3 Types of Anesthesia Used During Oral Surgery

December 18, 2019

Oral surgery, especially when anesthesia is used, can be an intimidating prospect for many people. However, when it is administered by a trained and certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, anesthesia is safe and helps relieve the anxiety and pain of oral surgery. Three main types of anesthesia are commonly used in oral surgery: local anesthesia, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. Always be sure to follow...
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When All You Want for Christmas is Your Two Front Teeth

December 9, 2019

The holiday season is here, bringing for most people a time of family, friends and food. If you have missing teeth, it can be a challenging time of year. Eating some foods is uncomfortable and smiling at those close to you exposes gaps you’d rather keep hidden. If all you want for Christmas is a healthy smile, here’s what you need to know. Missing Teeth...
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The Top 5 Reasons People See An Oral Surgeon In Nashville

December 3, 2019

Wondering when you may need to see an oral surgeon in Nashville like the team at OMSNashville instead of a general or family dentist? Below is a list of the top 5 most common reasons that people may need to see a specialist for oral surgery in Nashville. To Treat An Impacted Tooth When a tooth is “impacted,” this means it has not fully erupted...
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Having Wisdom Teeth Removed Over the Winter Holiday Break

December 2, 2019

The winter holidays are quickly approaching, and from purchasing gifts to decorating the home, many families are preparing for the festivities ahead. However, wintertime is also a perfect opportunity to schedule a wisdom teeth extraction for you or your child. The oral surgeons at Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Nashville not only agree that you should take advantage of the winter break for this necessary procedure...
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All-On-4: A Gift to Yourself This Holiday Season

November 20, 2019

When you smile, do you feel confident or even radiant? Oral health can have a profound effect on your self-esteem and your quality of life. A recent study confirmed the profound impacts of oral health on the self-esteem of adolescents; many adults feel the same vulnerabilities. Sometimes you need to make a change – you need to do something that will get you out of...
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Preparing for Oral Surgery

May 25, 2016

Oral surgery requires different patient preparation than other surgeries due to the nature of oral procedures. A patient undergoing oral surgery must be aware of what to do before and after surgery to minimize risk and maximize recovery. The Day Before Once you know when your oral surgery will take place, you can begin to prepare. Speak to your dentist for details about your specific...
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Fact vs. Fiction: Dental Implants

January 24, 2017

Dental implants restorations can serve as an alternative to dentures and can help individuals regain confidence in their ability to smile and engage in a normal social life. While dentistry professionals see the benefits of dental implants, many patients hesitate before making the decision to invest in dental implants. Here are some of the most common misconceptions we see regarding the procedure and the finished...
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CT Scans in Dentistry

January 11, 2017

In routine dentistry, professionals order x-rays to evaluate the jawbone, crowns, and the roots of your teeth. They allow doctors to identify and diagnose problems beneath the skin’s surface. CT scans provide three-dimensional imaging to give your doctor a usable blueprint of your oral and maxillofacial structure. What is a CT Scan? CT or computed tomography scans offer medical professionals a detailed and clear picture...
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Platelet Rich Plasma in Oral Health Procedures

November 28, 2016

The evolving world of medicine is always finding new technologies and better, more effective ways to treat problems. The realm of oral health is no different. The use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in oral reconstruction is such advancements. What is Platelet-Rich Plasma? Plasma is a natural blood by-product. As the name suggests, platelet-rich plasma has an exceptionally high concentration of platelets. In recent research, PRP...
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Serving Special Needs Patients

November 16, 2016

Good oral health is important for everyone, including people with special needs. Unfortunately, patients suffering from conditions such as dementia, autism, Down syndrome, paralysis, or any number of other special needs do not receive appropriate dental care because of the unique challenges presented by their health conditions. A great dentist or oral surgeon can brainstorm with these patients or their caregivers to come up with...
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Common Questions About All-on-4 Dental Procedures

October 5, 2016

All-on-4 is a dental technique where a full set of teeth is supported by four dental implants. Tooth loss is not rare. More than 35 million Americans are missing all of their upper or lower teeth. All-on-4 dental implants can give these people increased quality of life without the hassle of traditional dentures. How Do Traditional Implants Work Vs. All-on-4 Implants? Dental implants are done...
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10 Most Damaging Habits to Teeth

October 5, 2016

Teeth are tough protrusions of bone, but they are far from indestructible. Normal wear and tear can break them down, but this can be prevented with good oral hygiene habits. Bad habits can accelerate the normal rate of tooth decay or cause damage directly. Dental Habits to Avoid There are many surprising ways people damage their teeth. Some everyday habits can chip teeth, cause impactions,...
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Long Term Options for Missing Teeth

October 5, 2016

Your smile is a big part of a good first impression. Thus, missing teeth can damage that impression and erode your confidence. However, missing teeth don’t have to negatively impact your life. There are options you can consider, and Oral and Maxilofacial Surgery Nashville is here to help you choose the best one for you. Dental Implants Dental implants are often considered the best and...
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Oral Bone Grafting: A Basic Guide

October 5, 2016

The techniques involved in oral surgery are constantly evolving. With improved methods and more-advanced technologies, oral surgeons can easily treat what were once considered overwhelming conditions. Patients may not know what to expect in this brave new world of dentistry. An example of one such procedure is bone grafting. What is Bone Grafting? Bone grafting entails placing a framework within the damaged area of a...
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Causes and Treatments for Cleft Lip and Palate

May 25, 2016

The conditions known as “cleft lip” and “cleft palate” occur when parts of the face don’t join properly during early pregnancy. In the womb, the face develops when separate areas come together, including the left and right sides of the mouth and lips. Occasionally, a separation occurs in the roof of the mouth and upper lip, creating what’s known as a cleft. What Causes Cleft...
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Six Steps For Recovering From Wisdom Tooth Removal

March 7, 2017

It’s estimated that as many as 85 percent of Americans have had their wisdom teeth removed. Wisdom teeth often crowd the mouth, force misalignment between other teeth, and painfully erupt through the gum line, which can lead to infection. Wisdom tooth removal is a rather routine procedure, but it can be intimidating. The idea of pain and restricted eating is simply too much for some...
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Help for Facial Trauma

May 5, 2016

Facial trauma, or injuries to the face, can range from broken teeth to extremely severe injuries of the skin and bones of the face. The goals of treating facial injuries includes creating a clear airway, controlling bleeding, fixing broken bone segments and treating fractures, preventing scarring if possible, and ruling out other injuries.
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Warning Signs of Oral Cancer

May 5, 2016

Oral cancer, which includes cancers of the lips, cheeks, tongue, bottom of the mouth, hard and soft palate, throat, and sinuses, can appear as a growth or sore that will not go away. Oral cancer can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early. To do a self-check, notice if the mouth is smooth and a coral pink, which is baseline normal for a mouth’s interior.
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Top Tips for Patients Having Oral Surgery

October 1, 2017

If you’re having oral surgery, you’re probably nervous about the whole process. Knowing what to expect can ease anxiety and help both the procedure and your recovery go more smoothly. Prepare yourself and your family with these suggestions. Talk to Your Dentist or Oral Surgeon When your healthcare provider first recommended the procedure, you might have agreed it was necessary, but not yet had time...
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Team Spotlight: Dr. Andy Wicke

June 21, 2018

Get to know Dr. Andy Wicke How long have you been an oral surgeon? I graduated from Vanderbilt’s OMFS program in June of 2017. What inspired you to become an oral surgeon? Seeing the generosity and enjoyment that the doctors at OMS Nashville expressed about their careers. What do you enjoy most about being an oral surgeon? I love being able to help people get...
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