Sheng Ji, DDS, MD Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Blog

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.

Feeling jaw pain on just one side can be unsettling, especially if it appears suddenly or interferes with eating or speaking. While one-sided jaw pain is often not serious, it can signal a variety of underlying issues related to muscles, joints, teeth, or nerves. Understanding potential causes can help you decide when to manage symptoms at home and when professional care may be needed.

Many experts consider dental implants the ideal way to rebuild smiles after tooth loss because of their unique placement in your jaw. Unlike dentures and bridges, these replacements include a support rod that eventually fuses with the bone material to become a more permanent part of your mouth.

However, this treatment tends to cost more due to the added materials and need for oral surgery. As a result, you might be tempted to choose the cheapest possible options for your new tooth. Continue reading to learn 3 reasons to rethink your decisions and invest in a well-made restoration!