Retained Baby Teeth

We all remember the funny feeling of losing our baby teeth and watching adult teeth emerge in its place. But sometimes, baby teeth don’t fall out on their own. Dentists are generally reluctant to extract them, but there are times when we at the Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania recognize that it’s the best option for adult or teenaged patients whose retained baby teeth are causing problems.

A baby tooth falls out because the erupting adult tooth dissolves its root. If the adult tooth is coming in at a different angle, the baby tooth’s root may remain solid, and the patient could end up with two rows of teeth. This most often happens with the lower incisors, although it can happen to the upper ones, as well. In these cases, it is difficult for the patient to brush all their teeth, and they may have alignment problems from overcrowding or bite problems from the teeth’s misplacement. They may be referred for orthodontic work after the extraction is finished.

It’s also not uncommon for people to be congenitally missing adult teeth. This most often occurs with the upper lateral incisors. The baby tooth never falls out because nothing is pushing it. We may recommend that these patients get their missing teeth replaced with implants after the baby teeth have been extracted, if their baby teeth are causing aesthetic or bite issues.

Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania operate in Philadelphia, Folsom, and Clifton Heights. Visit Oral Surgery PA or call 215-463-4141.

 

Acid Reflux and Holiday Food

Now that the holiday season is in full swing, we at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania want to offer our patients some guidance for avoiding toothaches this winter. While many people rightly think of the sugary treats available this time of year as a threat to oral health, there is another underappreciated source of toothaches: acid reflux. Also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, this condition is influenced by what patients eat and drink.

Acid reflux occurs when the sphincter that keeps stomach acid out of the rest of the body opens, allowing the acid to escape upward. This process can sometimes be recognized by the burning pain it causes in the chest; less commonly, it can cause respiratory distress. When acid reaches the mouth, it burns the inward-facing sides of teeth, eroding their enamel and making them more sensitive.

The mouth has its own defense against acid reflux in the form of saliva, which helps regulate its pH level. Unfortunately, there are a number of medications and other conditions which cause dry mouth. Patients can stimulate more saliva production by sucking on xylitol-flavored candy (sugary candy will make dry mouth worse and can lead to tooth decay). To reduce their risk of acid reflux developing in the first place, patients should avoid overconsumption of alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, spicy food, tomato sauce, and mint flavoring. It’s also better to avoid eating in the hours before bedtime and to eat only while in an upright posture.

Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania opperate in Philadelphia, Folsom, and Clifton Heights. Visit Oral Surgery PA or call 215-463-4141.

 

Diabetes and Gum Disease

If you suffer from diabetes, your teeth may be in danger. At Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, we often do full-mouth restorations on people who need all their teeth replaced. But restorations are easier when patients still have stable jaw bone material, which is why we want our diabetic patients to be on-guard against periodontal disease.

People with diabetes are prone to experience chronic inflammation. Their arteries thicken, making it more difficult for their blood to deliver nutrients and immune agents to locations of infections. Consequently, diabetic people have a more difficult time fighting off gum pocket infections and have higher rates of gingivitis and periodontal disease than the general population. At its most extreme, periodontal disease causes gum and bone tissue to recede, leaving the teeth vulnerable to falling out.

Some evidence has emerged that gum disease may also make it harder for patients to regulate their blood sugar level, worsening other symptoms of diabetes. However, treatment of periodontal disease is associated with improved health. Regular oral hygiene and professional cleanings can help diabetic patients to avoid gum infections, and avoiding smoking can prevent inflammation. If a patient has diabetes, it may be possible for them to get implants, but they will still need to be especially vigilant about their oral hygiene.

Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania operate in Philadelphia, Folsom, and Clifton Heights. Visit Oral Surgery PA or call 215-463-4141.

 

Reap the Benefits of Dental Implants

Are missing teeth making you feel insecure? Do you wear dentures but find them uncomfortable? If you’ve answered yes to these questions, Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania would like to discuss the benefits of dental implants. Dental implants are ideal for someone missing one or many teeth and can last up to ten years with proper oral maintenance.

A primary benefit of dental implants is that they preserve bone and prevent further deterioration of the facial structure and can approve aesthetic appearance. Dental implants can take years off of a patient’s face and renew their self-esteem in the process. Unlike dentures, dental implants look and feel like natural teeth, and because they are placed into the jawbone, they will not slip or slide as dentures may do.  

If you have questions or concerns about oral surgery or tooth restoration options, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide, 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.