Tag Archives: oral surgery

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!

Wisdom Teeth Removal– Is it a Must?

Wisdom teeth removal oral surgery is necessary often for a lot of reasons like overcrowding, pain, and difficulty chewing.

Wisdom teeth removal oral surgery is necessary often for a lot of reasons like overcrowding, pain, and difficulty chewing.

Wisdom teeth removal surgery is extremely common in teens and young adults. Although it’s an oral surgery procedure that is performed frequently– is it always absolutely necessary? Every case if different and unique, of course, but here are a few reasons extracting wisdom teeth is recommended and beneficial for your overall dental health.

1- Discomfort and Gum Problems

Wisdom teeth can cause gum problems. When wisdom teeth are impacted, they can result in pain and swelling that is mitigated with extraction. Also, wisdom teeth that have only partially erupted through the gum tissue are especially susceptible to infection, which can cause a whole host of other problems.

2- Teeth Crowding

Most of us don’t have room in our mouths to accommodate these extra molar teeth. Sometimes when wisdom teeth begin to come in, they cause crowding and shifting of your other teeth, which can be problematic for obvious reasons. Incoming wisdom teeth can also create pockets in the gums that can become traps for bacteria which can lead to cavities and other problems that will be painful and costly. Wisdom teeth removal can help prevent this crowding and the other issues that often follow.

3- Difficulty Chewing

Sometimes when wisdom teeth begin to come in, their positioning can cause pain and difficulty chewing in certain dental patients. In some cases, they can cause damage to soft tissues in the mouth, that results in pain and hindered jaw function. This scenario would provide great grounds for having the oral surgery.

Sometimes, erupting wisdom teeth can cause pain and difficulty chewing, in which case extraction by oral surgery will likely be necessary.

4- Tooth Alignment

As mentioned before, erupting wisdom teeth, particularly in patients who have small mouths or lack adequate room to accommodate more molars, can cause crowding and affect tooth alignment. These incoming wisdom teeth can press against other teeth, consequently undoing the work of braces, bridges, crowns, and other prior dental work. Not only can this result in moved and crooked teeth, but also can create more issues like traps for food and bacteria, often resulting in decay, cavities, and more dental work.

Wisdom Teeth Case by Case

All this said, it is possible that a patient has adequate space for wisdom teeth. As long as they’ve fully broken through, and aren’t causing crowding or discomfort, your oral surgeon or dentist may recommend you leave them alone. If you are experiencing any discomfort associated with wisdom teeth, give our staff at Ocoee Oral Surgery a call. We can help!

Preparing for Oral Surgery or Wisdom Teeth Removal

In preparation for your Chattanooga oral surgery or wisdom tooth removal, you'll want to stock your fridge and pantry with soft foods like oatmeal and yogurt.

Going into any type of surgery can be stressful, especially when there are many unknowns. But our staff at Ocoee Oral Surgery in Cleveland TN wants to ensure each of our patients knows what to expect when preparing for oral surgery and feels as at ease as possible during the time leading up to your wisdom teeth removal or other procedure. That’s why we compiled a list of 10 ways to help you prepare for your Chattanooga oral surgery appointment! We hope you’ll find them helpful.

1) Talk to your oral surgeon about pre-op instructions.

Your surgeon here at Ocoee Oral Surgery will do everything possible to ensure the surgery process goes smoothly for you. That will involve some instructions for you to follow before your procedure. Be sure to tell your oral surgeon about any medications you are taking and about any past surgery experiences you may have had to help inform their work.

2) Don’t eat or drink for 6 hours before surgery.

You’ll receive specific instructions before your surgery date, and each case can differ. That said, in general, it’s a good idea to fast for at least 6 hours before your oral surgery procedure. More specific instructions will depend on the factors surrounding your surgery and whether you’ll be using IV anesthetics or nitrous oxide (laughing gas); however, our staff will make sure you know what to do!

Wearing comfortable clothes is a good idea when preparing for oral surgery or wisdom tooth removal in Chattanooga, TN.

3) Wear comfortable clothes!

It’s surgery, right? So we want to make sure you’re comfortable. You can wear sweats or even pajamas to ensure you’re comfortable. You also might want to bring a sweatshirt or light jacket to ensure you don’t get cold.

4) Brush and floss before your oral surgery.

You’ll definitely want to brush and floss before your wisdom teeth removal or other oral surgery procedure. Keeping your mouth clean will help to reduce the risk of infection and other potential issues during your treatment. Also, if you are a smoker or use other tobacco products, we recommend you refrain from doing so for at least 12 hours before your surgery. This will help to ensure a quicker, more complete recovery.

5) Bring a friend or family member.

Depending on the circumstances surrounding your oral surgery, you may require heavy sedation before the procedure. This will mean you shouldn’t drive for a while afterward, so you’ll need a little help from a friend or family member to get from point A to point B. It’s also a good idea to have someone stay with you for several hours after the surgery is completed. Just to be safe and make sure you don’t have complications or need anything.

6) Plan to rest post-oral surgery.

Your sedation will likely wear off 30 to 45 minutes after your surgery, and you’ll be able to go home to rest. The residual effects of sedation dentistry and general anesthesia can last for up to 24 hours, so you’ll need to plan to be able to relax and take it easy. The post-op R&R might be the best part of the surgery. Cue up your favorite Netflix shows, and snuggle in.

7) Stock your pantry and refrigerator.

You’ll receive in-depth instructions about what to do after your oral surgery, as well as what to eat or drink. Get plenty of fluids, but make sure not to drink with straws, as this can cause complications and damage to surgical sites. You’ll need to subsist on soft foods for a while as you heal. Think soups, mashed potatoes, yogurt, oatmeal, and the like. Avoid hard, crunchy, and chewy foods for a few days or even a week after treatment. If you notice bleeding, swelling, or experience significant discomfort, please contact our office for assistance.

In preparation for your Chattanooga oral surgery or wisdom tooth removal, you'll want to stock your fridge and pantry with soft foods like oatmeal and yogurt.

8) If you’re sick, reschedule!

We never want to put off anyone’s oral surgery, but that said, if you’re not feeling your best, it might be a good idea to reschedule. If you are sick or immuno-compromised, that could potentially increase your risk of infection. Going into the oral surgery in ship shape will mean a faster recovery!

9) Arrive at the office early.

We recommend arriving a little earlier than your appointment time. This will ensure you have time to ask any last-minute questions and will eliminate the stress that accompanies rushing around to get somewhere. You can take a few minutes to relax and breathe before your procedure.

10) Find your zen.

Our staff is here for you! We want you to feel prepared and at ease before your oral surgery, and we know that knowledge is power. The more you know, the less you have to worry. So just relax, and rest assured we know what we’re doing. You’re in great hands at Ocoee Oral Surgery!

Oral Cancer Symptoms and Signs

Oral cancer symptoms and signs can be caught early when you schedule and keep regular appointments with your providers at Ocoee Oral Surgery in Cleveland TN.

Catch It Early with the Help of The Best Oral Surgeons

Oral cancer symptoms and signs can be caught early when you schedule and keep regular appointments with your providers at Ocoee Oral Surgery in Cleveland TN.

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, close to 53,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer over the course of this year. Oral cancer will cause over 9,750 deaths, taking roughly 1 person’s life per hour, 24 hours a day. Of those 53,000 newly-diagnosed individuals, only slightly more than half will still be living in 5 years.

These are some staggering statistics, and only emphasize how imperative it is for us to be vigilant about oral care, and ensure we have regular dental and oral exams to promote the early detection of potential issues. Here at Ocoee Oral Surgery in Cleveland, TN, we understand the gravity of an oral cancer diagnosis. We want to be a resource for our patients, and help however we can to educate them about oral cancer symptoms and signs, so that they can get the treatment necessary and as early as possible. We specialize in oral pathology, the detection and treatment of diseases that can affect the oral and maxillofacial regions (or the mouth and jaw areas).

Some things to look out for and be aware of include:

  • Persistent sores in the mouth that do not heal
  • Persistent oral pain
  • White or red patches on the gums, tongue, tonsils, or oral lining
  • Thickening or lump in the cheek area
  • Sore throat, or the feeling that something is caught in your throat
  • Stiffness or difficulty moving the tongue or jaw
  • Difficulty chewing or swallowing
  • Numbness of the tongue or other areas inside the mouth
  • Swelling of the jaw
  • Unexplained tooth or jaw pain
  • Unexplained loose teeth
  • Voice changes
  • Bad breath
  • A lump in the neck area
  • Weight loss

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or ailments for weeks at a time, you may need to see your oral surgeon in Cleveland, TN for potential screenings and tests. It’s so important with any form of cancer or disease to detect it as early as possible so you can work with your provider to draft a treatment plan that will be most effective. Our caring staff here at Ocoee Oral is here to help, and support you with any oral surgery, dental implant process, TMJ treatment, tooth removal, and more.

Surgically Assisted Tooth Eruption– What to Know Before Your Oral Surgery

Impacted teeth sometimes need coaxing for them to erupt, and our Cleveland oral surgeons can help with a procedure called surgically assisted tooth eruption.

Let’s be real. For many of us, a lot goes into having perfectly straight teeth. Even before the braces can go on, lots of mouths require special attention in preparation for the journey that is orthodontics. Sometimes crowding must be mitigated with tooth extractions, and sometimes impacted teeth even require some coaxing before they will grow in. This is most common with the canines or eyeteeth, and sometimes requires a procedure called surgically assisted tooth eruption. This sounds pretty intense, but it’s really not as scary when you choose the right oral surgeon.

Impacted teeth sometimes need coaxing for them to erupt, and our Cleveland oral surgeons can help with a procedure called surgically assisted tooth eruption.

What is an impacted tooth?

An impacted tooth is one that has not erupted, or fails to fully pass through the gum tissue. This can be a result of many things like dense soft tissue, bone, cysts, or tooth malposition. If the tooth fails to emerge in the mouth, it is considered to be impacted.

What is Surgically Assisted Tooth Eruption?

With or without necessary spacing, some teeth, particularly the canines or eyeteeth, may be impacted so much so that they will not erupt without assistance from an oral surgeon. With combined efforts, Dr. McCord and the Cleveland TN Ocoee Oral Surgery staff can surgically assist in tooth eruption, exposure, and bonding for your individual treatment and oral care. And it’s not as scary as it may sound.

What is tooth exposure?

Tooth exposure is a simple surgical procedure where the gum is lifted from the impacted tooth to expose the covered tooth, assisting the tooth’s eruption. If a baby tooth is still present, it can easily be removed during the procedure. Exposing the tooth makes it eligible for an orthodontic bracket to be attached, which can then be used to slowly encourage the tooth as it comes down and moves into place.

How long does impacted canine surgery take?

This oral surgery procedure is fairly non-invasive and generally takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. After anesthesia is administered and/or the area is numbed, your Cleveland oral surgeon will remove a small piece of gum tissue to uncover the impacted tooth.

Impacted canines or eyeteeth can be gently pulled down with an orthodontic attachment after oral surgery.

What to expect after surgery:

After your impacted tooth is uncovered, it is normal to have some minor bleeding in the first 12 to 24 hours. You should also expect moderate pain and discomfort for 2 to 3 days after the procedure, which can be controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers. Infection, though uncommon, can develop in the days following surgery, and if you suspect that you’re experiencing symptoms of an infection, get in touch with us at Ocoee Oral so we can treat it. But all in all, just rest and let your body do the healing!

Schedule an Appointment

If you or your child has been advised by an orthodontist to have a tooth uncovered by surgically assisted tooth eruption, we’d love to take care of you. Our skilled staff can answer any questions about the procedure, and will do whatever it takes to ease your mind about it. Our incredible oral surgeons are up to the task, and are among the best in the Cleveland and Chattanooga areas. Get in touch today to set up an appointment. We look forward to serving you.