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Sheng Ji, DDS, MD Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Blog

Sidewinder: Why Do Some Wisdom Teeth Come in Sideways?

July 19, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — shengji @ 12:49 pm
close-up of a sideways wisdom tooth

You probably already know that most people have to have their wisdom teeth removed, but did you know a possible reason is that they can come in sideways? Yes, while the rest of the teeth seem to have a good sense of direction, these third molars often get “lost” on their way to the mouth.

What causes the wisdom teeth to come in sideways, and what should you do if this is the case for yourself or your child?

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The “Secrets” to Avoiding Dry Socket After a Tooth Extraction

July 10, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — shengji @ 12:20 pm
woman reading on couch

The internet makes it easier to worry about pretty much anything you can imagine these days. As if people weren’t already nervous enough about tooth extractions, many are now learning about a potential complication called dry socket. What exactly is dry socket, and more importantly, what are the best ways to avoid it?

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Is Bone Grafting Always Necessary Before Dental Implant Placement?

June 19, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — shengji @ 12:09 am
Illustration showing granular bone graft in empty tooth socket

Replacing lost teeth with dental implants can be a complex process. Some patients need multiple oral surgeries before their new smile is in place. For example, many must undergo a bone grafting procedure. Why is bone grafting often necessary before dental implant placement, and how can you know if you will need a bone graft? This blog post explains some important information.

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What Should You Know Before Reconstructive Jaw Surgery?

May 24, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — shengji @ 7:25 pm
Illustration showing results of corrective surgery for lower jaw

Reconstructive jaw surgery, also known as corrective jaw surgery or orthognathic surgery, has the potential to improve the way your mouth and face look, function, and feel. However, since not many people are familiar with this procedure, you may understandably be nervous about the road ahead. What should you know before you undergo reconstructive jaw surgery? This blog post explains some basic but important facts.

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Dental Implants After Extractions — How Long Will You Have to Wait?

May 1, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — shengji @ 5:31 pm
Illustration of dental implant next to natural teeth

No one wants to live with an incomplete smile. Therefore, if you know that you will soon need to get one or more of your teeth removed, you may be eager to receive dental implants ASAP! But will you have to wait for a while between your extractions and your dental implant surgery, or can you move forward with tooth replacement right away? This blog post explains a few different possibilities.

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What Can I Eat and Drink After All-on-4 Surgery?

April 25, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — shengji @ 8:43 pm
Bowl of oatmeal

Missing an entire arch of teeth can make some tasks feel impossible. This includes anything from chewing your food to speaking clearly to smiling without feeling self-conscious. Fortunately, if you have suffered from extensive tooth loss, all-on-4 dental implants could be the solution that you’ve been looking for to restore a whole arch of missing teeth. If you have your dental implant placement procedure coming up, it pays to be prepared. Here’s what you should know about eating and drinking during the recovery period.

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4 Things About Oral Cancer You Should Be Aware Of!

April 11, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — shengji @ 8:39 pm
Doctor holding an oral cancer ribbon

Did you know that oral cancer affects 53,000 Americans every year? It is an incredibly dangerous, sometimes deadly condition. Oftentimes oral cancer isn’t detected until its later stages. At this point, it is especially detrimental. Fortunately, when detected and treated early in the process, many people make a full recovery! Continue reading to learn some facts about oral cancer that you may not already know.

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Successful Smiles: 3 Reasons to Consider Dental Implants

March 18, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — shengji @ 3:26 pm
CGI illustration of a dental implant between 2 other teeth

Many experts consider dental implants to be the ideal way to replace your missing teeth. They’re the only restoration that’s inserted directly into your jaw and functions as a standalone structure. Because of this, they’re often considered stronger than the alternatives like dentures and dental bridges. Plus, they have an incredibly high success rate of over 95% which makes them both a popular and reliable solution.

If you’re curious about why dental implants are so effective, keep reading to learn 3 of the reasons!

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How Long Dental Implant Surgery Takes

March 1, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — shengji @ 2:40 am
 dentist explaining dental implant surgery to patient

If you’re thinking about getting dental implants, you’re likely eager to begin the journey to restoring your smile. One important question you might have is, “How long does dental implant surgery take?” Having this information can help you get ready for the treatment. Thankfully, your Falls Church dentist can give you all the details you need. Let’s explore the dental implant process, including how long it typically takes and some tips for a smooth recovery.

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A Simple Guide to Recovering from Wisdom Tooth Extractions

February 1, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — shengji @ 5:46 pm
Young man relaxing on sofa at home

Many people feel a little apprehensive about their wisdom tooth removal surgery. In particular, they may wonder what the recovery will be like. How long does it take to bounce back? Will there be a lot of pain? What can you do to prevent complications? If you have an upcoming procedure and are thinking about such questions, this blog post is for you. It is a simple guide to recovering from wisdom tooth extractions that will prepare you for the road ahead.

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