Caries in Seniors

The high rate of tooth decay among seniors makes it especially important for our patients to understand how to properly clean implants. According to information from the Centers for Disease Control, one in five seniors has untreated tooth decay. Since it’s not just natural teeth that are vulnerable, people need to understand why seniors have the second-highest rate of caries after children.

That caries commonly develop in seniors who had good health earlier in life implies that their increased tooth decay is due to a change in lifestyle, instead of being a generational feature. Seniors often have dexterity and motor control issues that make it difficult for them to maintain thorough oral hygiene. They also often change their diets to focus more on soft food which gets stuck between their teeth more easily and tend to be high in sugar. Lots of medications cause dry mouth as a side effect, and this makes it harder to remove food debris and fight the growth of decay-causing bacteria colonies. Other issues are that seniors may not have coverage for regular cleanings or simply forget to brush and floss.

These issues are important to take into account when assessing patients for implants, but they are also all fixable. Potential implant patients should discuss how to clean implants and dentures properly with their dentist.

Our doctors at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania at 2546 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19145 would gladly evaluate you for a dental implant.  To schedule an appointment, call 215-463-4141 or visit OralSurgeryPA.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Reducing Children's Anxiety

Children are commonly anxious around strangers, and at the Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, we’re aware that particular care needs to be taken psychologically while preparing them for tooth extractions. There are things parents can do to help calm their child, but we first want to establish that we are happy to answer all their questions about what exactly will happen during the surgery and recovery.

Children usually take their cues from their parents, so we hope that if the parents feel they have a good understanding of the procedure, they will demonstrate calm and optimism. We don’t do extractions lightly and want to ensure that each child understands why they are necessary. Although we are skilled in safely applying IV sedation, it is often the case that only local anesthetic is necessary for simple extractions. Knowing that they will be free of pain, but not completely out of control is a great comfort.  Another thing parents can do to keep their child in a positive mindset is focus on planning for post-operation care. This includes things like preparing soft meals and coming up with things to do if the child misses a day of school.

Our doctors at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania at 2546 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19145 will be happy to treat your child.  To schedule an appointment, call 215-463-4141 or visit OralSurgeryPA.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Oral Cancer Screening

The doctors of Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania have seen many oral cancer cases, and want you and your family to be aware of the risk. Heavy smoking and drinking do increase the risk of oral cancer, but oral cancer can still occur if someone never smokes.  The human papilloma virus (HPV) was recently found to be responsible for most oral cancers that originated in the back of the mouth. 

Because there is no way to predict cancer, you should ask about an oral cancer screening with each dental checkup.  You can also watch out for warning signs on your own.  If you notice red or white patches or a lump on the inside of the mouth, have difficult time chewing or swallowing, or experience a sore throat that doesn’t go away, come see us for a screening. For an oral cancer screening in office, your dentist will conduct a visual exam, and may use an ultraviolet light to see any irregularities inside the mouth. Always contact us if you notice any inexplicable pain, swelling, or numbness in your throat or jaw.

To learn more about oral cancer screening and all the services we offer, 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.