Q: What is Temporomandibular Joint Pain?
A: Temporomandibular joint pain. Pain from the temporomandibular joints can be both from the muscles and the temporomandibular joints and the musculoskeletal system itself. Pain in the temporomandibular joint can occur from pain¾sensitive structures of the temporomandibular joints, the ligaments and the masticatory muscles. Pain in the temporomandibular joints does not come from the articular surfaces or from the proprioceptors located in the ligaments and muscles. Arthralgic pain emanates from the temporomandibular joints, most arise from structures that include the collateral disk ligaments attached to the articular disk of the mandibular condyle associated with retrodiskal tissues that lie between the disk and the capsule of the TMJ. It should be noted that most TMJ pain is related to functional abuse and trauma which may be accompanied by inflammation. Muscle splinting is normally a protective reaction of muscles and responds to all proprioceptive input. Therefore, muscle pain or protecting muscle splinting may accompany noxious chemical forces that affect the temporomandibular joint.
Temporomandibular joint pain refers to pain associated with the hard and soft structures of the head, face and neck. These tissues include skin, blood vessels, teeth, glands, muscles. They send impulses to the nerves, interpreted as pain by the brain.
Temporomandibular joint pain encompasses both neurological and musculoskeletal pain. Evaluation and the management of TMJ and facial pain require a collaboration of many fields of medicine and dentistry. Pain may arise from multiple subsystems of the head and neck region. The quest to better manage pain associated with a temporomandibular joint disorder associated with headaches, can be best managed in the field of dentistry. When one examines and treats the temporomandibular joints, this involves the examination of the structures of the temporomandibular joints, the masticatory musculature, and the trigeminal nerves. Dentists and physicians must be familiar with the neuroanatomy of the orofacial structures to appropriately treat a temporomandibular joint disorder.
Q: How long is the first appointment?
A: It may vary, but generally speaking, the first appointment will be merely a consulting one. Our dentist or dental hygienist will be checking the overall state of your oral health. Then a dentist will provide recommendations on any further dental procedures you might need.
Q: Who performs my treatment?
A: We have a dedicated team of 5 different dentists. Each of them has a profound medical experience and degree. Also, we have a practical nurse and dental hygienists in our clinic’s team. Our staff will be more than enough to provide a timely, efficient dental care for all of our patients!
Q: Why is visiting the dentist so important?
A: Visiting the dentist on a regular, monthly basis will not only help keep your teeth and oral health in tact. It will also help keep the rest of your body healthy.
Dental care is important because it:
- Fights teeth decay
- Helps to prevent miscellaneous periodontal (gum) diseases, which eventually can lead to tooth loss
- Prevents bad breath. So besides brushing and flossing, seeing the dentist regularly will help eliminate the bacteria that causes a bad smell
- Awards you with a snow-shite smile and a new breath of confidence!
- Helps keep teeth shiny by preventing them being stained by food, drinks, and cigarettes
- Makes your teeth stronger which allows you to eat any food you want, at any age!
Q: My teeth feel fine; do I still need to see a dentist?
A: You may feel fine and think that your oral health is at no risk. But the thing is, that only a professional dentist can detect dental problems on early stages. This might happen only during a regular dental checkup. Caries, food staining, gums problems and teeth weakening are just a few such issues that can go unnoticed for quite a while. Also, you need to take advantage of all the modern dental medicine to fix any issues you did not fix earlier (like broken, chipped teeth etc…).
Q: How can I take care of my teeth in between dental checkups?
A:
- Do not forget to brush your teeth, at least, two times a day (5 minutes each time). Floss at least once a day!
- Use only a fluoride containing toothpaste. Ask your dentist if you also might need a fluoride rinse. This will prevent any cavities in the future!
- Avoid sugary drinks, foods and cigarettes as much as possible. These harm the overall immunity of your mouth and stain your teeth badly.
- When brushing teeth, brush your tongue as well! By doing so you will remove food particles and reduce the amount of mouth bacteria.
- Tongue brushing will make your breath much fresher!
- Be sure to schedule your regular, routine check-ups. It is recommended to check your teeth at least twice a year or even more often.
Q: At what age should I start taking my child to see the dentist?
A: We recommend you start taking kids as young as 5 years old to a regular dental healthcare checkups.
Q: When should I change my toothbrush?
A: It is highly recommended to change your toothbrush once in every month! That’s based on what a majority of American dental institutions and numerous researches strongly suggest.