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Muskingum Valley Oral Surgery Blog

Dental DIY: Can I Make My Own Replacement Teeth?

June 10, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drlee @ 4:57 pm
Hand holding a pile of polymer plastic meltable beads with more in the background

Dental implants are often considered the ideal method to replace any permanent teeth that have gone missing because of the unique benefits they provide. They’re the only option that’s inserted directly into your jawbone, so they have more strength and resilience than options like dentures or dental bridges.

However, these artificial teeth also tend to cost more upfront, and if you’re on a tight budget, you may be tempted to seek alternatives. One recent fad that many patients have turned to is “do-it-yourself” replacements like Smile Renewed, Temptooth, and PrimeDent QuickFix. These brands sell materials that they claim can be used to create your own prosthetics. But are these methods safe and effective? Continue reading to find out!

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Hot Take: Why Summer is Ideal for Wisdom Tooth Extractions

June 8, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drlee @ 5:28 pm
Forceps surrounding wisdom tooth on an x-ray image

Many people feel anxious about having their wisdom teeth extracted and want to ‘wait for the right time’ to schedule the procedure. Although it’s wise to plan ahead, if you procrastinate too long, your latest molars could hurt your dental health. They can get trapped beneath your gumline and become infected or shove neighboring pearly whites out of alignment as they push through. It’s better to take them out before they have a chance to cause problems.

Fortunately for you, summertime is ideal for having your wisdom teeth removed. Continue reading to learn 3 good reasons why!

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Which One Would Win in A Fight? Dental Implants or Natural Teeth?

May 13, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drlee @ 3:14 pm
Man rubbing his chin in thought and looking up

In one corner, we have dental implants – the ultra-reliable replacement option of the century!

In the other corner, a local favorite – that’s right, it’s your very own, perfectly natural teeth!

Two dental favorites come head-to-head to answer the ultimate question: which one is stronger? As human beings, we’ve just got to know. Plus, this could seriously impact your dental decisions. Are you ready for the results? Good – then keep reading and get ready to rumble!

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What Happens During a Dental Implant Consultation?

May 6, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drlee @ 6:08 pm
Patient and dentist having a positive consultation

You’re excited about the possibility of dental implants, but want to make sure you cover all the major talking points during your consultation. “Any little detail could be important,” you might be thinking. There’s some truth to that. It’s reassuring to have a more concrete idea of what will happen!

Let’s take the fluffy concept of a consultation and break it down into a solid timeline. Once you know what to expect, it’ll be easier to prepare!

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Can Vitamin D Help with Dental Implant Treatment?

April 15, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drlee @ 8:09 pm
Woman and girl enjoying a sunny beach

If you or a loved one are considering dental implant treatment, you might have a “nutrition nut” chirping in your ear about vitamin D. They’re onto something, because vitamin D has a positive effect on dental implant treatments. Shocked? Keep reading to find out the facts and how you can help your body with recovery.

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How Dental Implants Became What They Are Today

April 6, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drlee @ 11:51 pm
3D render of a dental implant

Dental implants have become incredibly popular in recent years, owing to an incredible number of advancements in the field of dentistry. This treatment has quickly become one of the most durable and effective methods of replacing teeth, allowing patients of all stripes to get a smile that will last a lifetime.

However, they weren’t always this effective. If you’re interested in learning more about what this treatment used to look like, and how it’s changed over the years, here’s a brief history of this fascinating procedure.

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Is There an Age Limit for Wisdom Teeth Extractions?

March 1, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drlee @ 3:15 am
older person thinking about wisdom teeth removal

Many people choose to have their wisdom teeth taken out when they’re young adults, usually between 17 and 25 years old. By doing this, they can prevent several dental problems that can come up when these molars don’t come in properly. But if you’re in your 30s or even older, you might be thinking it’s too late for this procedure. The good news is that there’s no strict age limit for getting your wisdom teeth removed. Read on to learn about why it’s still possible to have them taken out if needed.

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Upgrading Your Grin: Switching from Dentures to Dental Implants

February 12, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drlee @ 2:52 pm
Illustration showing 3 dental implants in a lower arch

Tooth loss can impact your daily quality of life because it’s harder to chew food or converse with family and friends without teeth. Dentures are the tried-and-true method for refurbishing your smile because they restore so much of your ability to eat and speak. That doesn’t mean they’re the right solution for everyone, though. If you’re having challenges keeping your dentures in place or remembering to remove them at night, you might do better with dental implants.

This is often considered the most reliable method for replacing lost teeth and provides many unique benefits. Making the switch can be quite an adjustment, though. If you’re considering this change, keep reading to learn more about what to expect!

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IV Sedation in Dentistry: Know Your Medications

January 12, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drlee @ 2:57 pm
Patient under the effects of IV sedation

IV sedation, or intravenous sedation, is a common way dentists help patients with severe dental anxiety relax during dental procedures. This form of sedation involves administering medication directly into the bloodstream through an intravenous line. There are many types of medications used by doctors and dentists alike, but dentists use specific drugs for their purposes.

If you want to take a closer look at some of these medications and learn how they work, continue reading.

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Why Do Dentists Extract Teeth?

December 13, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — drlee @ 11:48 pm
Tooth

A dentist’s job is to preserve oral health and prevent tooth loss, but sometimes a tooth is simply beyond saving. Dentists consider tooth extraction to be a last resort, but sometimes it is the only way to prevent further oral injuries and infections. If your dentist is recommending that you have a tooth removed, you can be certain that they are putting your smile’s best interests first. Here are a few reasons why your oral health provider might perform a tooth extraction.

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