Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery Blog

Did you know that the American Dental Association estimates that more than 5 million dental implants are placed annually? This treatment continues to gain popularity because of its unique placement in your jawbone. Unlike dentures or dental bridges, these replacement teeth become a permanent part of your mouth.

Many patients have questions about how long they can expect their new tooth to remain in good condition, but it depends significantly on how it’s made. Continue reading to learn more about how an implant’s materials impact its lifespan!

Dental Implants: A Reliable Solution for Missing Teeth

Dental implants are often hailed as the gold standard for tooth replacement, and with good reason. With a success rate of over 95%, implants are one of the most predictable and durable treatments in modern dentistry.

But what’s behind their impressive track record? The answer lies in a combination of advanced technology, skilled care, and the body’s natural healing power.

Dentures are the tried-and-true method for replacing entire arches of lost teeth because they simultaneously restore your smile’s appearance and functionality. However, they are infamous for slipping out of place or not fitting correctly, which can lead to painful sores or embarrassing moments.

Thankfully, your dentist can provide a more permanent solution with All-on-4 dental implants, which involves surgically embedding four titanium rods in your jawbone to anchor your restoration. Continue reading to learn about 3 commonly asked questions regarding what to expect when recovering from this procedure!

Dental implants offer a world of benefits to patients. Just one for a single missing tooth can give you the appearance and use of natural teeth and last you the rest of your life! But did you know that for full-arch replacement there is an even more efficient route than substituting for missing teeth individually? If you didn’t, keep reading to learn about All-on-4 dental implants and the advantages and disadvantages of this restoration.

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!