Sheng Ji, DDS, MD Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Blog

You likely already know that maintaining a consistent at-home dental hygiene routine and eating a healthy diet containing a variety of wholesome ingredients can help you protect your teeth and gums.

But if you’re someone who participates in team sports or other close-contact activities, you may be more likely to sustain serious injuries that can hurt your dental health, too. Continue reading to learn about 3 common dental emergencies among athletes so you can avoid them!

Some soreness after oral surgery is completely normal, and over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication can often help you stay comfortable while your mouth heals. But with several options available, you may wonder which medication is best for dental pain.

For many adults and adolescents, current dental guidelines recommend non-opioid medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen as the first line of treatment for acute dental pain. However, the right option depends on your procedure, medical history, and other medications you take. Your oral surgeon should always be your first source for personalized instructions.

If you’re considering dental implants, you may be excited about replacing missing teeth but nervous about the procedure itself in terms of pain. Fortunately, modern dental implant procedures are designed with patient comfort in mind, and most patients report that the experience is more manageable than they expected. Here are a few things to know about discomfort during and after dental implant placement.

Dental implants have transformed the way missing teeth are replaced. They can look, feel, and function much like natural teeth, making them an excellent option when a tooth cannot be saved. But if your teeth are healthy, should you have them removed and replaced with implants anyway?

The short answer is no. Even though dental implants are considered one of the most reliable tooth replacement options available, your natural teeth are still the gold standard. Removing a healthy tooth simply to replace it with an implant can introduce unnecessary risks and complications.

Salivary gland cysts or tumors can occur for a variety of reasons. In most cases, they result from surgical or physical trauma to the major salivary glands. When trauma disrupts the relationship between the gland and duct, it can obstruct the flow or saliva into the oral cavity. If this happens to you, treatment is necessary to resolve the issue. Continue reading to learn more about this type of treatment so you know what to expect.

Although orthodontic treatment can be extremely successful at aligning many common bite problems, in some cases it may not be effective enough on its own. In those situations, corrective jaw surgery (also known as orthognathic surgery) may be recommended. While it’s natural to have some questions or concerns before your treatment, the truth is that orthognathic surgery could be one of the best decisions you ever make for your oral health. In that spirit, here are a few common questions patients ask before procedure, so you can help put your mind at ease about this exciting new chapter of your life!

A tongue-tie can make it difficult for infants to feed, and it can lead to speech and chewing issues in children and adults. It’s therefore best to address the problem as soon as possible via a frenectomy. Before committing to this procedure, however, you should make sure that you have a clear idea of what you can expect. Below is an overview of what typically happens before, during, and after tongue-tie treatment.  

Wisdom teeth have a reputation for causing problems that’s very well-earned. These third molars typically show up in a person’s late teens or early twenties, long after the rest of their smile has settled in. While some people get lucky and never have issues, the majority of patients will need them removed at some point. If you’re curious as to why these trickster teeth are extracted more often than not, continue reading.

A treatment that many wish they’ll never have to experience is a tooth extraction. The thought alone can make you wince, but thankfully, modern dental technology has made the entire process more comfortable and efficient. You might’ve gone through it yourself, and to celebrate, you might want to enjoy an alcoholic drink. Before you take a sip, here’s why you should avoid these beverages after your procedure.

Considering dental implants is an exciting step toward restoring your smile and confidence. But it’s natural to wonder—how will they actually feel in your mouth? Understanding what to expect can help you feel more prepared and confident about the process.

Dental implants are designed to function like natural teeth, and for most patients, they do just that. They’re anchored directly into the jawbone, providing a stable foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture replacement. This structural design is why dental implants often feel more secure and comfortable than traditional dentures.