Finding out for sure is important. Because impacted wisdom teeth, when unaddressed, can be come infected, they’re a danger to the health of your entire mouth. And they can cause damage to your otherwise healthy teeth. That’s a risk you’d like to avoid. So let’s ask the question:

Do I Have Impacted Wisdom Teeth?

We hope not. There are 4 simple signs. Look for these – if you have one or more of them, you may have impacted wisdom teeth.

1. You Have Trouble Eating

If you’re having a hard time chewing food, or if cold drinks cause shooting pains, you may have impacted wisdom teeth. If even the foods you love cause too much pain for you to truly enjoy them, you should make an appointment with an oral surgeon. Tooth removal is a necessary pain that will take away your suffering long-term.

2. Your Mouth Feels Painful

If the back of your mouth is extremely tender or painful – if simply biting down a bit brings tears to your eyes – your wisdom tooth (or teeth) may be impacted. It may be hard to localize the pain if it hurts intensely, but you may notice that it lingers longest behind your last molar.

3. You Have Jaw Swelling

Does it hurt when you touch your jaw? Do you see swelling in your cheek or jaw when you’re in front of the mirror? Swelling is a significant sign that something’s amiss in your mouth. If the rest of your teeth feel fine, you’re probably experiencing an impacted wisdom tooth that needs removal.

4. Your Gums are Tender, Red, or Bleeding

Impacted wisdom teeth often lead to tender gums. It may be one of the first signs you experience. Pay attention if your gums hurt, look red, or even bleed. You may have an impacted wisdom tooth showing its presence.

What Should I Do if I Have Impacted Wisdom Teeth?

If the signs point to impacted wisdom teeth, make an appointment today. Pain isn’t fun – and the consequences of ignoring an impacted tooth only get worse the longer you wait.

Fortunately, you don’t have to suffer any longer. Our oral surgeons have decades of experience. And we’ve helped thousands of people like you in Chattanooga. After your impacted wisdom teeth are extracted and the site heals, you’ll feel much better.

You can live free from dental pain. Call us today to learn more or make an appointment.

The post Do I Have Impacted Wisdom Teeth? How to Know appeared first on Implants & Oral Surgery of Chattanooga.

Wisdom Teeth Defined

Before we discuss impaction, we need to know what exactly wisdom teeth are in the first place. Wisdom teeth are your potential third molars, one on each side, both top and bottom. They’re the last teeth to come in.

The theory holds that human jaws used to be larger and more able to accommodate these third molars. But now they often can’t emerge or develop as your other teeth do. In fact, some people don’t even have four wisdom teeth – and some have none.

What Is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?

When a wisdom tooth can’t come in normally, because of a lack of room or other cause, it’s called “impacted.” An impacted tooth can be twisted, tipped on its side, or displaced as it tries to make it out into your mouth.

Wisdom teeth can be impacted in several ways with varying degrees of impaction. The severity depends on how the teeth are positioned in your jaw.

Types of Wisdom Tooth Impaction

When your wisdom tooth’s crown penetrates through the bone but not the gum, the condition is called “soft tissue impaction.”

When part of the tooth comes in through the gum – but part remains stuck in your jawbone – it’s called “partial bony impaction.”

And, as you may have guessed, when the wisdom tooth remains in the jawbone, it’s called “complete bony impaction.”

Symptoms of Wisdom Tooth Impaction

In some cases, you may never feel your impacted wisdom teeth. They don’t always present symptoms. And, rarely, some people just don’t have wisdom teeth in the first place.

If you do experience symptoms, it’s usually due to infection or swelling in the gum around the tooth. Symptoms such as pain, swollen or bleeding gums, jaw swelling, or trouble chewing can be indicators of impacted wisdom teeth.

If you develop impacted wisdom teeth, make an appointment with your oral surgeon. If left alone, impacted wisdom teeth cause trouble. You risk gum disease and decay in the surrounding teeth if you avoid treatment. Even worse problems like cysts or infected teeth may occur with extreme neglect.

How Can I Avoid Impacted Wisdom Teeth?

See your dentist yearly. That’s the best advice anyone can take, whether or not you still have your wisdom teeth. But with annual or semi-annual X-rays, your dentist can catch problems before they start and refer you to your oral surgeon for wisdom teeth removal.

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What is Orthognathic Surgery?

The answer’s not as complicated as the name. In short, orthognathic surgery is for those whose jaws don’t meet correctly, or whose teeth don’t fit well when they bite.

We form orthodontics to straighten the teeth, and perform corrective jaw surgery to reposition a misaligned jaw. The procedure improves looks – but it doesn’t stop there. It improves function as well, making sure that the patient’s teeth meet and function as they should.

Who Needs Orthognathic Surgery?

You may benefit from orthognathic surgery if you have an improper bite or if your jaws aren’t positioned correctly. Because jaws grow gradually, sometimes the upper and lower jaws grow at different speeds. That can lead to many problems. It affects chewing, speech, lifetime oral health, and aesthetics.

In other cases, injury and hereditary or environmental influences inhibit proper jaw alignment. That’s where orthognathic surgery comes in. It’s a necessity if both teeth and jaws are out of line. Otherwise, orthodontics would be sufficient to fix poor teeth alignment.

If you have any of these symptoms, you may need orthognathic surgery:

• Difficulty with chewing, biting, or swallowing
• Speech problems
• Chronic jaw pain or TMJ
• Open bite
• Protruding lower jaw
• Breathing problems due to jaw placement

Before we start your treatment, we will consult with you, take x-rays, and perform an exam. During the process before treatment begins, you can have us answer all your questions and help you make informed decisions.

Technology & Orthognathic Surgery

By taking advantage of thorough x-rays and computer imaging, our experienced oral surgeons can give you a look at how your bite can be improved. We’ll even show you how your facial structure will look after the procedure.

We’ve found that our patients appreciate understanding what goes into their surgery – and the purpose it serves. We’re glad to help you grasp the benefits orthognathic surgery will provide.

If corrective jaw surgery is right for you, our oral and maxillofacial surgeons will work hand in hand with your orthodontist and dentist during your time with us. And through your surgery, we’ll be able to place your teeth and jaws in a more attractive, functional, and healthy position.

The post What is Orthognathic Surgery – and Who Needs It? appeared first on Implants & Oral Surgery of Chattanooga.

When you lose a tooth, two things happen. First, your gum starts to close over the hole. Then, over time, your jawbone in that area starts to atrophy. It’s no longer necessary to support a tooth – so it gradually thins, becoming reabsorbed into the body. That’s where oral bone grafting comes in.

In the past, a if you had a thinned jawbone, you simply could not get dental implants. When your bone thins, it often makes placing dental implants impossible. There’s just not a strong enough anchor.

Now, oral bone grafting makes it possible for us to grow bone where it’s needed. And placing dental implants becomes possible. You have the option of choosing properly sized dental implants – and aren’t stuck with dentures. Restored functionality and improved aesthetics follow.

Here are 5 things you need to know about oral bone grafting:

1. With oral bone grafting, bone can be replaced or regrown.

When you have less bone structure than implants require, major bone grafting is the solution. Bone for grafting can be obtained from a tissue bank. Sometimes, surgeons use the patient’s own bone, taken from their jaw, hip, or tibia.

We’ll see the best results if we use your own bone for the graft. We may even take factors from your blood to speed up and aid bone formation in the area of the graft.

Often, an allograft (donated bone) is used to promote new bone formation. Alongside allografts, unique membranes can be used under the gum. The membranes dissolve over time and protect the grafted bone, promoting regeneration. Oral surgeons call this process “guided bone regeneration.”

2. Even your sinus floor can be thickened.

Your maxillary sinuses are behind your cheekbones and above the roof of your mouth. There’s nothing in them – just empty space. A few of your upper teeth have roots that extend into your sinuses and, when they’re removed, they leave a thin bone layer.

Dental implants need ample bone to be placed well. In many cases, especially where the sinus wall is thin, there’s not enough bone to allow for implants.

Fortunately, we have a solution. We can do a sinus graft (also known as a “sinus lift graft”). During the procedure, we carefully lift the sinus membrane and lay donor bone over the sinus floor. After the site heals, the grafted bone becomes part of your jaw, providing space to insert dental implants.

In the past, your thin sinus walls would have prevented you from receiving the blessing of dental implants. But you don’t have to settle for loose-fitting dentures any longer, thanks to oral bone grafting.

3. Jawbone width and height can both be increased. (Ridge Expansion)

In the most extreme cases, the jaw ridge has been thinned in both width and height. That makes a bone graft even more necessary.

To increase jawbone width, we can perform a ridge expansion. We expand your jawbone ridge mechanically, then fill the gap with graft material. After the graft heals and matures for a few months, we can place the implant.

4. Nerves can be moved if they’re in the way.

If your lower back two molars are being replaced by a dental implant, your inferior alveolar nerve may need to be moved aside to allow the oral surgeon to place the implant. It’s the nerve that gives sensation to your chin and lower lip.

Repositioning the nerve is considered an aggressive approach, since there’s nearly always numbness (permanent or slowly dissipating) after the procedure. For that reason, all other options will be considered before your surgery.

Normally, we remove an outer piece of the lower jaw next to your cheek to expose the vessel canal and nerve. Then, we pull the nerve and vessel bundle slightly to the side.

Once the implants are placed, we let the nerve bundle go back into place and complete the surgery.

5. Oral bone grafting is major surgery that requires anesthesia.

Our surgeons perform oral bone grafting in our modern, fully equipped facility under IV sedation or general anesthesia. After your discharge, we recommend bed rest for a full day – followed by limited activity for one week. As you recover, we’re at your service to answer all of your questions.

The post Oral Bone Grafting: 5 Things You Need to Know appeared first on Implants & Oral Surgery of Chattanooga.

Think about this: a good, well-cared-for implant can last a lifetime. And a failed implant can damage your jaw bone. That’s why it’s so important to choose the best dental implant expert in your area.

You’ll want to do thorough research when choosing an oral surgeon. Here are 5 questions to ask your dental implant expert.

1) Are You a Dental Implant Expert?

The right training leads to the best results. You don’t want an “implantologist.” That’s not an accredited specialty recognized by the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Generally, only oral surgeons and periodontists are formally trained as dental implant experts.

2) What Is Your Training?

Ask specifically the names of the courses, dates, durations, and who sponsored them. Search these courses and see if they are legitimate programs endorsed or supported by professional associations.

3) How Many Dental Implants Have You Done?

Your dental implant expert’s answer to this question will be revealing. You’re looking for a skilled oral surgeon who has placed hundreds (or thousands) of implants. You want a surgeon who does these surgeries every day of the week. If they’ve placed few implants, question their qualifications.

4) What Specialists Do You Work With?

Most oral surgeons work with other specialists near them. Talking to them can give you a valuable outside perspective. If your implant expert is confident in his skills, he should be happy to put you in touch with his peers.

5) Do You Have Testimonials?

This is where you’ll learn about the intangibles. Training is essential, and skill is vital. But so are honesty, integrity, communication, and a professional “bedside manner.” Past patients can give you insight your oral surgeon’s whole practice.

6) How Knowledgeable Is Your Staff?

Chances are that if your doctor’s staff can’t readily answer your questions, you’re not working with the best dental implant expert. A staff that hears implant questions frequently will know the answers by heart.

7) May I have More Information?

A practice that focuses on dental implants will have all the brochures, handouts, and pamphlets on hand. If they have to dig for info, they don’t do implant surgeries often enough to gain your confidence.

Oral surgeons have taken the Hippocratic oath. We’re bound to faithfully provide our patients with the best care. And at Implants & Oral Surgery of Chattanooga, we take that promise seriously.

From the moment you step in our front door, you’ll experience confident care from the best dental implant experts in the area. Give us a call to discuss your new smile today.

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What is TMJ?

First things first. TMJ stands for “TemporoMandibular Joint.” It’s the joint that connects your lower jaw (mandible) to the bone at the side of your head (temporal bone). You can feel it by placing the tips of your fingers directly below your ear and opening and closing your jaw.

The temporomandibular joint is one of the more complicated joints in the human body. While trauma or stress can sometimes cause TMJ, many times doctors simply do not know what causes it. In any case, most problems with that joint are tagged as TMJ.

Do You Have TMJ?

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you may have TMJ.

• You have difficulty eating
• Are you unable to eat without experiencing pain? Do you have trouble swallowing? Do your teeth no longer touch when you bite, making it difficult to chew? Are you less able to tear food with your front teeth
• You grind your teeth at night or clench your teeth during the day
• Do you wake up with pain or soreness in your jaw? Do you notice tooth indentations on your tongue? 
• Your jaw function is impeded
• Does your jaw pop or click when you open your mouth? Does your jaw have limited movement? Are you able to open and close your mouth without discomfort? 
• You commonly have headaches
• Do you have unexplainable pain in your temples, at the back of head, or even in your neck and shoulders? 
• Do you have ringing in the ears or dizziness
• These symptoms are less common than many, but may be caused by TMJ. Take note if either of them is paired with one of the other symptoms listed above.                                                                                                                                     

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms on a regular basis, you may be suffering from TMJ. But there’s hope! You can schedule an checkup with Implants & Oral Surgery of Chattanooga for a professional diagnosis and treatment plan.

How is TMJ Treated?

Often, TMJ symptoms are mild or go away after time. Home remedies can help ease many of the symptoms. These readily-available remedies include gentle massage, ice packs, anti-inflammatory medication, and avoiding chewing gum and foods that are hard to chew. Since jaw grinding and stress often go hand in hand, stress relief in other areas of your life can help to relieve your TMJ symptoms.

Your doctor may also recommend a stabilization splint or bite guard. This is a device that can be worn at night to prevent grinding. They’re not advised in all cases, however, so you should ask your doctor first.

What If You Need Further Treatment?

Home remedies may not always work. Your TMJ symptoms may persist – or even get worse. And, if TMJ is present alongside other conditions such as fibromyalgia or arthritis, you should contact your oral surgeon for further help. In special cases, your doctor may recommend physical therapy, prescription medication, or even surgery.

Many people are able to self-manage TMJ. And sometimes symptoms go away on their own. But if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms and they aren’t going away – or are affecting your quality of life – you can find help. Call us today for a caring, professional consultation.

The post Do You Have TMJ? Here’s How to Find Out appeared first on Implants & Oral Surgery of Chattanooga.

How to Take Care of Your Dental Implants

They need to be kept clean and plaque-free. Brushing after every meal goes a long way. You need to use a gentle brush stroke, taking care to clean all sides of the implant.

Depending on your preference, you can use either a soft-bristle toothbrush or an electric brush. Stay away from abrasive toothpaste, since your implant isn’t made of the hard enamel your natural teeth boast.

After brushing, at least twice a day, use dental floss to clean around the implant abutments. In addition, you may choose to use a water pic to flush out even more plaque.

Helpful Dental Implant Cleaning Tools

• Antimicrobial mouth rinses
• Interdental brushes or tufted brushes
• Disclosing tablets that stain plaque for easier visibility

Your dental implants will serve you well for a long time – provided you take care of them daily. You should see your dentist every 3-6 months for a thorough cleaning.

To check on your implant health, it’s important that you get x-rays done every year. They’ll help you make sure the implants are still seated in solid, healthy bone.

What If I Don’t Take Care of My Dental Implants?

Without daily care, your implants will suffer problems. Some problems are treatable if caught soon enough. But peri-implantitis, or bone loss, is not reversible. If your implants aren’t kept clean, they’ll eventually have to be removed due to bone loss – and your jaw will be less structurally sound.

Properly caring for your dental implants sounds important, right? It is – and with the cleaning tools we have today, you can do it.

If you have any questions or need advice about cleaning your dental implants, give us a call. We’re happy to help!

The post How Should You Take Care of Your Dental Implants? appeared first on Implants & Oral Surgery of Chattanooga.

But first, a quick definition.

Partial dentures are replacement teeth fastened to natural-colored plastic bases. It may connect to your teeth with a metal framework and clasps. Some have more natural-looking connections.

Dental implants, on the other hand, function more like real teeth. They’re screwed into your jawbone, fusing with it. They’re a much more permanent – and natural-looking – option.

Here’s what makes dental implants better than dentures:

1. Dental Implants Keep Your Look

Dentures don’t look natural. At least as far as teeth replacement goes. If you value your looks – or just want the self-confidence that comes with natural teeth – remember that dental implants aren’t easily spotted. They blend in with your natural teeth much more easily than dentures.

2. Dental Implants Maintain Your Health

Dental implants preserve bone. Because they’re inserted in the jawbone, they stimulate continued bone health. However, folks with dentures end up with loss of bone in their jaw where teeth have been removed. It changes their appearance. And every so often their dentures don’t fit right – so they need to buy new ones.

3. Dental Implants Save Your Money

Dentures can be more expensive long-term. They aren’t as long-lasting as dental implants are. You end up buying new ones every 3-4 years. Dental implants, on the other hand, are a one-time investment. Occasionally, they need replacing – but only after years (even decades) of use.

4. Dental Implants Are More Convenient

Dental implants can be cleaned while still in your mouth. And you don’t have to take them out at night. Contrast them with dentures, which must be taken out for cleaning and have to be soaked overnight.

5. Dental Implants Help Your Confidence

Dentures click, slip, and don’t look natural. This just might be the number one reason people avoid dentures. And there’s always the chance that they’ll fall out by accident…. Dental implants, though, are part of your mouth. They’ve got nowhere to move, and no one ever need know your tooth has been replaced.

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What would be your number one reason to choose dental implants? Are they the best choice for you?

Remember: when you decide to get dental implants, you need to select a true dental implant expert. There are many dentists and oral surgeons out there. But few have the amount of experience you can trust.

Each of our oral surgeons is professionally trained and educated in all current dental implant procedures. Best of all – each of them has done thousands of implants.

Give our friendly staff a call! We’d love to help you walk through this huge decision and outline all the reasons dental implants are better than dentures.

The post 5 Reasons Dental Implants Are Better Than Dentures appeared first on Implants & Oral Surgery of Chattanooga.

To help you understand oral surgery anesthesia types and uses, we’ve prepared an overview. Read on to see for yourself how we use this technology to your advantage.

1.Local Anesthetic

Local anesthetic allows you to remain conscious during the surgery. An anesthetic (such as lidocaine) is injected in and around the surgery area. Local anesthetic is used alongside all other forms of anesthesia during every oral surgery procedure.

Simple, minimally invasive procedures – such as most tooth extractions – can be done with local anesthetic alone. You may even choose to have us remove your wisdom teeth with local anesthetic. However, most patients opt to be sedated as well.

2. Nitrous Oxide Sedation with Local Anesthetic

Nitrous oxide can be used during simple oral surgery procedures, as well as more complex procedures like wisdom teeth removal and dental implant insertion.

Before and during surgery, you breathe a mix of nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) and oxygen. The gas allows you to stay conscious and relaxed. Nitrous oxide acts as a sedative and analgesic, calming you and controlling pain.

[Click Here to Learn More About Nitrous Oxide Sedation]

3. Office Based Intravenous Anesthesia with Local Anesthetic

I.V. anesthesia brings sedation and eliminates pain during all types of oral surgery. If you’re anxious or especially nervous, you may request I.V. anesthesia for simple procedures. Most people undergoing dental implant placement or wisdom teeth removal select intravenous anesthesia.

In order to offer general anesthesia during in-office procedures, your oral surgeon has:

• Received hospital-based anesthesia training for a minimum of 3 months
• Undertaken an in-office assessment by an examiner from the state dental board
• Performed an oral surgery using general anesthesia with examiner’s oversight
• Had all monitoring and emergency equipment tested
• Had doctor and assisting surgical staff tested on anesthesia-related emergencies

After your doctor’s successful training and evaluation, the state dental board has licensed them to administer general anesthesia.

During a procedure for which I.V. anesthesia is used, you remain asleep and unaware of the surgery. Common I.V. anesthetics are Fentanyl (opiate), Versed (benzodiazepine), Ketamine, and Diprivan. Oxygen is supplied through a nasal breathing apparatus and your vital signs are monitored carefully.

[Click Here to Learn More About I.V. Anesthesia]

4. Hospital Based General Anesthesia

Inpatient general anesthesia is offered for those who need extensive work done. Face and jaw reconstruction, as well as TMJ surgery, fall under this category.

Inpatient anesthesia, administered by an anesthesiologist, may also be best if you have heart or lung disease or another medical condition that calls for hospital admission.

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Our purpose is to keep you comfortable and safe. Oral surgery anesthesia helps us do both. If you have questions or concerns about what type of anesthesia is best for you, please feel free to give our caring staff a call, or talk with your doctor during your next appointment.

The post 4 Kinds of Oral Surgery Anesthesia: Overview appeared first on Implants & Oral Surgery of Chattanooga.

1) Dental Implants Are Strong

Dental implants are usually made of titanium. It’s a strong, sturdy metal that interacts well with your body. Once the implant is placed, your bone fuses with it, creating a solid foundation for replacement teeth.

Implants have the stability and strength they need to function just like regular teeth. They’re stronger and more natural than any other type of tooth replacement. And they feel just like you never lost the tooth.

2) Dental Implants Protect Your Jaw

When you lose a tooth, your bone responds. If left unfilled, the gap will start to drift closed, with the teeth on either side moving out of their natural places. Your bite changes, and the way you chew and smile has to be adjusted. You may even be self-conscious of your new smile.

But it’s more serious than that. Without a tooth in your jaw, the supporting bone lacks the stimulation it needs. It starts to dissolve, becoming reabsorbed into your body. This can weaken your jaw – and is serious if you’ve lost more than one tooth in a row.

Dental implants are the only tooth replacement that stimulates your jawbone like a real tooth would. And that’s the most important way to halt bone loss.

3) Dental Implants Have a High Success Rate

Let’s be clear. Getting implants is surgery. You’re getting a prosthesis inserted in your mouth. As such, there are a percentage of implants that just don’t take. Infection can cause your body to reject the implant.

Fortunately, over 95% of implants are successful – and can last a lifetime with proper care. Yes, there are some risks. But you risk more by doing nothing.

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Dental implants are safe, strong, and effective. They’re proven to be the best long-term tooth replacement solution. If you’ve recently experienced tooth loss, the time to act is now.

Call an expert oral surgeon and make the appointment that leads to good health – and increased quality of life.

The post 3 Simple Reasons Why You Can Trust Dental Implant Safety appeared first on Implants & Oral Surgery of Chattanooga.