Oral Surgery

Do You Need a Bone Graft After a Tooth Extraction? What You Need to Know

Picture this: you’ve just had a tooth removed and feel relieved that the procedure is behind you. Then, your dentist mentions something called a “bone graft.” Suddenly, what seemed like a straightforward extraction becomes more complex, and you may wonder whether a bone graft is really necessary. You’re not alone. Most patients have questions when bone grafts enter the conversation, and rightfully so. The thought of needing additional treatment can seem daunting, especially when you’re already dealing with a missing tooth.

Night Guards for Teeth Grinding: How They Protect Your Smile

If you wake up with jaw pain or headaches, it could be due to grinding your teeth at night. This condition is known as sleep bruxism and affects approximately 10-15% of adults. Stress, anxiety, misaligned teeth, certain medications, and disorders like sleep apnea can all contribute to nighttime grinding. With a force of up to 250 pounds — far more than normal chewing — grinding damages tooth enamel, causes jaw pain, and creates other oral health problems.