After Dental Implants

After dental implants, it is important that you do not disturb the wound in any way. This includes rinsing, spitting, or touching the afflicted area. Interfering with the stitches heightens your risk for complications. The amount of recovery time may be increased and an infection could also occur.

Patients are likely to have bleeding occur during the first 24 hours after surgery. Control any excessive bleeding with a gauze pad on the wound for upwards of 30 minutes. If you are bleeding for longer, give us a call right away for instructions.

To control the pain when the anesthetic wears off, take general over-the-counter pain medication such as Tylenol or Aspirin. Your oral surgeon might prescribe a stronger medication as well.

Your diet will consist of softer foods for the first few days. Avoid hotter substances due to teeth sensitivity.

Remember to keep your physical activity to a minimum. Besides the pain, vigorous activity can loosen your stitches. Your restricted diet can also reduce your energy levels. It’s best to rest while you recover.

After the dental implant procedure, you’ll be instructed to come in 24-48 hours afterward. This is just a precautionary measure to confirm that everything is healing properly.

If you have any questions, please give us a call. To learn more about all the services we provide at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, visit www.oralsurgerypa.com for more information. Contact our offices in Philadelphia, Clifton Heights, or Folsom to learn more.

What To Do When A Dental Implant Fails

Dental implants are a common surgical procedure where a trained dental professional inserts artificial roots into the jaws. These are then used to replace missing teeth or correct damaged dental devices. It can take a few months to a year to heal from the procedure. But what happens if you don’t recover, forcing the implant to fail? Dr. Ramin Bahram and his staff at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania can help. He and his team are available at four different locations in Folsom, Philadelphia, and Clifton Heights, PA.

 

It’s important to keep in touch with Dr. Bahram’s team during the healing process. If you notice any unusual symptoms, contact us immediately. This includes the implant feeling loose, pain, swelling or infection, and bleeding. There are factors that can put you at risk. If you are a smoker, it’s best to stop smoking entirely throughout the healing process. Certain conditions like gum disease and bruxism can cause damage to the implant. Osteoporosis diminishes your bone strength, making it difficult for the implant to anchor. Make sure to discuss any daily medications with our staff to ensure there aren’t any negative interactions.

 

Short-term implant failure is simple to treat. Dr. Bahram will remove the damaged implant. But what happens if an implant fails in the long run? If the implant has already healed and been restored, treatment is much more advanced. Common long-term failure is caused by Peri-implantitis. This is a serious and chronic infection in the bone and gums. Treatment varies by patient and severity. Frequent dental examinations are a must, with laser therapy and surgery needed to restore the bone. Antibiotics are used as a supplement to other treatments. Other long-term problems are easier to fix. These usually involve prosthetic issues like fractures or damage.

 

Talk to Dr. Bahram about preventing any complications. Any changes to your health can affect the success of your implant. Keeping up a strict oral hygiene routine is critical. Remember to brush twice a day for at least two minutes. Floss daily as well. Antibacterial mouthwash can reduce the risk of infection by eliminating bacteria.

 

Dr. Ramin Bahram and his staff are available at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania. We can be reached at four separate locations in Clifton Heights, Folsom, and Philadelphia, PA. To learn more, call or visit our website.

Bone Grafting

At Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, our staff works daily to supply our qualified patients with dental implants. In some cases, a patient might require a Bone Graft before being eligible. But what exactly is bone grafting?

Bone grafting occurs when a section of the jawbone associated with missing teeth begins to disintegrate. This leaves the bone in poor condition, either not strong enough or large enough to house implants. An x-ray will be taken to determine how much jaw bone is available. Depending on the results, a bone graft will be needed. Thanks to today's technology, our staff at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania have the ability to grow bone where needed. The bone is acquired from a tissue bank, where we determine the necessary size and width. This also gives us a chance to guarantee the functionality and appearance of the graft.

Bone grafting can repair implant sites compromised due to previous extractions, structural damage, gum disease, and injuries. Once everything has been given the all clear, your bone graft surgery will be scheduled.

At the procedure, you will be brought under general anesthesia. An incision in the skin will open up where the graft is being placed. The bone will be put into place, held using: pins, plates, screws, wires, and/or cables. Afterward, the incision will be stitched and bandaged.

Recovery depends on the size of the graft and other health variables. Typical recovery can take place from two weeks to up to a year. Avoid vigorous activities as long as your doctor suggests. Make sure to follow all postoperative instructions received.

If you’re in need of an oral surgeon or bone graft surgery, schedule an appointment with the Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania today. Our offices are located across the Philadelphia, PA area. You can visit our website to schedule an appointment, or call 215-463-4141.

 

Replace Teeth with Dental Implants

The doctors at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania replace teeth and restore patient smiles with dental implants. Implants are a permanent restorative option for teeth that are missing or have been extracted.  They look and feel just like natural teeth, and are the most permanent and efficient means of replacing lost teeth.

An implant is placed over a series of appointments because of the healing time required.  Implants are titanium screws inserted through an incision in the gum. Over a period of 3-6 months, the jaw bone heals around the implant to become a solid, stable base for the new tooth. During this time a patient is fitted with a temporary crown, and a custom crown is created to match their smile perfectly.

After the jaw bone and gums have healed appropriately, the custom crown is placed in a second minor procedure.  The doctor may need to expose the head of the implant by removing some gum tissue, and the crown will be screwed to the top of the implant.  When this is complete the tooth looks like part of the natural smile, and with proper care will last for decades!

To learn more about dental implants 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.

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.

Consequences of Tooth Loss

Nearly 40% of patients have confessed that they haven’t visited the dentist in their lifetime. People who lack adequate oral care habits will develop periodontal disease that will advance to its aggressive stage and diminish the bone, leading to tooth loss. Smokers are also likely to lose teeth over time as well as those who have a highly acidic diet. Fortunately, Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania have a variety of options to restore the function of your smile.

If missing teeth are not replaced, the patient may notice structural changes in the face. Loss of teeth will cause the face to sag and tend to make a person look older than they are. The way you look affects the way you feel and our doctors want our patients to feel comfortable and confident. If you are missing teeth, don’t suffer the consequences; talk to us about our options.  

If you have questions or concerns about oral surgery, 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.

Bone Grafting for Dental Implants

If you are considering implants, you must have healthy gums and sufficient bone to support the implant. Also known as regenerative surgery, a bone graft is used to recreate bone and soft supporting tissues that are destroyed during gum disease. At Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, bone grafting is a common procedure that is used frequently for dental implants and other periodontal procedures.

If a patient’s jawbone isn’t thick enough or is too soft, bone grafting may be required before they can have dental implant surgery. This is because the powerful chewing action of the mouth exerts great pressure on the bone, and if it can’t support the implant, the surgery will likely fail. With bone grafting, a piece of bone is removed from another part of the patient’s mouth.  In some cases, they might only need minor bone grafting, which can be done at the same time as the dental implant surgery.

If you have questions or concerns regarding oral surgery or appointment scheduling, 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. 

Bone Grafting for Dental Implants

A bone graft procedure is done to replace missing bone in a patients mouth.  The doctors at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania use a bone graft to strengthen jaw bones in preparation for dental implants.

Missing a tooth for an extended period of time can leave the jaw bone vulnerable and compromise its structure.  When a patient needs an implant for a permanent replacement tooth, a bone graft reinforces the jaw bone so it is strong enough to handle the placement of an implant. 

In our practice, we use a processed bone grafting material and graft to the compromised area of the jaw bone.  This strengthens the weakened bone, and encourages growth of new bone material as it heals.  After the procedure, the bone graft will be monitored over the course of months.  When the jaw bone has strengthened enough to handle the placement of an implant, our doctors can move forward with the patient’s plan of care.

To learn more about bone grafting and all the services we provide at the 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.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Are you afraid to smile in photos because you’re embarrassed by missing teeth? If so, dental implants are an option for you. Missing teeth can not only make a person frown, but it can make them look older in appearance due to sagging skin. A dental implant is a titanium post that resembles a tooth root and is surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath the gum line that allows our doctors at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania to mount replacement teeth in the affected area.

To receive dental implants, a patient must have healthy gums and adequate bone structure to support the implant. Once you are deemed a candidate, there are many benefits to reap from dental implants. Not only will you notice a boost of self-esteem, but the ability to eat and speak will be improved. Implants are very durable and can last over 30 years with proper oral hygiene. If you have missing teeth, give us a call to discuss your treatment options.

To inquire about dental implants or 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.

Oral Care for Implants

If you’ve had missing teeth replaced with dental implants it’s important to practice proper oral hygiene as if you were born with them. Cleaning dental implants are very similar to the way you would clean your natural teeth with one exception – they require just a little extra attention. Maintaining a rigorous oral hygiene routine is vital, before, during, and after placement. Allow our doctors at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania to explain why.

Healthy gums are a firm and pale pink, and if you’ve received dental implants your periodontal health should already be in tip-top shape. Cleaning implant-supported tooth replacements are just as important as cleaning natural teeth because you want to keep the surrounding tissues healthy to maximize the potential of the implants. When cleaning your dental implants, be sure to choose a toothbrush that has been given the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dental implant oral care, 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. 

Bone Graft for Dental Implants

If you’re missing one or more teeth and decide on dental implants to restore them, then you’re already on your way to a more aesthetically pleasing smile. For a successful implant surgery, you must have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. If your bone is too thin or soft, you may require a bone graft. At Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, we would like to explain this process.

Bone grafting is a safe and highly successful procedure that involves adding bone to the jaw. During the bone graft procedure, one of our surgeons may use a special bone grafting material and graft it into your jaw bone. This process is likely to take a few months because the transplanted bone needs to grow in order to support the dental implant that will be placed. Once the bone graft is complete, the rest of the implant surgery can proceed. In some cases, you may only need minor bone grafting which won’t take as long and can be completed during the same time as your implant surgery. Your oral surgeon is the one who will make the final decision on which type of bone graft you need.

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. 

Implants and Oral Hygiene

At Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, we want to remind you that caring for teeth restored with dental implants is just like caring for your natural teeth. It’s important to brush, floss and maintain regular dental cleanings and checkups as scheduled. While replacement teeth can’t get cavities, they are subject to the same wear-and-tear as natural teeth. It is up to you to properly care for your dental implants, therefore, the next time you brush them you should utilize these tips.

• Start with the outer and inner surfaces, and brush at a 45-degree angle. Don’t forget your back teeth!


• Move on to the chewing surfaces. Hold the brush flat and brush back and forth along these surfaces.


• Once you get to the inside surfaces of your front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and use gentle up-and-down strokes with the tip of the brush.


• Be sure to brush your teeth gently along the gum line and don’t forget to floss!


• If you have further questions about maintaining your dental implant care routine, make sure to speak with your dentist.

 

Philadelphia, call 215-463-4141. 

Dental Implant Details

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants may be an option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason. Here at the office, the dental implant procedure is a team effort between one of our doctors at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania and staff.

Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth and are designed to blend in with your natural teeth. They are an excellent long-term option for restoring your smile. Dental implants are made of titanium and other materials that are compatible with the human body. However, you must be in good health and have the proper bone structure and healthy gums for the implant to stay in place. The success rate for implants depends on the tooth's purpose and location in the mouth, as well as a patient's overall health.

If you are missing teeth, please give us a call to discuss your tooth-replacement 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. 

Placing Dental Implants

If you are missing teeth as a result of injury, tooth decay, or gum disease, then you are likely a good candidate for dental implants. However, you must have enough bone in your jaw to allow an implant to be placed in the jawbone, and implants are not recommended for smokers, people with autoimmune diseases, people who have radiation therapy, and people with uncontrolled diabetes. This is why it’s important for our doctors at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania to examine you and determine if you are suitable to get implants before they are placed.

The entire implant process is placed over the course of a few months. The first part of the process involves installing the implant itself, where a screw is placed into the jaw bone. In most cases, placing a single dental implant requires less than an hour, but of course, this depends on how many you need. After the implant is placed in your jaw, you will have to wait several months for the surrounding bone to bond with the implant. After the implant has healed, it is time to place an abutment on the implant. The abutment serves as the base for your new tooth. Once the implant process is complete, you will have a restored smile that will look and feel like your real teeth.

If you think you may benefit from dental implants, 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. 

Dental Implant Advantages

Having missing teeth can be embarrassing, and if left untreated, will only get worse. This is why the Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania offer dental implants to their patients. Dental implants provide a more natural tooth replacement because they are artificial teeth that are attached directly to the jawbone. Other options can lead to bone deterioration, and may interfere with eating, smiling, speaking and other daily activities.

Dental implants are the closest you can get to natural and healthy teeth. They allow you to confidently eat, laugh, talk, play and enjoy all of your daily activities without being self-conscious about your smile. A face without teeth can sag and make you appear older than your actual age, but dental implants allow you to maintain the natural shape of your face. While dental implants may need periodic adjustments, they can last a lifetime when properly placed and cared for over time. Dental implant treatment has a track record of reliable, long-term successful outcomes and is often considered a more durable option than other treatments to repair or replace missing teeth.

If you are missing teeth and would like to discuss your tooth-replacement options, 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. 

Dental Implants Compared to Bridges and Dentures

There are several options for tooth replacement out there in the world. Dental implants are the only option that has the ability to last a lifetime. That is why here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA we have chosen to utilize dental implants for tooth replacement. They are the optimum choice among the other options like bridges and dentures.

Dental implants are a single-tooth replacement; they are permanent; and able to last a lifetime with good care. They are surgically implanted into the bone socket so that they bond with the jawbone.

Dental bridges reduce the other teeth that are next to the open space in order to place crowns on them. They are reshaped so that only the center of the tooth is left. Then the replacement tooth is fitted into the middle. While dental bridges are popular, they are not as durable as implants and they will have to be replaced eventually.  Bridges last between five and fifteen years.

Dentures are another popular option for replacement; though there are several downfalls to them when you compare them to dental implants. Dentures are not as durable as implants, they will need to be replaced in the future, and they need to be re-fitted to your mouth as your mouth changes. They are also removable, so you need to take care of them when they are outside of your mouth. Not to mention, they can move around when talking or chewing.

Dental implants are without a doubt the best option for tooth replacement. To learn more about dental implants or to schedule a consultation, call Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania in our Philadelphia, PA office at (215) 463-4141 or visit our website, www.oralsurgerypa.com.

Cleaning Your Dental Implant

When visiting the Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, we make sure that you receive the highest level of service and ensure that our dental work is of the highest quality. If you’ve recently received a dental implant, you’ll want to protect your investment. To ensure that you maintain great oral health, this level of quality that we provide needs to extend into your personal oral hygiene routine. Allow us to inform you how to take care of your dental implant.

To ensure the long life of a dental implant, some special techniques and efforts are required to keep the implant clean and free of dental plaque. Plaque may cause infection in the tissues around the implant and lead to its ultimate failure. No single device has been shown to remove plaque from all surfaces of the dental implant; however you should take care of them as you would your natural teeth. To achieve long-term success of your dental implant you should brush at least twice a day and floss between your teeth once daily.

If you have questions about how to maintain oral care for your dental implant, give us a call. For more information about the services we provide, contact us in one of our Philadelphia, PA area locations today. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, call 215-463-4141 or visit www.oralsurgerypa.com. 

When a Dental Implant Fails

Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. In fact, they are one of the most reliable long-term methods of tooth replacement. However, as with any other surgical procedure, there are a variety of internal and external factors that cause complications or even total failure of treatment. When this happens, the Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania are here to help.

Osseointegration describes the formation of a direct functional and structural connection between a person’s bone and an artificial implant. There are two primary reasons for “later” implant failure after the osseointegration process has been successful. These include over-stressing implants with too much biting force, or inflammatory disease of the gum tissues and/or bone around the implant. Prevention plays a tremendous role in avoiding implant failure. Once the implants are placed, it’s crucial to maintain a good oral hygiene routine. Make sure you have regular professional dental cleanings to help keep the tissues around your implants healthy.

If you are considering dental implants, contact us at one of our Philadelphia, PA area locations today to see if you are eligible. For more information about dental implants, visit www.oralsurgerypa.com. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Oral Surgery Consults of Pennsylvania, call 215-463-4141.

Dental Implants

Do you have a missing tooth?  Whether your smile gap is accidental or your tooth has been extracted, it’s still important to have your smile restored.  Dental implants are one of the best ways to restore the natural look and feel of your smile.  Compared to other tooth prosthetics, dental implants have unique advantages that set them above the rest. 

 

If you are not sure which dental restoration is best for your smile, our team here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania is always happy to help.  Just arrange an appointment at our office for a consultation.  For many patients, dental implants have proven to be a successful restoration with a number of benefits:

• There is no need to modify the surrounding teeth or rely on adjacent teeth for support.  Dental implants stand alone.
• They can be placed anywhere within the mouth, serving as a great replacement for teeth in the front or back of your smile. 
• Dental implants can be used to restore a single tooth, or entire rows of teeth through multiple implants.
• They provide patients with a natural look and feel that makes the restorative indistinguishable from the rest of your smile.
• Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime with regular brushing, flossing and dental checkups

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.