Is TMJ Disorder Causing You Trouble?

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is tmj disorder causing you troubleYou know you should see your dentist if your tooth gives you problems, or if you want to improve your smile, but did you know that your dentist may also be able to help treat soreness and pain in your jaw and face?

Your temporomandibular joints, or TMJs, are the large joints in front of each ear that connect your lower jaw (mandible) to your skull. They help your jaw move in the many directions necessary to perform its duties, but undue pressure and a variety of dental issues can damage these joints and the muscles around them, causing TMJ disorder. To help you determine if your jaw or facial discomfort might be TMJ disorder, we offer a short quiz about your symptoms and condition. (more…)

filed under: General Dentistry, Patient Education

Quiz: When Should You Visit Your Emergency Dentist?

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shutterstock_334306280A toothache is undoubtedly painful, but is it always a reason to rush to your emergency dentist? Probably not – but it can certainly be difficult to differentiate between a dental emergency and a non-emergent dental concern. If left untreated, a dental emergency could progress and cause many other health complications, so they should be dealt with immediately. On the other hand, however, something non-emergent can absolutely wait until regular business hours. So, do you think you would recognize a dental emergency if it happened to you? Take our quiz and find out! (more…)

filed under: Uncategorized

Are Root Canals Necessary?

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shutterstock_92525713You may have heard of root canal treatments before, and likely not in a good way. Unfortunately, root canals are the most feared dental procedure – but they shouldn’t be! Contrary to popular belief, your tooth will probably hurt more before the treatment than during (or after). But, are root canals necessary? If your tooth has suffered severe damage where the pulp, or nerve, becomes inflamed and infected – you’ll likely need root canal therapy to be able to keep its natural structure. Don’t wait to contact your dentist until your symptoms become increasingly worse, take action as soon as you notice sensitivity or pain! (more…)

filed under: Restorative Dentistry

Will You Need A Filling?

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shutterstock_119875249When it comes to toothaches, they could mean a number of different things. It could be as simple as increased sinus pressure, but it could also be as complicated as an infected tooth. How do you know if you’ll need a filling or not? Well, your dentist is the only one who can really make that decision – but, if you’re experiencing the common symptoms of a cavity or have noticeable tooth decay, you’ll likely need a dental filling. But don’t let that scare you away from the dentist – they’ll make sure you’re comfortable and you don’t want that infection getting any worse! (more…)

filed under: General Dentistry

Is It Time For Your Child To See The Dentist?

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shutterstock_188519291Scheduling your own dentist appointments is fairly easy, but many parents aren’t sure when it’s time for their child to see the dentist. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), your child should see their dentist around age 1 or within 6 months of their first tooth erupting. Don’t panic if you have a toddler who hasn’t been to the dentist yet – just give your dentist a call to schedule their appointment! Don’t worry about how your child will handle the appointment, the first appointment is typically easy (with little cleaning involved). Your dentist will make sure your child is as comfortable as possible! (more…)

filed under: Family Dentist, Preventive Dentistry

Has Your Gingival Tissue Become An Issue?

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smileAre you unhappy with your smile? Is it because your teeth look too small? Is there more pink than white? Is your gingival tissue overtaking your smile? Some people have what is referred to as a “gummy” smile. That means they have excess gingival tissue (gum tissue). A gummy smile can make your teeth look too short and stubby, and can make you feel self-conscious about smiling. Although a gummy smile can be a matter of individual perception, the rule-of-thumb is that if your showing more than four millimeters, or an eighth of an inch, of gum tissue, then your gingival tissue has become an issue.

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filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Patient Education

What Is Bonding?

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shutterstock_311691548Tooth bonding is typically recommended for restoring a tooth that has small imperfections – whether it be decay, chips, shape, discoloration, etc. While there are other restoration options for these instances – like dental crowns, veneers, or even fillings – dental bonding is a cost-effective and minimally invasive approach to repairing minor damages. Using composite-resin, a tooth-colored material (also used for fillings), your dentist can create a seamless smile. However, dental bonding may not be for everyone – if you’re interested in restoring your smile, it’s always best to consult with your dentist. Every restoration option has their advantages and disadvantages, it all depends on your individual situation. (more…)

filed under: Restorative Dentistry

Restoring Your Teeth With Dental Implants

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shutterstock_285565211If you’re missing a tooth or facing an extraction, you may be thinking about restoring your teeth with dental implants – they have become an increasingly popular choice for tooth restoration (for good reason, too). There are several benefits to replacing your lost teeth with an implant (over other options); from strength and function to cosmetic appeal and longevity. However, restoring your smile isn’t always as easy as choosing an option and undergoing the procedure. For example, in this case, for dental implants to be successful, your dentist has to consider several different factors about your oral health and commitment, medical (and family) history, and so on. (more…)

filed under: Dental implants

What's Causing Your Jaw Pain?

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shutterstock_112469801If you’ve ever woken up with a sudden onset of pain in your jaw, you’re probably wondering where it came from. Unless you experienced a facial injury the night before, it’s likely temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD. TMD is caused from an issue with your jaw joint (the temporomandibular joint), which connects the jawbone to the skull. Unfortunately, there are several factors that contribute to the condition, often making it difficult to diagnose. If you feel pain in your ears or jaw muscles, or hear a popping sound when you open or close your mouth – you’re presenting with common symptoms of TMD. Some patients struggle to even open their mouths sometimes – you’ll want to visit your dentist before it gets any worse. (more…)

filed under: General Dentistry

How Often Do You Floss?

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shutterstock_337789961While you may brush your teeth twice each day – are you really flossing as often as you’re supposed to? The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends flossing your teeth at least one time every day. For some reason, people often struggle to floss this regularly, although it’s a vital part of your oral hygiene. Without flossing, bacteria can build up between your teeth – where it has direct access to your gum tissue. Maintaining your tooth brushing is absolutely essential, but it won’t be able to reach all of the bacteria around your mouth – especially in those hard-to-reach places! (more…)

filed under: General Dentistry, Patient Education