How Gum Disease is Linked to Arthritis

The Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania are accomplished prosthodontists and often provide new teeth to people with severe gum disease. Periodontitis, the advanced form of gingivitis, can be treated, but it takes regular maintenance to prevent relapses. Recently, scientists have found evidence that it can also cause other diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) differs from some other forms of arthritis in that it is an autoimmune disorder. It causes the immune system to attack synovium, the tissue that lines joints, making the joints painfully swollen. Smoking and family history increase a person’s risk of RA, but scientists recently found evidence that it is triggered by a chemical process called hypercitrullination. During hypercitrullination, the body deforms a large number of proteins, leading to the creation of an excessive number of anti-protein antibodies. The antibodies subsequently turn on synovium cells.

The acid secreted by oral bacteria triggers hypercitrullination as a means of self-defense. Researchers also found some evidence that treating gum infections can reduce RA symptoms. As oral surgeons, our job is not only to provide periodontitis patients with prosthetic teeth, but also to educate them on cleaning their prosthetics so that they won’t suffer further decay. We hope that understanding the connection between gum disease and arthritis will motivate more people to seek treatment and to be diligent about their hygiene.

The Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania operate in Philadelphia, Folsom, and Clifton Heights. Visit Oral Surgery PA or call 215-463-4141.

 

Tooth Sensitivity

One nice thing about prosthetic teeth is that you don’t have to worry about sensitivity. But many of the patients at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania have a mix of prosthetic and natural teeth, and we want to ensure their natural teeth are comfortable, as well. If you dread biting into an ice cream sandwich, read on.

Dentin, the layer of the tooth in between enamel and pulp, is made up of small tubes. It is an efficient conductor of heat, particularly if the enamel has a cavity. The tooth roots are covered in an adhesive material called cementum that seals them in the gum pocket, but they have less enamel and are more sensitive if the gum tissue recedes. Although the outer layer of a tooth can be cracked or eroded, sensitivity is usually due to acid.

Infectious oral bacteria secrete acid after metabolizing food particles. Acid may also be regurgitated from the stomach, particularly in patients who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).  Improved brushing can reduce sensitivity, but patients may want to try switching to extra-fluoridated toothpaste to provide their enamel with reinforcement. If enamel mass has already been lost, it will have to be replaced with a prosthetic.

Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania operate in Philadelphia, Folsom, and Clifton Heights. Visit Oral Surgery PA or call 215-463-4141.

 

Oral Cancer Screenings

At Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, we encourage our patients to look for symptoms of oral cancer. Routine checkups for oral cancer should be done every year. The earlier oral cancer is diagnosed, the better the chance of treating it without any long-term effects.

During an oral cancer screening, our doctors will look for any lumps or abnormalities in your mouth that may be cancerous.

When possible, we advise our patients to avoid using tobacco as it increases your chance of developing oral cancer. If you consume alcohol regularly you have a higher chance of developing it. Our patients that have a family history of oral cancer or have previously been diagnosed with oral cancer are encouraged to have an exam at least once a year.

Remember to ask for an oral cancer screening or schedule one if you haven’t had one in the last year. If you notice any signs of oral cancer give us a call right away.

If you have questions or concerns regarding oral cancer, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the office, visitwww.eldersburgdentist.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kurt B. Linkoff, DDS in Eldersburg, MD, call 410-795-2900. 

Before General and IV Anesthesia

General and IV anesthesia are used for a multitude of oral surgery practices and procedures. At Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, Drs. Bahram, Richman, Mohan, and Barunas are skilled at both surgery and anesthesia. You may need general or IV sedation for procedures like wisdom teeth extractions or dental implant placement. Intravenous sedation or “twilight sedation” can also be used for certain procedures or for patients with high anxiety levels.

 

It is important to follow these strict instructions before undergoing anesthesia. Not following these instructions can cause complications during surgery or even result in postponing the procedure. The most important step to follow is that you cannot eat or drink anything for eight hours prior to your appointment. You can’t even have water. Smoking is also a big no. Ideally, you should cut down on smoking before the procedure. At a minimum, do not smoke for at least twelve hours beforehand.

 

You should not drive yourself to or from the office after the procedure. You can’t operate machinery for twenty-four hours following as well. A responsible adult will bring you to the office and take you home.

 

Before coming into the office, try to wear looser fitting clothes. Remove any contact lenses, jewelry, and dentures. Don’t wear lipstick or any makeup. You will need to have at least one finger free of any nail polish or artificial nails.

 

Let our staff know if you are not feeling well leading up to the surgery. These include colds, sore throats, and upset stomachs. Make sure to notify us of any routine oral medications that you take.

 

Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania are located in four offices across the PA area. We are located in Philadelphia, Folsom, and Clifton Heights, PA. To schedule an appointment with Drs. Bahram, Richman, Mohan, and Barunas, visit our website or call our main South Philadelphia office at 215-463-4141.

Post Surgery Bone Graft

A bone grafting procedure is when there is a missing or damaged tooth that needs to be repaired. Our doctors at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania want our patients to know what to expect the days following a bone graft.

Since bone grafts are made up of particles, you may notice some granules in your mouth the days after surgery. While the particles aren’t a cause for concern, there are ways to limit the number of particles that are dislodged. After surgery, avoid rinsing, smoking, spitting, and touching the wound to limit the number of particles. It is important you don’t blow your nose or sneeze holding your nose, make sure your mouth is wide open.

One full day after the bone graft you may brush your teeth gently to clean your teeth and to prevent messing with the repaired area.

Remember to take the antibiotics as shown on the label to start the recovery process. Before you know it your mouth will be back to normal and healed.

If you have any questions, please give us a call. To learn more about all of the services we provide at our practice, visit www.oralsurgerypa.com more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania located in Philadelphia, call 215-463-4141. 

April 2019: Oral Cancer Awareness Month

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. Dental professionals are often the first to detect and diagnose oral cancer in patients. That is why it is important that you schedule an appointment with Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania anytime you experience abnormal oral symptoms. Schedule an appointment ASAP with Drs. Bahram, Richman, Mohan, and Barunas when experiencing new symptoms lasting over two weeks.

 

When strange oral symptoms refuse to heal or take over two weeks, schedule an appointment. This is often the first signs of a serious underlying medical problem. Call our office immediately if you notice any of these symptoms:

 

Lumps or hard spots in the mouth, bumps that bleed easily, a strange coloring of the gums, mouth sores or ulcers that take over two weeks to heal, a lump on the outside of the neck that has been there for at least two weeks.

 

When it comes to HPV-caused oropharyngeal cancer, symptoms can differ than other types of oral cancer. These symptoms manifest as a hoarse or sore throat, problems swallowing, a constant cough, and/or pain in one or both ears.

 

There are a few major risks that can lead to oral cancer. Partaking in heavy smoking and drinking is the largest factor. Engaging in other tobacco products, like chewing tobacco, is also detrimental to your health. Another risk is contracting the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus 16.

 

If you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms, contact Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania immediately. We have four offices located in Philadelphia, Folsom, and Clifton Heights, PA. To schedule an appointment with Drs. Bahram, Richman, Mohan, and Barunas, visit our website or call our main South Philadelphia office at 215-463-4141.

Bone Grafting

At Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, our staff works daily to supply our qualified patients with dental implants. In some cases, a patient might require a Bone Graft before being eligible. But what exactly is bone grafting?

Bone grafting occurs when a section of the jawbone associated with missing teeth begins to disintegrate. This leaves the bone in poor condition, either not strong enough or large enough to house implants. An x-ray will be taken to determine how much jaw bone is available. Depending on the results, a bone graft will be needed. Thanks to today's technology, our staff at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania have the ability to grow bone where needed. The bone is acquired from a tissue bank, where we determine the necessary size and width. This also gives us a chance to guarantee the functionality and appearance of the graft.

Bone grafting can repair implant sites compromised due to previous extractions, structural damage, gum disease, and injuries. Once everything has been given the all clear, your bone graft surgery will be scheduled.

At the procedure, you will be brought under general anesthesia. An incision in the skin will open up where the graft is being placed. The bone will be put into place, held using: pins, plates, screws, wires, and/or cables. Afterward, the incision will be stitched and bandaged.

Recovery depends on the size of the graft and other health variables. Typical recovery can take place from two weeks to up to a year. Avoid vigorous activities as long as your doctor suggests. Make sure to follow all postoperative instructions received.

If you’re in need of an oral surgeon or bone graft surgery, schedule an appointment with the Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania today. Our offices are located across the Philadelphia, PA area. You can visit our website to schedule an appointment, or call 215-463-4141.