Ed Family Dental Blog

Has it been several months or years since you lost your teeth? You might’ve waited on getting them replaced, but you likely know how they impact your confidence and eating habits. It’s likely you now want to get them replaced, but are dentures still an option for you, even if your jawbone has weakened since? Here’s how this prosthetic may be able to help you get your full smile back.

Wisdom teeth—also known as third molars—are the last set of teeth to develop, typically emerging in your late teens or early twenties. For many people, the question isn’t if they’ll get wisdom teeth, but whether they need to have them removed. The answer isn’t always straightforward: not everyone needs their wisdom teeth taken out, but many do.

Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, usually appear between the ages of 15 and 25. While some people have enough room in their mouths for these teeth to emerge properly, others may experience impacted wisdom teeth. An impacted tooth is one that doesn’t have enough space to fully erupt or grows at an angle, often causing discomfort and potential oral health problems. Recognizing the warning signs early can help prevent complications and guide you toward timely treatment.

Tooth extractions aren’t your dentist’s preferred option, but sometimes they are necessary to preserve the health of the rest of your smile. The good news is that modern tooth extractions are very safe, but there is still a small chance that complications can occur. Approximately 2-5% of people develop a complication called “dry socket.” This is when the blood clot that forms during the healing process becomes dislodged. Fortunately, this condition can usually be prevented by closely following your aftercare instructions. Here are some ways that you can help your smile heal quickly and without issue.

As you jump into the new year, you may be setting resolutions to follow for yourself. You might think of some that benefit your overall health, but don’t forget to include your smile in it, too! There is no time like now to get the stronger grin you deserve. Thankfully, it can be as easy as building the right habits! Here are five you can stick to during 2026 to keep your teeth and gums in great shape.

Dental insurance can be an effective way to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses for everything from routine exams to more complex procedures. Most of these policies are designed to promote proper prevention and include up to 100% of standard services, then usually also contribute 50% to 80% of other required treatments.

However, your plan might also include other restrictions before benefits take effect, such as a waiting period that must pass for them to be applicable. If you’re worried about the delay or are curious why it’s included, continue reading to learn more!

November is TMJ Awareness month, and the perfect opportunity to learn more about the importance of your temporomandibular joint. Here’s a closer look at how if you’re experiencing any TMJ disorder discomfort, your dentist can help you get some much needed relief!

When you eat, do you have trouble chewing or hear a popping sound? These are just a couple of signs of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. This condition causes chronic jaw pain, and it can be quite uncomfortable to deal with. However, as you research online about it, you may come across some myths. Here’s the truth behind three misconceptions you might’ve heard.

If your jaw feels rather sore, you may think of visiting a family medical practice. Primary care doctors are the ones most consulted about aches and pains. Even so, you should actually go to your nearest dental provider; it’s best to see a dentist for TMJ treatment when possible. Your Astoria dental team can even share the reasons behind this truth. To that end, here’s a primer on TMJ disorder, why dentists are qualified to treat it, and how dentistry usually manages it.

Jaw pain can be frustrating, uncomfortable, and even interfere with everyday activities like chewing, speaking, yawning, and smiling. Often, this discomfort is linked to the TMJ, or temporomandibular joints—the hinge-like joints that connect your jaw to the rest of your skull. When these joints or the surrounding muscles aren’t functioning properly, it can lead to what’s known as temporomandibular disorder, or TMD. Here’s a closer look at some of the specific causes of TMD and how professional treatment can help you find relief!