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How to Choose the Right Chattanooga Oral Surgeon

How to Choose the Right Chattanooga Oral Surgeon

If you find yourself in need of an oral surgery, you may wonder how best to proceed finding the right Chattanooga oral surgeon for you. There are many to choose from, and when it comes to oral surgery procedures, you want to know you’re in great hands. So here are some tips on how to choose the right Chattanooga oral surgeon for you.

1– Get a Referral

Talk to your regular dentist about a recommendation, particularly if your dentist is someone you trust. Your dentist will be a great resource for finding the right Chattanooga oral surgeon for you, and for your specific need.

2– Seek Out Testimonials

Odds are, you’ve got family and friends in the area who have had previous oral surgery experiences. Why not take the time to ask them about who they used and how things went? This is also a great way to find a little peace of mind before your surgery date arrives. Alternatively, online reviews can be a great way to crowdsource the opinion or experience of previous patients.

3– Experience

Of course, you’ll want to find an oral surgeon who has years and years of demonstrated experience and success with many patients. You may even want to seek out someone who specializes in the specific surgery type you need so you can feel even more confident that you’ll have great results.

How to Choose the Right Chattanooga Oral Surgeon

4– Practice Information

Take time to look into the oral surgery practice you choose as a whole. Read reviews, and figure out if the team is one you’d like to work with. You’ll be dealing with a receptionist, oral surgery techs, and maybe other office staff too, in addition to the oral surgeon. You’ll want to make sure the entire team is doing a great job to support patients however they can to help ensure a smooth experience for you.

5– Insurance/Payment Plans

You’ll also want to look into the nature of the oral surgery you need as it relates to your personal insurance coverage. As you settle on a Chattanooga oral surgeon and practice, make sure they accept your insurance, and work with staff members to figure out what payments you’ll be expected to make and when. Sorting this out prior to your surgery date will also give you some peace of mind.

If you’re currently looking for a Chattanooga oral surgeon, consider our team at Ocoee Oral Surgery. Our two oral surgeons, Paul and Hunter McCord, are both seasoned doctors with vast experience and a capable support staff backing them as they care for patients. Contact us today to set up a consultation to discuss your oral surgery needs.

Healthy Gums to Prevent Gum Disease & Tooth Loss

Healthy gums and good oral hygiene can help reduce your chances of needing a Chattanooga oral surgeon!

Maintaining healthy gums means you are less at risk for needing oral surgery in the future.

When you practice good oral hygiene, you are putting in good work that will reduce your chances for dental problems in the future. Preventative care is everything! We all know how important it is to practice proper teeth brushing with regularity, but all too often people neglect to take adequate care of their gums. Each individual element of your oral health relies on that of the others, working hand in hand– meaning healthy teeth require healthy gums.

When you don’t take good care of your gums, you run the risk of getting gum disease which can lead to tooth loss. When your neglected gums become sore, swollen, or even infected, this is referred to as gingivitis. When gum issues are left unaddressed, they can progress and become periodontitis– a common infection that damages the soft tissues and even the bone surrounding nearby teeth. Untreated, periodontitis will end in tooth loss, and expensive/invasive treatments from your Chattanooga oral surgeon.

When you know and understand all the risks associated with poor oral hygiene, you’ll be inspired to take brushing, flossing, and routine dental cleanings and exams more seriously. Prioritizing these things can result in greater oral healthy and oral health overall.

Healthy gums and good oral hygiene can help reduce your chances of needing a Chattanooga oral surgeon!

How to Maintain Healthy Gums:

  • Brush your teeth properly and at least twice per day! Find ADA tips on how to give this your best effort here.
  • Work with your dentist or oral surgeon to find the best toothpaste for you.
  • Floss your teeth daily.
  • Be sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly when you brush and floss, and even after meals when doable.
  • Use mouthwash to help kill harmful bacteria.
  • Avoid smoking and using other tobacco products.
  • Schedule and attend regular dental cleanings and exams.
  • Work with your dentist and oral surgeon to quickly address issues that arise so they don’t result in further problems or complications.

Oral Health and Overall Health are Linked

Did you know that your mouth and oral health can offer up clues about how healthy you are overall? Furthermore, oral health problems can actually affect the rest of your body as well. Of course the mouth is brimming with bacteria of many types, most of which are not harmful, but some of which can be. As your mouth is the point of entry for both the respiratory and digestive tracts, some of these more harmful bacteria can cause illness or disease.

Studies suggest that oral bacteria and the inflammation that comes with gum disease might play a role in some diseases including endocarditis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and even pregnancy and childbirth.

If you do have oral health issues that have arisen from poor gum health, our team at Ocoee Oral can help. If you need treatment for bone or tooth loss, dental implants, or other oral surgeries, call on our expert Chattanooga oral surgeons. Contact us today. We would love to help get you back on track for great oral health and overall health as well.

Apicoectomy– Oral Surgery Cleveland

Ocoee Oral Surgery in Cleveland TN offers apicoectomy procedures for patients in which root canals have not been a successful course of treatment.

Ocoee Oral Surgery in Cleveland TN offers apicoectomy procedures for patients in which root canals have not been a successful course of treatment.

Most people are familiar with what a root canal is. Maybe you’ve had one, or someone you know has had to have one performed. But fewer people are familiar with the oral surgery procedure called apicoectomy, or root amputation. Apicoectomy, also known as a root end surgery or root-end filling, is an endodontic procedure during which a tooth’s root tip is removed and a root end cavity is prepared for filling with a biocompatible material.

Apicoectomy becomes a necessary treatment when the traditional root canal procedure has failed and re-treating that tooth has already proven unsuccessful, or is ill-advised. The only alternative past this treatment would be extraction of the affected tooth followed by some type of prosthetic– a dental implant, bridge, or denture.

Why choose apicoectomy for treatment?

In cases of failed root canals, this oral surgery procedure provides hope for saving a tooth that would otherwise have to be extracted. A maxillofacial surgeon can potentially save the tooth with this oral surgery, thus saving the patient from having to undergo further treatment and expense involved with an implant.

What’s the difference between a root canal and an apicoectomy?

During a conventional root canal procedure, your dentist or endodontist will remove the tooth’s pulp– the soft layer of tissue containing blood vessels and nerves inside your tooth. If a tooth’s pulp is damaged by decay or trauma, it will start to break down, then bacteria will begin to inhabit that space. During the root canal, the infected pulp is removed and the pulp’s chamber cleaned and filled.

An apicoectomy takes the root canal therapy a step further. During the apicoectomy, your Cleveland oral surgeon, in addition to removing the tooth’s pulp, also removes the tip of the tooth’s root. Then the oral surgeon will apply a small filling to seal the tooth’s root.

Risks of Apicoectomy

Though the apicoectomy procedure is often successful in addressing the tooth issue, patients should be aware that in some cases, the surgery won’t be effective, and the tooth will ultimately have to be extracted.

There is also some risk of sinus irritation, particularly if the infected tooth is located on your upper jaw near the back of the mouth. Similarly, if the infected tooth is located on the lower jaw, there is more risk for potential nerve damage, as these teeth are situated close to the system of nerves in your mouth. Your surgeon at Ocoee Oral Surgery will be able to assess your particular situation, and address any potential risks as they pertain to you.

Recovery from Apicoectomy

Since the procedure is more invasive than a root canal, apicoectomy may result in a longer recovery time with a little more pain involved. Some patients will experience swelling and bruising of the face near the treated tooth, and some pain in the days following the procedure. Our staff can help you understand what to expect, and how to approach recovery from the treatment, and as always, we’re here to answer any questions you may have about this oral surgery.

If you are dealing with an affected tooth, and think an apicoectomy might be the right course of action, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Cleveland oral surgery team today. We’re here to help.

Dental Implants– Tooth Loss Managed

Dental implants provide a host of benefits such as durability, ease of care, and aesthetic appeal.

There are millions of adults struggling with tooth loss, and it can be painful, embarrassing, and make one feel unattractive. On top of all that, tooth loss can cause difficulty eating and other issues for dental patients. One potential solution for tooth loss is oral surgery for dental implants. Dental implants can help resolve the aforementioned problems that stem from tooth loss, and restore your confidence too. As opposed to the alternatives of dentures and bridges, dental implants provide a lasting, more permanent solution to missing teeth.

Dental implants offer an ideal, long-term solution to tooth loss that helps to prevent other issues down the road, such as bone loss.

Dental implants have advanced over the years, becoming a preferred tooth replacement approach for both oral surgeons and patients alike. Each implant consists of a small titanium post that sits below the gum line, and is attached to a crown. From their natural appearance and ease of care to their lifetime durability, dental implants offer an ideal solution for tooth loss in many cases.

Aesthetics– Natural Appearance

Similar to natural teeth, dental implants are secured to the jawbone. Over a period of months after being inserted, the implant becomes fused to the bone. This fusion provides for a natural look and feel, allowing you to eat and talk without any worry of slipping or shifting, as the implant looks and performs just like real teeth.

Durability– Lasting Appeal

Unlike bridges or dentures, dental implants do not need to be replaced over time if they are well maintained. This means dental implants offer the best long-term value for tooth loss. The ceramic used to fashion implants is extremely durable, in many cases lasting more than 25 years.

Dental implants provide a host of benefits such as durability, ease of care, and aesthetic appeal.

Ease of Care

Dental implants should be cared for just like natural teeth. Brushing and flossing regularly will help to maintain dental implants, and ensure their success. Unlike dentures, they don’t have to be removed at night. Dental implants will not decay, nor will you have to be concerned with needing fillings, but the surrounding gums are still susceptible to gum disease. Even with implants, it is important to visit your dentist regularly for dental exams and cleanings.

Bone Loss Prevention

Choosing to address tooth loss with dental implants can also help patients avoid bone loss that inevitably follows tooth loss when left untreated. Along with tooth loss comes bone loss. When a tooth is lost, the bone below begins to resorb. The reason for this is simple. Bone mass is made up of living tissue, and needs stimulation to remain healthy. Teeth stimulate the jawbone, and help to keep that bone healthy. Dental implants help to prevent bone loss by fusing and stabilizing the jawbone.

A Safe Treatment Option

Unlike other methods of tooth replacement, dental implants will not weaken surrounding teeth. In fact, opting for dental implants can actually result in a decreased risk of decay for surrounding teeth.

If you have experienced tooth loss and are considering dental implants, the oral surgeons at Ocoee Oral Surgery can help. Let our team create for you a lasting, healthy smile you can feel great about. Contact us today to get started!

When to Get a Tooth Pulled

At Ocoee Oral Surgery, we understand that many of our patients would rather not have a tooth extracted. Getting a tooth pulled is never fun and, even with great advancements in tooth extraction techniques and recovery methods, some pain is going to be involved. However, and we must stress this, sometimes getting a tooth pulled is the only option available in order to maintain the overall health of the patient’s mouth. In today’s post, we are going to go over some of the reasons that a person may need to get their tooth pulled. Continue reading below to learn more.

Most Common Reasons for Removing a Tooth

In some cases where a tooth is damaged, a root canal may be performed to try and save the tooth, preventing the need for an extraction.  A root canal removes the infected or damaged inner pulp of a bad tooth and clears out the canals in which nerves grow into the outer boney structure. After such a procedure, the cleaned-out enamel shell is filled and sealed – keeping the natural tooth in place for many years to come.

Unfortunately, a root canal is not always effective (or even possible) if a tooth has become badly damaged. When this occurs, the tooth must be extracted in order to make sure that no other teeth are affected by the damaged tooth and that the gums and jaw do not become compromised. A few common reasons that a tooth must be extracted include:

Gum Disease

If gum disease is left untreated for a long period of time, it can destroy gum tissue, bone, and ligaments that support healthy teeth. When these structures become deteriorates they become weak, loosening their hold on a patient’s teeth. If the gum disease advances without treatment, it may require the extraction of one or multiple teeth, or the teeth may eventually fall out on their own (a situation that you want to avoid if possible).

Tooth Decay

It is recommended by dental professionals to have dental exams performed at least twice a year to detect early signs of tooth decay. This way, patients can avoid losing teeth due to bacteria that enter the flesh of a tooth. If tooth decay is not avoided, it may lead to advanced tooth decay requiring a root canal and, in some cases, the extraction of the affected teeth.

Broken Tooth

When a tooth breaks, especially if it breaks near the gum line, it may need to be extracted. While extraction may be necessary, it is important to go to a dental professional as quickly as possible in order to determine if the tooth can be capped with a crown. If it can, an extraction can be avoided.

Impacted or Overcrowded Teeth

Sometimes a person’s mouth may not have the space necessary for all of their teeth. When the teeth of a patient are severely overcrowded, one or more teeth may be removed to create more space and promote 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. Most commonly, the wisdom teeth will be removed in order to allow more room for the remainder of the patient’s teeth.

When is Tooth Extraction the Best Choice?

There are many signs that indicate when removing a tooth is the best choice for a patient. Often with wisdom teeth, the only option is to have them removed to eliminate pain or positional problems. Additionally, when teeth are extremely decayed, damaged from trauma, or are causing secondary dental problems due to location – a tooth extraction may be the best choice. Here are other reasons why your dentist may suggest when it is time to get a tooth pulled versus saving the affected tooth:

  • Not enough room on the gum line to support the tooth
  • Preventing the spread of infection due to advanced tooth decay
  • A compromised immune system due to medical conditions or chemotherapy
  • Loose teeth due to advanced gum disease
  • To provide cosmetic improvements or to enhance the patient’s bite

What Should You Expect When Your Tooth is Removed?

Having a tooth removed usually leads to very few problems down the road. The process is completed by a dentist or oral surgeon and, almost always, makes use of a local anesthetic to make sure that a minimal amount of pain is felt by the patient. If the tooth is below the gum line, broken, or impacted, dental surgery may be required.

When a tooth is extracted, whether it’s a simple extraction or surgical removal, the healing process involves protecting the open socket from food particles or agitating liquids and allowing the tissue to heal and close naturally. This means that a patient must be diligent in their care of the affected area. If they are not, an infection could set in requiring further dental care. Pain-relieving medication will be prescribed along with a list of acceptable foods and an oral rinse that can be used in order to make sure that the exposed tooth socket is properly cleaned.

When it is time to get a tooth pulled, dentists will consult with patients on what options they have for tooth replacement. Depending on which tooth is removed (especially in the case of molar removal) and how many teeth the patient needs to have replaced, you will find many options:

  • Dental Implant(s)
  • Retained Bridge 
  • Fixed Bridge 
  • Partial Dentures
  • Complete Denture

Thank you for taking the time to read our blog post on some of the reasons that you may need to get your teeth pulled and the care that needs to be adhered to after the tooth is extracted. If you are in need of an extraction, or you are worried that one of your teeth may be on the verge of extraction, please get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment. We have years of experience handling all sort of tooth extraction scenarios and we are certain that our dedicated staff has the knowledge, tools, and experience necessary to make sure that your experience as little discomfort as possible. To schedule an appointment, please give us a call at 423.479.8544 or schedule an appointment via our contact page.