Look For These Signs of Oral Cancer:

1. Any type of sore on the lips or mouth that won’t heal
2. Development of velvety patches in the mouth
3. Unexplained numbness or pain in any area of your mouth, face, ears, or neck
4. Feeling like there is a soreness, or something caught in the back of your throat
5. Voice starts to change or sound hoarse when you’re not sick

These are a just handful of the top symptoms of oral cancer. Doing your own self-exam is very important. Being treated early is key. Symptoms can occur in several different areas and vary person to person.

What Can Put You at Risk of Oral Cancer?

• Smoking cigarettes, pipes, or cigars, as well as chewing tobacco, make you more likely to acquire oral cancer than non-users.
• Those who drink heavily have a higher risk of oral cancer. Combine tobacco and alcohol, and the risk is very high.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted virus. Cancers linked to it are commonly found in the tonsils, base of tongue, and back of throat.
• High exposure to the sun can lead to lip cancer.
• A weakened immune system can make you more vulnerable to oral cancer.

How Can You Reduce Your Risk of Oral Cancer?

• Don’t start using tobacco. If you do use it, stop. Cancer-causing chemicals assault your mouth when you use tobacco.
• If you drink alcohol, only do so in moderation. Heavy use can make your mouth susceptible to mouth cancer because the alcohol irritates the cells in the mouth.
• Protect your lips in direct sunlight with a sunscreen product.
• See your dentist regularly for a dental exam.

Practicing good oral health is key to guard against oral cancer. But, if you have questions, or need a skilled surgeon, Implants & Oral Surgery of Chattanooga is here for you. If you have questions or need to make an appointment with one of our professionals don’t hesitate to call us today at (423) 296-8210.

The post What are the 5 Signs of Oral Cancer? appeared first on Implants & Oral Surgery of Chattanooga.

Dry socket occurs when the blood clot that forms over the socket (the hole in the jawbone where your tooth has been removed) becomes dislodged. Without this protective clot, the socket will be exposed to air, food, or fluids and can experience tremendous pain. It can even delay your recovery if it leads to an infection.

Keep reading to learn how to avoid dry socket after your wisdom teeth removal.

How to Avoid Dry Socket: 4 Simple Steps

1. Avoid Smoking or Tobacco Use

If you smoke or use any tobacco products, your likelihood for developing dry socket increases. Smoke inhalation or exposure to chemicals in tobacco products can break up the protective clot. Oral surgeons recommend that you refrain from any tobacco products during your wisdom teeth recovery.

2. Don’t Use Straws

You may want to drink a delicious smoothie or sip on some iced water during recovery. But you should never use straws at any point during your wisdom teeth surgery recovery. Dry socket often develops when a patient creates too much suction in their mouth, causing the blood clot to break or become dislodged. Remember how to avoid dry socket: gently sip your drinks straight from the cup. Check out our recommendations for safe food to eat during your wisdom teeth recovery.

3. Watch Your Medication

Let your oral surgeon know if you are on any medications. Some studies suggest that use of oral contraceptives may increase your risk of developing dry socket. Your oral surgeon will be able to recommend the best option for you, as well as determine if any other medications could stop proper blood clotting.

4. Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Practicing good oral hygiene is the best way to ensure that you will not develop a painful dry socket. Brush gently during the days after surgery and use the mouth wash that your oral surgeon will provide for you. This will help prevent bacteria from getting into the socket and causing periodontitis, or an infection of the jawbone.

Now you know how to avoid dry socket. You have a great chance of a healthy recovery if you follow the instructions of your oral surgery team following your surgery. However, if you happen to develop dry socket, seek help from your oral surgeon immediately. If you have any questions or want to schedule a consultation about painful wisdom teeth, call Implants & Oral Surgery of Chattanooga today.

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4 Simple Steps to Prevent Tooth Loss

Do these things, and you’ll have a huge chance of keeping all your adult teeth well into your older years.

1. Practice Good Hygiene

Poor oral hygiene is the most common route to tooth loss or decay. Bacteria can build up in your mouth, leading to cavities that can become severe if not cared for. Oral health professionals say you should brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day. If you’re not regularly cleaning your teeth and eating a well-balanced diet, you’re not taking the best steps to prevent tooth loss.

2. Attend Regular Checkups

Without an annual dental visit, problems with your teeth or gums won’t be found in time to treat. Ignoring problems such as tooth pain, cavities, red and bleeding gums, or loose teeth increases your risk of tooth loss as you get older. You should be seen annually by a dentist for checkups and cleanings.

3. Quit Smoking

Or, better yet, don’t start. Smoking poses many health risks to Americans today, and oral health is no exception. Smoking and chewing tobacco are linked to gum disease, oral cancer, and tooth decay. And all those conditions can lead to tooth loss. Your risk for premature tooth loss increases if you are a smoker over the age of 35 and suffer from other medical conditions such as diabetes.

4. Protect Your Face

Accidents happen. Car accidents and sports injuries can damage or loosen teeth, like any other severe facial impact. That’s why broken jaws often go along with adult tooth loss. Simple things like remembering to wear your seatbelt and wearing protective facial gear when playing sports can make a difference. Take safety steps to prevent tooth loss from facial trauma.

What to Do if You Lose an Adult Tooth

You may ask, “why does an oral surgeon want me to avoid tooth loss?” After all, our job depends on the misfortune of our patients.

The first thing to remember is that people come first. We’d prefer that everyone in the world had a healthy smile. But, unfortunately, accidents happen – and oral health can suffer. So, what should you do if you lose a tooth?

Your oral health and jawbone integrity are better with all your teeth intact. If you’ve suffered adult tooth loss, dental implants are the next step to restoring your smile and health. At Implants & Oral Surgery of Chattanooga, we can help you get the best dental implants for your needs. Give our friendly staff a call today and schedule a consultation.

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If You Don’t Get Wisdom Teeth Removed . . .

Think we’re being dramatic? We’ve seen enough cases of impacted wisdom teeth that were ignored for too long. No need to exaggerate just to make a point. Here’s what can happen if you don’t get wisdom teeth removed.

1. You Could Get Infected

Our oral surgeons often remove wisdom teeth because they’ve only partially erupted. When a wisdom tooth fails to fully erupt, it can lead to pericoronitis – a bacterial infection of the gums. Treatment can be as painless as a salt rinse. A more painful infection may cause swelling and pain. In that case, you may need antibiotics. In the worst case (severe inflammation or recurring infection), you could even need oral surgery – the very thing you may have been trying to avoid.

2. You Could End Up With Bone Damage

A wisdom tooth that fails to erupt at all causes other problems. Cysts can develop next to the recalcitrant tooth. If you don’t get wisdom teeth removed, those cysts can damage your jawbone. They weaken it by creating hollow spots. They also damage the integrity of your gums. Oral surgery to remove both the cysts and the wisdom tooth is required.

3. Your Teeth Could Become Misaligned

When a wisdom tooth comes in crooked, they often crowd, damage, and push neighboring teeth out of alignment. That not only leads to wisdom tooth removal – it can also make repair necessary, and you may even need braces to correct your bite.

Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed In Time

You’ve seen what happens if you don’t get wisdom teeth removed. It’s best done as soon as you know there’s a problem. The good news is that you’ll likely only need one appointment and follow-up. Recovery will take place over 3-7 days, and you’ll be fully anesthetized during the procedure.

We agree. Surgery doesn’t sound like a fun day. That’s why we do our absolute best to answer your questions, prepare you, and send you home comfortable and healthy again – with an action plan for at-home post-surgery care.

Choose oral health. Call Implants & Oral Surgery of Chattanooga today.

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But dental implants also restore more than just missing teeth. They give your smile its old confidence – a benefit that can’t be stated often enough. Patients have told us that they love smiling again. As oral surgeons, we love to hear that.

So … dental implants restore teeth and your smile. What else do they restore?

Dental Implants Restore Teeth and Bone Health

Even without any other reason, this is the only reason you need to get dental implants. They protect bone health in a way that other tooth replacement techniques can’t. Missing teeth cause many issues for your jaw bone. When you lose a tooth, the bone in that spot starts breaking down.

Left alone, the jawbone can become thinner, which is why many people with dentures seem to have shrunken lower jaws. This erosion leads the gum tissue to become more thin and formless.

Dental implants restore jaw integrity. They keep your jawbone from wasting away and restore bone health. Since implants are rooted in the bone, they act as tooth roots in place of the tooth you’ve lost. The surrounding bone reacts by growing as before. And, as a result, the teeth on either side are stronger.

More Dental Implant Benefits

Besides bone health, dental implants restore teeth and lead to these benefits:

• The look, feel, and function of real teeth
• A durable, life-long solution
• Protection for surrounding teeth
• Freedom to eat any type of food
• Stability when you chew – no slipping
• Cavity-free tooth replacement
• Easy, pain-free care

Is Dental Implant Surgery Right for You?

That’s a good question – and it’s one we’d love to explore with you. To know for sure whether dental implants are the best tooth replacement choice for you, schedule a consultation with one of our oral surgeons here at Implants & Oral Surgery of Chattanooga. Call us today to regain your confident smile again!

The post Dental Implants Restore Teeth … and More  appeared first on Implants & Oral Surgery of Chattanooga.

Why is that? Because now we can robotically pan the “camera” to get the best view of each tooth in a panoramic x-ray. This gives us freedom to come up with any movement needed to see how your teeth need to be treated. This selective, controlled pan also limits radiation exposure.

So why aren’t more oral surgeons using panoramic dental x-rays? That’s a good question. Here are 6 reasons why to use a panoramic dental x-ray machine – and why we do here at EBOS:

6 Reasons Why to Use a Panoramic Dental X-Ray

1. It’s More Comfortable

You can stand or sit while you’re getting your x-rays done. Whatever is more comfortable for you. And you’ll only need to sit for one image – not four, like traditional bitewing x-rays require. Each traditional x-ray image takes several steps and can result in less comfort for you. Panoramic x-rays are just more comfortable and patient-friendly.

2. It’s Easier

During x-rays, the contacts between the posterior teeth need to be opened up. But panoramic dental x-rays let us easily do that by adjusting the panoramic positioning light. No need to set up a sensor, put it in your mouth, aim the machine, and do it again for each exposure of the traditional x-ray series.

3. It’s Faster

Panoramic dental x-rays take fewer steps. That means you’ll be done in a minute or two. Here’s the process:

• Turn on the x-ray machine
• Have the patient bite the bite block
• Adjust the height of the imaging unit
• Press “start”

Seconds later, you’re done.

4. It’s More Accurate

Studies show that traditional x-rays miss more cavities toward the back of your mouth. However, panoramic dental x-rays simply reveal more detail. Because of that detail, diagnosis takes less time (something like 2.5 times faster than with traditional x-rays.

Panoramic x-rays reveal bone defects, lesions, and other less-visible issues than bitewings do. Your diagnosis is more complete and accurate with panoramic dental x-rays.

5. It Reduces Radiation Exposure

Panoramic x-rays may dose you with 40% less radiation than traditional bitewings. In fact, to get technical, you’ll experience as little as 3-5 microsieverts. Compare that with 8-20 (or more) with intraoral bitewings. Of course, that range depends on several factors. And the dose may get down to 2-4 microsevierts for children.

6. It’s More Sanitary

Here are the steps to disinfect a traditional bitewing X-ray setup:

• Wrap the sensor before each use
• Unwrap the sensor after each patient
• Then, disinfect the sensor and sensor holder
• Sterilize the machine tube head
• Disinfect the yoke and cone
• Then, wash any soiled countertop areas
• Finally, throw away dirty gloves and put on clean ones

Compare that to the panoramic machine disinfection process:

• No gloves required
• Then, have the patient remove and throw away their used bite block sleeve
• Last, put on clean bite block sleeve

Panoramic x-rays remove the potential of infection from the process.

———-

As a patient, you have every reason to be glad that we use panoramic x-rays. Not only are they more comfortable – they’re also easier, faster, more accurate (big plus!), less radiant, and cleaner.

At EBOS, we care for you as a whole person. Your comfort and oral health come first. For a consultation, feel free to call us at 423-296-8210 today.

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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.

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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!

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