Indications for Frenectomy in Children

As a periodontist, Dr. Jeffrey Felzer concerns himself with the health of his patients' oral soft tissues. Dr. Jeffrey Felzer offers a procedure called a frenectomy as part of his private practice in Wilmington, Delaware.

In the human body, two tissues often connect by way of a muscular attachment known as a frenum. The mouth contains a total of three frena, two of which often interfere with normal function and development. When this occurs, the patient may require a frenectomy to remove or cut the tissue in question.

A lingual frenectomy addresses the frenum that connects the tongue to the inside lower surface of the mouth. Many children are born with a lingual frenum that is too tight or too short, and either one of these conditions can inhibit jaw growth and ultimately lead to orthodontic or bite issues. A small incision can release this tissue and let the tongue move normally, so that the child can grow with proper mouth function.

The mouth's other frena attach each lip to the corresponding gums. The upper lip attaches to the upper teeth by way of the maxillary labial frenum, which, if too short or tight, can prevent the mouth from closing properly and lead to mouth breathing. The same malfunction of the frenum may also cause the tissue to extend too low and cause a gap between the two front teeth.

In general, experts recommend correction of abnormal frena if the tissue is causing pain or interfering with function. A qualified periodontist can consult with the child’s parents to decide if and when the child should undergo the procedure.

AAP Foundation’s Tarrson Fellowship Supports Faculty Members

Jeffrey Felzer, DMD, a graduate of Temple University, has practiced as a periodontist for more than 10 years. A diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, he was chief resident at the joint program between New York University and the New York VA Medical Center and served as clinical assistant faculty at the University of Pennsylvania. Dedicated to helping his community, Dr. Jeffrey Felzer supports the AAP Foundation.

A public charity designed to serve periodontal patients and caregivers, the AAP Foundation (AAPF) oversees numerous annual scholarships and fellowships, including the Bud and Linda Tarrson Fellowship. Designed for faculty members at a United States training institution, the Bud and Linda Tarrson Fellowship is awarded to faculty members teaching at either the assistant or instructor level. Recipients must have worked at their institutions for fewer than 10 years and have career goals of teaching and researching periodontology.

The Tarrson Fellowship is awarded on an annual basis to one individual, and program directors must nominate applicants by May 1. Winners receive $36,000, distributed in equal parts over the course of three years, to supplement salaries, research support, or stipends. Fellowship winners cannot use the money to replace support they would have normally received from the institution.

AO Annual Meeting Set to Take Place in Orlando in 2017

A Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, Jeffrey Felzer, DMD, leads a private practice in Wilmington, Delaware. Dedicated to consistently improving his dental acumen, Dr. Jeffrey Felzer stays active in his field with membership in such organizations as the Academy of Osseointegration.

The Academy of Osseointegration (AO) formed in 1987, a few years after osseointegration, or the use of dental implants, became a part of dental practice in North America. Since then, the organization has grown as a leading resource for education and collaboration. AO now has an international presence, with thousands of healthcare professionals in more than 70 nations.

In March 2017, the AO Annual Meeting will take place in Orlando, Florida. The academy invites members and non-members alike to join for the conference, which in previous years has garnered widespread acclaim. “Good to Great: Making Excellence a Clinical Reality” serves as the theme for the four-day event that will include hands-on workshops, forums and seminars, as well as poster presentations. Early registration prices, available at osseo.org, will last through February 20, 2017.

An Introduction to Periodontal Disease

Dr. Jeffrey Felzer is a private practice periodontist in Wilmington, Delaware. In this position, Dr. Jeffrey Felzer provides patients with a variety of services and information regarding the effective treatment of periodontal disease.

Also known as gum disease, periodontal disease can come in various forms. Gingivitis and periodontitis are two of the most common types of periodontal diseases a person may have to deal with. Both are considered significant oral infections that, without proper treatment, may result in tooth loss and other serious health issues.

Gingivitis is considered the lowest form of periodontal disease. Its symptoms generally are relegated to oral sensitivity and swelling of the gums. The gums also may bleed more frequently. The typical cause of gingivitis is inadequate oral care. Professional treatment is necessary to fully address gingivitis, but individuals can significantly reduce the problem by improving their oral hygiene processes.

Without the intervention of dental professional, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis. At this stage, the infection can spread plaque beyond the gum line. The increase of bacteria leads to a discomforting, corrosive inflammation of the gums. In addition to pain and tooth loss, periodontitis can weaken an individuals’ jawbones. Patients experiencing symptoms of gingivitis or periodontitis should contact a trusted dental professional at once.

Oral Conscious Sedation

If the idea of going to the dentist for a procedure brings on feelings of fear or anxiety there are options to ease the anxiety. Oral conscious sedation is as easy as taking an aspirin and you will feel relaxed and at ease. Oral conscious sedation does not "knock you out" like some other forms of anesthesia. You will remain awake during your procedure, but you will be in a heightened state of relaxation. It is also possible that you will not remember part, or all, of your procedure.

Oral conscious sedation is extremely safe and easy. It is much less expensive than other forms of sedation, and you will be able to talk and breathe on your own during the procedure. It also makes long or complex procedures seem shorter, allowing you to have all of your work done in a single visit. As an added precaution a local anesthetic will be given to the area that is being worked on to ensure that there is no pain. You will need to have someone drive you to and from the office if you use oral conscious sedation for your safety.

Don't wait any longer to have necessary dental work performed because you are nervous. Ask your dentist about oral conscious sedation to see if it is right for you.

Periodontal Disease and Heart Attack+Stroke

From the American Academy of Periodontology

Heart Disease

Several theories exist to explain the link between periodontal disease and heart disease. One theory is that oral bacteria can affect the heart when they enter the blood stream, attaching to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries (heart blood vessels) and contributing to clot formation. Coronary artery disease is characterized by a thickening of the walls of the coronary arteries due to the buildup of fatty proteins. Blood clots can obstruct normal blood flow, restricting the amount of nutrients and oxygen required for the heart to function properly. This may lead to heart attacks.

Another possibility is that the inflammation caused by periodontal disease increases plaque build up, which may contribute to swelling of the arteries.

Researchers have found that people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as those without periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease can also exacerbate existing heart conditions. Patients at risk for infective endocarditis may require antibiotics prior to dental procedures. Your periodontist and cardiologist will be able to determine if your heart condition requires use of antibiotics prior to dental procedures.

Stroke

Additional studies have pointed to a relationship between periodontal disease and stroke. In one study that looked at the causal relationship of oral infection as a risk factor for stroke, people diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia were found more likely to have an oral infection when compared to those in the control group.

About Jeffrey Felzer

Jeffrey Felzer, DMD, is a respected Wilmington, Delaware, periodontist who offers a full range of procedures, including tooth extractions and gum disease treatment. Performing sedation dentistry, Dr. Jeffrey Felzer also undertakes bone grafting to repair damage to the alveolar ridge. He recommends dental implants as a permanent way of addressing missing and extracted teeth. The implant process is easier on the surrounding teeth, because the procedure does not require tooth reshaping.

He also has extensive experience in treating issues of the temporomandibular joint, which result in the complex jaw condition known as TMJ. He undertakes detailed diagnosis using 3-D images generated by cone beam CAT scan and provides treatments that include a night guard to prevent teeth grinding. Dr. Jeffrey Felzer maintains certification with the American Board of Periodontology and has a fully digitized office.

Dr. Felzer has been recognized as Delaware Today Top Dentist in 2009, 2010, and 2013. Aside from his work at his practice, he supports the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation, which seeks to improve public health and periodontal care through research and education.