Between 20 and 30 percent of people are believed to experienced problems with the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, at some point in their lives. TMJ disorders can affect the joint itself or any of the individual parts of the joint, including the ball, socket or disc as well as the muscles that support the joint. Women are at a higher risk of suffering from TMD than men, but it can affect anyone. TMD is most common in those who have arthritis or who have suffered an injury in this area.
It can also affect those who experience: • Bruxism or tooth grinding • Excess or long-term tension or stress • Poorly aligned teeth • Tumors of the jaw joint Symptoms can vary and are often hard to pinpoint or directly tie to TMD. They can include pain in or around the jaw particularly when you bite, chew or yawn. Your jaw might get stuck in an open or closed position or may feel locked into place. Facial muscles can spasm painfully or uncomfortably, and your jaw joint might pop, click, crack or grate whenever you open or close your mouth. Many people with TMD suffer from headaches, earaches, neck pain and back pain as well. To diagnose you, we will examine the jaw and how it moves, and we may take X-rays or other images to identify abnormalities or deformities. We will also evaluate your teeth for signs of other problems, such as malocclusions or bruxism. Most patients respond well to conservative therapies, such as medications, cool compresses, physical therapy and a soft diet. Call our TMJ dentist today to schedule your appointment.
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Many decayed or otherwise damaged teeth are restored with fillings. Several types of fillings are now available, allowing for more individualized treatment approaches. Here are overviews of the most common restorative fillings.
Metal Fillings Also known as mercury amalgam fillings, these offer effective repair but are gray colored, making them easily visible. This option has become slightly less popular because metal fillings expand and contract with temperature, sometimes causing tooth damage over time, and they contain mercury, a heavy metal. Tooth-Colored Fillings These fillings are made of a composite material that matches tooth color, so they are a top choice for many patients who visit our cosmetic dentist in San Fernando Valley. Resistance to expansion and contraction also helps prevent tooth damage. Indirect Fillings Inlays and onlays are sometimes called indirect fillings because they are actually made outside of the mouth before being put into teeth. Depending on the patient, these may be used for restoring heavier tooth damage or replacing old fillings. Both metal and tooth-colored types are available. Every damaged tooth has to be examined to determine treatment options. To learn more about our services for restorative dentistry in San Fernando Valley, you can schedule a consultation with our dentist. 2/22/2017 0 Comments What can Invisalign Accomplish?Invisalign aligners are used to move teeth into their proper positions. They are often used in similar ways as conventional metal braces and offer distinct benefits, including improved aesthetics and greater comfort. Invisalign can accomplish many of the same tooth movements and can make many of the same orthodontic corrections that traditional braces can. You might be a candidate for Invisalign if you have crooked teeth, crowded or gapped teeth, or if you have an overbite, underbite, or crossbite. Invisalign is particularly effective in treating patients with many restorations, certain enamel abnormalities, open or deep bites, as well as those who need additional treatments during their orthodontic treatment. Invisalign can be used to fine tune orthodontic treatment and can also be effective in those who have experienced orthodontic relapse. During treatment, you can continue eating your favorite foods, brushing and flossing with ease, and participating in your favorite activities. Invisalign allows you to continue doing everything you love while the aligners gently move your teeth. Every two weeks, your teeth will be a little closer to their final positions. If you are interested in learning more about what Invisalign can accomplish, we can help. Call our office today to schedule your appointment with our smile makeover specialist in Beverly Hills, CA. 2/21/2017 0 Comments Pros and Cons of Dental ImplantsIn the past, missing teeth were typically replaced with dental bridges or dentures. While these can be good options, a more permanent solution can be found with dental implants that are secured directly into the jaw.
Because implants are placed into the bone, they stay in place better than dentures. The implants act like tooth roots and will actually fuse with the bone to prevent loss of tissue that can occur after teeth are removed. The permanence of implants also means that you will have continuous support to facial tissue as well. Because implants are attached in the bone of the jaw, there is no need to damage surrounding teeth to hold them in place. Implants look just like your natural teeth and can be easily cleaned in the same way. You will be able to eat all of your favorite foods. Also, because implants are securely attached, there is no risk of slippage while eating or speaking resulting in increased confidence. As with any procedure, there can be drawbacks. The process can be time-consuming and costly. Infection can occur in the jaw. If you do not have enough bone tissue, grafts might be required prior to implants. For more about implants, contact our dentist. If you suffer a chipped tooth, you do not have to worry about it affecting your smile permanently. A variety of cosmetic dental treatments may be recommended depending on the chip and your goals. Below, you can learn about three of the most common solutions.
Dental Bonding Bonding involves applying a custom-tinted composite resin to your tooth and hardening it. The bonded area is carefully shaped to match the surrounding tooth structure, ensuring that the results look totally natural. Tooth Recontouring In contrast to bonding, recontouring involves removing tooth structure rather than adding to it. Most often used for very small chips, this entails carefully grinding away some of the enamel and smoothing the tooth surface for a polished look. Veneers and Crowns These treatments work by concealing the tooth, making them ideal for larger areas of damage. Both veneers and crowns can last for decades, unlike bonding, which may need repair after a few years. There is no need to panic if your tooth is chipped. Our dentist in Houston offers effective treatments to make your smile look like it was never damaged. You can schedule a consultation at our office to have your teeth examined and find out which treatment is best for you. 2/15/2017 0 Comments Cómo se extrae un diente?Tener un diente tirado todavía parece realmente primordial. Afortunadamente, una simple extracción sólo se ve mal en las imágenes, así que trate de evitar mirar a aquellos si es posible. Nuestro dentista en Los Angeles es altamente experto en extracciones, y ha preparado el siguiente manual paso a paso para su tranquilidad.
Entumecimiento De antemano, el dentista anestesiará el área para que no sienta ningún dolor. Irónicamente, la inyección misma duele a veces, dependiendo de la presión a la que se administra y el área de tejido que penetra. Pero sólo pica un segundo. Aflojamiento / extracción Dado que el diente no puede ser sacado directamente hacia afuera, el dentista tiene que aflojarlo primero. Esto se logra insertando una herramienta llamada elevador entre el diente y la pared del zócalo y balanceando el diente suavemente hacia adelante y hacia atrás. A medida que el diente comienza a separarse de su ligamento de anclaje, el dentista normalmente cambia de un ascensor a una herramienta de agarre llamada un fórceps, utilizando esto para girar el diente si es necesario, y luego realizar la extracción. Cureting / cierre Por último, el dentista cureta, o raspa, las paredes de la toma vacía para eliminar cualquier tejido infectado o patológico dejado atrás. Un enjuague de la herida con solución salina, algo de gasa para cualquier sangrado, y ya está. Para más información sobre su extracción dental, póngase en contacto con alguien de nuestro grupo. If you have a tooth that is so damaged that it need to be removed, you might wonder what your options are. If you leave a gap in your smile, other teeth can shift position toward the open space. A gap in between your teeth from a missing tooth can also decrease your confidence in social situations. You do not have to settle for a partial denture that is attached with wires to surrounding teeth or a dental bridge that can damage surrounding teeth when you can have a dental implant instead.
Dental implants are a great choice when you need to replace a single tooth near the front of your mouth. An implant is also good if you want to keep the integrity of bone and tooth structure in the jaw and the rest of your teeth are strong and healthy. Implants are sometimes the best choice even when you must replace multiple teeth. If you have a hard time dealing with slippage and improper fit from dentures but still have good bone structure in the jaw, implants might be a better option for you. Talk with your dental care provider for more information. Tooth decay can significantly damage the structure of a tooth and affect its function, health and appearance. If you have a cavity, our West Hollywood cosmetic dentist will typically recommend a dental filling. The filling will replace the lost tooth structure and restore your tooth to its normal size, shape and strength.
Several options are available for filling teeth, including: 1. Dental amalgam This is one of the oldest filling materials and is made of a blend of materials including silver, tin, copper and mercury. It is strong and durable, and it is often more affordable than other options. However, it is rarely used in modern dentistry because more aesthetic materials are now available. 2. Composite resin These are also called tooth-colored fillings, and they are made of a special quartz, glass or plastic blend. The resin is highly malleable so that it can be shaped as needed, but it is quickly cured using a handheld light for a strong, fracture-resistant filling that can last many years. 3. Inlays and onlays These fillings are typically made of porcelain and are made in a dental laboratory rather than in our office. They are highly durable and typically used when a large part of the tooth has been damaged by decay or injury. Call our expert in white fillings in West Hollywood today to learn more or to schedule an appointment with our team. One danger some patients experience is orthodontic relapse. This is when the teeth begin to shift back to their old positions after treatment has been completed, reversing the entire process. This is why most orthodontists and dentists recommend patients wear a retainer after treatment. Invisalign offers retainers for their patients in order to avoid this issue.
Invisalign retainers look and fit much like aligners do. They are made with special materials so they last longer than aligners would, which are specifically designed for shorter use. Your dentist will inform you regarding when and how long you should wear the Invisalign retainer for. This usually based on your specific orthodontic case and needs. Patients are often instructed to wear them all the time at first, and then only at night. After some time, they might not be needed any longer. It is important to factor in expected time with a retainer when asking “how long does Invisalign take?” Without this appliance, retreatment may be necessary, meaning another round of aligners, or reapplications of braces. A retainer is the best way to prevent orthodontic relapse and avoid this possibility. Talk to our dentist about the details of retainers and post treatment. 2/6/2017 0 Comments What is Propel Orthodontics?Propel is one of the latest technologies to improve orthodontic care. Compatible with any type of braces, Propel orthodontics makes it easier for braces to move the teeth. No surgery or recovery time is involved.
How Propel Works The Propel system uses a small, pen-shaped device that makes tiny perforations in the bones that hold teeth in place. These perforations stimulate bone remodeling, allowing orthodontic changes to happen more quickly. In the past, osteoperforation required surgery. Propel replaces surgery with a series of short, tolerable sessions and abbreviates orthodontic treatment significantly. Depending on the patient, Propel may reduce treatment time by sixty percent or more. Who Can Receive Propel? Four out of five patients are candidates for Propel, but some may be better candidates than others. Patients who need unusually long orthodontic care because of severe bite irregularities may appreciate Propel the most. A consultation exam can help determine just how beneficial the option may be for an individual. No longer is years of treatment always necessary for straight teeth. In addition to short-term braces available for minor orthodontic needs, Propel is available to shorten treatment for most patients. A consultation with our orthodontist in Houston can be scheduled by patients who want to learn more about Propel and its benefits. |
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