Bone Grafting

At Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, we are committed to providing our patients with expert care for all of their dental needs.  That is why we maintain bone grafting capabilities at our dental practice.  Bone grafting is an excellent option for patients who need to build and strengthen their jawbones to fully support dental implants or other tooth prosthetics.  Since bone grafting is a surgical process, our patients gain peace of mind in knowing they can complete this procedure in a comfortable and trusting environment.

 

 Cadaver bone fragments that are donated to bone banks are used for grafting purposes.  The bone sample is then used to patch and strengthen the future site of the prosthetic.  The bone graft will naturally heal and become part of your jaw, providing you with a strong and stable base for an implant or other restorative.

 

If you have been seeking dental implants in the Philadelphia, PA area, but have been told your jaw may not be able to support the implant, contact us here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania.  We are happy to provide patients with consultations and to discuss our bone grafting capabilities. 

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.

Reducing Canker Sore Pain and Duration

Canker sores are non-contagious lesions found in the mouth, typically on the inside of the cheek, lips, or tongue. While it is not a serious condition, a canker sore can be very uncomfortable and even painful in some cases. Dr. Ramin Bahram sees many patients who complain of an odd bump or sore in their mouth, that ends of being a canker sore.

 

There are many possible causes of canker sores in the mouth, including the following: irritation from biting the mouth, hard brushing or orthodontic appliances, bacterial infections, high amounts of stress, vitamin deficiency, malnutrition, food allergies, and a sensitive or weak immune system.

 

While there isn’t a single treatment option that works for all canker sores, we do offer some options. This includes:

• Using a salt water rinse regularly.
• Taking an over-the-counter medication for improving the pain and healing process.
• Being careful what you eat.
•  Being sure you are using the right toothpaste.
• Using an antiseptic rinse.
• Practice stress reduction