Signature Smiles - May/June 2024

THE UNBELIEVABLE SHARK ENCOUNTER THAT SAVED A MAN’S LIFE

Sharks are powerful, violent creatures. They can have thousands of razor-sharp teeth. They swim about 12 mph when attacking — twice the speed of a (very fast) human swimmer. The mere presence of a shark is enough to close down a beach and frighten movie audiences.

of his back, as well as several teeth marks on one side. The family headed home as lifeguards closed the beach, fearing more attacks. That evening, Eugene was in severe pain from the injury and was rushed to the hospital. Not surprisingly, blunt force trauma was causing his pain, befitting a large shark ramming him in the back. However, this wasn’t the only diagnosis he received that day, nor was it the most severe. While examining Eugene, doctors discovered a walnut-sized tumor on his right kidney. They quickly rolled him into the operating room and removed the cancerous tumor before it could progress. Whether the shark intended it or not, it may have saved Eugene’s life. Undetected, the tumor might have metastasized and spread to the rest of his body. Without that attack, he may not have known about the cancer before it was too late. Because of that fact, we are confident the shark is a hero, whether it knows it or not.

Apparently, some sharks are different. One shark even saved a man’s life.

Eugene and his family were enjoying a warm summer day in Huntington Beach, California. As he swam in the ocean, enjoying the cool waters of the Pacific, he was struck by a sudden tremendous force, pushing his neck backward. He later described the sensation as “instant whiplash.” After a difficult and painful swim, he reached the shore. Eugene’s daughter asked why his back was so bloody. He was shocked to find a giant gash across the center

What You Need to Know About Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to develop in the back of the mouth. They typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. Many people do not have enough room in their mouths to accommodate these extra teeth, and as a result, wisdom teeth can cause several problems. One of the most common problems associated with wisdom teeth is impaction, which occurs when the teeth do not have

enough room to emerge properly and become trapped or “stuck” in the jaw. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, and infection and can also damage adjacent teeth and gums. Another problem associated with wisdom teeth is that they are difficult to clean properly, which can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Wisdom teeth are also more prone to developing cysts and benign tumors that can cause damage to the jawbone and surrounding teeth. For these reasons, many dentists recommend that wisdom teeth be removed, especially if they are causing problems or are at risk of causing problems in the future. The procedure is typically performed by an oral surgeon and is done under local anesthesia or IV sedation. Recovery time can vary, but most people are able to return to normal activities within a week or two.

It’s important to note that not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed. Some people may have enough space, and their wisdom teeth can develop normally without causing any problems. Your dentist or oral surgeon will be able to evaluate your individual situation and advise you on whether or not wisdom teeth removal is necessary. In summary, wisdom teeth can cause a variety of problems, including impaction, difficulty cleaning, and increased risk of decay and gum disease. For this reason, many dentists recommend that wisdom teeth be removed to prevent these problems and maintain good oral health. Consult with your dentist or oral surgeon to determine if wisdom teeth removal is necessary for you. –Chelsey Hunter Oral Surgery Assistant

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