Coastal Virginia Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

10/10/2026

That sore in your mouth is probably nothing.

Here's when it's not 👇

Most mouth sores are harmless:

→ Biting your cheek
→ Burning your mouth on hot pizza
→ Cold sores that flare up with stress

Most heal in 3–4 weeks.

When to get it checked:

→ It's lasted longer than a month
→ It isn't getting better

That doesn't automatically mean something serious. It just means it's time to have someone look at it and keep an eye on it, or biopsy it if needed.

Swelling or a growth is different. It could mean an infection around a tooth or a swollen salivary gland, so get it looked at sooner.

Questions? Give us a call.

📌 Save this so you remember the 1-month rule.

05/10/2026

Can't open your mouth after wisdom teeth surgery?

Your jaw isn't broken. It's sore, like after leg day 👇

Why it happens:

→ Your mouth was held wide open for about 30 minutes
→ That tires out your jaw muscles fast
→ Tired muscles cramp and stiffen afterward

Think of a sore hamstring after a workout. You can't straighten your leg all the way, so you stretch it out.

Your jaw works the same way.

How to loosen it up:

→ Open as wide as you comfortably can
→ Hold it, then relax
→ Repeat several times a day
→ Put a warm compress or heating pad on your face to relax the muscle

Most people feel back to normal by about day 5.

If it's getting worse instead of better, call your surgeon.

📌 Save this for your recovery week.
💬 Send it to someone who's getting their wisdom teeth out soon.

01/10/2026

The needle is the part everyone dreads.

Here's why you probably won't even notice it 👇

What actually happens during IV sedation for wisdom teeth:

→ You sit down in the surgery suite
→ A mask goes over your nose with nitrous oxide (yep, laughing gas)
→ The gas takes the edge off your nerves
→ It also numbs you a little, so the IV doesn't hurt going in
→ Within seconds, you're out
→ About 45 minutes later, it's done
→ To you, it feels like 5 minutes

Then you wake up and head home.

That's it. No watching. No hearing. No white-knuckling the chair.

Being nervous is normal. Most of that fear goes away once you know what's coming.

📌 Save this for when your wisdom teeth appointment gets booked.
💬 Send it to the friend who's been putting theirs off for years.

21/09/2026

When can you use a straw, work out, or get back to normal after wisdom teeth removal?

For the first 3 to 4 days, avoid straws and hard exercise. Straws can increase your risk of dry socket, and workouts can raise your blood pressure, which may lead to more bleeding or swelling.

Once swelling starts to improve around day 4, you can usually ease back into your normal routine. Do not go from zero to full speed. Start slow, follow your post-op instructions, and let your body heal.

Save this for your wisdom teeth recovery.

09/09/2026

What is the timeline for receiving a dental implant? It is entirely expected to seek reassurance and clarity before undergoing a tooth replacement procedure. Our newest blog post acts as a guide for your expectations, explaining the complete process in patient-friendly vocabulary. We discuss each stage, from surgical preparation to final healing, so that you know exactly what is normal.

Review the complete step-by-step procedure and healing timeline here to feel prepared and supported: https://www.coastalvaomfs.com/post/dental-implants-processWhich aspect of the dental implant process do you find patients have the most questions about?

07/09/2026

Wisdom teeth love to “join the party” even when there is no room.

When they try to come in sideways or crowded, they can push against nearby teeth and contribute to shifting, pressure, and discomfort. That is why impacted wisdom teeth are not something to ignore, even if they are not hurting yet.

This video is a fun way to show what can happen when wisdom teeth run out of space. Save this if you are wondering whether yours need to come out.

03/09/2026

That “little tooth infection” can turn serious fast.

What starts as swelling around one tooth can spread into the face, jaw, and in rare cases, become a serious medical emergency. Early warning signs can include gum swelling, a bad taste in your mouth, drainage, or a small “pimple” on the gums.

This is not meant to scare you. It is meant to remind you that tooth infections are easier, safer, and usually less painful to treat early.

If you notice swelling, drainage, or a bad taste that will not go away, get it checked.

02/09/2026

Adjusting to partial dentures is a process, and it is entirely expected to have questions about your comfort and daily routine. Our newest blog post acts as a guide for your expectations, explaining how to care for your dentures and what practices to avoid for a secure fit. We are here to provide clear, non-technical explanations to support your oral health journey and prioritize your comfort.

Learn more about caring for your partial dentures here:

Discover the top mistakes to avoid with partial dentures. Ensure comfort and functionality while enhancing your smile with our expert tips!

26/08/2026

Wisdom teeth can cause headaches and pressure. It is not always the reason, but it is not a myth.

When wisdom teeth do not have enough room, they can push against nearby teeth, change your bite, cause jaw discomfort, and contribute to headaches or pressure. Not every headache is from wisdom teeth, but if you are feeling pressure in the back of your mouth or unexplained jaw pain, it is worth getting them evaluated.

11/08/2026

Jaw pain? Crowding teeth? Tender gums? It might be time to evict those wisdom teeth! 🦷

If you've been putting off your wisdom teeth removal because you aren't sure what to expect, we’ve got you covered. Our newest article explains exactly why these late-blooming molars cause so much trouble and how our expert team makes the removal process as smooth and comfortable as possible.

Don't wait until the pain gets worse. Check out our complete guide here:
🔗 https://www.coastalvaomfs.com/post/wisdom-teeth-removal

Get prepared for your wisdom teeth removal! Learn about the procedure, recovery timeline, and essential tips to ensure a smooth healing process.