What is Peri-Implantitis?

We at the Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania are proud of the implant work we do. Endosteal implants have a 95% success rate, and have improved millions of peoples’ lives. Sometimes, however, even the best kind of procedure can be done badly or be compromised later. Peri-implantitis is the inflammation of gum tissue around an implant, and is the most common reason for implant failure.

Peri-implantitis sometimes occurs soon after an artificial crown is placed because the dental cement leaked or wasn’t placed properly and settled on the gum tissue. Often, however, it is the result periodontal disease, which may have also destroyed the original tooth. Early on, either problem can be fixed through rigorous oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and mouthwash. However, if periodontal disease is allowed to set in, surgery may be required.

Implants depend on successful fusion with the jaw bone. (“Endosteal” refers to the outermost layer of a bone.) If the location of the fusion is damaged, the implant may fall out or need to be removed. Patients can avoid implant failure if they maintain all the hygienic practices which are used to avoid normal periodontal disease, but sometimes this is difficult for patients with compromised dexterity, such as those with Parkinson’s disease. If the gum around your implant is inflamed, seek help; don’t wait for it to go away on its own. To schedule an appointment, call 215-463-4141 or visit OralSurgeryPA.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

HPV and Oral Cancers

The Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania conduct procedures meant to do everything from relieving patients’ pain to saving their lives. While the rate of new cancer diagnoses in the United States has fallen in recent years, the rate of new oral cancer cases has remained the same, or, by some estimates, risen. Researchers believe this is because the human papilloma virus (HPV) has overtaken nicotine products as the main causative factor, and the public must learn a whole new way of thinking about oral cancers.

There are hundreds of strains of HPV, most of which are harmless and the body is able to fight off without experiencing any symptoms. There are at least nine, however, which cause cancer, and one which causes cancer in the oropharyngeal area. This is the soft palate and back of the throat, which patients usually don’t or can’t check on themselves, and oral cancers with HPV DNA are often painless until they reach an advanced stage.

Besides sneaking up on people, HPV-related oral cancers tend to strike people who are much younger than most nicotine-related oral cancer patients. The most vulnerable group is men between thirty and fifty. HPV-related oral cancers are easier than others to treat if they are caught early, but many people do not know they are at risk. There is no test for oral HPV itself; we strongly urge people who are sexually active to get screened for oral cancers regularly.

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.

Pediatric Tooth Extraction

At Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, pediatric tooth extraction may be suggested if your child has teeth that are potentially problematic, cannot be restored, or are not necessary to restore. Additionally, tiny teeth may need to be extracted for orthodontic treatment. Your child may be frightened about the procedure itself, but it is our promise to make him or her as comfortable as possible.

Prior to the surgery, one of our doctors will take an X-ray of the patient’s mouth. The X-ray allows the doctor to determine the severity of the tooth’s damage. If it’s been determined that a tooth cannot be repaired, you will need to schedule an appointment for extraction. Once sedation options are discussed, one of our doctors will use the appropriate tools to extract the tooth. When the procedure is complete, it is critical that your child obeys post-op instructions such as changing the gauze when necessary and feasting on only soft foods for the first 24 hours.

If you have questions about pediatric tooth extraction, 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. 

Decayed Wisdom Teeth

As we age, we acquire wisdom, and the same goes for wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth appear between the ages of 17-21 and are known as the third set of molars. When they erupt correctly, healthy wisdom teeth can help you chomp your food a little faster.  However, if they start to cause you pain and discomfort, you may need to schedule a consultation with the Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania to discuss extraction.

If you bite on a piece of food that is too hard or you experience a mouth injury, wisdom teeth may become troublesome. They can also become cracked, broken, and decayed. Decay can form on any tooth surface, but when the decay begins to attack the wisdom teeth, depending on the position of the tooth it becomes difficult to clean. If the wisdom tooth cannot be adequately maintained, recurrent decay can occur. Though many patients tend to procrastinate through the process, extraction is always best to avoid infection.

If your wisdom teeth are still intact and you have questions about removal, 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

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. 

Dental Implant Details

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants may be an option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason. Here at the office, the dental implant procedure is a team effort between one of our doctors at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania and staff.

Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth and are designed to blend in with your natural teeth. They are an excellent long-term option for restoring your smile. Dental implants are made of titanium and other materials that are compatible with the human body. However, you must be in good health and have the proper bone structure and healthy gums for the implant to stay in place. The success rate for implants depends on the tooth's purpose and location in the mouth, as well as a patient's overall health.

If you are missing teeth, please give us a call to discuss your tooth-replacement options. 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. 

What is Oral Pathology?

The oral cavity consists of several components in addition to the teeth, including gingiva (gums), tongue, palate, cheeks, lips and floor of the mouth. Mouth cancer refers to cancer that develops in any of the parts that make up the oral cavity.  At Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, the goal of oral pathology is to diagnose and manage patients with salivary gland and mucosal diseases, diseases of the jaw bones, and head and neck pain syndromes where the primary treatment method is nonsurgical.

This facet of dentistry identifies and treats diseases that affect the mouth and maxillofacial region. Diagnosis can occur with microscopic, radiographic, biochemical and an in-office exam. An oral pathology also offers biopsy services for dentists and provides diagnoses based on those findings. During a biopsy, a tissue sample is removed to be tested. Some diseases that an oral pathology can diagnose include mouth and throat cancer, ulcers, mumps, infections and salivary gland issues.

If you have questions about oral pathology, 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.