Blog

Dental Implants vs. Dentures: Which Is Right for Me?

September 29, 2023 Two popular options for replacing missing teeth are dental implants and dentures. Both traditional dentures and dental implants offer a solution to restore function and aesthetics to your smile, but they differ significantly in terms of cost, durability, maintenance, and overall impact on oral health.

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Can a Knocked-Out Tooth Be Saved?

September 22, 2023 The sudden loss of a tooth due to an accident or injury can be devastating, but having a tooth knocked out of the smile doesn't necessarily it is lost. A tooth can be successfully replanted into a smile if it is handled carefully, protected from damage, and kept clean.

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How Many Dental Implants Would I Need to Replace Multiple Teeth?

September 15, 2023 When it comes to replacing multiple teeth, dental implants are often the most recommended solution by dentists. They offer a permanent, long-lasting replacement that looks and functions like natural teeth. But you might wonder how many dental implants are needed to replace multiple teeth. Understanding the process can alleviate concerns and pave the way toward a full, confident smile. Understanding the Dental Implant Process A...

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Why Do I Need Bone Grafting in My Jaw?

April 12, 2023 When you lose a tooth and do not have it replaced right away, it can often result in jawbone resorption. Without the natural stimulation provided by your tooth roots, the jawbone can deteriorate, causing unwanted changes to your facial appearance and making dental restoration more challenging. The solution is bone grafting, a procedure that regenerates bone where you need it most.  Reasons to Pursue Bone...

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Can Dental Implants Really Last a Lifetime?

April 12, 2023 When you lose one or more teeth, it affects your quality of life in several ways. Fortunately, there are a number of treatments available that can restore missing teeth, with dental implants widely considered to be the gold standard. At Mercer Island Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, one of the most common questions we receive is how long dental implants will last. They are often touted......

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Why Would I Need a Tooth Extracted?

April 12, 2023 It is the goal of every oral surgeon to help you keep your natural teeth for as long as possible, hopefully for the entirety of your lifetime. However, some situations may emerge in which a tooth is either too damaged or too diseased to be salvaged, in which case the best option is to extract and replace it. At Mercer Island Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery,......

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Why Can’t I Use Straws After Having My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

April 5, 2023 Having your wisdom teeth removed temporarily changes aspects of your daily life while you recover. There are certain things you cannot do, should not do, and should do while healing. One of the things you should not do is drink from straws. Drinking from a straw while recovering from surgery can wreak havoc on your oral health and cause a lot of pain and discomfort.......

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When Would I Need a Tooth Extraction?

March 29, 2023 Sometimes, despite your best efforts to take care of your teeth, you may encounter a situation requiring your teeth to be extracted (or pulled). Tooth extraction is a serious procedure that is not taken lightly by oral surgeons. Dr. Streelman would only recommend extracting a tooth for specific medical reasons. Severe Decay Severe tooth decay occurs when acid and plaque build up on your teeth.......

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What Can I Eat After Dental Implants?

March 29, 2023 Following dental implant procedures, you have to be careful about what you eat. The implant sites need time to fully heal in order to avoid infection. Implant posts also need time to fully integrate into your jawbone. Therefore, you should avoid chewing at the dental implant site when possible, which affects what you can safely eat after implant placement. Here’s what to eat following a......

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How Long After Wisdom Teeth Removal Can I Do Other Things?

March 22, 2023 On average, around 5 million Americans undergo wisdom teeth removal every year. It is a very common procedure with a comparatively short recovery time. However, there is still a recovery process that may temporarily affect your diet, your ability to work, and your exercise regimen.  If you are preparing for wisdom teeth removal, you may wonder just how much recovery time you will need before......

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Is the Corrective Jaw Surgery Recovery Process Difficult?

March 15, 2023 Every surgical procedure comes with its own recovery process, and corrective jaw surgery is no exception. You might be surprised to learn that recovering from corrective jaw surgery is not as difficult as it may seem. Here is more information on recovering from corrective jaw surgery. Types of Corrective Jaw Surgeries There are many different types of jaw surgeries that can address health conditions and......

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