If you’re in the Athens, TN area and need an oral surgical procedure, you’ll want to choose an oral surgeon Athens TN trusts for highly effective and attentive care. Ocoee Oral Surgery, located a short drive away in Cleveland, TN, has given care to residents of Athens for years and is a trusted provider for several types of oral procedures. Doctors Paul and Hunter McCord, D.D.S., along with the Ocoee Oral Surgery staff, work together as father and son to provide these essential treatments for patients from across the region..

Removing Wisdom Teeth For Patients in Athens TN

Our mouths are only intended to hold 28 teeth. Most people will have four additional teeth, commonly referred to as “wisdom teeth”. These typically erupt during late adolescence. This can cause a tremendous amount of pain for patients, as wisdom teeth do not usually erupt properly. Impacted or abnormally erupted wisdom teeth will cause a host of issues. This includes infection, loss of the second molars, injuries to the jawbone, and more. Our surgeons recommend removing wisdom teeth early to avoid any of these problems developing. We recommend having an initial consultation around the age of 15, so our surgeons can assess the incoming wisdom teeth. This provides guidance on the best time for removal.

TMJ disorder treatment for Athens TN patients

TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders encompass a variety of problems surrounding the jaw joint. Typical symptoms of TMJ disorders include popping or clicking sounds when opening your mouth. The also include headaches, jaw pain that can transcend to the face or neck, and more. TMJ disorders will occur from injuries, genetic dispositions, stress, and more. They can cause severe discomfort in patients. If your TMJ disorder has caused your teeth to fit together differently, you may need treatment.

Additionally, our surgeons utilize treatments such as bite adjustment, orthodontics with or without jaw reconstruction, or restorative dental work. Surgical options will be needed in severe cases, but our surgeons recommend consulting with them as soon as possible. This is to avoid surgical intervention and find relief.

Dental implants for Athens TN patients

Missing teeth can be a source of pain both physically and emotionally. When teeth are missing, they can not only impact self-esteem but can also negatively affect facial bones and structure. Dental implants can be used to replace missing teeth, bridge a gap with missing teeth, or even secure full dentures. These implants are miniscule titanium posts which are first inserted into the jawbone. This allows the bone to bond with the titanium to create a stronger foundation for artificial teeth.

Once the initial insertion is healed, small posts are attached to the implants and protrude through the gums.  Eventually, these posts serve as anchors for artificial replacement teeth. Placement and healing of dental implants takes six to eight months for most patients. The process causes minimal disruption to patients’ daily lives. If you would like to know if you are a candidate for dental implants, please reach out to us. Our surgeons take 3 major steps when identifying dental implant candidates. First, our surgeons examine your mouth. Second, they examine your medical history, Third, they examine your dental history thoroughly to ensure the procedure is safe for you.

And more essential procedures for Athens TN patients

Lastly, Ocoee Oral Surgery also provides surgical tooth removal, surgically assisted tooth eruption, bone grafting, and more. We aim to ensure optimal oral health for our patients. Our skilled and knowledgeable staff care deeply about the wellbeing of our patients, and through our shared experience and excellent bedside manner we have become a trusted oral surgery provider for our region. We will work with patients to provide the best care for them individually, making sure that each patient who comes into our office feels confident in their treatment. We are proud to be an oral surgeon Athens TN trusts, and we hope you will choose Ocoee Oral Surgery for your oral health needs.

To find out more information about TMJ or Temporomandibular disorders, visit the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research website.