Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery Blog

When you have a condition like rheumatoid arthritis, it can complicate many things that patients without RA might take for granted. For example, getting dental implants. These life-changing prosthetics are the only permanent tooth loss solution, but for them to be successful, your body should be healthy and strong. For people with RA, it can complicate healing from dental implant surgery. The good news is that while it’s not an automatic disqualifier, it may make treatment look a little different. Here’s a closer look at how.

Many people expect their oral healthcare provider to be able to assist with various dental concerns, such as having a problematic tooth extracted or providing customized, lifelike restorations to close the spaces in their smile.

However, did you know that many dentists also offer cosmetic services that can help you look younger, such as BOTOX® injections? If you’re interested in smoothing facial wrinkles or preventing them from developing but are unsure when to start these cosmetic treatments, continue reading to learn more about it!

When most people hear the word BOTOX, they think of smoother skin and fewer wrinkles. While it’s true that BOTOX is widely known for its cosmetic benefits, its medical applications have been around for decades. Today, BOTOX is used to treat a variety of health conditions, helping patients manage pain, muscle tension, and other chronic concerns that go far beyond aesthetics.

BOTOX is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments available today, known for its ability to soften fine lines and give patients a smoother, more youthful appearance. While the effects aren’t permanent, many people enjoy noticeable improvements for several months at a time. Understanding how long BOTOX lasts—and what can affect its longevity—can help you get the most out of your treatments.

Dental implants are the best tooth replacement option out there. Since they replace the rotos of the missing teeth, they allow for a wide range of benefits that you can’t find elsewhere. To be a candidate for dental implants, some patients need preliminary procedures, like bone grafting, to prepare their mouth to support dental implants. Read on to learn more about bone grafting and why it is sometimes necessary.

It might seem like bones are static structures that are simply there to support your body. However, the truth is that they are dynamic and are constantly changing. Over time, various factors can cause the bones to lose their strength and density. This is particularly common in the jawbone. What causes bone loss in the jaw, how might it affect you, and is there anything you can do to reverse it? This blog post shares some important information.

Usually, when a patient needs an oral bone graft, it’s because their jawbone is too thin to properly support dental implants. Ultimately, this is considered to be a minor surgical procedure, and most people experience minimal discomfort during their bone graft.

However, what you’ll likely experience for the first week or two after treatment is a different story! As with most post-ops, you can expect some mild discomfort, and you’ll want to have a clear idea of what you should do for aftercare. Keep reading to dive into your recovery guide for bone grafting.

If you’ve experienced bone loss in your jaw due to missing teeth, bone grafting may be recommended. This procedure is often essential for ensuring that there’s enough bone density for successful dental implant placement. However, it’s important to bear in mind that not everyone will be considered an ideal candidate for the treatment. Below is a closer look at bone grafting and some of the factors that might affect your eligibility for it.

As you get older in your life, you may end up with some missing teeth. It may seem like those who are younger than you are getting dental implants as a reliable solution, but what about you? You may wonder if age is a factor that can influence your candidacy for them, but it might not! Many patients in their 40s, 60s, and even 80s have chosen this tooth replacement option. Keep reading to learn why you might still be able to get them.

As you are getting ready for your dental implant consultation, you may be both excited and nervous. This is the first step toward a renewed smile, so it’s understandable to be feeling a mix of emotions. While this is a great opportunity for your provider to see if this tooth replacement option is right for you, it’s a perfect chance for you to ask any questions you have. Here are three that you may want to ask during your consultation.