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Ocoee Oral Surgery

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Your Oral Surgeon in Chattanooga TN

Thursday, 19 January 2023 20:39
Oral Surgeon Chattanooga TN

Oral Surgeon Chattanooga TN

When looking for an oral surgeon in Chattanooga TN or the surrounding areas, you’ll want a professional that is highly skilled and knowledgeable in the field, has a good bedside manner, and is experienced in the specific treatments needed. Dr. McCord, D.D.S. and the entire team at Ocoee Oral Surgery have all these traits and more. Located in Cleveland TN, we are a short enough distance away to be your oral surgeon in Chattanooga TN for the following procedures.

Surgical tooth removal from your oral surgeon in Chattanooga TN

Preserving teeth is our goal, but sometimes removal is necessary. To make room for braces and other orthodontic treatments, misaligned teeth may be extracted. Techniques vary depending on tooth type, location, and complications. Before surgery, our surgeons assess the tooth(s), noting the position and potential issues. In most cases, a minimally-invasive technique is used. We also specialize in challenging extractions, multiple roots, and impacted/brittle teeth.

Bone grafting from your oral surgeon in Chattanooga TN

Jawbone associated with missing teeth can deteriorate. This decreases the quality and amount of bone for placing dental implants. We can grow bone to create suitable sites. This permits us to install implants of the proper size and restores function and appearance. Bone grafting is an option to use a tissue bank or own bone from the jaw to build up inadequate bone structure due to extractions, gum disease, or injury. Membranes can be used which dissolve, protect the graft, and promote bone growth.

Exposure and bonding from your oral surgeon in Chattanooga TN

Impacted teeth may lack room to emerge. We can surgically aid in eruption, exposure, and bonding. Exposure is done by raising the gum to reveal the tooth. If a baby tooth is still there, it’s removed. Bonding entails uncovering the impacted tooth and attaching an orthodontic attachment, then replacing the gum. We bond a bracket to the exposed tooth, so it erupts with less resistance. We may leave the tooth fully exposed by stitching the gum above it or making a window around it.

And more from your oral surgeon in Chattanooga TN

We also provide wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, TMJ treatment options, and a variety of other procedures here at Ocoee Oral Surgery. Our educated and certified staff have extensive knowledge and experience in oral surgery, but more importantly a genuine desire to help patients achieve their desired outcomes. We take the time to listen to others, respect every individual’s unique needs and circumstances, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to deliver the best possible care. With our office nearby in Cleveland, we hope you consider us for your oral surgeon in Chattanooga TN.

Dental Implants

Friday, 10 June 2022 19:58
Dental Implant Procedure

Dental Implant Procedure

Do dental implants hurt?

Dental implants can be an excellent alternative to dentures, bridges, or root canals. Seeing as dental implants are placed surgically, sometimes our Ocoee Oral Surgery patients wonder, “Will the dental implant be painful?” To answer this question it helps to understand the steps of the procedure.

We will use IV sedation for single and full-mouth dental implants.

First off, we are happy to share that, out of all the surgical procedures at Ocoee Oral Surgery, implants cause the least amount of discomfort. Regardless of whether you are receiving single or full-mouth dental implants, you will receive IV (“twilight”) sedation. Because of this, the gum incision and the drilling of the implant into the jawbone that can make some patients nervous aren’t felt. Jawbones have no nerves that would send pain signals, so the only feelings patient experience is mild tingling and a bit of pressure. We find that IV sedation is very helpful for numbing tension, but also if you are anxious about dental surgery.

After the dental implant procedure, discomfort is manageable.

After you leave our office, you will experience some tenderness those first couple of days. Any pain, however, can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. By comparison, post-operative pain with the dental implant procedure is much less intense than, say, a tooth extraction. The implant will heal for four to five months before its final restoration, but within 48 hours you’ll be able to resume normal activity, and within 72 hours you’ll be able to resume your normal diet. Of course, if you experience significant pain following a dental implant procedure please give us a call so we can schedule a follow-up. There should be no discomfort after a week.

Ocoee Oral Surgery is where Tennessee gets its dental implants!

At Ocoee Oral Surgery our dental implants are a team effort between an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon (us) and a Restorative Dentist (your dentist). While we perform the actual dental implant surgery here in Cleveland, and initial tooth extractions or bone grafting when necessary, your dentist will fit and make the permanent prosthesis. Multiple options are available for temporary teeth to fill vacant spaces. To get started you can read more about the process, call us at 423.479.8544 or fill in our contact form here.

Extracting Teeth – Bad Teeth Out, Summer Smiles In

Thursday, 12 May 2022 20:46

The temperatures are finally staying warm here in Cleveland! At Ocoee Oral Surgery we want you looking and feeling your best when you’re out having fun in the sun. Sometimes getting a tooth pulled is the only option available to maintain the mouth’s overall health. If you are feeling any of the following pain points, let us help you get summer-ready with a tooth extraction.

Extracting Broken Teeth

When one of your teeth breaks, especially near the gum line, it may need to be extracted. A dental professional could cap the broken tooth with a crown if addressed quickly enough, but in many instances extraction is necessary. When a broken tooth needs to be pulled, Ocoee is here to help.

Extracting Teeth with Tooth Decay

One of the many purposes of those annual dental exams is to detect early signs of tooth decay. When bacteria enter the flesh of a tooth, that tooth sometimes must be removed to stop the spread. When this occurs, the tooth must be extracted to make sure that no other teeth are affected by the decay and that the gums and jaw do not become compromised.

Extracting Teeth Due to Gum Disease

Gum disease, if left untreated, can destroy ligaments, tissue, and bone that support your healthy teeth. When these structures weaken they loosen their hold on your teeth. That can lead to the extraction of one or multiple teeth before they eventually fall out on their own (a situation that you want to avoid if possible).

Extracting Impacted or Overcrowded Teeth

When the teeth are severely overcrowded, one or more may be removed to create more space and promote the proper alignment of the remaining teeth. Similarly, an impacted tooth that grows only partially beyond the gum line or is tilted at an abnormal angle may need to be pulled. Many people have their wisdom teeth removed for this very reason, to allow more room for the remainder of the patient’s teeth.

Trust Ocoee Oral with Your Tooth Removal

When teeth are extremely decayed, damaged from trauma, or causing secondary dental problems due to location – a tooth extraction may be the best choice. If you need an extraction, or you are worried that one of your teeth may be on the verge of extraction, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Please give us a call at 423.479.8544 or schedule an appointment via our contact page to get your smile summer-ready!

Wisdom Teeth Removal After College

Wednesday, 20 April 2022 19:14

Many individuals have their wisdom teeth removed as teens or young adults, it’s true. It’s recommended to have wisdom teeth removed before the age of 18. Having wisdom teeth removed after you’re 18 years old greatly increases the risk of permanent complications, such as numbness of the lip and chin. If you’re past that age where many have their wisdom teeth removed, you might be asking, “Is there any point now?” Yes, even if you don’t consider yourself a “young” adult anymore, there are still benefits to wisdom tooth removal after college.

Wisdom Teeth Removal for Pain Relief

If your wisdom teeth are causing you any pain, it might be time to consider removing them. Wisdom teeth are often susceptible to cavities, and because they are difficult to clean they can cause gum disease on the surrounding gum tissue. When wisdom teeth are impacted, they can result in pain and swelling that is mitigated with extraction.

Wisdom Teeth Removal to Alleviate Crowding

Wisdom teeth can cause crowding and affect tooth alignment, dismantling the hard work of any braces, bridges, crowns or other prior dental work. Not only can this result in shifted teeth, but also can create more pockets for food and bacteria. This results in decay, cavities, and more dental work. Wisdom teeth removal can help prevent this crowding and other issues that often follow.

Wisdom Teeth Removal to Prevent Cheek-Biting

Patients who have small mouths or lack adequate room to accommodate more molars can have biting issues when these extra teeth arrive. Sometimes when wisdom teeth begin to come in, their positioning can cause pain and difficulty chewing in dental patients. They can cause damage to soft tissues in the mouth, which results in pain and hindered jaw function. When wisdom teeth cause pain and difficulty chewing, extraction by oral surgery is necessary.

Oral surgeons agree that it’s best to have wisdom teeth removed before the age of 18. When you’re younger, you tend to heal faster and have fewer complications with surgeries. Also, when you’re young, the roots and bones of your teeth are softer and not fully formed. This makes extractions easier. But even though it is preferred to have wisdom teeth removed before the age of 18, the process can still be beneficial no matter your age. Our staff at Ocoee Oral Surgery is always here to answer any questions you might have pertaining to wisdom teeth removal or any other oral surgery. We are here to help all ages!

Recovering from Oral Surgery–Do’s and Don’ts

Thursday, 19 November 2020 20:46
Do eat soft foods while recovering from oral surgery

While recovering from oral surgery, there are some simple things you can do to minimize discomfort and help your mouth heal more quickly. Avoid infection, and speed up your recovery with these do’s and don’ts in mind!

Let’s Start with the Do’s

Do eat soft foods while recovering from oral surgery

DO Get Plenty of Rest– Be sure to block off some time to take it easy at home after having your oral surgery. Your body can heal faster when you give it the best footing to do so! Also, keep your head propped up as much as you can to help reduce swelling and bleeding post surgery.

DO Take Prescribed Antibiotics– The last thing you want to deal with after your oral surgery is an infection. If your oral surgeon prescribed an antibiotic, be sure you take it as directed and finish the medication.

DO Use Ice Packs– Minimize swelling by applying ice packs to your face. Usually on 15 minutes, off 15 minutes does the trick.

DO Eat Soft Foods– You’ll want to adhere to a liquid or soft food diet for several days after your oral surgery. Think soup, smoothies (though you’ll want to skip the straw), mashed potatoes, and yogurt.

DO Take Cleanliness Seriously– About 24 hours after your oral surgery, rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water at least four times daily, and after each meal and snack. Make sure to wash away all bits of food around the surgery area. Your Ocoee Oral Surgery team will give you advice on how to do this properly.

DO Brush Your Teeth Gently– Don’t brush or floss teeth in the surgical area, but you will want to continue brushing and flossing the rest of your teeth. Just take an extra gentle approach to this as you’re healing.

DO Eat Healthy Foods– Vitamins A and C are important for the healing process. Be sure to eat foods like eggs, carrots, and sweet potatoes to help boost your body’s natural healing powers.

Gargling warm salt water helps heal the gums when recovering from oral surgery.

Now for the Don’ts

DON’T Over Do It!– Just to reiterate, rest is critical after any surgery, and oral surgery is no exception. Be sure you don’t overexert yourself post op. You’ll also want to avoid exercise for a few days after your surgery, as increased blood flow can cause blood clots in the mouth to become dislodged, inhibiting healing.

DON’T Eat Hot Foods– In the time directly after your oral surgery, your mouth will be numb. This numbness wears off at different rates for everyone, but the last thing you want to do is burn your mouth that’s already been through a great deal.

DON’T Smoke or Drink Alcohol– Just don’t do it, okay? Smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages can interrupt the healing process. Let your body do its thing without roadblocks.

DON’T Eat Hard/Crunchy Foods– For about 6 weeks post oral surgery, you’ll want to avoid overly hard or crunchy foods. Give your mouth adequate time to fully heal before reintroducing these foods into your diet.

If you follow these do’s and don’ts after your oral surgery, you should have a smooth and speedy recovery. Of course, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office staff at Ocoee with any questions or concerns, and be sure to contact us if you have a fever that lasts more than 24 hours post surgery, experience throbbing pain that doesn’t subside with medication, or have excessive bleeding. We’ll take great care of you!