Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery Blog

Comprehensive Care: Are All-on-4 Implants Right for Me?

December 9, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — novaomsburke @ 7:28 pm
3d illustration of all-on-4 implants with dentures in lower arch

Did you know that your jawbone begins thinning after teeth go missing? Dental implants are the only restorations that prevent this process of degeneration because they include a titanium rod embedded into your jaw. This functions like a root to stimulate new bone growth, keeping your mouth active and healthy.

However, many patients are missing entire arches of teeth and wonder whether implants can meet their needs. Continue reading to learn more about all-on-4 implants and some of their pros and cons to decide if this treatment is right for you!

(more…)

What You Need to Know About Your Diet Following All-on-4 Surgery

December 4, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — novaomsburke @ 5:32 pm
a patient enjoying a bowl of yogurt

It might seem like a daunting commitment, but All-on-4 surgery is quite straightforward and the recovery period is very manageable, especially if you go into it knowing what sort of diet you’ll need to stick with. That said, your dentist will also be able to provide you with additional specific guidelines and answer any questions you have about the process; eating a nutritious diet is a large part of recovery! Here’s what you need to know about the process and how to manage your diet afterward.

(more…)

How Long Do You Need to Wait After a Tooth Extraction to Get a Dental Implant?

November 14, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — novaomsburke @ 4:40 am
Closeup of a dental implant

Dental implants are the best tooth replacement option out there. Since they replace the roots of the missing teeth, they offer numerous additional benefits, like additional stability, comfort, and longevity. If you have a tooth that is damaged and needs to be removed, a dental implant is the next best thing. But how long do you need to wait to get one after your extraction? Continue reading to find out.

(more…)

Anticipating Extractions: What Should I Expect?

October 3, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — novaomsburke @ 5:11 pm
Closeup of an extracted tooth held by forceps

If you’ve been told that you need to have a troublesome tooth removed, it is natural to have questions. Many patients experience anxiety around dental appointments, especially when it involves an extraction. For instance, you might wonder whether other treatments can help or if the procedure will hurt.

Typically, your dentist only recommends this solution when the affected tooth is too injured to be repaired with another option like a filling, root canal, or dental crown. Continue reading to learn more about what you can expect from your extraction to set your mind at ease!

(more…)

Advantageous Extraction: 3 Perks of Pulling Teeth

September 19, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — novaomsburke @ 5:54 pm
An extracted tooth held by forceps reflected in a dental mirror on a wooden surface

You can generally expect your dentist to do everything within their power to protect and preserve your natural teeth. As a result, it’s natural to feel surprised or even shocked if they’ve recently recommended an extraction, especially if you didn’t anticipate needing one. You might question whether this procedure is truly necessary or wonder how removing a tooth can benefit your oral health.

Rest assured, your provider wouldn’t suggest taking a troublesome tooth out if they didn’t believe it was the best way to protect and preserve your smile. Continue reading to learn more about three of the advantages of having a dental extraction!

(more…)

How to Avoid Dental Implant Failure

August 31, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — novaomsburke @ 10:59 pm
dentist holding model of dental implant

Dental implants have transformed tooth replacement by offering exceptional durability, often lasting 30 years or more. This makes them a more long-lasting option compared to dentures and dental bridges, which usually need to be replaced more frequently. While dental implants boast a success rate of over 95%, there’s still a small chance of failure. To extend the life of your implants and maintain a strong, enduring smile, it’s important to adhere to specific care practices. Keep reading to learn key tips for ensuring your dental implants remain secure.

(more…)

How Dental Implants Became What They Are Today

July 12, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — novaomsburke @ 1:36 am
Diagram of a dental implant

In recent years, dental implants have been recognized by both patients and practitioners as one of the most effective methods of replacing teeth. They’re incredibly powerful, capable of giving you powerful bite strength and offering durability far beyond what other styles of tooth replacement can offer.

However, this wasn’t always the case—dental implants have had a long history, and a lot of work has gone in to making them what they are today. If you’re curious, here’s what this evolution looked like.

(more…)

4 Ways to Make the Most of Your Dental Insurance

June 20, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — novaomsburke @ 5:03 pm

Unless you’re an insurance professional, understanding dental insurance can be a little challenging. Between the confusing terminology and the litany of numbers, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Thankfully, there’s no need to stress. Dental insurance is a lot easier to understand when you keep these four things in mind.

(more…)

Does Dental Insurance Cover Sedation Dentistry?

February 22, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — novaomsburke @ 3:20 am

Woman benefiting from nitrous oxide at dentistIf your palms sweat when it is time to visit the dentist, or you need dental work, sedation dentistry can provide the comfortable care you need. However, it can be expensive. Although you can use your dental insurance for preventive and restorative services, many policies don’t cover sedation dentistry, but there are exceptions. Here’s what you need to know to keep dental sedation within your budget.

(more…)

Dental Implant Surgery: Successfully Navigating Your Recovery

January 5, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — novaomsburke @ 7:06 pm
a patient at home recovering

Dental implants are considered the gold standard when it comes to replacing missing teeth, and for several good reasons. But most notably, it’s due to their unique ability to replace the entire structure of lost teeth! That said, in order to do this, the implants must heal properly—meaning that if you’re about to undergo this process, you have your work cut out for you! That said, you don’t have to feel worried about compromising your recovery at every corner; by knowing what to do and what not to do, you can ensure a smooth healing period and incredible results that will serve you well for decades. Keep reading to learn more!

(more…)
Older Posts »