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.

 

Lip Swelling following Extractions

Tooth extractions are a routine procedure at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania. We’ll make treatment as minimally invasive as possible, allowing you to recover quickly and comfortably. However, to avoid swelling, we will need our patients to try to avoid biting their lips after they’ve been numbed.

During extractions, we often numb the inferior alveolar nerve. This nerve carries sensations from the teeth of the lower jaw, and numbing it also numbs the lower lip and chin. Children are especially likely to experimentally bite down on their numbed lips, although some people suffer biting injuries in their sleep. A bite will likely cause a large amount of swelling as well as an ulcer and white lesion. A red lesion, especially if accompanied by fever, could indicate infection.

Usually, swelling is not dangerous. A patient may be advised to take an over-the-counter painkiller, but draining and antibiotics will probably not be recommended unless there is reason to suspect infection. Complete healing may take a few weeks, but is unlikely to have other complications. When patients are released immediately after an extraction, they are advised to use cold packs for the first 24 hours to restrict swelling, and then switch to hot packs to make the swelling go down faster. Remembering to do this may also make a patient less inclined to bite their lip, or limit the damage if they do.

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

 

Introduction to Alveoloplasties

We at the Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania provide extractions to people with all sorts of medical histories. Implant-supported dentures, fixed bridges, and single-crown implants can all help people regain their biting power and self-confidence. But in order to receive prosthetic teeth, some people will need to undergo a minor surgery called an alveoloplasty.

An alveoloplasty is the smoothing of the jawbone ridge. It is done when the ridge has protuberances or is otherwise shaped in a way that would make it difficult to slip a denture over. Sometimes, alveoloplasties are done when a tooth is extracted in anticipation of providing a patient with a denture later, but a person’s jawbones may naturally reshape somewhat if several years pass between extraction and replacement. Alveoloplasties are frequently done when multiple teeth are extracted at once in preparation for full-mouth restorations.

To perform an alveoloplasty, our surgeons may need to make an incision. The smoothing is done with a file, drill, or dental pliers while the patient is anesthetized, and the surgical site is kept well-irrigated. When it is over, the gums will be sutured shut. Incisions may not be necessary when the alveoloplasty is done in the same procedure as an extraction. Performing one makes complications less likely while the gums heal. A patient will usually be ready to receive dentures four to six weeks later.

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

 

Avoiding Dry Sockets

We’re proud to say that dry sockets are rare at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania. This complication following a tooth extraction is extremely unpleasant, but it is also avoidable in most cases if the patient follows simple instructions. Although only about 2-5% of people who get extractions suffer from dry sockets, we wanted our patients to better understand them so that if they get an extraction, they won’t be hearing their post-operative instructions for the first time.

A simple extraction is one in which the tooth is rocked until it can be lifted out with forceps. Complex extractions involve gum incisions and may require the tooth to be sectioned. A dry socket can result from either, though it is more commonly from the latter. Usually, blood clots would close off the empty socket, protecting it from irritating debris and pathogens, but sometimes the blood may fail to clot or the scab may come loose. If this happens, the socket will dry out painfully and be at risk for infection.

Three of the biggest risk factors for dry sockets are smoking, birth control pills, and the use of straws. The estrogen in pills can prevent blood from clotting, while smoking can dissolve the clot and suction can pull it loose. We also advise patients to avoid brushing near the extraction site on the first day after the procedure and to avoid solid foods. The socket may be cleaned with a salt water rinse.

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

 

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.

 

Swollen Lips after Tooth Extractions

Tooth extractions are routine at the offices of the Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, but they are most successful when patients feel they understand what to expect. The most common issue for patients to encounter following extraction is swelling.  Although there is little to fear in the long-term from this, patients can take steps to make themselves more comfortable.

It is often necessary to numb an entire jaw when extracting a tooth from it. This creates an unusual sensation which leads some people, especially children, to experimentally bite down on their numbed lips. Swelling is likelier if the extraction was complex, and it is also likelier when the patient irritates their soft tissues by biting on them. Biting repeatedly on swollen tissue creates a risk of breaking the fragile skin and incurring an infection.

If tissue does swell up within 24 hours of an extraction, patients may relieve it by pressing cold packs against the affected area. But it is important to not leave the cold pack on for longer than 15 minutes at a time, and to wait 15 minutes before reapplying it.  After the swelling peaks, warm compresses are will be effective. This treatment will probably only be necessary if swelling is still significant after two days, which is more often the case with complex extractions.

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

Jaw Tumors

Not all unusual growths in the mouth are cancerous, but they can still cause problems. At the Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, we use state-of-the-art tools to safely extract oral cysts and tumors, which can be disruptive to the surrounding jaw tissue.

An odontoma is an abnormal growth made up of the make kinds of material found in healthy teeth, such as enamel and dentin. In fact, odontomas could sometimes be mistaken for teeth if not for their unusual locations. Odontomas are the most common kind of jaw cysts, but like the others, they are linked to certain genes and can cause misalignment in teeth, pain, and difficulty swallowing. Other cysts and tumors are made of different materials.

With our piezosurgery tools, we can remove cysts and tumors with minimal risk to surrounding tissues while the patient is numbed and sedated. To ensure we understand the problem correctly, it will be necessary for some of the tumorous tissue to be assessed for cancer. We often deal with oral cancer and work closely with patients’ oncologists, but in most cases, unusual jaw growths are benign.

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

 

Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

As providers of biopsies, we at the Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania work with patients who are battling cancer. Facing a diagnosis of cancer does not mean that a person’s oral health should be neglected, but it can create complications in the form of osteonecrosis of the jaw. We want our patients to be able to understand why cooperation between oral surgeons and oncologists is so important.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw is when exposed jaw bone tissue dies. It can happen as a result of herpes or severe periodontal disease, but is usually a side effect of undergoing dental extractions while on bisphosphonate medication. These treatments are used to slow bone disintegration in people with osteoporosis or who are undergoing cancer treatments such as radiation and steroid use. Some symptoms of osteonecrosis include pain, swelling, and the failure of gums to heal after extractions.

While osteonecrosis may sound terrifying, it is often responsive to conservative treatments such as antibiotic rinses. It is also a very rare problem and not particularly associated with implant placement. But because there is no good way to predict whether someone will suffer osteonecrosis, it is important for patients to share with their oncologists whether they expect to need significant dental work and to have tooth extractions done early in their cancer treatment.

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

 

Why are Teeth Extracted

When a patient needs a tooth pulled, there’s nobody better in the Philly area than the Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania. But why do teeth need to be extracted, anyway? There are a number of possible reasons and we want our patients undergoing extractions to understand why it is in their interest.

Sometimes, teeth are severely infected. In these cases, they would usually undergo a root canal and we provide apicoectomies, or root tip replacements, when an initial root canal fails. However, even this may not be enough for the most stubborn infections, and some patients have a compromised immune system which prevents them from fighting off an infection in time to prevent it from entering the bloodstream. It may also happen that the gums are infected and are unable to keep the teeth stable. These cases require the assistance of a periodontist, or gum disease specialist, but they may not be able to stabilize the teeth. A tooth that has suffered a cracked root would also need to be removed since that injury does not heal.

Sometimes teeth are also removed due to overcrowding. This is often the fate of wisdom teeth. If canines or lateral incisors are impacted, they would usually be exposed so an orthodontic bracket can be glued to them and they can be guided into position, but this may not be practical if there are other alignment issues.

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

 

Why Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Everyone has a set of wisdom teeth behind their visible molars, but this set of ‘final molars’ often stays impacted.  Some patients experience these teeth beginning to erupt, usually between the ages of 17 and 24.  Even when that happens, there is not enough space in the mouth for these wisdom teeth to grow, which is why the doctors at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania typically recommend extraction. 

Keeping wisdom teeth too long can cause oral discomfort, headaches, damage the surrounding teeth and put a patient at risk for infection. If you experience swollen or tender gums around the wisdom teeth, jaw pain, or facial swelling, give us a call. We can determine if you need your wisdom teeth removed, and discuss sedation options and procedure with you.  The procedure will include stitches and some down time, but following instructions, a patient’s recovery shouldn’t take more than a week.

To learn more about your wisdom teeth 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.

Sectioning Teeth

When tooth extractions are difficult, patients come to the Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania. There are many reasons why a tooth may need to be extracted, but when it is impacted or has very large, curved roots, a more complicated extraction process may be necessary. Those extractions often require the tooth to be sectioned.

Sectioning a tooth means splitting it up and removing the individual pieces. This requires less force than trying to pull the entire thing out at once and is less likely to hurt the jaw bone. Often, this is done during wisdom tooth extractions. While drawings of molars conventionally represent them as having two roots, the upper ones often have three and can be tricky to pull, especially when they are at an angle. By drilling them into pieces and pulling out each section, we eliminate the need to twist them around, lessening the chance that a root will break off. This also means there are fewer ligaments anchoring each section. Sectioning a tooth does not make the extraction process painful for patients; they are kept numb and a steady stream of water prevents the drill from overheating.

Drs. Bahram,Richman, Mohan and Dieu operate at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania at 2546 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19145. To schedule an appointment, call 215-463-4141 or visit Oral Surgery PA and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Coronectomies

We provide wisdom tooth extractions at the offices of the Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania in the Philly area, but there are times when an alternative is necessary. When wisdom teeth are impacted, their large crowns need to be removed because they threaten to push the other teeth out of alignment and because partially-erupted crowns pose a risk for oral hygiene. However, there are times when the crown is the only part of the tooth that needs to be removed.

Wisdom teeth are located close to the inferior alveolar nerve, which controls feelings in the chin and lower lip. They are also near the lingual nerve, which controls the tongue. If the teeth are at a very strange angle, the roots may be so close to these nerves that removing them would pose an unacceptable risk of damage to the nerves. In these cases, our doctors will cut back a flap of gum tissue and drill off the exposed crown. The roots would then be sealed and smoothed, and the gum flap sutured. This process is less strenuous on the patient than a complicated extraction. It is usually done on patients who are old enough to have fully developed tooth roots. Should the roots erupt later, they will be far enough from the nerves to be extracted safely.

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

 

Reducing Children's Anxiety

Children are commonly anxious around strangers, and at the Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, we’re aware that particular care needs to be taken psychologically while preparing them for tooth extractions. There are things parents can do to help calm their child, but we first want to establish that we are happy to answer all their questions about what exactly will happen during the surgery and recovery.

Children usually take their cues from their parents, so we hope that if the parents feel they have a good understanding of the procedure, they will demonstrate calm and optimism. We don’t do extractions lightly and want to ensure that each child understands why they are necessary. Although we are skilled in safely applying IV sedation, it is often the case that only local anesthetic is necessary for simple extractions. Knowing that they will be free of pain, but not completely out of control is a great comfort.  Another thing parents can do to keep their child in a positive mindset is focus on planning for post-operation care. This includes things like preparing soft meals and coming up with things to do if the child misses a day of school.

Our doctors at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania at 2546 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19145 will be happy to treat your child.  To schedule an appointment, call 215-463-4141 or visit OralSurgeryPA.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Post-Operative Lip Swelling

As specialists in tooth extractions, we at the Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania regularly give patients local anesthetic. This has the advantage of having the fewest side effects, but there is one common complication, which is the swelling that occurs if the patient bites their lip shortly after the surgery.

Because of how the nerves of the mouth are structured, numbing the extraction site requires numbing most of the mouth. Regardless of what kind of anesthetic is used, the effect may last for several hours. Because of this, it is easy for patients, especially children, to bite down on their numbed soft tissue. When this happens, the tissue commonly swells up to several times its normal size and turns white.

While the swelling is unpleasant to look at and may be uncomfortable, it is usually something that goes away after a few weeks without causing any lasting harm. Over-the-counter painkillers are usually all that are necessary or appropriate. However, if the patient continues to chew on the ulcerated tissue, it could develop an infection, which would result in a fever. This is why it is important for the caregivers of children undergoing wisdom tooth or other extractions to do their best to make sure their child knows not to chew their numb lip.

Drs. Bahram, Richman and Dieu operate at the Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania at 2546 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19145. To schedule an appointment, call 215-463-4141 or visit OralSurgeryPA.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Avoiding Dry Sockets

Extractions are one of our specialties at the Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania. We are well-versed in providing our patients with the information they need to avoid post-operation complications, most notably, dry sockets. But dry sockets are more likely following extractions which required incisions, so patients should know how to recognize them and when to ask for help.

Following an extraction, the patient is expected to experience some bleeding. This is a good thing. The clot is necessary for sealing off the socket and preventing it from drying out. If it does dry, the patient will experience great pain and be at risk of infection. For that reason, we need to know about all the medications a patient is on so we can plan what to do if any of them prevent clotting. Patients will also need to schedule appointments if their bleeding does not stop within twenty-four hours.

Patients should also not sip through straws or vigorously brush near the socket for seventy-two hours, as this may dislodge the clot. Empty sockets naturally close quickly, and the risk of dryness is greatest within forty-eight hours of the extraction. Patients who experience severe pain during that time or can actually see that the clot is not in place should also schedule emergency appointments so we may apply medicated wound dressing in the clot’s place.

Dr. Ramin Bahram operates the Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania at 2546 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19145. To schedule an appointment, call 215-463-4141 or visit OralSurgeryPA.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?

If wisdom teeth don’t really supply us with wisdom, then what purpose do they serve? Anthropologists believe wisdom teeth, or the third set of molars, were the evolutionary answer to our ancestor’s early diet of coarse, rough food – like leaves, roots, nuts and meats – which required more chewing power and resulted in excessive wear of teeth. Fast forward to today, and take a look at what we are eating and more importantly how we are preparing our food. We cut, dice, chop, boil, steam and bake everything we eat.

Chewing these tough, coarse, and rugged foods required a broader jaw, and strong molars – including the wisdom teeth. Having all three molars was vital, in order for our ancestors to be able to eat the foods necessary for survival. These days, however, all of the food preparation has made eating easy to accomplish, in fact experts believe that our jaw line has become less broad and smaller over the years due to how food is prepared and consumed.

Many times, however, wisdom teeth don’t have room to grow properly and can cause problems. When they do, the Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania can provide you with the best care possible. For more information about wisdom teeth, contact us in one of our Philadelphia, PA area locations today. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Oral Surgery Consults of Pennsylvania, call 215-463-4141 or visit www.oralsurgerypa.com.  

Extractions

We believe in saving the natural tooth whenever possible, but this isn’t always an option. Teeth often need to be extracted because of severe tooth decay that has caused a tooth to become cracked or fractured, severely infected or because there is not enough stability in the tooth for a crown to be placed over it.

 

Our patients know they are getting the best care possible when they visit our offices for extractions. We provide an anesthetic so that our patients don’t experience any pain or discomfort. We remove the tooth as quickly as possible, providing in-depth aftercare instructions. Most extractions heal quickly and without problem. However, wisdom teeth extractions may have a slightly longer healing process.

 

After getting the tooth extracted, patients are asked to keep gauze on the tooth for any bleeding that may occur. They must not use a straw as the sucking motion can dislodge the blood clot that is protecting the opening. If you have a problem with a tooth and are in need of an extraction, visit our office or our website, www.oralsurgerypa.com. 

Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction is sometimes necessary for certain conditions and procedures, including wisdom teeth eruption, infection, or in the event of severe tooth decay. Most tooth extraction procedures are fairly simple and straightforward, but special care should be taken to avoid complications and to ensure a speedy recovery. When you visit for your tooth extraction, be sure to follow all pre-surgical instructions. With the use of anesthetic and/or sedation, you can expect your extraction to be painless and comfortable.  You may experience a pressured sensation as the tooth is eased from the socket and extracted. When a tooth cannot be easily removed from a socket, a tooth may need to sectioned and removed in portions. This process is also fairly simple and easy to complete.  Once the tooth has been fully extracted, the gum with be stitched to heal or the site will be preserved for implant placement.

 

Provided you follow all post-op specifications, including follow-up visits and restorative procedures, your tooth extraction will ensure your smile stays healthy, functional and beautiful.

Oral Cancer

We understandably don’t like to think or talk about cancer, but confronting this serious issue is imperative to good health practices.  In the dental health community, we are especially concerned with our patients’ understanding oforal cancer and all necessary screening and preventative measures. Like other forms of cancer, oral cancer can be extremely costly and difficult to fight once it has progressed; but also like other cancers, when it’s diagnosed early, patients greatly improve their prospects for a full recovery.  

 

Since there are a number of behaviors and lifestyle factors that can increase the risk of oral cancer, patients should be aware of the following factors and get a screening if any apply to them:

• Patients over fifty who use any tobacco products, drink frequently or heavily, and/or have a history of oral cancer in their family.
• Patients who have been infected with HPV.
• Patients who regularly experience sores or pain in the oral cavity, especially if due to damaged teeth or past dental work.
• All patients over eighty.

Extractions

In most cases, extractions are straightforward procedures that are the first step in replacing a tooth that’s been severely damaged, decayed or infected.  Although many patients may feel apprehensive about this procedure due to pain, the extraction process is virtually painless, thanks to resources like anesthetic and sedation.

 

There are several options to have teeth replaced after an extraction such as dental implants, bridge,partial denture . We will be glad to discuss all those options during the consultation. 

 

To ensure that your extraction recovery is comfortable and free of any complications, proper aftercare is very important. When you comply with all post extraction guidelines, you’ll minimize any swelling and soreness you may feel and ensure that your gums heal and stay healthy.  We help you determine the specific aftercare you need based on your individual case, but as general guidelines, comply with the following:

• Avoid strenuous activity and get plenty of rest.
• Follow all prescribed recommendations including the proper use of aftercare medications.
• Enjoy soft, mild foods that are specified as part of your post-op diet.

For complete information on what you can expect during and after your extraction, please view our website: http://www.oralsurgerypa.com/oral-surgery/tooth-extraction.html. You may also contact us for answers to your questions and concerns.