Mariya Barnett, DDS Blog

The wisdom teeth once provided the additional chewing power our primitive ancestors needed to digest raw meat and tough plant matter. However, many people today will find that their mouths are too small to accommodate these large third molars, which can lead to chronic discomfort, oral hygiene difficulties, and destructive infections. Luckily, adults can safely have these teeth removed at any age. Here’s what wisdom tooth extraction is like for older adults as well as a few tips for staying comfortable afterward.

About 85% of Americans experience trouble with their wisdom teeth, and roughly 10 million are removed each year. So if your third molar is causing you pain, you’re definitely not alone! Such incredible statistics do beg the question, though: why are wisdom teeth so terrible? Let’s look at some of the more common reasons these toothy terrors cause so much discomfort.

If you’ve recently had a tooth extraction or are preparing for one, you might have heard about dry socket. This common post-extraction issue can sound concerning, but with the right precautions, it’s often avoidable. But what do you need to do? Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about dry socket, including what it is, how to prevent it, and when to call your dentist.

When preparing for a trip, especially after a recent medical procedure, health concerns are often top of mind. If you’ve recently had a tooth extraction, you may be wondering how it could affect your flight. Whether your travels are for business or leisure, it’s important to understand how a recent dental procedure might impact your journey. Read on to discover the potential challenges of flying after a tooth extraction and get practical advice on how to prepare for a comfortable and hassle-free trip.

Whether you woke up with an unexpected toothache or took a blow to the face that injured your pearly, dental emergencies can potentially happen at any time. Although it’s impossible to predict when an urgent situation might occur, there are things you can do to be ready for them. Taking the right precautions allows you to act quickly to save your smile if you ever find yourself in dire circumstances.

For example, you can build a dental emergency kit that includes some essential basics so that you’re prepared for the worst. Continue reading to learn about 6 helpful items to include that can protect and preserve your grin!

When dealing with a severely infected tooth, the body’s natural healing or antibiotics alone are often inadequate. Root canal therapy is the recommended and effective treatment. However, misconceptions and rumors persist about this procedure, including the belief that it might cause cancer. Is there any truth to this claim? Let’s explore the facts about root canal therapy, how it works, and whether it poses any cancer risk.

Have you ever had a root canal? If not, the whole process can sound intimidating, but there’s really nothing to worry about! It’s a common and relatively painless procedure that can do a world of good for a damaged or infected tooth. Probably the most crucial aspect of a root canal is the recovery phase, which can take a few days. If you want to learn the best ways to minimize your healing time to bounce back faster, read on!

It is recommended for most people to see their dentist every six months for regular cleanings and checkups. This might seem like a simple task, but many people have difficulty sitting in the dental chair due to anxiety or other things that can make the process complicated. The good news is that sedation options, like IV sedation, are available to make seeking dental treatment easier for even the most anxious and uncomfortable patients. Continue reading to learn about some of the signs that could indicate that you’re a good candidate for IV sedation.

If you’re ready to correct misaligned teeth or a bad bite, Invisalign is a discreet solution to give you a straight smile. You don’t have to worry about any brackets or wires because clear aligners are worn over your teeth to move them. It’s a convenient and effective method to fix a variety of alignment problems; however, certain mistakes can add delays to your treatment. Here are the do’s and don’ts of Invisalign to keep your treatment on track.

(more…)

There are few things as universally attractive as a beautiful smile, and neglecting to tend to your oral health can cost you a lot in the dating department. Oral health plays a crucial role in all matters of close-quarters socialization, including smiling, conversation, and kissing, and having unsightly stains on your teeth or an unpleasant smell on your breath can break your chances of gaining the attention of a person of interest. Here’s a brief guide to how poor oral health can affect your dating life and what you can do to keep your teeth in stunning shape.