Costello & DeHart Dental Excellence Blog

Why the Pain in Your Jaw Might Be Related to Stress

August 20, 2026

Woman in jacket suffering from jaw pain

Stress can affect your body in more ways than you might realize. For instance, if you are currently suffering from jaw pain due to a TMJ disorder, there’s a chance that feelings of stress could be contributing to the problem. Below is a brief overview of the link between stress and TMJ disorder as well as the steps you can take to achieve lasting relief from your discomfort.

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Clear and Present: 5 Dangers of Mail-In Aligners

July 23, 2026

Patient covering their mouth while holding a mail-in clear aligner

Mail-in clear aligners promise a straighter smile without ever visiting a dentist’s office. The lower price and at-home convenience are certainly tempting, but can orthodontic treatment that cuts out professional care be safe? Here are five things to know before adding online-only aligners to your cart.

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Dental Implant Inquiries: 3 Post-Op FAQs

June 6, 2026

Dentist showing sample implant to patient in dental chair

Many experts consider dental implants the ideal way to replace missing teeth because of their unique advantages. Unlike dentures and dental bridges, these restorations are embedded directly into your jaw and eventually fuse with the bone for a more permanent and reliable solution for tooth loss.

Although this procedure has an incredibly high success rate of more than 90%, you might still experience complications if you don’t take proper precautions. Continue reading through the following 3 frequently asked questions and responses to learn more about what to expect from recovery and how to avoid potential problems!

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Does Gum Disease Vanish When Teeth Are Extracted?

May 1, 2026

Woman pulling lip down to show off gums.

Gum disease is a common oral health condition that affects the gums and supporting structures around the teeth. When gum disease becomes severe, some patients may need to have damaged teeth removed. This often leads people to wonder whether removing teeth will automatically eliminate gum disease. The answer is not always.

While tooth extraction may remove some infected tissue, gum disease itself does not necessarily disappear simply because teeth are gone.

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Is It Safe to Drink Alcohol After a Tooth Extraction?

April 6, 2026

Man with an alcoholic drink at home

When it comes to dental treatments, one that many people wish they could avoid is a tooth extraction. Whether it’s wisdom teeth causing trouble or another reason, this service can be stressful to think about. Thankfully, your dentist works to make it an easy experience. As you recover, you might think about indulging in an alcoholic drink to relax, but here’s why you should avoid these types of beverages for the time being.

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Scared to Have Your Tooth Pulled? 4 Tips to Ease Your Nerves

March 9, 2026

Woman having her tooth removed

When it comes to getting a tooth removed, it can be something almost no one will want to experience. The thought of it alone can make you wince, but it can be necessary to preserve your oral health from further harm. Regardless, you might still be scared about the procedure. Here are four tips to help you overcome your fears and feel your best during your visit.

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Seeing the Silver Lining: Unexpected Tooth Extraction Benefits

February 10, 2026

man holding a model of a dental implant and pointing to his own smile

Every cloud has a silver lining—so the saying goes. Even when all hope seems lost, you can find good in the situation. For instance, if you have tooth extraction, it may feel like your smile is lost too. It’s true that extraction shouldn’t be taken lightly and is permanent, but even if you find yourself in this predicament, it has benefits for your oral health. What are the positive benefits of tooth extraction? Consider these outcomes that can help you feel good about your smile again.

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Holding Off on the Dentist? Why You Can Feel Confident Going

January 5, 2026

Man smiling at the dentist

You might know of someone who doesn’t get the regular dental care they need. They may give a range of reasons why they don’t go, but this can go for many people. You may be in the same boat, worried about certain things that make you postpone your treatment. However, it’s better to address your concerns than ignore them. Here are four reasons why people often skip their dental visits and options for people who are afraid of the dentist.

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Clearing Up 3 Myths About Dental Sedation

December 8, 2025

Woman getting laughing gas for her dental visit

There are many patients who are anxious about going to the dentist. It’s a fear they may not be able to overcome, so they can’t get the treatments they deserve. If you find yourself in this boat, then one way you can make your visits easier is with dental sedation. You may not know too much about it, but some things you might see online are myths that may stop you from getting it. So, here is the truth behind three common misconceptions.

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4 Reasons to Be Thankful For Your Teeth This Thanksgiving

November 10, 2025

family smiling at Thanksgiving

Being able to enjoy life with a healthy smile is something to be thankful for, especially this time of year. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, you may be thinking about all the things you appreciate but often forget about. As you consider all the delectable foods you get to enjoy while gathering with family and friends, you may want to consider adding your teeth to your list of what you are grateful for. Why? Here are four reasons to think about.

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