How Smoking Affects Post Op Extractions

Following a tooth extraction, the mouth should be carefully protected to minimize any risk of complications or compromise in healing.  This is an especially important consideration for smokers. Smoking cigarettes within the first forty-eight hours of a tooth extraction could increase the risk of treatment site complications, including the development of a dry socket, or alveolar osteitis. The risk is greatly increased within the first few hours of the post op, so it’s best to avoid cigarettes for as long as possible.

 

While tobacco can be harmful to long term oral health, the immediate issue of smoking after an extraction is the inhaling and pressure in the mouth that occurs in the physical act of smoking.  This can worsen pain and complicate healing. If you cannot go for an extended time without a cigarette, it may be best to prepare for your extraction procedure and post op by using a nicotine patch several days prior to your appointment.

 

For complete information on how you can prepare for your extraction and ensure a speedy, healthy recovery, visit our website, www.oralsurgerypa.com. 

IV Sedation

The idea of going to the dentist for a procedure brings on feelings of fear or anxiety in some people, but there are options to ease the anxiety. Between 5% and 8% of Americans avoid going to the dentist due to dental phobia.  At Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, we are offering an extremely practical solution to rid you of your dental phobia through patient sedation. Our practice offers a safe environment of skilled staff members who are able to comfort patients through various sedation methods.

 

We utilize IV sedation for patients that suffer from moderate to severe anxiety. The medication is administered through your blood stream and sets in very quickly. You will feel as though you are in a heavily relaxed state and in some cases, patients will not remember their procedure. One of the best things about IV sedation is the fact that it makes your appointment seem much faster. This will allow you to have multiple procedures completed in just one sitting. IV sedation also allows us to monitor and adjust your dosage throughout the procedure to ensure for maximum comfort.

 

Next time you come into Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania for an appointment with one of our skilled team members, make sure to ask about sedation and how it can help you through your dental procedures. 

Chewing Gum after Eating

If you are a gum chewer, the type of gum you chew can make the difference between helping and harming your oral health. While you might think that stick of mint gum is freshening your breath, it could also be contributing to cavity formation. In fact, chewing gum made from xylitol, which is a natural sweetener, right after you eat is one of the most effective to improve digestion.

 

As you get older, your body produces less and less stomach acid to help you digest properly. Chewing gum at the appropriate times, like after a meal, can actually help give your digestive system a boost and help you digest your meals more efficiently. Chewing gum with xylitol helps create saliva which ultimately helps your body build up the amount of acid that is in your stomach. This acid helps contribute to breaking down foods and improving overall digestion.

CT Scanner (3D Imaging)

CT Scanner (3D Imaging)

CT scanners allow dental professions to gain a more comprehensive insight into your oral health. This advanced examination and diagnostic technology produces a 3D image of the teeth, oral and sinus cavity, which enables us to detect problems and plan procedures such as dental implants with greater precision.

 

Conventional 2D x-rays only provide a flat image from a single viewpoint, which provides a very limited portrayal of critical procedure areas. CT scanning and 3D imaging delivers a superior image to this traditional x-ray method.

 

If you’re wondering how CT scanning can benefit your specific needs, or if you have any concerns with regards to the CT scanning process please call us directly.   

 

Sources: http://www.deardoctor.com/inside-the-magazine/issue-14/CAT-scans-in-dentistry/