Anesthesia Side Effects

There are two types of anesthetics that we utilize here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania – local and general. Local anesthesia provides a temporary loss of sensation including pain in one part of the body produced by a topically applied or injected agent without distressing the level of consciousness for the patient. General anesthesia, on the other hand, is controlled by the doctor and sedates the patient for an extended period of time. Anesthesia produces side-effects for some patients that we’d like to take the time to explain so that you can prepare for your next appointment.

Tooth extraction is one of the most common procedures that require anesthesia. Side effects of anesthesia may occur during a surgery or procedure, or afterward when you are recovering. Side effects may include nausea and vomiting, a sore throat, muscle aches, or even confusion as the anesthesia wears off. While these symptoms may cause discomfort or frustration, it’s important to know that they won’t last long. Every patient is different and depending on what kind of anesthesia is administered you may have no side effects at all. If you have a procedure scheduled that requires anesthesia, we encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you have before it begins.

If you have questions or concerns about tooth extractions or anesthesia 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. 

Let Us Explain, Novocain

When you think of oral surgery, our doctors at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania are almost certain that you’re wondering about your sedation options. Depending on the procedure at hand, you will either be given a local or general anesthetic. Local anesthesia allows the patient to remain awake, while general anesthesia allows the patient to sleep. If you are told you’ll be receiving a local anesthetic, “Novocain” probably comes to mind. Novocain is commonly used to suppress pain in patients who remain conscious. During your consultation, our doctors will determine if Novocain is appropriate for your treatment plan as well as if it is the best option for you.

Novocain is normally injected into an area during oral surgery and other dental procedures to numb the surrounding tissues. Like any medication, however, side effects include numbness around the injection site that can last for several hours, a tingling sensation around the injection site, as well as minor swelling around or near the injection site. Novocain is a good option for some, but not for others. Be sure to provide us with as much information about your medical history as possible so that you and our doctors can make an informed decision.

If you would like to discuss sedation 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. 

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.   

Can Cheese Prevent Cavities?

Consuming dairy products is extremely important to your overall health; many people do not know that these dairy products, like cheese, can be very beneficial when it comes to preventing cavities. Studies have shown that eating cheese increases the amount of saliva in the mouth. Salvia is the body’s natural way of maintaining a healthy pH level.

 

The study sampled 68 subjects ranging in age from 12 to 15, and the authors looked at the dental plaque pH in the subjects' mouths before and after they consumed cheese, milk, or sugar-free yogurt. If the pH level is lower than 5.5, they would be at risk for tooth erosion. If the pH level is above 5.5, there is less risk of developing cavities. Researchers instructed the first group to eat cheddar cheese, the second group to drink milk, and the third group to eat sugar-free yogurt. Each group consumed their product for three minutes and then swished with water. Researchers measured the pH level of each subject's mouth at 10, 20, and 30 minutes after consumption.

 

Researchers found that the fermented dairy product made the mouth more alkaline, which in turn reduced the need for dental treatment. They also discovered that cheese created a protective film around teeth. The results suggest that cheese has the highest anti-cariogenic property among the dairy products studied, and that milk and yogurt can be considered as non-cariogenic.

What are My Anesthesia Options for Oral Surgery

What are My Anesthesia Options for Oral Surgery

Here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, we want our oral surgery patients to understand everything about their surgery. This includes educating them on their anesthesia options. There are three main options for oral surgery and dental procedures: local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, and general anesthesia with intravenous sedation. In some cases, our doctors offer the patients a choice in what anesthesia they get, while in others, one type of anesthesia is recommended highly for the comfort of the patient.

 

1) Local anesthesia is used most often in our office, and simply numbs the area being treated. The patient is awake and fully alert, though they experience no pain. Local anesthesia is often used in conjunction with other types of anesthesia.

2) Nitrous oxid, is known as laughing gas, and the patient is relaxed and conscious. Nitrous oxide is typically used for non-complicated wisdom tooth extractions and sometimes for dental implants.

3) With general anesthesia administered through IV sedation, patients are asleep so that they do not experience the procedure being performed. It is often used for longer or more intensive oral surgeries, such as removing impacted teeth, as well as dental implant surgery.

 

These anesthesia options are offered to patients, whether they are getting a simple procedure and want IV sedation or getting their wisdom teeth extracted and general anesthesia makes them feel more at ease. If you are in the Philadelphia, PA area and in need of oral surgery, contact our office about your anesthesia options.