Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery Blog

How Can I Avoid Dry Socket After a Tooth Extraction?

March 13, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — novaoms @ 9:36 pm
Lady has oral pain

A dentist will not recommend that a patient’s tooth be extracted without an excellent reason. While having a troublesome tooth removed can spare a patient from pain and infection, problems can occur if they do not take proper care of the surgical wound afterward. Here’s a brief guide to the painful condition known as dry socket, including why it happens, how you can know if you have it, and how it can be prevented.

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5 Benefits of Tooth Extractions

February 24, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — novaoms @ 8:40 pm

Extracted tooth in forceps Every tooth is invaluable for a healthy, functional smile. Generally, your dentist will do everything they can to ensure each tooth lasts for a lifetime. However, sometimes removing a tooth or two is necessary to save a smile overall. Recommending tooth extraction isn’t a decision your dentist makes lightly. Instead, here are 5 situations when the benefits of removing a tooth outweigh the potential disadvantages. 

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When Is Sedation Dentistry Covered by Insurance?

January 5, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — novaoms @ 9:51 pm
a patient visiting their dentist

If you’re afraid of going to the dentist, you’re far from alone—it’s estimated that around 36% of people in the US have a fear of dental treatment! But this fear is never something that should prevent you from seeking out the care your smile needs, especially when sedation dentistry might be able to help! However, you might be worried about if you can use your dental insurance policy to cover this specific type of treatment. Here’s what you need to know.

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Dental Insurance Deductibles 101: What You Should Know

December 6, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — novaoms @ 9:02 pm
Close-up of insurance document

Insurance is a valuable asset, but one of its downsides is that it can be confusing. Dental insurance is no exception. As you are trying to figure out how to utilize your benefits in the best way, you might run into some unfamiliar lingo, such as “deductible.” What exactly is a dental insurance deductible, and how might this feature of your policy affect your out-of-pocket obligation for various services? This blog post provides practical information on those topics.

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Difference Between Medical and Dental Insurance

November 22, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — novaoms @ 3:32 am

Dental insurance underlines in blueMedical and dental insurance are designed to keep your mouth and body healthy; however, there are many differences between the two. Your dental insurance works a bit differently than your medical coverage. Don’t worry. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your dental benefits.

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Why You Have Absolutely Nothing to Fear About Getting Dental Implants

November 17, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — novaoms @ 9:50 pm
a patient smiling during their dental implant consultation

The idea of receiving dental implants can be daunting for many patients—after all, fear of the unknown, misconceptions about the procedure, or anxiety about surgery in general can all contribute to apprehension. However, by understanding how dental implants can positively impact one’s oral health, as well as realizing how dental technology makes the process as smooth as possible, you can acquire the confidence you need to commit to this life-changing treatment. Continue reading below to learn about some of the benefits of dental implants and why you shouldn’t feel afraid to receive them!

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How Dental Implants Have Evolved to Benefit You

November 15, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — novaoms @ 1:09 am

Model of a dental implant for tooth lossYou’ve probably heard a lot about dental implants over the last decade, but they have been around for centuries. However, they weren’t always as successful. Dental implants have changed quite a bit from those used thousands of years ago. Here’s how early dental implants have evolved throughout time to become the most successful method of replacing lost teeth.

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Navigating the Holiday Season After Oral Surgery: 3 Tips for a Joyful Recovery

November 2, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — novaoms @ 8:09 pm
a person relaxing during the holiday season

The holiday season is a time for celebration, spreading joy, and spending quality moments with loved family and friends. However, if you have recently undergone oral surgery, you’ll be presented with a unique set of challenges this year when it comes to fully enjoying yourself. That said, don’t despair—with a little careful consideration and planning, you can still make the most of this special season without jeopardizing your recovery! Here are a few tips from your oral surgeon that are certain to help.

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What to Expect: Recovering from a Bone Graft

October 6, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — novaoms @ 5:15 pm
closeup diagram of a bone graft

After living so long without secure teeth, you doubt that dental implants are possible for your smile. You have lost too much jawbone density over time, but with a bone graft, you can have permanent replacement teeth!

Before you undergo the implant placement procedure, you need to recover fully from your bone graft, but what does that look like? How long does it take to heal? Below, the recovery process is broken into smaller timeframes to help you know what to expect.

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Is It Possible to Replace My Dental Restorations with Dental Implants?

September 8, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — novaoms @ 12:39 pm
A dentist explaining dental implants to his patient

When you have a dental problem, you go to the dentist and you make a treatment plan together. This is done so your dentist can then prioritize which treatments to do first, and which ones to save for later. Sometimes, however, you may change your mind in the middle. For example, you may want a dental implant instead of the dental bridge you received already.

But can you do that? Can you replace a treatment you’ve already received with a different one like a dental implant? Continue reading to see how you can make it work with your dentist.

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