bad Breath and the Bacteria That Causes It

Bad breath can ruin a moment before you know it. That is why it is good to take preventative action against it. Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania in the Philadelphia, PA area wants their patients to know and understand why bad breath happens and how to defeat it.

Having bad breath often is an indicator that bacteria are present in the mouth, which can be unhealthy for your teeth and gums. Take these simple tips and reminders to freshen your breath and to prevent bad breath from occurring in the first place.

If your mouth is dry, bacteria can thrive. Make sure to keep hydrated by drinking your recommended amount of daily water. Chewing gum may help you avoid bad breath, as it promotes saliva production.

When looking for a caffeinated beverage, skip the coffee. Coffee dries out the mouth and the dairy that is often paired with coffee can increase bad odor causing bacteria. Instead, choose green tea. Green tea hydrates your mouth and your body. In addition, the properties actually fight odor-causing bacteria.

Making sure to brush and floss your teeth on a regular basis will also cut down on plaque that traps bacteria. For extra protection, rinsing with a mouthwash will kill bacteria that brushing and flossing left behind.

To learn more about Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania and our four locations around the Philadelphia, PA area, call us at (215) 463-4141 or visit our website, www.oralsurgerypa.com. 

First Visit

When looking for a doctor to perform oral surgery, it is nice to know what to expect for your first appointment. Here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania in the Philadelphia, PA area, we want our future patients to be aware of the steps we take for successful treatment plans.

During your first visit, our goal is to provide a detailed explanation of your condition and explain what steps we are going to take to provide treatment.  If x-rays need to be taken during this appointment, we have the capability to do so. Accurate explanation of treatment promotes a partnership of excellent care through you and your doctor.

Depending on the complexity of a treatment plan, the surgical procedure may be able to be performed the same day as your first appointment. More complicated cases will need the first visit for evaluations and explanations and another appointment for the procedure.

Keep in mind that bringing past medical history information and x-rays will help develop an accurate plan of treatment.

To learn more about the first visit and the types of oral surgery we perform at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, give us a call at (215) 463-4141 or visit our website, www.oralsurgerypa.com. We have four locations in the Philadelphia, PA area.

Care After a Sinus Lift Procedure

Taking care of your mouth after a procedure is performed is just as important as the procedure itself. At Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania located in the Philadelphia, PA area, we take post-op care very seriously. This is why we want our patients to be aware of what comes after a procedure.

After a sinus lift procedure, you are not only taking care of your oral cavity, but your nasal cavity, as well. A sinus lift, also called sinus augmentation, occurs when additional bone needs to be added in the upper jaw between the jaw and the nasal cavity. It is commonly performed so that dental implants can be placed.

It is important to not increase any pressure to the area. This means certain activities will be forbidden until your doctor says it’s safe. Typically, you should not blow your nose for four weeks after the surgery. Do not drink through straws or spit forcefully, either. Pressurized activities like flying and scuba diving should be avoided.

When brushing your teeth, be very careful. Do not brush near the site of surgery for the first day. Rinse your mouth with saltwater after eating for the next five days. It is very important to keep your mouth clean during the healing process. Do not smoke or use other tobacco products until the area is healed, or about two weeks.

For any questions about post sinus lift after care, contact Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania in the Philadelphia, PA area by calling (215) 463-4141 or by visiting our website, www.oralsurgerypa.com. 

Tips for a Healthy Mouth

A healthy mouth is a good-looking smile. Keeping teeth healthy takes a good home oral care routine. The doctors of Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania want their patients in the Philadelphia, PA area to have the right tips and information for a healthy mouth.

To start, brushing and flossing should be performed correctly. Brushing should be done two times per day. If a third time is able to be squeezed in, that is even better. Flossing should be done every day. It doesn’t matter if flossing is done before or after brushing, it just needs to be done.

While brushing should be done two to three times per day, it should be done at least thirty minutes after eating. This is because certain foods have acids that sit on the teeth. If the teeth are brushed when the acid is still on the teeth, it can wear down enamel; making teeth cavity-prone.

If you smoke, now is a great time to quit. Smoking creates the perfect environment for bacteria to harbor near the gum line, harming gums and teeth. This increases the risk of tooth loss. Smoking can also lead to oral cancer.

Use a light touch when brushing. While it is important to brush the whole tooth and pay attention to the gum line, abrasive brushing can erode the tooth and harm the gums. Light brushing is all that is needed to remove plaque.

Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania have four locations in the Philadelphia, PA area. To learn more about our practice, contact one of our locations, or visit our website, www.oralsurgerypa.com. 

Why it is Important to Replace a Missing Tooth

When a tooth falls out or is extracted, if it doesn’t bother you, it may be tempting to just leave the open space there. However, replacing that tooth can actually be very important to the health of your other teeth, your gums, and your jaw. Here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania located in the Philadelphia, PA area, we want our patients to understand the importance of tooth replacement.

When a tooth is missing, there are several things that will happen to the area. As soon as the tooth is gone, the jaw bone that used to hold the tooth’s root begins to degenerate. This creates a change in the jaw that makes the other teeth shift towards that opening. When the teeth shift, they create gaps and other awkward spacing that affects your smile. It also creates hard-to-reach areas where debris and bacteria may collect. When there is more than one tooth missing, this can create major changes in the jaw shape, which can also change the facial structure.

An open space can also cause irritation to the gum tissue that is exposed. When chewing, food can irritate the tissue since it is unprotected by a tooth. Built up bacteria and gum irritation, as we know, can lead to decay and gum disease.

We offer dental implants as permanent tooth replacement here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania. Dental implants act just like teeth and can last a lifetime. To learn more, contact one of our Philadelphia, PA area locations or visit our website, www.oralsurgerypa.com. 

How to Choose the Right Toothbrush For You

Choosing the right toothbrush can be a very important step in good oral care. Everyone’s mouth is different, so the Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania wants our patients to understand how they can choose the right toothbrush for them and get the most out of their brushing.

Toothbrushes come in all shapes and sizes. Some are electric, some are large, and some are shaped differently. While picking out a new toothbrush, we want you to know the right properties that will help you out.

A good toothbrush should have a small head. This allows for all surfaces of the mouth to be reached. A good grip is also good for moving the toothbrush around in the mouth. Soft bristles are best for removing plaque. Bristles that are too stiff can actually harm the tooth by wearing down enamel. This will do the opposite of what tooth brushing is for; it can actually cause teeth to be cavity-prone. Stiff bristles can also harm the gums.

Now, one huge difference between all of the toothbrushes available is that some are manual and some are electric. Studies have shown that manual toothbrushes can clean teeth just as well as electric ones; however, electric ones may do a better job for those who have difficulties using their hands. For those with say, arthritis, electric toothbrushes do most of the work and may offer a better cleaning.

Good oral hygiene is part of keeping your teeth and gums healthy. For information about Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania and their four Philadelphia, PA area locations, visit our website, www.oralsurgerypa.com. 

Flossing for Proper Dental Hygiene

Your dentist tells you to floss every day. Do you know the reason why? Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania wants their patients in the Philadelphia, PA area to know why flossing every day is so important for keeping healthy gums and teeth.

When we eat and drink, food particles and plaque build up on our teeth. Plaque is a clear film of bacteria that forms several hours after brushing. Plaque forms on all surfaces of the teeth, including in between them. If plaque is not removed, it can harden and turn into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist. When plaque and tartar sit on the teeth for a long time, the gums begin to recede and form deep pockets. This allows bacteria to reach down even further and cause infection. If not treated, this can lead to tooth loss.

Along with brushing two to three times per day, flossing is absolutely necessary to remove the plaque from between your teeth. Flossing can be done before brushing or after brushing. The important part is to just get it done. Make sure to floss both sides of every space, paying extra attention to your molars. Though the molars are harder to reach, they do the most chewing so they especially need to be flossed. Flossing is integral for the health of your teeth and your gums.

We have four locations is the Philadelphia, PA area. To learn more information about Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, call us at (215) 463-4141 or visit our website, www.oralsurgerypa.com.

Piezosurgery Technology at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania

Using the safest technology for our patients is of the utmost importance to us. That is why we choose to use Piezosurgery technology here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA. The Piezosurgery technology allows us to safely cut bone tissue while minimizing trauma to the soft tissue surrounding the area.

Bone grafts are a procedure to repair defects in the jaw. The Piezosurgery technology is a tool for cutting bone, which we use when we perform bone grafts. The precision and sensitivity that the tool provides us allows us to cut the bone with minimal trauma to the soft tissues. This makes healing faster and easier on the patient. In fact, the Piezosurgery technology actually promotes healing.

If you are interested in learning more about the technology we use at any of our four locations in the Philadelphia, PA area, give us a call at (215) 463-4141 or visit the Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania website, www.oralsurgerypa.com. 

Correct Teeth Brushing for Healthy Teeth and Gums

Brushing your teeth removes plaque to keep healthy teeth and gums. It must be done multiple times a day to keep plaque away. Though brushing two to three times a day is great, it also needs to be done correctly to provide all of its benefits. Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania located in the Philadelphia, PA area wants their patients to understand how to take the best care of their mouth.

Plaque begins to form several hours after brushing. A brushing session should last two minutes each time. A great way to get a balanced brushing and to keep track of time is to split the mouth into four sections and brush each section for thirty seconds each. Brush every surface of the tooth; the front, the inside, the chewing surfaces, and the backs of your back molars. Make sure to brush your tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth, also, as bacteria can also collect in these places.

Brush strokes should be small and light. Short up-and-down strokes will provide the best cleaning. Keep a light touch when brushing; brushing too hard can irritate gums and wear down enamel. Soft bristles and a light scrub are all that is needed to remove plaque.

Keeping good care of your teeth and gums is vital for the health of your mouth and your entire body. Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania has four locations in the Philadelphia, PA area. To schedule an appointment, call us at (215) 463-4141 or visit our website, www.oralsurgerypa.com. 

3D CT Scan for Accuracy and Success

Using the most technologically advanced equipment is what allows our practice to provide our patients with the highest degree of care. Here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA, we utilize a 3D CT scanner for the most accurate and successful treatment.

The 3D CT scan is faster, more accurate, and provides much more information than traditional x-rays. They provide us with a three-dimensional image of the teeth, bone, tissue, and nerves. This is what helps us determine the best route and position for a dental implant. We can see exactly where nerves, sinuses, bone, and other teeth roots are at, so we can plan the right place and depth for an implant. We can also know exactly what size implant will work best for the space available.

The world of technology is ever-changing. There is always new technology making dental procedures more accurate, more efficient, and more comfortable for the patient. Efficiency and accuracy ensure a successful procedure and can save the patient time and money. This is why we choose to update our office with the latest advances. This is why we implement the 3D CT scanner here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania.

To learn more about the technology we use here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA call us at (215) 463-4141 or visit our website, www.oralsurgerypa.com. 

What Types of Anesthesia Will Be Used for my Procedure?

Depending on the type of procedure being performed, there are several different options for anesthesia available here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania. Local anesthetic, nitrous oxide, and general anesthesia through an IV are used for a variety of different procedures.

Local anesthesia is placed only where the surgery is being performed to numb the area. The patient is awake but cannot feel the procedure. Local anesthesia is used for every procedure.

Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas”, is administered through a mask. This form of anesthesia keeps the patient conscious, but relaxed.

General anesthesia is administered through an IV. In this scenario, the patient is completely unconscious. He or she is deeply asleep and unaware of the procedure.

Our office also offers patients “twilight sedation”, or IV sedation. This is a form of sedation where the patient may drift in and out of “twilight”-like sleep. This helps the patient relax and not remember the procedure. It also has medications that decrease pain.

Our patients’ comfort and safety is of the utmost value to us. If you are preparing for oral surgery and are curious about the type of anesthesia or sedation that will be used, contact us at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania. For more information, visit our website, www.oralsurgerypa.com. 

Post-Extraction Care from Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania

Taking care of your mouth after a tooth is extracted is vital to healthy healing. Here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, we take post-op seriously.

When a tooth is extracted, it is often to avoid an infection from spreading. After surgery, keeping the area clean and allowing it to heal properly will also prevent infection. After the extraction, any bleeding will need to be clotted. Your doctor may have you bite down on gauze until the blood is clotted and bleeding slows down. While bleeding is still present, do not lie flat, as this will promote more bleeding. Lie with your head propped up.

Make sure to take painkillers as directed by your doctor before the anesthesia wears off. For the rest of your day, relax. Any strenuous activity that could increase bleeding should be avoided. Avoid smoking and other tobacco products. Drink plenty of water and eat soft foods while healing. You can try harder foods as the healing progresses along. Do not use a straw, as sucking motions could cause more bleeding. Very carefully brush your teeth and your tongue. After 24 hours, gently rinse your mouth with salt water a few times a day to reduce swelling and relieve pain.

Here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, we know that the health of your mouth is important to the health of the rest of your body. For more information about how to care for your mouth post-extraction, visit our website, www.oralsurgerypa.com. 

Apicoectomy May Save Your Tooth

Root canals already have a bad reputation, but in the event that the root canal does not work, this can be frustrating, not to mention painful! The doctors here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania are experienced in performing apicoectomies for when root canal therapy fails.

When a root canal becomes infected again after one or more root canals have already been performed, an apicoectomy may be performed. An apicoectomy is when the root tip of a tooth is removed and the infected debris is cleaned out. A filling is then placed to seal the root tip. This saves the tooth from being extracted.

Your doctor will cut the gum away from the affected tooth so the root is accessible. The root tip will be removed, as well as the infected tissue. The root canal will be cleaned and then sealed. Your doctor will then stitch or suture the gums that were cut. Afterwards, the bone tissue around of the tip of the root will heal around the newly healthy and sealed tip.

If you have had one or more root canals, but the infection keeps coming back, you may benefit from an apicoectomy. Schedule an appointment at any of our four Philadelphia, PA area locations. For more information, please visit our website, www.oralsurgerypa.com. 

Excisional Intra-Oral Tissue Biopsies at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania

Having a biopsy done is an important part of your oral health. When you have a lesion your dentist is concerned about and need to have a biopsy performed, trust the experienced team at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania. We can perform an excisional intra-oral tissue biopsy right here in Philadelphia, PA.

Excisional biopsies are performed when the abnormality (lesion) in question is located in an easily accessible area of the oral cavity. They are also usually performed when the lesion is less than 1 centimeter. In this type of biopsy, the entire lesion is removed. The lesion is then sent to a laboratory where it will be examined to find out the nature of it. Most biopsies can be performed with a local anesthesia while the patient is still awake.

Unusual areas in the mouth to have examined may include a new bump or patch of tissue that has changed color, texture, or size. Other signs to look for include a soreness or feeling like something is caught in the throat, swelling, difficulty swallowing, among other things. If any of these symptoms persist for more than two weeks, a full examination should be performed.

If you are experiencing a persistent and unusual change in your mouth or throat, be sure to schedule an appointment with your doctor for an examination. At Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, we perform excisional intra-oral biopsies for our patients right in Philadelphia, PA. To schedule an appointment, call (215) 463-4141 or visit our website, www.oralsurgerypa.com. 

Impacted Canines

For some children between 9 and 12 years old, their eyeteeth (canines) do not emerge when they are supposed to, and intervention from a dentist and oral surgeon is required. Cases where this occurs must be evaluated on an individual basis since there are several solutions that can be enacted. Whatever the case, the most recent studies show that early identification of impacted teeth should be initiated a young age so that treatment can begin immediately. Patients in the Philadelphia, PA area are turning to our experienced team here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania who can devise the best plan and treatment for you.

Once a general dentist or hygienist identifies there is an eruption problem with a canine, the patient should immediately schedule an appointment for evaluation at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania. The most common scenario will call for a space to be opened in the mouth by the oral surgeon to provide room for the tooth to emerge. Commonly, an orthodontist will uses braces to move the tooth to its proper position in the dental arch.  If impaction is treated early, merely exposing the eyetooth can allow it to emerge partially before it becomes completely impacted. This way braces do not have to be placed right away, saving time for the patient.

To expose the tooth, your dentist will lift the gum on top of the tooth to expose it. If a baby tooth is still present, it will be removed at the same time. If the tooth is completely impacted, an orthodontic bracket will be attached to the exposed tooth, with a chain attached to connect the tooth to an orthodontic wire. Depending on the case, the tooth can either be left exposed, or the gums will be sutured with only the chain remaining visible. Once the tooth has erupted, the chain will be removed and the gums sutured if healthy. Sometimes minor gum surgery is required to add bulk to the gums over the relocated tooth to ensure normal function.

If you suspect your child’s canine, or other tooth, is impacted, schedule an appointment with us here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania by visiting www.oralsurgerypa.com. 

Sinus Lift

Dental implants require adequate bone height and proper sinus positioning in order to be installed in the jawbone. For people needing preoperative treatment to restore bone integrity or for sinus repositioning so that dental implants can be placed, our experienced team here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania with multiple locations in the Philadelphia, PA area, is qualified to perform advanced sinus lifts meant to add depth to the upper jawbone while lifting the sinus membrane to allow extra room for bone. Only periodontists or maxillofacial surgeons are capable of doing a sinus lift because of knowledge requirements regarding ear, nose and throat anatomy as well as surgical techniques that are not part of a regular dentist's training.

Reasons that sinus lifts are necessary prior to a dental implant procedure primarily involve bone and tooth loss. Periodontal disease that remains untreated for years can infiltrate gums and erode bone through massive bacterial activity. Losing teeth also leads to bone loss because missing teeth promotes reabsorption of bone into body. Our team here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania also sees patients who have lost several molars and do not have sufficient bone mass for implant surgery. In regards to sinus positioning, some people are born with their maxillary sinus located abnormally close to the jaw, which can inhibit dental implant procedures.

Sinus and bone augmentation begins with your dentist taking CT scans or digital X-rays of a patient’s jaw and sinus cavity. Following a sinus lift, dental implants can be safely installed between five and 10 months later. Recovery is minimal and involves some swelling and bleeding that subsides within a few days of having the procedure.

To learn more about our experienced team here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, please visit www.oralsurgerypa.com. 

Bone Grafting

Some patients do not have the proper amount of bone mass in their jaw to allow for the placement of dental implants. However, thanks to recent developments in bone grafting, people who would not have qualified a few years ago are now able to use dental implants to complete their smile and protect their oral health. In the Philadelphia, PA area, these patients turn to Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania for high-quality dental care they can trust.

Whether you need bone grafting or not, if you are looking to receive dental implants, Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania can make it happen. To schedule an appointment and begin your journey toward a complete and beautiful smile, visit www.oralsurgerypa.com.

Frenectomy

A frenulum is a small fold or ridge of tissue that either supports or prevents the motion of the tissue to which it is attached. In the mouth, there are two frenulums: the one that connects the upper lip to the gums above your two front teeth and the one that connects the tongue to the base of your mouth. If a frenulum is too short or thick, it can cause speech impediments and gaps between teeth, so corrective action is necessary to resolve the situation. At Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA, our experienced team of doctors performs frenectomies to resolve frenulums that have cause problems in his patients’ mouths.

A frenectomy is a safe and effective surgical procedure that removes the fold of skin if it is disrupting movement, growth or development. A  typical frenectomy takes less than 15 minutes.

If your frenulum is causing problems for your smile, a frenectomy can solve them. Schedule an appointment at one of Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania’s locations in the Philadelphia, PA area by visiting www.oralsurgerypa.com. 

Oral Pathology

Here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, we provide oral pathology procedures. If your doctor finds any suspicious bumps, lumps, or spots on the lips, gums, inside the cheeks or on the tongue, they will perform more tests through oral pathology. Your doctor will inspect your nose, mouth and throat. 

Before beginning oral pathology, we look for common signs and symptoms of oral cancer, such as the following:

 

• Sores in the mouth or gums that bleed and don’t heal


• Red or white patches in the mouth


• Chronic sore throat or hoarseness of the throat


• Difficulty with chewing or swallowing


• Thickening or lumps of the skin inside the mouth

 

During oral pathology, a biopsy may be needed. We remove a very small piece of tissue in the mouth and run it through a series of tests. The tissue is removed under anesthesia so no pain is experienced. At the laboratory, a pathologist looks for signs of cancer cells, which can take about two weeks to complete. If results are positive for oral cancer, we consult the patient about their next steps.

We push our patients to be diligent about their oral health, even encouraging them to perform self-examinations at home. If you feel that you might need an oral pathology consultation, please visit our website www.oralsurgerypa.com to schedule an appointment.

Teeth Extractions

If decay has reached too deeply into one of your teeth or if an infection has damaged too much of the bone or tissue supporting a tooth, you will be in need of a tooth extraction. At Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, our experienced team of doctors can help you restore your oral health by performing a tooth extraction.

Before the procedure is performed, a local anesthetic is used to numb the area around the extraction site. During a simple extraction, the tooth is loosened with an elevator and then extracted with forceps. Once removed, your doctor may choose to smooth and contour the underlying bone. Then the gums are sutured.

After the extraction, it is critical to keep the area clean to prevent infection. Dry, sterile gauze will be placed over the gums to limit bleeding. You must make sure to keep it in place for 30 to 45 minutes while the blood clots. During the 24 hours after the procedure, you should not smoke, rinse your mouth vigorously or clean the teeth immediately adjacent to the extraction site. Strenuous activity, hot liquids and straw drinking should also be avoided. A certain amount of pain and discomfort accompanies an extraction, so a painkiller may be prescribed.

If you are suffering pain from decay, infection or impaction, contact us here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania so our team can help determine if a tooth extraction is required to save your smile. 

Dental Implants Provide a Permanent Tooth Replacement Option

Having a missing tooth is a frustrating experience, but here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, we offer a permanent replacement with dental implants. As opposed to bridges or partials that need to be replaced every 10-15 years, dental implants have a titanium post installed right into the jaw bone. During the healing process, the bone heals around the post, which holds it firmly in place. The crown on top is the only thing that needs to be replaced, which is a very simple process.

The benefits our patients experience when getting dental implants in Philadelphia, PA include:

• Permanent tooth replacement


• Improved smile and overall appearance


• Better comfort than partials or bridges


• Crown that matches the patient’s other teeth


• Improved speed and eating


• Better self-esteem and confidence

The entire process of dental implants takes 3-6 months, with most of this time being the healing time for the post. After that point, a crown is made to fit over the top of the post, and the implant is complete.

New patients are encouraged to visit our website www.oralsurgerypa.com to learn more about our various services and locations. 

Wisdom Teeth Extractions

While many patients do not experience problems with their wisdom teeth when they begin to emerge between the ages of 17 and 25, many others find that theirs must be removed. Wisdom teeth are usually removed because they become impacted, which means that the tooth does not have enough room to come in straight through the gums and instead emerges at an angle. This can cause pain, damage to the jaw and a more crooked smile due to crowding. Additionally, the site of impaction can become a bacterial hotspot since impacted wisdom teeth are hard to clean.

If your mouth does not have enough room for your wisdom teeth to come in, a wisdom tooth extraction is necessary, and at our teams at our offices throughout the Philadelphia, PA area can determine whether a wisdom tooth extraction is the best course of action for you.

Wisdom teeth extractions can range from removing a single tooth to removing all four teeth at once. Your doctor at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania will let you know what they think is best for you. For the procedure, your doctor will use either a local anesthetic to numb the area or a general anesthetic to sedate you while the teeth are extracted. The tooth will then be accessed through an incision in the gums and wiggled until it is loose enough to be lifted out. If the tooth is too deeply embedded to be removed this way, it will be broken up into pieces before being removed.

Whether you are already feeling pain due to impacted wisdom teeth or have not yet felt them come in, we can determine if your wisdom teeth will cause problems for you. To schedule an appointment with us at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, visit our website www.oralsurgerypa.com. 

Dental Hygiene

Proper dental hygiene is very important to us here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, which is why we encourage all of our patients to pay close attention to their oral health. Oral hygiene not only affects dental health, but the patient’s overall health as well.

With regular home care, our patients can have teeth that are free of debris and bacteria, better smelling breath, and healthier teeth overall. It helps them battle gum disease, infection, and prevents possible procedures as a result of tooth decay.

We recommend the following practices for dental hygiene and periodontal health:

 

• Brush their teeth twice a day, for at least two minutes each time.


• Floss their teeth at least once a day.


• Use toothpaste and mouthwash that contains fluoride.


• Eat a healthy diet with minimal snacks and sugar-filled choices.


• Drink plenty of water and decreasing soda, coffee and wine.


• Visit your general dentist twice a year for a check-up and professional cleaning

 

With these simple daily practices, patients stand to have a healthier mouth and better overall health. They are taking good care of their teeth in between visits, and seeing us regularly to assess the health of their mouth and provide more education for good dental hygiene. 

Dental Hygiene

Proper dental hygiene is very important to us here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, which is why we encourage all of our patients to pay close attention to their oral health. Oral hygiene not only affects dental health, but the patient’s overall health as well.

 

With regular home care, our patients can have teeth that are free of debris and bacteria, better smelling breath, and healthier teeth overall. It helps them battle gum disease, infection, and prevents possible procedures as a result of tooth decay.

 

We recommend the following practices for dental hygiene and periodontal health:

• Brush their teeth twice a day, for at least two minutes each time.
• Floss their teeth at least once a day.
• Use toothpaste and mouthwash that contains fluoride.
• Eat a healthy diet with minimal snacks and sugar-filled choices.
• Drink plenty of water and decreasing soda, coffee and wine.
• Visit your general dentist twice a year for a check-up and professional cleaning

With these simple daily practices, patients stand to have a healthier mouth and better overall health. They are taking good care of their teeth in between visits, and seeing us regularly to assess the health of their mouth and provide more education for good dental hygiene. 

ALVEOLOPLAST

An alveoplasty is a type of surgery that smooths the jawbone. This procedure is done in areas where teeth have been removed or lost. Alveoplasty can be done alone, but is usually done at the same time that teeth are extracted. We perform this procedure in each of our Philadelphia, PA area offices and offer anesthetic options for patients who suffer from dental phobia.

 

At Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, we recommend this procedure to our patients who have recently had several teeth extracted. When you have a tooth removed, there is a hole left in the jawbone. An alveoplasty allows the gums to be stitched closed over the hole. When your dentist at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania removes a tooth, he or she leaves an open socket that fills with a blood clot.

 

After the gums have healed, there are often high and low points in the bone that can make it difficult to fit a denture or implant properly. We use this procedure to smooth lumps in the jawbone or to flatten or taper the jaw's ridge. Besides smoothing the jawbone, alveoplasty also speeds healing after multiple teeth are extracted.

 

If you are thinking about getting an alveoplasty and have questions about procedures that must be performed for you, do call us directly at 215-463-4141.

Dental Implants

Do you have a missing tooth?  Whether your smile gap is accidental or your tooth has been extracted, it’s still important to have your smile restored.  Dental implants are one of the best ways to restore the natural look and feel of your smile.  Compared to other tooth prosthetics, dental implants have unique advantages that set them above the rest. 

 

If you are not sure which dental restoration is best for your smile, our team here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania is always happy to help.  Just arrange an appointment at our office for a consultation.  For many patients, dental implants have proven to be a successful restoration with a number of benefits:

• There is no need to modify the surrounding teeth or rely on adjacent teeth for support.  Dental implants stand alone.
• They can be placed anywhere within the mouth, serving as a great replacement for teeth in the front or back of your smile. 
• Dental implants can be used to restore a single tooth, or entire rows of teeth through multiple implants.
• They provide patients with a natural look and feel that makes the restorative indistinguishable from the rest of your smile.
• Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime with regular brushing, flossing and dental checkups

Frenectomy

At Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, our team regularly performs restorative surgical procedures. A common procedure we perform is a frenectomy. Simply put, a frenectomy is a procedure to remove the frenum, or muscular attachment between two tissues, from the mouth. This naturally occurring muscle attachment is normally seen between the front teeth (either upper or lower) and it connects the inner aspect of the lip with the gum.

 

Most patients who come to us for a frenectomy have enlarged frena beneath their tongues. This prevents their tongue from moving freely and can interfere with speech due to limited tongue mobility. A lingual frenectomy will remove the fold of tissue so your tongue can once again move freely. This is mostly seen in children who suffer from the following symptoms:

• Trouble feeding
• Difficulty speaking
• Lack of ability to extend tongue out of their mouth
• The frenum pulling child’s gum tissue away from the lower front teeth

There are times where the frenum is attached between the two upper front teeth. In order to remove it, a procedure called a labial frenectomy is performed. This condition is usually seen in children after their permanent upper front teeth have erupted in their mouths.

 

Visit us in our Philadelphia, Clifton Heights, or Folsom, PA location to learn more about this procedure and whether or not you are in need of it. For more information about this procedure, please visit www.oralsurgerypa.com. 

How Smoking Affects Post Op Extractions

Following a tooth extraction, the mouth should be carefully protected to minimize any risk of complications or compromise in healing.  This is an especially important consideration for smokers. Smoking cigarettes within the first forty-eight hours of a tooth extraction could increase the risk of treatment site complications, including the development of a dry socket, or alveolar osteitis. The risk is greatly increased within the first few hours of the post op, so it’s best to avoid cigarettes for as long as possible.

 

While tobacco can be harmful to long term oral health, the immediate issue of smoking after an extraction is the inhaling and pressure in the mouth that occurs in the physical act of smoking.  This can worsen pain and complicate healing. If you cannot go for an extended time without a cigarette, it may be best to prepare for your extraction procedure and post op by using a nicotine patch several days prior to your appointment.

 

For complete information on how you can prepare for your extraction and ensure a speedy, healthy recovery, visit our website, www.oralsurgerypa.com. 

Extractions

We believe in saving the natural tooth whenever possible, but this isn’t always an option. Teeth often need to be extracted because of severe tooth decay that has caused a tooth to become cracked or fractured, severely infected or because there is not enough stability in the tooth for a crown to be placed over it.

 

Our patients know they are getting the best care possible when they visit our offices for extractions. We provide an anesthetic so that our patients don’t experience any pain or discomfort. We remove the tooth as quickly as possible, providing in-depth aftercare instructions. Most extractions heal quickly and without problem. However, wisdom teeth extractions may have a slightly longer healing process.

 

After getting the tooth extracted, patients are asked to keep gauze on the tooth for any bleeding that may occur. They must not use a straw as the sucking motion can dislodge the blood clot that is protecting the opening. If you have a problem with a tooth and are in need of an extraction, visit our office or our website, www.oralsurgerypa.com. 

IV Sedation

The idea of going to the dentist for a procedure brings on feelings of fear or anxiety in some people, but there are options to ease the anxiety. Between 5% and 8% of Americans avoid going to the dentist due to dental phobia.  At Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, we are offering an extremely practical solution to rid you of your dental phobia through patient sedation. Our practice offers a safe environment of skilled staff members who are able to comfort patients through various sedation methods.

 

We utilize IV sedation for patients that suffer from moderate to severe anxiety. The medication is administered through your blood stream and sets in very quickly. You will feel as though you are in a heavily relaxed state and in some cases, patients will not remember their procedure. One of the best things about IV sedation is the fact that it makes your appointment seem much faster. This will allow you to have multiple procedures completed in just one sitting. IV sedation also allows us to monitor and adjust your dosage throughout the procedure to ensure for maximum comfort.

 

Next time you come into Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania for an appointment with one of our skilled team members, make sure to ask about sedation and how it can help you through your dental procedures. 

Bone Grafting

At Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, we are committed to providing our patients with expert care for all of their dental needs.  That is why we maintain bone grafting capabilities at our dental practice.  Bone grafting is an excellent option for patients who need to build and strengthen their jawbones to fully support dental implants or other tooth prosthetics.  Since bone grafting is a surgical process, our patients gain peace of mind in knowing they can complete this procedure in a comfortable and trusting environment.

 

 Cadaver bone fragments that are donated to bone banks are used for grafting purposes.  The bone sample is then used to patch and strengthen the future site of the prosthetic.  The bone graft will naturally heal and become part of your jaw, providing you with a strong and stable base for an implant or other restorative.

 

If you have been seeking dental implants in the Philadelphia, PA area, but have been told your jaw may not be able to support the implant, contact us here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania.  We are happy to provide patients with consultations and to discuss our bone grafting capabilities.