Mariya Barnett, DDS Blog

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.

The ball has dropped and the echos of the previous year have now faded away. As the new year begins, health and wellness seem to always float to the front of everyone’s mind. However, most people think about barbells and tracksuits while forgetting to include a toothbrush! A dental checkup is as important as going to the gym, and there’s no better time to go than now!

Keep reading to see why starting the year with a dental checkup is the best decision you can make for your oral health.

Whether you’re preparing to sit down and enjoy a delicious meal with family or gearing up to spend the evening partying with friends, you want your smile to look its best this time of year. With photo booths ready for silly smiles and selfies around every corner, keeping your teeth beautifully white can be challenging, especially if you enjoy a few holiday drinks this time of year. To avoid embarrassment when showing off your smile, consider saying “no thank you” should these three beverages be passed around at your party.

As Thanksgiving nears, you’re likely thinking of your life’s blessings. That’s only natural – the holiday (per its name) is all about giving thanks! So, you might want to honor your friends, family, health, job, and more. Aside from these things, though, take time to appreciate your teeth this Thanksgiving. Your pearly whites help with many tasks, including the feast you’ll soon have! Luckily, your Dallas dentist can offer some pointers. Here are four great ways to honor your grin for Thanksgiving.

You’re on your way to a straighter, healthier smile, and you don’t want to do anything that will delay your progress. However, Halloween is right around the corner, and the idea of giving up some of your favorite sweet treats might just seem impossible to do. What if you were told that you didn’t have to? Instead, you could have your fun while also moving forward in your pursuit of a more perfectly aligned smile. Read on to learn three ways you can better navigate this spooky holiday while wearing Invisalign.

You know you’ll see a few wrinkles and white hairs as you age, but you may not have expected your teeth to change, too. Your teeth undergo wear and tear every day and can show signs of aging. You can turn back the clock using the latest solutions in dentistry. Here are 5 ways cosmetic dentistry can take years off your appearance.

(more…)