Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the third and last molars on each side of the upper and lower jaws. These teeth usually emerge between the ages of 17-25. When wisdom teeth are impacted, however, they will not erupt and put the patient at risk for infection. If this is the case, our doctors at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania will likely suggest extraction. Allow us to explain the consequences that impacted wisdom teeth may cause.

Impacted teeth usually don’t bring upon symptoms, so yours may be impacted without you even knowing. In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth will cause pain and because they are hard to clean, they become prone to tooth decay and periodontal disease. If wisdom teeth are impacted and extraction is suggested, our oral surgeons will discuss the extraction procedure with you in full before performing the surgery.

If your wisdom teeth are causing you pain, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.oralsurgerypa.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania located in Philadelphia, call 215-463-4141. 

Anesthesia Side Effects

There are two types of anesthetics that we utilize here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania – local and general. Local anesthesia provides a temporary loss of sensation including pain in one part of the body produced by a topically applied or injected agent without distressing the level of consciousness for the patient. General anesthesia, on the other hand, is controlled by the doctor and sedates the patient for an extended period of time. Anesthesia produces side-effects for some patients that we’d like to take the time to explain so that you can prepare for your next appointment.

Tooth extraction is one of the most common procedures that require anesthesia. Side effects of anesthesia may occur during a surgery or procedure, or afterward when you are recovering. Side effects may include nausea and vomiting, a sore throat, muscle aches, or even confusion as the anesthesia wears off. While these symptoms may cause discomfort or frustration, it’s important to know that they won’t last long. Every patient is different and depending on what kind of anesthesia is administered you may have no side effects at all. If you have a procedure scheduled that requires anesthesia, we encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you have before it begins.

If you have questions or concerns about tooth extractions or anesthesia please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.oralsurgerypa.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania located in Philadelphia, call 215-463-4141. 

What is an Alveoplasty?

Alveoplasty gets its name from the alveolar bone, which is the spongy portion of the jaw bone that includes the tooth sockets.  The goal of an alveoplasty procedure is to smooth or reshape the jaw bone.  For some patients, this is done to ensure a smooth, even surface for dentures to fit over.  This is also performed in combination with certain tooth extractions, in anticipation of an implant to replace the tooth.  Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania is happy to help these patients with an alveoplasty.

The procedure begins by delivering local anesthetic, but some patients may opt for sedation.  After creating flaps in the gum tissue, the doctor is able to reach the jaw bone.  To trim the jaw bone we utilize a Piezosurgery unit, the advanced technology behind this tool allowing for precise contouring of the bone.  Once the surface of the jaw bone has been corrected the gum flaps are stitched, and healing is monitored by the dentist until the jaw bone can receive the implant or denture.

To learn more about alveoplasties and all the services we provide at our practice, visit www.oralsurgerypa.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania located in Philadelphia, call 215-463-4141.

Avoiding Dry Sockets

Extractions are one of our specialties at the Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania. We are well-versed in providing our patients with the information they need to avoid post-operation complications, most notably, dry sockets. But dry sockets are more likely following extractions which required incisions, so patients should know how to recognize them and when to ask for help.

Following an extraction, the patient is expected to experience some bleeding. This is a good thing. The clot is necessary for sealing off the socket and preventing it from drying out. If it does dry, the patient will experience great pain and be at risk of infection. For that reason, we need to know about all the medications a patient is on so we can plan what to do if any of them prevent clotting. Patients will also need to schedule appointments if their bleeding does not stop within twenty-four hours.

Patients should also not sip through straws or vigorously brush near the socket for seventy-two hours, as this may dislodge the clot. Empty sockets naturally close quickly, and the risk of dryness is greatest within forty-eight hours of the extraction. Patients who experience severe pain during that time or can actually see that the clot is not in place should also schedule emergency appointments so we may apply medicated wound dressing in the clot’s place.

Dr. Ramin Bahram operates the Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania at 2546 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19145. To schedule an appointment, call 215-463-4141 or visit OralSurgeryPA.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Acid Reflux and Tooth Decay

Drs. Bahram,Richman and Dieu of  Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania are greatly experienced in extracting and replacing damaged teeth, but that doesn’t mean we don’t value preventive care. We hope that most people by now are aware of how plaque and smoking contribute to dental decay and periodontal disease, but there’s another major risk factor to adults’ oral health: acid reflux.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a painful condition that is caused by stomach acid escaping upwards into the esophagus and mouth. Just as it causes “heartburn” by corroding the lining of the esophagus, it also causes toothaches by eroding tooth enamel and irritating gum tissue. The enamel erosion is cosmetically unpleasing because it allows the greyish-yellow coloring of the teeth’s inner layer to shine through, but it can also create cracks which put a patient at risk of developing an infection.

Root canals can treat the damage should it get that far and crowns can be replaced with prosthetics. But to prevent acid reflux, the patient will probably have to make some lifestyle changes. These include cutting back on alcohol, fatty and acidic foods and drinks (like tomato juice), caffeine, and chocolate, keeping better posture, and avoiding large meals before bed.

Visit Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania at 2546 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19145. To schedule an appointment, call 215-463-4141 or visit OralSurgeryPA.com and fill out a contact sheet.