These are a selection of some common questions that patients have. If your question isn't answered here, please contact our office. It's important to us that our patients understand how to care for their smiles.
General
What causes TMJ pain?
The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) take a lot of wear and tear. Besides chewing, swallowing, and talking, the joints can experience overuse from gum chewing, yawning, and teeth clenching and grinding. If TMJ symptoms affect your quality of life, an oral surgery specialist can diagnose and treat the problem.
If you experience headaches, neck or jaw aches, clicking or popping in your jaw, pain around your ear, sensitive teeth, or jaw pain when eating or yawning, you may have a TMJ disorder.
Here’s what can lead to TMJ pain:
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Arthritis is common in older adults and can also occur in your jaw joints.
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Grinding or clenching your teeth (bruxism) tightens your facial and jaw muscles and puts stress on your temporomandibular joints. Bruxism can also cause extra wear on your teeth.
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Poor posture causes the muscles of the jaw, neck, and face to tighten, causing pain and other symptoms.
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Trauma to your jaw can lead to TMJ disorder later on.
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Misaligned teeth may impact your bite and how your joints fit together.
As you can see, decreasing stress, taking care of your oral health, and wearing a nightguard are all great ways to prevent TMJ pain. If conservative treatments don’t give you relief, we will help you connect with a specialist to talk about TMJ surgery.
What treatments are available for gum disease?
The appropriate treatment for your gum disease will vary depending on how far your disease has progressed and any contributing factors such as hygiene and other health conditions. Some of the treatments recommended for gum disease include:
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An increased dedication to excellent oral hygiene
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Antimicrobial rinses and other products
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An antibiotic medication that is placed in the gum pockets
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Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing)
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Laser therapy
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Gum surgery
We will discuss your situation with you and recommend the treatment that we believe will be the most appropriate for your unique needs.
Why do I need X-rays?
X-rays are a dentist's most important diagnostic tool. Often, problems start inside your teeth or beneath the gum line. By the time the problem is visible to the naked eye, it can be painful and more difficult to treat. Using X-rays taken on a regular basis, we can catch problems early and treat them quickly and comfortably.
I brush and floss every day. Why do I need a cleaning?
Even with excellent hygiene habits, it's easy to miss small areas of your teeth. Over time, the missed plaque will harden into tartar, which can only be removed with a dental hygienist's tools. When tartar accumulates beneath the gum line, the end result is red, puffy, inflamed gums – the beginnings of periodontal disease.
Sedation Dentistry
Is sedation dentistry safe for everyone?
For most adults with no serious health issues, sedation dentistry is perfectly safe. We will review your medical history to determine if sedation dentistry is an option. You will be closely monitored throughout your visit to ensure you are safe and comfortable during sedation.
Smile Makeovers
Am I a good candidate for a smile makeover?
If you are looking for solutions that address the health and wholeness of your smile, the answer is yes! Treatments like crowns, bridges, and dental implants enhance your appearance while protecting your oral health. Certain dental health problems can also affect your overall wellness, so it is important to work with your dentist to decide the best way to maintain a smile that is both healthy and beautiful.
