Oral Hygiene and Heart Disease

Your oral hygiene affects more than just your smile. Now dentists and patients alike are gaining a better understating of how periodontal health problems that result from poor oral hygiene can have a serious impact on overall health and longevity. The reason for this is a problematic substance known as plaque.

 

Plaque forms between the teeth and around the gums when bacteria proliferation is not controlled through brushing, flossing and professional dental cleanings. This plaque buildup causes inflammation of the gums and frequently results in soreness and bleeding. As the plaque causing bacteria enter the bloodstream as a result of gum inflammation, there is a possibility that they can cause the same plaque buildup in the circulatory system. This increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and other serious issues, including heart disease, heart attack and stroke.

 

While experts are still exploring the link between oral and systemic health, we here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania encourage all of our patients to take care of their teeth and gums, because maintaining a beautiful, health smile could mean a longer, healthier life.   

What are My Anesthesia Options for Oral Surgery

What are My Anesthesia Options for Oral Surgery

Here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, we want our oral surgery patients to understand everything about their surgery. This includes educating them on their anesthesia options. There are three main options for oral surgery and dental procedures: local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, and general anesthesia with intravenous sedation. In some cases, our doctors offer the patients a choice in what anesthesia they get, while in others, one type of anesthesia is recommended highly for the comfort of the patient.

 

1) Local anesthesia is used most often in our office, and simply numbs the area being treated. The patient is awake and fully alert, though they experience no pain. Local anesthesia is often used in conjunction with other types of anesthesia.

2) Nitrous oxid, is known as laughing gas, and the patient is relaxed and conscious. Nitrous oxide is typically used for non-complicated wisdom tooth extractions and sometimes for dental implants.

3) With general anesthesia administered through IV sedation, patients are asleep so that they do not experience the procedure being performed. It is often used for longer or more intensive oral surgeries, such as removing impacted teeth, as well as dental implant surgery.

 

These anesthesia options are offered to patients, whether they are getting a simple procedure and want IV sedation or getting their wisdom teeth extracted and general anesthesia makes them feel more at ease. If you are in the Philadelphia, PA area and in need of oral surgery, contact our office about your anesthesia options.