Dental Hygiene

Proper dental hygiene is very important to us here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, which is why we encourage all of our patients to pay close attention to their oral health. Oral hygiene not only affects dental health, but the patient’s overall health as well.

 

With regular home care, our patients can have teeth that are free of debris and bacteria, better smelling breath, and healthier teeth overall. It helps them battle gum disease, infection, and prevents possible procedures as a result of tooth decay.

 

We recommend the following practices for dental hygiene and periodontal health:

• Brush their teeth twice a day, for at least two minutes each time.
• Floss their teeth at least once a day.
• Use toothpaste and mouthwash that contains fluoride.
• Eat a healthy diet with minimal snacks and sugar-filled choices.
• Drink plenty of water and decreasing soda, coffee and wine.
• Visit your general dentist twice a year for a check-up and professional cleaning

With these simple daily practices, patients stand to have a healthier mouth and better overall health. They are taking good care of their teeth in between visits, and seeing us regularly to assess the health of their mouth and provide more education for good dental hygiene. 

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. 

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.