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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Sleep Apnea – What You Need to Know

May 5, 2016

Snoring may seem normal or harmless, but it could mean something is wrong. In fact, snoring is one of the most common signs of sleep apnea, which can be a life-threatening disorder if left untreated.
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What Is TMJ?

May 5, 2016

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. The term is used to describe a variety of issues that affect a person’s jaw. If this disorder is not treated, it can lead to serious conditions later in life.
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Wisdom Teeth: What You Need To Know

May 5, 2016

Wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth people acquire in their teens and twenties. These teeth are useful if they align properly, but when they don’t, they usually require removal. Misaligned wisdom teeth can cause damage to the jawbone, nerves, and adjacent teeth. They promote crowding and affect all other teeth.
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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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5 Key Advantages of Dental Implants

June 19, 2018

Even with the steady advances in dental care practices and technology, millions of people across the nation still experience tooth loss, often resulting from tooth decay, periodontal disease, or damage. In the past, only two remedies have been available for tooth loss. Those were dentures and bridges. However, today dental implants are available, and they have become one of the most popular options for replacing...
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5 Facts Parents Should Know About Cleft Lip and Palate

May 22, 2018

Cleft lips and palates can be surprising and scary things for new parents to deal with, but you can put yourself at ease with some facts about this common occurrence. Cleft lips can occur during the first trimester of pregnancy, when different parts of the face grow separately and then come together as the infant’s body forms. In the case of cleft lips and palates,...
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Fact and Fiction on Wisdom Teeth

April 22, 2018

We receive many questions regarding wisdom teeth and wisdom tooth extraction. To clear up many of the misconceptions, we have rounded up the most commonly asked questions. If I can’t feel my wisdom teeth, I don’t have to worry about them. False! Many people can’t feel their wisdom teeth in their mouth, but that doesn’t mean they’re not causing problems. It is hard to feel...
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Team Spotlight: Dr. Margaret Hamilton

March 27, 2018

Get To Know Dr. Margaret Hamilton How long have you been an oral surgeon? I graduated from University of Tennessee College of Dentistry in 2010.  At that time I started my training to become an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon at Vanderbilt.  I graduated my training program in 2014.  So, I have been out for 4 years!  Time flies! What inspired you to become an oral...
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The Connection Between HPV and Oral Cancer

March 24, 2018

One of the leading risk factors for oropharyngeal and other oral cancers is human papilloma virus, or HPV. A risk factor is anything that increases a person’s likelihood of developing a disease. Some risk factors you can’t do anything about, like age and gender. Other times, you can reduce your risk by maintaining a healthy body weight, not smoking, eating healthy, and limiting alcohol intake....
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Team Spotlight: Dr. Kevin West

March 2, 2018

Get To Know Dr. Kevin West How long have you been an oral surgeon? 11 years What inspired you to become an oral surgeon? I learned about the specialty by shadowing partners in my practice while attending college.  I liked the varied procedures and the ability to provide such a positive impact for patients. What do you enjoy most about being an oral surgeon?  The...
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Understanding a Sinus Lift Graft

January 29, 2018

If you need dental implants in the upper jaw, your dentist may recommend having a sinus lift graft before the implant can take place. While this procedure is common, you may not be familiar with it and have questions about what will take place. Understanding why a sinus lift graft is needed and what will happen during the procedure can give you peace of mind...
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What To Know About Impacted Teeth

December 1, 2017

When teeth break through the gums, most of them push their way through without problems. However, when a space is too small for the tooth to make its way through, it either pushes other teeth out of the way or it becomes impacted. It most frequently happens when wisdom teeth push through during late adolescence or early adulthood. As people mature, their jaw may not...
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Lowering the Risk of Tooth Loss

July 9, 2018

For children, losing teeth is a normal part of life. In fact, many families celebrate this rite of passage with fables of fairy visitors who leave money or trinkets in exchange for the lost teeth. When adults lose teeth, however, it’s often seen as cause for embarrassment rather than celebration. This is because tooth loss in adulthood isn’t the result of new teeth growing in...
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How Your Mouth Impacts Your Life

September 26, 2017

Have you ever wondered how important your mouth is to your quality of life? Taking care of your mouth doesn’t just keep your teeth white and your breath fresh. Oral hygiene affects your health, your confidence, and how others see you. Here’s why taking care of your mouth is so important. Mouth Health Affects Heart Health Bacteria growth below the gum line causes periodontal disease....
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Understanding Orthognathic Surgery

August 18, 2017

Orthognathic surgery corrects and reshapes the jaw. Oral surgeons perform corrective jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, to treat a wide range of conditions that make it hard to chew, breathe, sleep or speak. Some patients choose orthognathic surgery to change the look of their face. Your dentist, oral maxillofacial surgeon and orthodontist may work together to decide if corrective jaw surgery is right for you....
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How to Pick an Oral Surgeon

August 11, 2017

While your dentist is an expert at routine care like keeping your teeth clean and filling cavities, some problems require an oral surgeon. Oral surgeons have the skill and knowledge necessary for the following: Removing diseased teeth when it requires anesthesia Repairing facial trauma Reconstructive or cosmetic surgery Surgical treatment for sleep apnea Evaluating cysts and tumors of the mouth and face Planning and placement...
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Six Tips for Oral Surgery Recovery

July 21, 2017

Modern advances in medicine and dentistry have made the process of oral surgery all but painless. Even when oral surgery is uncomplicated, there is a lengthy recovery process to endure to ensure your mouth heals properly. Here are some tips to encourage recovery: Take Recommended Medications. Your oral surgeon might prescribe you an antibiotic before and/or after surgery to eliminate or reduce the risk of...
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What to Do if An Adult Loses a Single Tooth

July 10, 2017

Losing a tooth as an adult is not quite as magical as it was when you were a kid and the tooth fairy would leave money under your pillow. You can lose a permanent tooth because of a crack, decay, or infection, and the process can be stressful. Most people assume they will not lose any adult teeth, but around 178 million people in the...
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