What Are Impacted Canines?

Did you know that our canine teeth are also known as “eye teeth?” It may sound strange, but there’s actually a logical explanation for the nickname: the canines are simply aligned with the position of our eyes. Our canines are important for biting and guiding the rest of the teeth in position when you close your mouth. Canines also have the longest root compared to the rest of your teeth, making them the last to erupt. Sometimes canines fail to erupt properly, which causes problems for the capacity and appearance of your mouth. We at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania offer surgery for individuals with impacted canines. Any of our experienced oral surgeons can help get your canines in the correct position!

An impacted canine simply means that the tooth has failed to erupt through your gums. Some of the causes of impacted canines include:

- Cysts: abnormal growths on the gums

- Overcrowding: when teeth are squished together from lack of space in the mouth

- Extra teeth: when an additional tooth occupies the space where the canine is supposed to erupt

- Ankylosed: when the canine tooth root is intertwined with the surrounding bone

There are some additional signs of an impacted canine to look for. This includes the presence of a palatal lump, the delayed eruption of the canine (usually after 15 years old), and the absence of a labial canine lump. If you are experiencing any of these signs, it’s possible that you have an impacted canine. Call one of our offices today and we can get you started on the road to treatment!

Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania is located across the PA area. We have offices in Folsom, Clifton Heights, and two offices in Philadelphia. Please visit oralsurgerypa.com for more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our offices.

 

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is a common condition which complicates people’s oral health. To protect our patients at the Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, we want them to be aware of how this common medication side-effect can hurt them and what they need to do about it.

The drugs which cause dry mouth include those used as part of chemotherapy, as well as medications used for mood disorders, high blood pressure, and pain. Therefore, dry mouth is most commonly seen in the elderly. Of course, smoking is also a major contributor. (Older people, especially women, are also at risk of developing an auto-immune disorder called Sjögren’s syndrome which causes dry mouth and eyes.) When the mouth isn’t producing enough saliva, patients have difficulty chewing and swallowing, which harms their nutrition. Food particles also tend to remain stuck, contributing to plaque build-up, and patients are less able to fight off bacterial infections which cause sores. A dry mouth also makes it difficult to get restful sleep.

If possible, patients may want to change medications. If this is not worth the tradeoff, there are products that can act as artificial saliva and additional medications which can make the mouth produce more moisture. Patients should also drink plenty of water and stop using caffeinated and sugary beverages which dry out the mouth faster.

Drs. Ramin Braham and Brad Richman operate 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.

 

IV Sedation

For surgical procedures, an office-based general anesthesia may be necessary. In other cases, a patient may opt to have this type of sedation if they have dental anxiety. These sedations are administered through an IV and are available in our offices.

While there are lighter forms of sedation for simpler dental procedures, surgeries will probably require something a little more. IV sedation is a form of anesthesia that will help the patient fall asleep. They will not remember any of the procedure.

Because the medication is introduced through the bloodstream, this form of sedation sets in fairly quickly. Patients will also need someone with them to drive them home after the procedure.

Whether it is necessary for a more complex procedure or a patient requests it, IV sedation will make the patient feel very relaxed. Falling asleep and not remembering the process helps ease nervous patients and makes the procedure go by quickly.

To learn more about IV sedation and other forms of anesthesia, visit the Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania website, www.oralsurgerypa.com. To schedule an appointment at our Philadelphia, PA office, call (215) 463-4141. 

The Process of a Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom teeth can be the sources of great pain and great pleasure. Pain, because when they are impacted, they hurt. Pleasure, because there are many funny YouTube videos of still-sedated patients after their wisdom teeth have been taken out. Here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA, we want our patients to understand the process of a wisdom tooth extraction to prepare ahead of time.

To extract the wisdom teeth, your dentist will make an incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and bone. Any jawbone that needs to be removed to access the tooth will then be removed. The tooth is rocked back and forth until it is loose enough to be pulled out. Occasionally, a wisdom tooth will need to be broken into several pieces before being removed. Afterward, the area is stitched together and gauze is placed over the site to control bleeding.

It is recommended that you relax for the rest of the day and avoid any strenuous activity until the wound is healed. Soft foods should be eaten for the first twenty-four hours, adding in harder ones as the healing progresses. Drink plenty of water, but do not drink through a straw as this can cause more bleeding. For more information about care after an extraction, please visit our website.

If you believe your wisdom teeth are growing in, schedule an appointment with us for an examination. To schedule in our Philadelphia, PA office, call us at (215) 463-4141 or visit the Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania website, www.oralsurgerypa.com. 

Why is a Sinus Lift Needed?

Because dental implants are the best tooth replacement option, many patients desire them. Unfortunately, not everyone has the best jaw conditions to house implants. In some cases, the sinus cavities are too low so an implant cannot be placed in the jawbone beneath it. Here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA, we are able to perform a sinus lift so that implants are an option.

Sometimes the jawbone right below the sinus cavity is not big enough to allow a dental implant to successfully be placed. When a tooth is missing for a while, the bone in the area where the tooth used to be can begin to deteriorate. In other cases, a patient may just be born with a smaller jawbone. Other times, the sinus cavity is too low. A sinus lift adds bone to the area between the upper jaw and the sinuses. This creates a jawbone big and strong enough to hold a dental implant.

The added bone not only functions as replacement bone, but it will also promote growth of the jawbone already in place. This aids the strength and size of the newly constructed jawbone. The grafting process begins with cutting the tissue where the implant will be. The bone is exposed and a small opening is created. The membrane separating the sinus cavity from the jaw is pushed up and away. The bone graft material is then packed into the space. Afterward, the area is stitched closed. The area will need several months to heal, and then dental implants are able to be placed.

To learn more about dental implants and sinus lifts, be sure to contact us. To schedule in our Philadelphia, PA office, call (215) 463-4141 or visit the Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania website, www.oralsurgerypa.com. 

Canine Exposure

Impacted teeth can cause major pain in addition to health problems. Canine teeth are commonly impacted; however, here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA, we are able to expose canine teeth and guide them into the correct position. We call this procedure canine exposure.

Our canine teeth are important for grasping food and biting into it. When a canine tooth is impacted, it is still stuck in the jaw and not allowed to fully emerge. This can lead to troubles eating, it can lead to hygiene problems, pain, and damage to other teeth. In addition, it can affect the aesthetics of your smile.

To expose the canine tooth, first, your doctor will make an incision in the gum tissue where the tooth is still stuck. This will clear a path for the tooth to emerge through. A dental brace will then be attached to the tooth so it can be slowly guided into the correct position.

Impacted canine teeth can cause serious problems, but luckily there is a solution. If you suspect you have an impacted canine tooth, be sure to schedule an appointment with us. To schedule with Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania in one of our Philadelphia, PA locations, call us at (215) 463-4141 or visit our website, www.oralsurgerypa.com. 

Dental Implant Surgery Process

A dental implant is by far the most life-like and long-lasting tooth replacement you can get. This is why at Oral Surgery Consultants in Philadelphia, PA, we perform dental implant surgery for our patients.

With great oral hygiene and routine visits to your dentist, dental implants are able to last a lifetime. There are other replacement options out there like bridges and dentures; however, these options will eventually need to be replaced. In addition, bridges reduce some of your healthy teeth for placement.

The installation of a dental implant is a surgical procedure. First, an incision will be made so the titanium implant post can be inserted into the bone socket. A hole is drilled into the bone and the implant post is inserted. The gums are then sealed and allowed to heal for several months. When the healing process is complete, the gums are opened back up and an abutment is attached to the dental implant. The abutment will serve as the base for the permanent crown that will be attached. After the permanent crown is cemented into place, the process is complete.  

If you are looking to replace a tooth with a permanent option, ask us about dental implants. To schedule an appointment with Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania in the Philadelphia, PA area, call us at (215) 463-4141 or visit our website, www.oralsurgerypa.com. 

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.

How Smoking Affects Dental Implants

It is no secret that smoking is bad for you. It can wreak havoc on your lungs, your circulatory system, your mouth, along with many other body systems. Since smoking directly affects your mouth, it can have an effect on the success of dental implants. Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania wants our patients in the Philadelphia, PA area to understand the risks that smoking poses on dental implants.

Smoking changes the gum tissues and the blood vessels surrounding them. The top layer of skin cells in the gums thickens; a condition called keratosis. The salivary glands become blocked off and damaged, which creates dry mouth. The superficial blood vessels in the mouth become constricted, so they do not supply enough blood to the area. These effects create problems with healing, immune strength, and bacteria. Since there is decreased blood flow, the area does not heal as quickly and a dry mouth promotes gum disease. Over time, smoking increases the amount of bone loss in the area around an implant. This increases the chance of early implant loss.

While studies showed that the amount of cigarettes smoked affected the levels of changes, it is clear that smoking can pose a risk for dental implant surgery and the success of the implant. It is best to quit smoking altogether so you can have the best options and the best outcomes. To learn more about dental implants, contact Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA by calling our office at (215) 463-4141 or by visiting our website, www.oralsurgerypa.com. 

Why Extractions Can be Necessary

Keeping your real teeth is the ideal situation; however there are times where it just is not possible. At Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, we want our patients in the Philadelphia, PA area to understand why extractions may be necessary.

When teeth become decayed or infected to a certain point, it is best to extract the tooth. When the tooth will not be able to be repaired, or gum disease has recessed too much gum tissue, the tooth may not physically be able to stay in your mouth. In addition, infections can be dangerous. It can spread to other areas of the body, and can be especially dangerous to patients with compromised immune systems.

In other cases, the teeth just will not fit properly inside the mouth. When teeth are overcrowded, a tooth can cause damage to other teeth, promote bacteria growth, decay, infection, and pain. Teeth may need to be extracted to make room in the mouth for the other teeth to fit comfortably and healthily. Wisdom teeth are especially known for this problem.

It is ideal to keep your real teeth, but sometimes it is the better choice to extract. To learn more about extractions, contact Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania in our Philadelphia, PA office at (215) 463-4141. You can also contact us and learn more about extractions through our website, www.oralsurgerypa.com. 

How Smoking Affects Your Oral Health

We all know that smoking is bad for our health. But are you really aware of what it can do to your oral health? The doctors here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA want to inform patients of what effect smoking has on the mouth and what it means.

Smoking and other forms of tobacco use increase risks for a lot of problems inside the mouth and the rest of the oral cavity. Developing cancer is probably the scariest risk it increases. Tobacco use can also lead to gum disease, bone loss within the jaw, increased plaque and tartar, and problems healing after surgery.

As we know, gum disease can be very hard to get rid of, and if left untreated, it may lead to loss of teeth and bone tissue. When a tobacco user has surgery, it can complicate healing. Tobacco slows down healing and can also promote infection. This not only causes health issues but may render the procedure a failure.

Tobacco can also stain teeth, stain your tongue, and cause bad breath. So if you’re a smoker, what can you do to lessen the risks created? Quit! There is no form of tobacco that is safe to use, so it is best to just quit altogether. Your oral health and the health of your whole body will benefit greatly.

For more information about oral health and procedures, contact us in one of our Philadelphia, PA area locations today. Call Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania at (215) 463-4141 or visit our website, www.oralsurgerypa.com. 

How to Stop Bad Breath and the Bacteria That Causes It

Bad breath can ruin a moment before you know it. That is why it is good to take preventative action against it. Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania in the Philadelphia, PA area wants their patients to know and understand why bad breath happens and how to defeat it.

Having bad breath often is an indicator that bacteria are present in the mouth, which can be unhealthy for your teeth and gums. Take these simple tips and reminders to freshen your breath and to prevent bad breath from occurring in the first place.

If your mouth is dry, bacteria can thrive. Make sure to keep hydrated by drinking your recommended amount of daily water. Chewing gum may help you avoid bad breath, as it promotes saliva production.

When looking for a caffeinated beverage, skip the coffee. Coffee dries out the mouth and the dairy that is often paired with coffee can increase bad odor causing bacteria. Instead, choose green tea. Green tea hydrates your mouth and your body. In addition, the properties actually fight odor-causing bacteria.

Making sure to brush and floss your teeth on a regular basis will also cut down on plaque that traps bacteria. For extra protection, rinsing with a mouthwash will kill bacteria that brushing and flossing left behind.

To learn more about Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania and our four locations around the Philadelphia, PA area, call us at (215) 463-4141 or visit our website, www.oralsurgerypa.com. 

First Visit

When looking for a doctor to perform oral surgery, it is nice to know what to expect for your first appointment. Here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania in the Philadelphia, PA area, we want our future patients to be aware of the steps we take for successful treatment plans.

During your first visit, our goal is to provide a detailed explanation of your condition and explain what steps we are going to take to provide treatment.  If x-rays need to be taken during this appointment, we have the capability to do so. Accurate explanation of treatment promotes a partnership of excellent care through you and your doctor.

Depending on the complexity of a treatment plan, the surgical procedure may be able to be performed the same day as your first appointment. More complicated cases will need the first visit for evaluations and explanations and another appointment for the procedure.

Keep in mind that bringing past medical history information and x-rays will help develop an accurate plan of treatment.

To learn more about the first visit and the types of oral surgery we perform at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, give us a call at (215) 463-4141 or visit our website, www.oralsurgerypa.com. We have four locations in the Philadelphia, PA area.

Care After a Sinus Lift Procedure

Taking care of your mouth after a procedure is performed is just as important as the procedure itself. At Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania located in the Philadelphia, PA area, we take post-op care very seriously. This is why we want our patients to be aware of what comes after a procedure.

After a sinus lift procedure, you are not only taking care of your oral cavity, but your nasal cavity, as well. A sinus lift, also called sinus augmentation, occurs when additional bone needs to be added in the upper jaw between the jaw and the nasal cavity. It is commonly performed so that dental implants can be placed.

It is important to not increase any pressure to the area. This means certain activities will be forbidden until your doctor says it’s safe. Typically, you should not blow your nose for four weeks after the surgery. Do not drink through straws or spit forcefully, either. Pressurized activities like flying and scuba diving should be avoided.

When brushing your teeth, be very careful. Do not brush near the site of surgery for the first day. Rinse your mouth with saltwater after eating for the next five days. It is very important to keep your mouth clean during the healing process. Do not smoke or use other tobacco products until the area is healed, or about two weeks.

For any questions about post sinus lift after care, contact Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania in the Philadelphia, PA area by calling (215) 463-4141 or by visiting our website, www.oralsurgerypa.com. 

Tips for a Healthy Mouth

A healthy mouth is a good-looking smile. Keeping teeth healthy takes a good home oral care routine. The doctors of Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania want their patients in the Philadelphia, PA area to have the right tips and information for a healthy mouth.

To start, brushing and flossing should be performed correctly. Brushing should be done two times per day. If a third time is able to be squeezed in, that is even better. Flossing should be done every day. It doesn’t matter if flossing is done before or after brushing, it just needs to be done.

While brushing should be done two to three times per day, it should be done at least thirty minutes after eating. This is because certain foods have acids that sit on the teeth. If the teeth are brushed when the acid is still on the teeth, it can wear down enamel; making teeth cavity-prone.

If you smoke, now is a great time to quit. Smoking creates the perfect environment for bacteria to harbor near the gum line, harming gums and teeth. This increases the risk of tooth loss. Smoking can also lead to oral cancer.

Use a light touch when brushing. While it is important to brush the whole tooth and pay attention to the gum line, abrasive brushing can erode the tooth and harm the gums. Light brushing is all that is needed to remove plaque.

Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania have four locations in the Philadelphia, PA area. To learn more about our practice, contact one of our locations, or visit our website, www.oralsurgerypa.com. 

Why it is Important to Replace a Missing Tooth

When a tooth falls out or is extracted, if it doesn’t bother you, it may be tempting to just leave the open space there. However, replacing that tooth can actually be very important to the health of your other teeth, your gums, and your jaw. Here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania located in the Philadelphia, PA area, we want our patients to understand the importance of tooth replacement.

When a tooth is missing, there are several things that will happen to the area. As soon as the tooth is gone, the jaw bone that used to hold the tooth’s root begins to degenerate. This creates a change in the jaw that makes the other teeth shift towards that opening. When the teeth shift, they create gaps and other awkward spacing that affects your smile. It also creates hard-to-reach areas where debris and bacteria may collect. When there is more than one tooth missing, this can create major changes in the jaw shape, which can also change the facial structure.

An open space can also cause irritation to the gum tissue that is exposed. When chewing, food can irritate the tissue since it is unprotected by a tooth. Built up bacteria and gum irritation, as we know, can lead to decay and gum disease.

We offer dental implants as permanent tooth replacement here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania. Dental implants act just like teeth and can last a lifetime. To learn more, contact one of our Philadelphia, PA area locations or visit our website, www.oralsurgerypa.com. 

How to Choose the Right Toothbrush For You

Choosing the right toothbrush can be a very important step in good oral care. Everyone’s mouth is different, so the Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania wants our patients to understand how they can choose the right toothbrush for them and get the most out of their brushing.

Toothbrushes come in all shapes and sizes. Some are electric, some are large, and some are shaped differently. While picking out a new toothbrush, we want you to know the right properties that will help you out.

A good toothbrush should have a small head. This allows for all surfaces of the mouth to be reached. A good grip is also good for moving the toothbrush around in the mouth. Soft bristles are best for removing plaque. Bristles that are too stiff can actually harm the tooth by wearing down enamel. This will do the opposite of what tooth brushing is for; it can actually cause teeth to be cavity-prone. Stiff bristles can also harm the gums.

Now, one huge difference between all of the toothbrushes available is that some are manual and some are electric. Studies have shown that manual toothbrushes can clean teeth just as well as electric ones; however, electric ones may do a better job for those who have difficulties using their hands. For those with say, arthritis, electric toothbrushes do most of the work and may offer a better cleaning.

Good oral hygiene is part of keeping your teeth and gums healthy. For information about Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania and their four Philadelphia, PA area locations, visit our website, www.oralsurgerypa.com. 

Flossing for Proper Dental Hygiene

Your dentist tells you to floss every day. Do you know the reason why? Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania wants their patients in the Philadelphia, PA area to know why flossing every day is so important for keeping healthy gums and teeth.

When we eat and drink, food particles and plaque build up on our teeth. Plaque is a clear film of bacteria that forms several hours after brushing. Plaque forms on all surfaces of the teeth, including in between them. If plaque is not removed, it can harden and turn into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist. When plaque and tartar sit on the teeth for a long time, the gums begin to recede and form deep pockets. This allows bacteria to reach down even further and cause infection. If not treated, this can lead to tooth loss.

Along with brushing two to three times per day, flossing is absolutely necessary to remove the plaque from between your teeth. Flossing can be done before brushing or after brushing. The important part is to just get it done. Make sure to floss both sides of every space, paying extra attention to your molars. Though the molars are harder to reach, they do the most chewing so they especially need to be flossed. Flossing is integral for the health of your teeth and your gums.

We have four locations is the Philadelphia, PA area. To learn more information about Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, call us at (215) 463-4141 or visit our website, www.oralsurgerypa.com.

Piezosurgery Technology at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania

Using the safest technology for our patients is of the utmost importance to us. That is why we choose to use Piezosurgery technology here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA. The Piezosurgery technology allows us to safely cut bone tissue while minimizing trauma to the soft tissue surrounding the area.

Bone grafts are a procedure to repair defects in the jaw. The Piezosurgery technology is a tool for cutting bone, which we use when we perform bone grafts. The precision and sensitivity that the tool provides us allows us to cut the bone with minimal trauma to the soft tissues. This makes healing faster and easier on the patient. In fact, the Piezosurgery technology actually promotes healing.

If you are interested in learning more about the technology we use at any of our four locations in the Philadelphia, PA area, give us a call at (215) 463-4141 or visit the Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania website, www.oralsurgerypa.com. 

Correct Teeth Brushing for Healthy Teeth and Gums

Brushing your teeth removes plaque to keep healthy teeth and gums. It must be done multiple times a day to keep plaque away. Though brushing two to three times a day is great, it also needs to be done correctly to provide all of its benefits. Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania located in the Philadelphia, PA area wants their patients to understand how to take the best care of their mouth.

Plaque begins to form several hours after brushing. A brushing session should last two minutes each time. A great way to get a balanced brushing and to keep track of time is to split the mouth into four sections and brush each section for thirty seconds each. Brush every surface of the tooth; the front, the inside, the chewing surfaces, and the backs of your back molars. Make sure to brush your tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth, also, as bacteria can also collect in these places.

Brush strokes should be small and light. Short up-and-down strokes will provide the best cleaning. Keep a light touch when brushing; brushing too hard can irritate gums and wear down enamel. Soft bristles and a light scrub are all that is needed to remove plaque.

Keeping good care of your teeth and gums is vital for the health of your mouth and your entire body. Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania has four locations in the Philadelphia, PA area. To schedule an appointment, call us at (215) 463-4141 or visit our website, www.oralsurgerypa.com.