Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery Blog

When you are missing an entire arch of teeth, many of the daily tasks that you once found easy feel nearly impossible. This includes things like chewing your food, speaking clearly, and smiling with confidence. The good news is that all-on-4 dental implants are available to help you regain an entire arch of missing teeth at once. If you have your procedure coming up, it’s a good idea to get prepared now. Here’s what you should know about eating and drinking during this time.

Most of the time, when a part of your body stops hurting, that means the problem has solved itself. A little bit of rest and a cold compress really can work wonders on bruises and aches! However, the same can’t be said for a toothache. Not many people realize this, but your mouth doesn’t have the same defenses as the rest of your body. Even if your tooth doesn’t hurt anymore, you could still be in need of an extraction!

To learn why this might be the case, simply keep scrolling.

No one wants to get a tooth extracted, and they are never your dentist’s first choice. However, sometimes one is necessary to preserve the health of the rest of your smile. They are only ever recommended by your dentist if deemed absolutely necessary. There are various things that can lead to the need for an extraction. Here are some of the most common reasons why patients need to have a tooth pulled.

Although there are several ways to replace missing teeth, many experts consider dental implants the ideal method because of their unique advantages. They’re the only restoration that’s surgically embedded into your jawbone to function as sturdy standalone structures. As a result, they tend to be stronger and more resilient than alternatives like dental bridges or dentures.

However, many patients require an additional bone graft before they can proceed with dental implants. Continue reading to learn more about this treatment and why it’s sometimes necessary!

When it comes to strength, many people assume bones are the hardest structures in the human body. Surprisingly, the title goes to tooth enamel. It’s designed to endure decades of chewing a wide variety of foods. But despite its resilience, enamel isn’t invincible. Teeth that are severely damaged need to be removed, and in such cases, dental implants often come to the rescue. Read on to learn if these artificial replacements compare to natural teeth in strength. 

Whether an emergency or planned, nobody should miss out on holiday fun due to oral surgery. If you have a procedure scheduled or find yourself undergoing one unexpectedly, you may be wondering how you can still enjoy all those special events and festive foods while recovering. But don’t despair! It is possible to still have a good time and a variety of tempting treats following oral surgery. Here are some tips to help make the magic happen!

When it comes to protecting your overall health, many people look toward medical insurance to help cover the cost of treatments they might need. However, you might wonder if it’s also a good idea to consider dental coverage. What exactly is the difference between the two kinds of plans? Keep reading to learn more about the differences between dental and medical insurance so that you can keep yourself and your smile safer in the long run.

Dental insurance is an investment in a healthy mouth and body. It allows you to benefit from reduced rates for the services you need to keep your teeth and gums healthy. If you’ve recently signed up for a policy, your dental insurance may place a waiting period on your benefits. This doesn’t mean you can’t visit a dentist. Here’s why you might face a brief waiting period and how you can use your coverage during this time.

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How much do you actually know about your dental insurance? If you’re like most people, the last time you looked at your plan was when you purchased it, or you may have never really gotten into the details if it comes from your employer.

While every plan has a lot of information, there are 4 important facts you should know above all else to guarantee you make the most of your coverage at each dental visit.

Tooth loss can detract from your daily quality of life because tasks that once were second nature, like eating and speaking, suddenly become much more challenging. Thankfully, your oral surgeon can provide lifelike dental implants to rebuild your smile and boost your confidence. These are the only replacement teeth that are embedded into your jawbone, which provides many unique advantages.

Although these restorations are incredibly resilient, they’re not invincible, and it’s possible for them to fail. However, having enough vitamin D in your system can keep them strong and healthy. Keep reading to learn more about how increasing your levels can support your artificial teeth!