If a tooth is causing significant pain for a patient and/or cannot be successfully restored, extraction is sometimes the only option. Wisdom teeth may be extracted to alleviate discomfort or prevent a future shift in the occlusal positioning of other teeth. Most tooth extractions are not painful because the dentist will apply a local anesthetic…
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Is a root canal painful?
Root canals should not be painful if they are done with proper precaution. Prior to the procedure, the area surrounding the tooth will be numbed with a local anesthetic. If a patient is anxious about being conscious during a root canal, the patient may opt for nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or even sedation (general anesthesia).…
Read MoreWhy do I need a root canal?
A root canal is an endodontic procedure that is performed to remove infected or diseased dental pulp. Dental pulp is the soft tissue from the pulp chamber of a tooth down to the root of the tooth. If an infected tooth is left untreated, the infection may spread from the pulp to the bone holding…
Read MoreHow do I know if I have a cavity?
A cavity is a hole in a tooth that caused by the dissolution of dental enamel. This is formed when bacteria living in the mouth digest carbohydrate debris on the teeth and subsequently excrete acids that combine with saliva to dissolve enamel. Since there are no nerves in the enamel of a tooth, it is…
Read MoreWhat is the anatomy of TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint is the joint which connects the mandibular condyle with the mandibular fossa of the temporal bone. The temporal bone is the bone at the side of the head, and the mandible is the lower jaw. This joint is vital for speech, chewing, and yawning. The articulation of this joint is controlled by…
Read MoreWhat does TMJ and TMJD stand for?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is a ball-in-socket joint connecting the lower jaw to the temporal bone in the skull. TMJD stands for temporomandibular joint dysfunction, which is an umbrella term to describe pain and dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint. TMJ dysfunction could be the result of an injury to the jaw resulting injoint…
Read MoreCan a car accident cause TMJ?
Yes, it is possible for a car accident to cause ongoing pain and dysfunction in thetemporomandibular joint. Traumatic injuries to the craniofacial region are among the leadingcauses of TMJ in patients. In addition to other bodily injuries, victims of a car accident may experience whiplash. Whiplash is a neck injury resulting from a rapid forward…
Read MoreShould I use a TMJ night guard?
Night guards are a custom-made appliance to be worn while sleeping to protect the teethand the temporomandibular joint from the damages caused by bruxism (teeth grinding). Thereare standard size night guards and āboil-and-biteā night guards available in drugstores andsupermarkets, along with custom night guards used under the supervision of a dental practitioner.We strongly recommend patients…
Read MoreIf I have TMJ, does that mean I have a broken jaw?
Those who experience whiplash in a car accident resulting in hyperextension (backwardmovement) followed by hyperflexion (forward movement) may suffer injuries to the neck andspine in addition to fracturing the temporomandibular joint. It would be impossible to knowwhether or not your jaw is fractured or even determine the root cause of your TMJ symptomsbefore you have…
Read MoreHow long does it take to recover from TMJ surgery?
The recovery time period after TMJ surgery varies based on the condition of each patientand the type of procedure which was performed. Unlike more invasive surgeries, most TMJsurgeries are actually outpatient procedures and the patient should be able to go home the same day after their procedure is complete. However, it is vital for all…
Read MoreIs TMJ surgery painful?
In most circumstances, surgery will only be recommended for a patient if moreconservative treatments have failed to yield favorable results. The patient will not feel any painduring the process of TMJ surgery because anesthesia will be administered. The most commonforms of sedation for TMJ surgery are general anesthesia and intravenous (IV) sedation. Thepractitioner will determine…
Read MoreCan TMJ be treated with Botox?
While commonly known for its cosmetic use in reducing the appearance of frown linesand wrinkles, Botulinum toxin (Botox) was initially developed as a muscle relaxant to alleviatechronic muscle spasms at the site of injection. Botox was clinically used by ophthalmologists inthe mid-1900s to treat eye muscle disorders and alleviate facial tics by relaxing the muscles…
Read MoreWhat is a TMJ mouth guard and how do I use it and maintain it?
Upon evaluating the patient, the dentist may recommend a mouth guard to alleviate painand discomfort in the temporomandibular joint. A mouth guard, also referred to as a stabilizationsplint or bite guard, is a custom-made plastic appliance that fits over the lower or upper teeth. Amouth guard is a conservative treatment prescribed for TMJ, and it…
Read MoreWhat are teeth made of?
Most adult humans naturally have 32 develop teeth. A tooth is a multilayer structuredivided into two basic sections: the crown (the top of the tooth above the natural gum) and theroot (the part of the tooth below the natural gum line). The place where the crown and the rootmeet is called the neck. The surface…
Read MoreDoes physical therapy help alleviate TMJ pain?
Does physical therapy help alleviate TMJ pain? Physical therapy may help alleviate TMJ pain when administered by a licensed practitioner in coordination with a dentist specializing in TMJ treatments. In recent years, there has been a great deal of progress in the understanding of the physiology of pain. This is especially beneficial for patients suffering…
Read MoreDoes my insurance cover TMJ?
Insurance companies are generally required to provide coverage for the cost of bothsurgical and non-surgical TMJ treatments when a licensed practitioner believes it is medically appropriate. TMJ treatments are usually covered by health insurance companies for patientsexperiencing chronic pain and under personal injury protection (PIP) for victims of car accidents.The mechanisms of insurance coverage in…
Read MoreWhat is the definition of TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a paired synovial joint in which the mandibularcondyle is opposed by the mandibular fossa. This joint is capable of both gliding and hingemovements and responsible for the articulation of the mandibular condyle, articular disc, andsquamous portions of the temporal bone. Between the mandibular condyle and the mandibularfossa, there is fibrous…
Read MoreWhat are different types of TMJ exercises I can do to alleviate my pain?
In the interest of preventing recurrent TMD pain over the long-term, the practitioner may recommend several exercises and/or lifestyle modifications for the patient. The patient may be encouraged to partake in a habit-reversal program or undergo lifestyle counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy for stress management, progressive relaxation, hypnosis, and/or biofeedback. Working with the patient, the practitioner…
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What are dental implants?
Dental implants are a special device meant to securely hold removable dentures or permanent teeth replacements in the jawbone. They are a safe and esthetically desirable replacement for missing teeth lost as the result of dental trauma or periodontal disease. The placement of implants is often preferable compared to the use of fixed dental bridges…
Read MoreWhat are the most common treatments for TMJ?
The goals of TMJ treatment are similar to those with other orthopedic and rheumatologic disorders. We know that TMDs can significantly affect a patientās quality of life, and our long-term goals for our patients are to reduce pain, restore muscular function, and empower the patient to resume their normal daily activities.
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