Problems Caused by Impacted Teeth
  Many people across the country struggle with different dental issues. Impacted teeth is a common oral/dental problem that can often cause pain and discomfort in the mouth and jaw area. A lot of people often dismiss impacted teeth as a simple toothache, and don’t get the dental care they need in order to address the issue, ultimately leading to worsening problems. What Is an...
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Why an Oral Surgeon Should Remove Wisdom Teeth

November 2, 2020

If your family dentist has told you that your wisdom teeth have to come out, you have most likely been referred to an oral surgeon. You may be tempted to ask your dentist to perform the extraction because they make you comfortable or because you fear the word “surgery.” There are many benefits, however, to seeing a surgeon who specializes in this field. A general...
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How To Know If You Have An Impacted Tooth: Recognizing The Signs

November 14, 2019

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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Tips for Recovering from a Tooth Extraction

October 22, 2019

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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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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A Break From School and From Pain – Wisdom Teeth Removal This Summer!

May 11, 2020

Our wisdom teeth get their name because they usually come in when in a person is 17–21 years old. Wisdom teeth are also called third molars, following the first set at age 6 and the second at age 12. Though these teeth often come in and function normally, often they are removed. Why Do We Remove Wisdom Teeth? Often, wisdom teeth present problems when they...
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4 Signs It’s Time To Have Wisdom Teeth Removed

March 15, 2020

Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth to be removed. Some people have enough space in their mouths for wisdom teeth to grow in properly. However, if you have a smaller mouth or have had orthodontic work done, you might not have enough space. This can lead to complications, such as “impacted” (not fully erupted from the gum) wisdom teeth. So how do you know if...
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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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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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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. 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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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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