An impacted tooth refers to a tooth that has not properly erupted, and is “blocked” from breaking completely through gum tissue. The tooth may partially erupt, but can’t erupt properly and become functional by joining the rest of your teeth. Most commonly, this happens with wisdom teeth, but it’s also relatively common for the maxillary cuspid (upper eyetooth) to fail to erupt completely. So, how...
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As the primary cause of approximately 30% of all cancer deaths in the United States, tobacco use plays a significant role in the development of oral cancers, including cancers of the upper throat, mouth, lips, nasal cavity, larynx, esophagus, and throat. In fact, there is no safe method for using tobacco, as both smoking and using smokeless tobacco are especially prone to causing cancer of...
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Even though our permanent, adult teeth are meant to stay with us, there are some instances where they simply need to be removed. Some issues that force tooth extraction include: Crowded teeth Dental decay Gum disease/Periodontal disease Tooth infection Trauma Impacted teeth Even if you feel a little nervous about an extraction process, it’s good to know that it’s a fairly common procedure that people...
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It’s Halloween, and along with the ghosts, goblins, and pumpkins comes lots of candy and sweets – and not just from trick-or-treating (or “inspecting” your children’s windfall). Many beloved fall treats and sweets, such as caramel and candied apples, and sweet potato casserole with marshmallow topping, can overload your mouth with sugar and take a toll on your teeth and gums. While most people know...
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If you or someone you know has recently been diagnosed with oral cancer, you might be wondering what it is, if it’s fixable, and what can be done to improve the condition. To help you understand what having oral cancer really means, consider these common questions and their answers. What is Oral Cancer? Oral cancer is a cancer of the mouth, which begins to become...
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Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?

September 30, 2019

Wisdom teeth are a common initiation into adulthood, but what are they really for? It’s a common question: Why do we have wisdom teeth, and what do they do? It’s been a common inquiry for as long as modern-day dentists can remember, but there’s a good chance they don’t enjoy giving the answer. What are wisdom teeth? Wisdom teeth are the set of teeth at...
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Dental implants are bringing smiles back, but is the procedure right for you? Dental implants are one of the best solutions utilized by oral professionals, to replace a patient’s missing teeth. The process can help to fix issues with chewing, speech, as well as creating a more pleasing look and smile for the patient. How does it work? Once a tooth and its natural root...
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We appreciate our local dental and medical community entrusting us through referrals with the care of patients. As a healthcare professional, there are a few items to know that can help your patients transition more easily into the care of OMSNashville. Before seeing a patient, it helps our office to have any x-rays or photos taken along with a referral card if available. In order...
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Football season is here and most of our patients are excited about it. Oral and Maxilofacial Surgery Nashville (OMSNashville) is excited too, but we want you to protect your teeth and mouth if you play football or any other fall contact sports. If you’re gearing up for another season or entering fall sports for the first time, remember to protect your teeth. Wear a Mouth...
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Got a toothache? Suffering from issues like inflammation around a particular tooth, or sensitivity to heat and cold? You may have a dental abscess, which can be a serious dental condition. Read on to learn more about this condition, how to recognize it, and how you can get treatment from an oral professional to relieve your pain and discomfort, and save your abscessed tooth. Understanding...
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With Thanksgiving coming up, many people are counting all the things they have to be grateful for. If you have healthy teeth and gums, they should rank near the top of your list. Your mouth allows you to enjoy all the delicious tastes of the season, share news with loved ones you haven’t seen in months and show your beautiful smile to those you hold...
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Double jaw surgery is also known as Bi-maxillary Osteotomy. It is a specific type of orthognathic or corrective jaw surgery. Often, oral surgeons perform surgery on one jaw at a time. Double jaw surgery is when they perform surgery on both jaws simultaneously. The purpose of double jaw surgery is to correct both aesthetic and functional skeletal issues. A common condition double jaw surgery addresses...
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If you’re planning a trip, the last thing on your mind is probably emergency dental services. It will quickly become a top priority, however, if you suffer from a painful toothache or lose a crown on vacation. Knowing what to do and where to go for help during a dental emergency, while not in your hometown can save you a great deal of anxiety in...
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The weather is getting warmer, and that means there are lots of fun outdoor activities on the horizon. However, it’s important to take the proper precautions before you begin your summer fun. Since April is National Facial Protection Month, it’s the perfect time to learn how to keep yourself protected. Knowing When to Use Facial Protection When it comes to keeping your face and mouth...
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Tips for Healthy Teeth

March 11, 2019

You may think that by the time you’re referred to an oral surgeon, the oral health ship has sailed, and there’s nothing more you can do. That couldn’t be further from the truth – you can always begin a tooth care regimen to prevent further damage. In fact, before and after oral surgery are two of the most important times to maintain your oral health....
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Dentist vs. Oral Surgeon

January 14, 2019

When you need to have a complex procedure done on your teeth or in your mouth, such as wisdom teeth removal, your dentist may recommend you visit an oral surgeon. While an oral surgeon may initially sound interchangeable with a dentist, they fulfill different roles and have different educational and training experience when it comes to dental health. Below is a guide to help Middle...
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After going through any type of surgery, it’s important to follow the appropriate post-surgery procedures to recover. Sometimes, you may have to adjust your lifestyle. After an oral surgery, like wisdom teeth removal, you have the added complication of needing to adjust the foods you eat until your mouth can handle your regular diet. To help the Nashville community make the most of a menu...
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The 3Shape TRIOS dental intraoral scanner is a hand-held 3D scanning tool that is redefining the fundamentals of digital impression techniques in the dental industry. One of the most important aspects of the 3Shape TRIOS dental intraoral scanner is the impact it has on a patient’s overall dental experience. Curious about how the innovative 3Shape TRIOS dental intraoral scanner can benefit you as a dental...
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When a nonsurgical root canal fails to save a tooth, your dentist may recommend having an apicoectomy. Below is a guide to some of the most frequently asked questions about apicoectomies to help patients grasp a better understanding of this relatively common oral surgery procedure. What Is an Apicoectomy? An apicoectomy involves an oral surgeon opening the gum tissue next to the tooth to get...
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Not everyone gets to enjoy a mouth full of 32 healthy, permanent adult teeth. Some children don’t have adult teeth waiting behind baby teeth, while others might have accidents and lose adult teeth early in life. Although missing a permanent tooth can be distressing, remedies and long-term solutions are available. Here’s what you and your child or teen need to do in this situation. Discuss...
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