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Ocoee Oral Surgery

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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!

How to Choose the Right Chattanooga Oral Surgeon

Friday, 30 April 2021 22:51

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.

Wisdom Teeth Removal– When Is It Time?

Thursday, 27 August 2020 12:29
When it comes to wisdom teeth removal, there are some things to consider before scheduling your oral surgery.

When it comes to wisdom teeth removal, there are some things to consider before scheduling your oral surgery.

When it comes to wisdom teeth removal, there’s a lot of information floating around out in the world. It can be hard to know what is accurate, or how that information applies to you or your child, and what is most appropriate when in regard to wisdom teeth. Our staff at Ocoee Oral Surgery is here to help answer any questions you might have pertaining to wisdom teeth removal or oral surgery, but in the meantime, here are some things to consider.

  1. CHECK IN. Between ages 16 and 19, have your dentist check the status of your wisdom teeth. How many do you have? Are they growing in? Are they impacted? Are they causing any pain or movement for other teeth?
  2. PAIN ASSESSMENT. If your wisdom teeth are causing you any pain, you’ll definitely want to see an oral surgeon to discuss wisdom teeth removal.
  3. CROWDING TEETH. If your wisdom teeth begin to erupt they can cause movement for the other teeth in your mouth, particularly if you have a small mouth and there isn’t ample room for them to come in smoothly. This can be problematic for obvious reasons, especially if you’ve spent time and resources with any orthodontic procedures to straighten the teeth.
  4. OVER 30? If you’re over the age of 30, and you’ve never had any issues with your wisdom teeth, you may be in the clear.

You may need to schedule your wisdom teeth removal to address issues like pain, crowding, and to prevent possible infection with impacted wisdom teeth.

If you are going to get your wisdom teeth extracted, you likely have a lot of questions and things to consider before you schedule your oral surgery. Below are a few FAQs about wisdom teeth and wisdom teeth removal you may find helpful.

Q: When is the best time to have wisdom teeth removed?

A: Lots of dentists and oral surgeons agree that it’s best to have wisdom teeth removed before the age of 20. The reasoning behind this is two fold. For one thing, when you’re younger, you tend to heal faster and have less complications with surgeries. For another, when you’re young the roots and bones of your teeth are softer and not fully formed making for an easier extraction.

Q: What causes problems with wisdom teeth?

A: Wisdom teeth can be problematic for many reasons. Your mouth may not have enough room to accommodate these extra teeth, and they may become impacted or unable to break through the gums. Impacted wisdom teeth can create painful, swollen pockets in the gums and even lead to infection.

Wisdom teeth that do fully erupt can cause issues with crowding, and are often susceptible to cavities or gum disease to surrounding gum tissue because they can be hard to adequately clean.

Q: What are the risks of undergoing a wisdom teeth removal procedure?

A: After having your wisdom teeth removed, you may experience discomfort, pain and swelling in the gums, excessive bleeding, slow healing gums, or dry socket, which occurs when the blood clot that protects the tooth socket becomes dislodged too soon.

You may also run into issues with jaw function, damage to other teeth or dental work, like crowns or bridges, existing near the extraction area. That said, all these issues are uncommon, and it is much more likely that you’ll have a complication-free oral surgery.

Q: Will I be sedated or under anesthesia for the wisdom teeth removal procedure?

A: The patient having wisdom teeth removed will be provided with a local anesthetic to numb the affected area. Some scenarios lend themselves well to other options for anesthesia, based on patient needs and recommendations of the surgeon. Your oral surgeon at Ocoee Oral Surgery will discuss options with you prior to your surgery.

Q: How long does it take to recover from wisdom teeth removal?

A: Recovery after wisdom teeth removal can take up to two weeks. During that period of time you may experience some minor pain and discomfort as well as swelling, but these symptoms will improve day by day. Be sure to closely follow post-op instructions provided by your oral surgeon for the best results and smoothest recovery.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, or you’re ready to schedule your surgery, contact our team at Ocoee Oral Surgery. We’ll take great care of you.

Healthy Gums to Prevent Gum Disease & Tooth Loss

Thursday, 02 July 2020 17:54
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.

Preparing for Oral Surgery or Wisdom Teeth Removal

Friday, 28 February 2020 19:03
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!