Thursday, April 9, 2020

Sectioning during Extractions


Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania are experts at extracting teeth safely and with minimal inconvenience to the patient. When it is necessary for a tooth to be removed, our doctors want the patient to be fully informed about their procedure so they’ll understand the importance of sticking to their post-op care instructions. Some extractions are more complicated than others, and in those cases, we may section teeth prior to removing them.


Sectioning is the process of breaking a tooth apart and extracting the separate pieces. After the patient has been numbed and sedated, we’ll cut a flap in the gum tissue around the impacted tooth. We will then use a drill to cut the tooth apart while keeping the surgery site continuously bathed in water to prevent heat damage and remove debris. The separate sections can be lifted out with forceps and flat spoons called elevators, and the surgical site can be sutured shut.


Although the process of sectioning may sound intimidating, it actually allows us to work through a much smaller incision in the gum than we would otherwise. Cutting the tooth apart also allows us to remove it with much less force, particularly if the roots curl in different directions. If you are nervous, we can discuss different sedation options. With the wisdom teeth removed, a patient will be at much less risk for gum infections and overcrowding.


Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania operates in Philadelphia, Folsom, and Clifton Heights. Visit Oral Surgery PA.




 

Thursday, April 2, 2020

Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies are unplanned and incredibly stressful! Maybe you were playing basketball with your friends, you tripped over a rug, or even got hit in the face. You’re suddenly in a situation you haven’t at all prepared for. This isn’t the case for patients of Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania. We’ve put together this simple guide of dental emergencies and what to do while you wait. Learn more by contacting our offices in Philadelphia, Folsom, and Clifton Heights, PA.


 


You need to contact our offices right away when an accident occurs. This is the only way to guarantee that our surgeons can see you. If for some reason there isn’t any availability, consider going to your local emergency room. Otherwise, follow this advice:


 


-Disconnected crowns: find the crown and try to place it back on. You’ll need to keep it in place until the appointment. Try using over-the-counter denture cream.


-Missing filling: see if you can locate the filling. Your dentist may need this. Otherwise, protect the uncovered tooth with sugarless gum.


-Unrelenting toothache: many toothaches are caused by objects irritating the teeth. Thoroughly clean the area surrounding the hurt tooth. See if any food or debris comes loose. If pain is still felt afterward, call our office.


-Chipped or broken tooth: it’s important to save as much of the natural tooth as possible. Gather the fragments, washing your mouth out to grab other pieces. You’ll need to apply an icepack to keep the swelling down. Remember to switch the icepack out every 15 minutes or so.


-Dislocated tooth: if your tooth is partially knocked out, but not all the way, avoid touching it at all cost. You want to keep as much of the roots and tissues alive as possible. You must keep the swelling down. Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication to help.


-Knocked-out tooth: find the tooth and clean it. See if it will fit back into place. If not, place the tooth in cold milk or salt-water. This keeps the tissue alive. Your oral surgeon will do the best they can to reattach it.


 


Contact  Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennslyvania right away during a dental emergency. We will see you as soon as we possibly can. Our offices are located in Philadelphia, Folsom, and Clifton Heights, PA. To schedule an appointment, visit our website at https://www.oralsurgerypa.com/