Tri-State Oral Surgery, LLC

Common Symptoms That Suggest You Should See an Oral Surgeon

An overcrowded mouth can lead to chronic pain and swelling of oral tissues. Symptoms may overlap depending on the underlying issue, but the remedy is often a specific one that can only be administered by an oral surgeon. Read more to find out if your symptoms require professional attention.

Swelling Pain in Back Molars

You may be suffering from an infection in or around the area surrounding your wisdom teeth if you experience swelling, stiffness, or pain in the gums and surrounding tissues. The last teeth to erupt are your third molars, or wisdom teeth. They may grow in sideways or end up trapped beneath the gum and bone in your jaw. In a worst case scenario, tumors or cysts may develop around the impacted wisdom tooth and degrade the jawbone and other healthy teeth. Removal is recommended whenever a wisdom tooth is not properly aligned to avoid painful infections. Extraction is usually the best option for treatment for partially erupted or impacted wisdom teeth.

Improper Bite Due to Crowding

A common culprit of an improper bite is a maxillary cuspid, or upper eye tooth, that has not properly erupted. The upper and lower cuspids should be the first teeth that touch when your jaws close together. If the upper eye tooth doesn’t have enough room to erupt fully, your bite will not form properly. In younger patients, orthodontic correction may alter the alignment of teeth to provide enough room for eruption. In older patients over 40, the only option is to extract the tooth and replace it with a dental implant or crown.

Bad Oral Health and Appearance

If your speech and chewing function is abnormal, your jaw may be improperly aligned. Orthognathic surgery may be needed to prevent or correct negative effects on your oral health, including chronic jaw pain. An oral surgeon will use three-dimensional X-rays to determine if jaw realignment surgery is needed.

For more information on dental implants, wisdom teeth extractions, jaw surgery, bone grafting, and treatments for impacted canines, call Tri-State Oral Surgery at (812) 401-3500. Dr. Mark E Wohlford, DDS, PhD was awarded the Presidential Achievement Award for his contributions to maxillofacial surgery in 2006. Contact Dr. Wohlford at Tri-State Oral Surgery today.

Dental Implant Maintenance

Besides a single addition to your dental cleaning products, living with and caring for a dental implant doesn’t call for huge changes in your routine. The most important step toward maintaining a dental implant is brushing and flossing every day.

Using a pressurized oral irrigator, or water pick, will ensure your dental implant lasts for years to come. In this video, an implant dentistry specialist explains why he recommends adding a water pick to your nightly brushing arsenal. Flushing your gums to remove debris will help keep your gums firm and healthy while protecting your implant.

For more information on dental implants and other oral procedures, call Tri-State Oral Surgery today at (812) 401-3500. Our medical staff is here to help you maintain a beautiful and healthy smile. 

Should You Worry About Oral Cancer?

According to the Oral Cancer Awareness Foundation, one person dies from oral or pharyngeal cancer every hour. The death rate for oral cancer is higher than some more well-known types of cancer, like cervical cancer. There is no comprehensive program to screen for the early development of oral cancer in the U.S., leading to poor prognoses in late-stage discovery. Fortunately, your oral surgeon can help you protect against this disease.

Your Risk for Oral Cancer

The Oral Cancer Foundation reports that over 640,000 new cases of oral cancer are found each year worldwide. The majority of those diagnosed are over the age of 40, but the frequency of discovery in age groups under 40 is increasing. There are links between the use of conventional smokeless chewing or spit tobacco products and oral cancer; also, those who smoke and drink are 15 times more likely to develop oral cancer than those who do not. Certain strands of HPV are also linked to a higher risk of oral cancer. This cancer occurs twice as often among black individuals as it does among Caucasians. Socioeconomics, education, and availability of proper healthcare likely play a role in the development of the disease.

Warning Signs and Possible Symptoms

Unfortunately, the early stages of oral cancer can go unnoticed. Only a dentist or doctor can see or feel the precursor tissue changes indicative of early-stage oral cancer. White or red patches inside your mouth could be a warning sign. If a sore on the inside of your cheek does not heal within 14 days, have it diagnosed by a professional. Other symptoms include lumps or masses you can feel inside your mouth, pain when swallowing and speaking, and unilateral, persistent ear aches.

Early detection is your best form of protection against the painful and often fatal consequences of oral cancer. Dr. Mark E. Wohlford of Tri-State Oral Surgery recommends a monthly self-examination to detect signs of oral cancer. Call us today at (812) 401-3500 if you have any concerns regarding your oral health. 

Learn More About Oral Surgery With These Informative Resources

Still want to learn more about Tri-State Oral Surgery and the services available from Evansville’s oral surgeon Dr. Wohlford? If you would like more information on what to ask during an oral surgery consultation or how to ease the recovery process, visit the following links or call Tri-State Oral Surgery, LLC at (812) 401-3500.

• WebMD.com covers the basics of tooth extraction, including what recovery entails.

• Visit the Dental Fear Central page for some helpful tips on healing from an oral surgery procedure.

• Learn about wisdom teeth and when they may need to be extracted at ADA.org.

• For a list of questions to ask during a consultation with your wisdom tooth extraction specialist, read this page from the Mayo Clinic.

• The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons provides a detailed overview of what a corrective jaw surgery entails.

Questions to Ask Your Oral Surgeon Before a Procedure

If you are suffering from an oral issue that your dentist has recommended treating with surgery, you may be wondering what sorts of questions to ask during the surgical consultation. The following list can help you structure your discussion so you feel well-informed about the procedure:

What Are My Treatment Options?

For certain conditions, extraction or surgery is the only feasible method of treatment. However, many oral problems, such as TMJ disorder, can be addressed in less-invasive ways before surgery is indicated. Speak with your surgeon to decide which option is the best for your lifestyle, desired outcome, and personal preferences.

What Type of Anesthesia Will Be Used?

Determine whether you will be put under general anesthesia or if the procedure can be completed using only a local anesthetic. If you are anxious about the surgery, ask your doctor whether sedation methods are available to help you relax during the procedure.

What Are the Risks of the Surgery?

It’s important to discuss what complications may occur from your surgery and how likely they are to happen. This will help you weigh the necessity of the surgery against all potential outcomes.

Will I Need to Avoid Taking Certain Medications?

During your consultation, it is recommended that you bring a list of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you are currently taking. This will help your surgeon determine which type of anesthetic to use and what medicine to prescribe after the procedure.

How Long Is the Recovery Period?

This question is important to ask so you can plan your convalescence and take the necessary time away from work and your other activities. Generally, normal responsibilities can be resumed a few days after surgery—ask your surgeon for an estimate based on your specific case.

If you require dental implants, jaw surgery, bone grafting, or the extraction of wisdom teeth, visit Tri-State Oral Surgery, LLC. Our knowledgeable surgeon provides these services and more—call (812) 401-3500 today to schedule your consultation.