Hygienists
When you come to our office for professional dental cleaning, you can be assured that we have some of the most highly qualified hygienists working for us. Always eager to increase the efficacy of our practice, we use top of the line instruments and technology to keep your mouth healthy.
Hygienists’ education and training
A registered dental hygienist is a highly trained, licensed oral health professional who specializes in providing you with clinical, therapeutic and educational services to enhance your oral and overall health. Hygienists receive intensive, specialized education and training that includes courses in chemistry, physiology, nutrition, microbiology, head and neck anatomy, oral pathology, pharmacology, and radiology. Additional courses also include advanced dental science and dental hygiene. Prior to graduation, a hygienist must pass rigorous tests and complete hundreds of clock hours of supervised instruction in clinical practice.
What hygienists do
A hygienist serves many functions in the dental office. The hygienist carefully examines your teeth, mouth, and gums and looks for any signs of decay, periodontal disease, oral cancer, or other problems. A hygienist also takes dental x-rays so the dentist can view them and quickly diagnose any problems that may exist. As part of the preventative function of the job, your hygienist uses specialized instruments and techniques to thoroughly clean all surfaces of your teeth. These procedures comfortably remove plaque, tartar, and stains from above and below your gumline. A hygienist is often involved with the specialized treatment of gum disease, such as scaling and root planing. A hygienist may also apply fluoride gels or other treatments. Your hygienist will teach you how to effectively care for your teeth at home to help you prevent decay, gingivitis and periodontal disease, show you how to select the proper toothbrush and dental floss, and demonstrate the most effective techniques for brushing and flossing. A hygienist can also explain the relationship between a healthy diet and dental health, offering suggestions about which foods select and which to avoid. Your hygienist is an excellent educational resource who can help you and your family keep your healthy smiles for a lifetime.
Showing posts with label TMI. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TMI. Show all posts
Monday, May 24, 2010
Monday, May 10, 2010
TMI - The Monday Inquiry
PerioChip
Special periodontal disease treatment
As part of our therapy for periodontal disease, we have an effective treatment that helps us control the infection in your mouth. It is called PerioChip.
How is PerioChip used?
PerioChip is a small biodegradable gelatin chip that contains the antimicrobial agent chlorhexidine.
To administer PerioChip, we first remove plaque and bacterial toxins form the infected area with a scaling and root planing procedure. Then we place PerioChip on the affected bum tissues. It slowly disintegrates, releasing the medication, first in a larger concentration, then at a controlled rate for the duration of the treatment.
This medication greatly reduces the bacteria in the infected pocket and speeds the healing process.
PerioChip and your periodontal therapy
Depending on your needs, we may place up to eight PerioChips during a single office visit. We can repeat PerioChip treatment about every three to six months for as long as periodontal pockets are five millimeters deep or more.
However, PerioChip is not an option if you are sensitive to chlorhexidine.
It is also important to know that PerioChip is not a cure for periodontal disease and cannot replace supportive bone lost due to periodontal disease. And even with medication, you still need to be very thorough with your daily oral hygiene and come to see us regularly for exams and professional cleanings.
PerioChip has been shown to be a safe and effective tool we can use as part of your periodontal therapy to prevent the further destruction of bone and connective tissue caused by periodontal disease.
Special periodontal disease treatment
As part of our therapy for periodontal disease, we have an effective treatment that helps us control the infection in your mouth. It is called PerioChip.
How is PerioChip used?
PerioChip is a small biodegradable gelatin chip that contains the antimicrobial agent chlorhexidine.
To administer PerioChip, we first remove plaque and bacterial toxins form the infected area with a scaling and root planing procedure. Then we place PerioChip on the affected bum tissues. It slowly disintegrates, releasing the medication, first in a larger concentration, then at a controlled rate for the duration of the treatment.
This medication greatly reduces the bacteria in the infected pocket and speeds the healing process.
PerioChip and your periodontal therapy
Depending on your needs, we may place up to eight PerioChips during a single office visit. We can repeat PerioChip treatment about every three to six months for as long as periodontal pockets are five millimeters deep or more.
However, PerioChip is not an option if you are sensitive to chlorhexidine.
It is also important to know that PerioChip is not a cure for periodontal disease and cannot replace supportive bone lost due to periodontal disease. And even with medication, you still need to be very thorough with your daily oral hygiene and come to see us regularly for exams and professional cleanings.
PerioChip has been shown to be a safe and effective tool we can use as part of your periodontal therapy to prevent the further destruction of bone and connective tissue caused by periodontal disease.
Monday, May 3, 2010
TMI - The Monday Inquiry
Crown Lengthening
A crown covers and protects.
A crown is an excellent way to cover and protect a tooth that has fractured or been damaged by decay or injury. Sometimes, however, the damage is so extensive that there simply is not enough tooth structure to support a crown. In these cases, we can often use a minor surgical procedure called crown lengthening.
This procedure increases the amount of available tooth structure so that the tooth can support a crown, which is the best choice for covering and protecting the tooth.
The procedure
The first step in crown lengthening is to thoroughly numb the entire area.
Incisions are made in the gums around the tooth, and then the gums are gently pulled back. Next, the bone and gum tissue are reshaped to reveal just enough of the natural tooth to create a secure anchor for a crown. The gums are replaced, and a couple of stitches are placed to speed healing. In some cases, we may also build up the tooth using a post and buildup material.
After a few weeks of healing, a crown in placed to cover and protect the damaged tooth. The crown restores your damaged tooth to normal health, appearance, and chewing function. Crown lengthening is a predictable and effective way to save a tooth that might otherwise be lost.
A crown covers and protects.
A crown is an excellent way to cover and protect a tooth that has fractured or been damaged by decay or injury. Sometimes, however, the damage is so extensive that there simply is not enough tooth structure to support a crown. In these cases, we can often use a minor surgical procedure called crown lengthening.
This procedure increases the amount of available tooth structure so that the tooth can support a crown, which is the best choice for covering and protecting the tooth.
The procedure
The first step in crown lengthening is to thoroughly numb the entire area.
Incisions are made in the gums around the tooth, and then the gums are gently pulled back. Next, the bone and gum tissue are reshaped to reveal just enough of the natural tooth to create a secure anchor for a crown. The gums are replaced, and a couple of stitches are placed to speed healing. In some cases, we may also build up the tooth using a post and buildup material.
After a few weeks of healing, a crown in placed to cover and protect the damaged tooth. The crown restores your damaged tooth to normal health, appearance, and chewing function. Crown lengthening is a predictable and effective way to save a tooth that might otherwise be lost.
Monday, April 26, 2010
All About TMD
What is TMD?
Temporomandibular disorder, known as TMD, is a cycle of pain, muscle spasms, and joint imbalance where the jaw meets the skull. The lower jaw meets the skull at the temporomandibular join, known as the TMJ. This joint connects the temporal bone of the skull with the mandible bone of the jaw. Cushioning these two bones is a thin disc of cartilage. Five muscles support the joint.
Symptoms of TMD
When the balance of these bones, cartilage, and muscle is lost, it can cause:
This cycle of pain, spasms, and joint imbalance can be started by clinching or grinding the teeth, a bad bite caused by missing teeth or poorly aligned teeth, a blow to the joint, arthritis or emotional stress.
Breaking the cycle
Clenching and grinding will often go away once a person’s stress is reduced. In the meantime, there are other ways to break this cycle. You can reduce muscle spasm and pain with:
Millions of people suffer from TMD. Treatment and lifestyle changes can break the TMD cycle and restore harmony to the joint.
Temporomandibular disorder, known as TMD, is a cycle of pain, muscle spasms, and joint imbalance where the jaw meets the skull. The lower jaw meets the skull at the temporomandibular join, known as the TMJ. This joint connects the temporal bone of the skull with the mandible bone of the jaw. Cushioning these two bones is a thin disc of cartilage. Five muscles support the joint.
Symptoms of TMD
When the balance of these bones, cartilage, and muscle is lost, it can cause:
- Headaches
- Earaches
- Difficulty opening and closing your mouth
- A clicking or popping in the joint
- A dull aching pain around the ear that spreads into the face
- Sore or painful jaw muscles
This cycle of pain, spasms, and joint imbalance can be started by clinching or grinding the teeth, a bad bite caused by missing teeth or poorly aligned teeth, a blow to the joint, arthritis or emotional stress.
Breaking the cycle
Clenching and grinding will often go away once a person’s stress is reduced. In the meantime, there are other ways to break this cycle. You can reduce muscle spasm and pain with:
- Moist heat
- Inflammation-reducing drugs and muscle relaxants
- Muscle massage
- A soft diet
Millions of people suffer from TMD. Treatment and lifestyle changes can break the TMD cycle and restore harmony to the joint.
Monday, April 19, 2010
TMI - The Monday Inquiry
Cavities
What Causes Cavities?
In science classes, you learned to be very careful with acid. Did you know that you can have acid in your mouth, and that this acid can cause a hole to develop in your tooth?
Plaque – enemy number one
Our enemy in the fight against cavities is plaque. Plaque is a sticky film of food and bacteria that forms constantly on your teeth. The bacteria in plaque thrive on the sugar in the food, and produce acid as a by-product when they break down the sugar. Like all acids, the acid produced by the bacteria is corrosive, which means that it dissolves other materials. Your teeth are the victims of the corrosive action; the acid wears away at them, eventually creating holes in the outer layer of your teeth, called cavities.
Regular checkups are a must
The hard outer layer of your teeth is called the enamel. Cavities first form in the enamel layer of your teeth. Beneath the enamel is a softer layer called the dentin. If a cavity develops through the enamel and reaches the dentin, it can grow much more quickly. That’s why regular checkups and cleanings are so important. If we find a cavity, we can restore your tooth while the cavity is still small and isolated in the outer enamel layer.
Repairing and preventing cavities
To repair a tooth with a cavity, we usually remove the decayed portion of the tooth and replace it with a filling, provided the damage is not extensive and there is still plenty of healthy tooth structure remaining. However, preventing decay is the preferred solution. We’ll be happy to work with you so you’ll learn to keep your teeth free of plaque and decay.
What Causes Cavities?
In science classes, you learned to be very careful with acid. Did you know that you can have acid in your mouth, and that this acid can cause a hole to develop in your tooth?
Plaque – enemy number one
Our enemy in the fight against cavities is plaque. Plaque is a sticky film of food and bacteria that forms constantly on your teeth. The bacteria in plaque thrive on the sugar in the food, and produce acid as a by-product when they break down the sugar. Like all acids, the acid produced by the bacteria is corrosive, which means that it dissolves other materials. Your teeth are the victims of the corrosive action; the acid wears away at them, eventually creating holes in the outer layer of your teeth, called cavities.
Regular checkups are a must
The hard outer layer of your teeth is called the enamel. Cavities first form in the enamel layer of your teeth. Beneath the enamel is a softer layer called the dentin. If a cavity develops through the enamel and reaches the dentin, it can grow much more quickly. That’s why regular checkups and cleanings are so important. If we find a cavity, we can restore your tooth while the cavity is still small and isolated in the outer enamel layer.
Repairing and preventing cavities
To repair a tooth with a cavity, we usually remove the decayed portion of the tooth and replace it with a filling, provided the damage is not extensive and there is still plenty of healthy tooth structure remaining. However, preventing decay is the preferred solution. We’ll be happy to work with you so you’ll learn to keep your teeth free of plaque and decay.
Monday, April 12, 2010
TMI - The Monday Inquiry
What are canker sores and how do I prevent and treat them?
Canker Sores
Canker sores, also called recurrent aphthous ulcers, are small round sores that form inside the mouth. They most often appear on the loose tissues of the mouth, like the inside of the lips or cheeks, the underside of the tongue, the floor of the mouth, and sometimes near tonsils. They usually begin as a tingling sensation, followed by a white or yellow sore surrounded by a bright red area. Pain usually decreases in about a week, and the sores heal in 7 to 14 days. Fortunately, most canker sores are not serious and will soon go away on their own.
The causes of canker sores
No one knows what causes canker sores, but some experts say that the tendency to get canker sores is inherited. Another theory is that they may be a result of actions by the body’s immune system. Certain triggers seem to set off outbreaks, including injury in the mouth, like a bite or cut, toothpastes that contain sodium lauryl sulfate, emotional stress, hormonal changes, food allergies, and dietary difficiencies, especially of vitamin B, zinc, folic acid, iron and selenium. If you have had a canker sore, you are likely to get one again. Fortunately, canker sores are not contagious.
Diagnosis and treatment
There is no cure for canker sores, but you can ease the pain and perhaps reduce how often you get them. Common remedies include:
Canker Sores
Canker sores, also called recurrent aphthous ulcers, are small round sores that form inside the mouth. They most often appear on the loose tissues of the mouth, like the inside of the lips or cheeks, the underside of the tongue, the floor of the mouth, and sometimes near tonsils. They usually begin as a tingling sensation, followed by a white or yellow sore surrounded by a bright red area. Pain usually decreases in about a week, and the sores heal in 7 to 14 days. Fortunately, most canker sores are not serious and will soon go away on their own.
The causes of canker sores
No one knows what causes canker sores, but some experts say that the tendency to get canker sores is inherited. Another theory is that they may be a result of actions by the body’s immune system. Certain triggers seem to set off outbreaks, including injury in the mouth, like a bite or cut, toothpastes that contain sodium lauryl sulfate, emotional stress, hormonal changes, food allergies, and dietary difficiencies, especially of vitamin B, zinc, folic acid, iron and selenium. If you have had a canker sore, you are likely to get one again. Fortunately, canker sores are not contagious.
Diagnosis and treatment
There is no cure for canker sores, but you can ease the pain and perhaps reduce how often you get them. Common remedies include:
- Using toothpastes and mouthwashes that do not contain lauryl sulfate
- Applying over-the-counter remedies that contain numbing agents, like benzocaine or phenol
- Rinsing with salt water or an antimicrobial mouthwash
- Avoiding spicy or acidic foods during an outbreak
- Working with healthcare provider to treat any food allergies
- Taking a daily multivitamin
Monday, April 5, 2010
TMI - The Monday Inquiry
Oral Piercing
Piercing the tongue
Many people want their tongue or lips pierced. This is not the same as getting your ears pierced. Unlike your ear lobe, your tongue is a muscle that has many blood vessels and nerves.
What to expect
First, a cork is placed underneath your tongue. Then, a long needle is punched through the sensitive tissue. A barbell is inserted into the hole in your tongue. All of this is done without anesthesia. Soon after the barbell is inserted, your tongue will swell. The swelling is significant and usually lasts three to five days. Because your tongue is covered with bacteria, they can invade the open wound and enter your bloodstream. This can result in painful infections that ooze pus into your mouth and throat. If this happens, you need to get immediate medical attention. The needle used to pierce the tongue is quite thick. If it hits one of the many veins in your tongue, you can expect to have heavy bleeding. The needle can also sever a nerve in the tongue, which can result in permanent numbness.
Problems with jewelry
The jewelry itself can present problems. The hard metal ball is constantly hitting the fragile tooth surface, much like a wrecking ball. People with tongue studs tend to habitually bite them, which increases the chance of chipping or scratching a tooth. Lip rings can also wear away the gums. This can lead to gingivitis and expose the tooth roots, which can make your teeth sensitive to hot, cold and sweet foods.
Take precautions
We do not advocate it, but if you must get an oral piercing, take some precautions:
Piercing the tongue
Many people want their tongue or lips pierced. This is not the same as getting your ears pierced. Unlike your ear lobe, your tongue is a muscle that has many blood vessels and nerves.
What to expect
First, a cork is placed underneath your tongue. Then, a long needle is punched through the sensitive tissue. A barbell is inserted into the hole in your tongue. All of this is done without anesthesia. Soon after the barbell is inserted, your tongue will swell. The swelling is significant and usually lasts three to five days. Because your tongue is covered with bacteria, they can invade the open wound and enter your bloodstream. This can result in painful infections that ooze pus into your mouth and throat. If this happens, you need to get immediate medical attention. The needle used to pierce the tongue is quite thick. If it hits one of the many veins in your tongue, you can expect to have heavy bleeding. The needle can also sever a nerve in the tongue, which can result in permanent numbness.
Problems with jewelry
The jewelry itself can present problems. The hard metal ball is constantly hitting the fragile tooth surface, much like a wrecking ball. People with tongue studs tend to habitually bite them, which increases the chance of chipping or scratching a tooth. Lip rings can also wear away the gums. This can lead to gingivitis and expose the tooth roots, which can make your teeth sensitive to hot, cold and sweet foods.
Take precautions
We do not advocate it, but if you must get an oral piercing, take some precautions:
- Make sure the shop is clean
- The piercer should be properly trained, follow OSHA guidelines for blood-borne pathogens, and use only sterilized needles and equipment
- The piercer should thoroughly explain the procedure and your follow-up care
- Use a new toothbrush when you return home
Monday, March 29, 2010
TMI - The Monday Inquiry
Equilibration
What is equilibration?
Equilibration is a process in which we adjust your bite by reshaping the biting surfaces of your teeth. It’s important for the health of your mouth to have your teeth come together properly when you bite and chew. Equilibration can prevent you from experiencing the following problems:
• Loose teeth
• Pain when chewing
• A toothache
• Jaw-joint pain
• Headaches
• Loss of tooth structure near the gumline
What is a healthy bite?
If your bite is healthy, your teeth will come together in such a way that they allow ideal paths of movement. This creates harmony for your jaw joint and maximum protection for your teeth. However, if you have had periodontal disease, an abscess, tooth crowding, or previous tooth loss, your teeth may shift or tilt. When this happens, your bite’s natural harmony may be compromised or lost.
How we can help using equilibration?
The process of equilibration begins with a careful evaluation of your mouth and your bite. This sometimes includes taking x-rays. We’ll use a special marking tape to evaluate your specific biting pattern. Then we’ll use the dental handpiece to carefully and meticulously remove small layers of tooth enamel. We’ll repeat the process, sometimes on subsequent visits, until your bite is back in harmony. Equilibration is a safe and effective procedure that prevents a chain reaction of problems in your mouth and restores harmony to your teeth.
Occlusion
What is occlusion?
Mother Nature didn’t provide all of use with a stable, healthy bite. Some people have bites that have been affected by wear, changed by dental restorations, or that have shifted with time. A healthy bite allows all of your teeth to hit simultaneously and evenly when your jaw joint is seated into its proper position at the base of your skull. In this position, your chewing muscles are also contracting evenly. One way to test your bite is to shift your jaw to the side. Your canine teeth, or eye teeth, should be the only teeth hitting and should absorb all the lateral biting force.
A “bad bite”
When you have a bad bite, also called a malocclusion, your teeth do not align properly. This cfan cause damage to your teeth and restoration, and it can also set off a cycle of muscle spasms, pain, and soreness commonly referred to as TMD, or temporomandibular disorder. When the balance is lost among the bones, cartilage, and muscles of the temporomandibular joing, it can lead to:
• Headaches
• Earaches
• Difficulty in opening and closing the jaw
• A dull, aching pain around the ear that spreads into the face
• Sore or painful jaw muscles
Bite problems can cause bruxism and abfraction
A malocclusion can also cause a condition called bruxism, which is the clenching or grinding of the teeth that occurs primarily while sleeping. The symptoms of bruxism are worn teeth, notching at the gumline (called abfraction), as well as all of the symptoms associated with TMD. Abfraction is the notching of teeth near or even under the gumline. When your bite is slightly off, undue stress is placed on the involved teeth and they begin to flex. This continual flexing and stress eventually cause the enamel to separate from the inner dentin layer, forming abfraction’s characteristic notch at the gumline. We can perform a complete bite evaluation, which will help up address any potential problems early in their development. Adjusting, realigning, or restoring teeth can prevent many future complications, and can help gain optimal muscle balance and a comfortable bite.
Neuromuscular Dentistry
What is Neuromuscular Dentistry?
Neuromuscular dentistry focuses on the healthy relationship among the teeth, jaw joints, and head and neck muscles.
A harmonious bite
In a harmonious, comfortable bite, the teeth, jaw joints, and muscles and can work together without strain or tension. The biting surfaces of upper and lower teeth fit together neatly, and the jaw joints work smoothly. The muscles on both sides of the face are relaxed when you are not chewing or swallowing, and when you do chew or swallow, these muscles contract evenly to bring the teeth together.
A problem bite
When there’s a problem with the bite, upper and lower teeth don’t come together correctly. A problem bite often exists when teeth are missing, misaligned, or worn down. In this situation, the muscles must use extra force, and the jaw joints often shift position in order to bring the teeth together. And when you are not chewing, your jaw muscles may not fully relax, even though they normal to you. Over time, this can cause muscles and joints to become sore, tired, and stiff. A bad bite, together with tense, strained muscles, can lead to a variety of problems, such as headaches, muscle pain, damage to the teeth or jaw joint, clicking and popping, and other symptoms. If can also shorten the life of crowns, veneers, and other dental restoration through damage or excess wear.
Diagnosis and treatment
When we are planning your dental treatment, we’ll use specialized advanced equipment to identify problems in the muscles, jaw joints, and bite. If we do find any problems, we may recommend treatments to stabilize your bite. These may include:
• Wearing a custom bite splint, called an orthotic
• Providing orthodontic treatment
• Placing crowns and veneers on the affected teeth
With the techniques and technologies of neuromuscular dentistry, we can help you achieve a healthier bite, more comfortable muscles and jaw joints, and a beautiful smile.
Youth Dental Health
Primary teeth
Because primary teeth, also called baby teeth, are eventually replaced by permanent teeth, many people don’t realize that primary teeth are, in fact, very important for a child’s long-term dental health.
Alignment of permanent teeth
Normally, some of the primary teeth remain in the mouth until a child is eleven or twelve. During this time, they serve as space maintainers and ensure that the permanent teeth are properly aligned as they grow into the mouth. Early loss of primary teeth often causes misalignment of the permanent teeth and may even alter normal facial development. Expensive orthodontic solutions may be necessary to correct these problems.
Nutrition and speech development
Children need strong, healthy teeth to chew their food. Cavities and tooth loss can make it impossible for a child to eat properly, which affects his/her overall level of health. Speech development can also be affected by premature tooth loss. In combination, these problems may lower a child’s self-esteem during important formative years. As you can see, primary teeth are critically important for a child’s health and development. It’s important to keep them in the mouth as long as possible by practicing excellent oral hygiene and treating problems early.
Pulpectomy
What is a Pulpectomy?
When the nerve of a baby tooth becomes infected, a pulpectomy can save the tooth. Like root canal treatment in an adult tooth, a pulpectomy involves removal of the infected nerve and the placement of a filling material.
Treatment in four steps
Through treatment is individualize in each case, there are four common steps in a pulpectomy. First, an opening is made into the tooth to get at the infection. Then the infected nerve tissue is removed. A filling material is placed in the root canals, and then a crown is placed to seal and protect the tooth.
Comfort is a priority
We want the entire procedure to be comfortable for your child, so the first thing we do is make sure his/her mouth is thoroughly numb. We place a rubber dam around the tooth to isolate it form the rest of the mouth. It protects her like a safety net, ensuring that nothing can fall to the back of her throat.
What is equilibration?
Equilibration is a process in which we adjust your bite by reshaping the biting surfaces of your teeth. It’s important for the health of your mouth to have your teeth come together properly when you bite and chew. Equilibration can prevent you from experiencing the following problems:
• Loose teeth
• Pain when chewing
• A toothache
• Jaw-joint pain
• Headaches
• Loss of tooth structure near the gumline
What is a healthy bite?
If your bite is healthy, your teeth will come together in such a way that they allow ideal paths of movement. This creates harmony for your jaw joint and maximum protection for your teeth. However, if you have had periodontal disease, an abscess, tooth crowding, or previous tooth loss, your teeth may shift or tilt. When this happens, your bite’s natural harmony may be compromised or lost.
How we can help using equilibration?
The process of equilibration begins with a careful evaluation of your mouth and your bite. This sometimes includes taking x-rays. We’ll use a special marking tape to evaluate your specific biting pattern. Then we’ll use the dental handpiece to carefully and meticulously remove small layers of tooth enamel. We’ll repeat the process, sometimes on subsequent visits, until your bite is back in harmony. Equilibration is a safe and effective procedure that prevents a chain reaction of problems in your mouth and restores harmony to your teeth.
Occlusion
What is occlusion?
Mother Nature didn’t provide all of use with a stable, healthy bite. Some people have bites that have been affected by wear, changed by dental restorations, or that have shifted with time. A healthy bite allows all of your teeth to hit simultaneously and evenly when your jaw joint is seated into its proper position at the base of your skull. In this position, your chewing muscles are also contracting evenly. One way to test your bite is to shift your jaw to the side. Your canine teeth, or eye teeth, should be the only teeth hitting and should absorb all the lateral biting force.
A “bad bite”
When you have a bad bite, also called a malocclusion, your teeth do not align properly. This cfan cause damage to your teeth and restoration, and it can also set off a cycle of muscle spasms, pain, and soreness commonly referred to as TMD, or temporomandibular disorder. When the balance is lost among the bones, cartilage, and muscles of the temporomandibular joing, it can lead to:
• Headaches
• Earaches
• Difficulty in opening and closing the jaw
• A dull, aching pain around the ear that spreads into the face
• Sore or painful jaw muscles
Bite problems can cause bruxism and abfraction
A malocclusion can also cause a condition called bruxism, which is the clenching or grinding of the teeth that occurs primarily while sleeping. The symptoms of bruxism are worn teeth, notching at the gumline (called abfraction), as well as all of the symptoms associated with TMD. Abfraction is the notching of teeth near or even under the gumline. When your bite is slightly off, undue stress is placed on the involved teeth and they begin to flex. This continual flexing and stress eventually cause the enamel to separate from the inner dentin layer, forming abfraction’s characteristic notch at the gumline. We can perform a complete bite evaluation, which will help up address any potential problems early in their development. Adjusting, realigning, or restoring teeth can prevent many future complications, and can help gain optimal muscle balance and a comfortable bite.
Neuromuscular Dentistry
What is Neuromuscular Dentistry?
Neuromuscular dentistry focuses on the healthy relationship among the teeth, jaw joints, and head and neck muscles.
A harmonious bite
In a harmonious, comfortable bite, the teeth, jaw joints, and muscles and can work together without strain or tension. The biting surfaces of upper and lower teeth fit together neatly, and the jaw joints work smoothly. The muscles on both sides of the face are relaxed when you are not chewing or swallowing, and when you do chew or swallow, these muscles contract evenly to bring the teeth together.
A problem bite
When there’s a problem with the bite, upper and lower teeth don’t come together correctly. A problem bite often exists when teeth are missing, misaligned, or worn down. In this situation, the muscles must use extra force, and the jaw joints often shift position in order to bring the teeth together. And when you are not chewing, your jaw muscles may not fully relax, even though they normal to you. Over time, this can cause muscles and joints to become sore, tired, and stiff. A bad bite, together with tense, strained muscles, can lead to a variety of problems, such as headaches, muscle pain, damage to the teeth or jaw joint, clicking and popping, and other symptoms. If can also shorten the life of crowns, veneers, and other dental restoration through damage or excess wear.
Diagnosis and treatment
When we are planning your dental treatment, we’ll use specialized advanced equipment to identify problems in the muscles, jaw joints, and bite. If we do find any problems, we may recommend treatments to stabilize your bite. These may include:
• Wearing a custom bite splint, called an orthotic
• Providing orthodontic treatment
• Placing crowns and veneers on the affected teeth
With the techniques and technologies of neuromuscular dentistry, we can help you achieve a healthier bite, more comfortable muscles and jaw joints, and a beautiful smile.
Youth Dental Health
Primary teeth
Because primary teeth, also called baby teeth, are eventually replaced by permanent teeth, many people don’t realize that primary teeth are, in fact, very important for a child’s long-term dental health.
Alignment of permanent teeth
Normally, some of the primary teeth remain in the mouth until a child is eleven or twelve. During this time, they serve as space maintainers and ensure that the permanent teeth are properly aligned as they grow into the mouth. Early loss of primary teeth often causes misalignment of the permanent teeth and may even alter normal facial development. Expensive orthodontic solutions may be necessary to correct these problems.
Nutrition and speech development
Children need strong, healthy teeth to chew their food. Cavities and tooth loss can make it impossible for a child to eat properly, which affects his/her overall level of health. Speech development can also be affected by premature tooth loss. In combination, these problems may lower a child’s self-esteem during important formative years. As you can see, primary teeth are critically important for a child’s health and development. It’s important to keep them in the mouth as long as possible by practicing excellent oral hygiene and treating problems early.
Pulpectomy
What is a Pulpectomy?
When the nerve of a baby tooth becomes infected, a pulpectomy can save the tooth. Like root canal treatment in an adult tooth, a pulpectomy involves removal of the infected nerve and the placement of a filling material.
Treatment in four steps
Through treatment is individualize in each case, there are four common steps in a pulpectomy. First, an opening is made into the tooth to get at the infection. Then the infected nerve tissue is removed. A filling material is placed in the root canals, and then a crown is placed to seal and protect the tooth.
Comfort is a priority
We want the entire procedure to be comfortable for your child, so the first thing we do is make sure his/her mouth is thoroughly numb. We place a rubber dam around the tooth to isolate it form the rest of the mouth. It protects her like a safety net, ensuring that nothing can fall to the back of her throat.
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