How Do You Treat TMD?

celinatmdTMJ disorder, also known as TMD, is a jaw joint disorder that affects millions of people in the United States. Without treatment you can endure a number of uncomfortable symptoms. However, treatment rarely involves surgery. In fact, there are a number of comfortable and minimally invasive options for addressing this jaw joint issue. How do you treat TMD?

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Do You Grind Your Teeth?

celinateethgrindingDo you grind your teeth? If you do, then the health and appearance of your smile may be at risk. Chronic teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can damage teeth and increase the risk of various oral health concerns. By treating the issue, you can stop these grinding/clenching episodes and help safeguard your smile.

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Are You Afraid Of The Dentist?

dental fear1Statistics show that between 30 and 40 million Americans are afraid of the dentist. There are different levels of fear.  There is anxiety and there is dental phobia. Dental anxiety tends to be a general feeling of uneasiness due to unfounded fears or worries when it comes time to visit the dentist. Dental phobia is a more intense fear or dread. Patients with dental phobia can experience panic and be literally terrified when faced with a dental appointment. Are you afraid of the dentist? If you are, you are not alone.

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Everybody Snores

snore

Or do they? Has your significant other had to record you while you were sleeping to convince you that you snore? If not, maybe after reading this they will, so you’d better watch out! The truth is, most people snore at least occasionally. Chronic snoring may simply be snoring, or it may be a symptom of sleep apnea. Either way, you can get help. Although everybody snores at least occasionally, it is not something you have to accept.

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The Ins and Outs of Implants

implantprocedureDental implants may seem like a scary concept but they are actually a prosthetic that functions just like your original tooth. Because a titanium implant post is directly inserted into your jaw bone it is equally as stable as the original tooth root and just as biocompatible. Biocompatible means that it can be inserted through your gum and into your bone without any adverse reactions from your body. It becomes part of your body. If you are considering this dental procedure, read on to find out about the ins and outs of implants.

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Need A Great Smile Fast? Snap It On!

snap on smileDo you have an interview coming up? Are you scheduled to give a speech? Do your grown children want a family photo for the holidays? Are you fretting because you don’t have time for a smile make-over? Don’t worry. If you need a great smile fast just snap it on! Snap-on smiles do exist, and they are called just that, the Snap-On Smile because they simply snap into place. If you’re going out for a night on the town with friends, or whatever the reason, keeping the Snap-On Smile handy may be the answer for you.

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The Concept of Porcelain Veneers

concept of porcelain veneersThe desire for a more appealing smile isn’t an unreasonable one, but depending on the extent of your smile’s cosmetic issues, realizing that goal might seem overwhelming. The idea of cosmetic dentistry is to improve the appearance of your teeth without drastically altering their structures, if possible.

Yet, when one tooth is chipped, another is kind of crooked, and all of them are discolored, how do you fix your smile without multiple procedures? The concept of porcelain veneers is to correct multiple cosmetic issues by focusing on your smile’s most noticeable features—the front surfaces of your teeth. (more…)

Has Your Tooth Filling Failed?

has your tooth filling failedThe point of having a tooth filling placed in a cavity is to stop the hole in your tooth from growing, while restoring the strength the tooth has lost. Doing so not only alleviates the pain of a cavity, it also stops the decay from spreading throughout more of your tooth. If the tooth filling fails, then the bacteria that lead to decay can infiltrate the tooth again, and you may risk further infection and the threat of tooth loss. You might notice that your filling has failed if the tooth begins to hurt again, or if you feel the filling fall out completely. If so, then you should seek treatment as soon as possible to restore the tooth, preferably with a tooth-colored filling that reduces the risk of failure in the future.  (more…)

Perform a Dental Checkup at Home!

perform a dental checkup at homeEvery six months or so, and sometimes sooner, you should visit your dentist for a professional cleaning and examination. During the routine visits, your hygienist can clean your teeth of harmful plaque and tartar, and your dentist can diagnose any potential or existing dental health risks, like tooth decay and gum disease. Yet, you may not have to wait between your appointments to gauge how well your oral health is doing. In fact, if you know what to look for, you can perform a rudimentary dental checkup at home! (more…)

Is Tooth Loss a Dental Emergency?

is tooth loss a dental emrgencyLosing a tooth can be devastating, and if it was due to accidental trauma, it can be painful, as well. In many cases, losing a tooth is considered a dental emergency, and you should seek treatment as soon as possible. Sometimes, though, tooth loss occurs over a longer period of time, such as when periodontal disease develops and progresses, or when a loose tooth is ignored long enough. If you neglect to treat a dental issue while your tooth can still be saved, then you could lose it, and replacing it may be an immediate need. Otherwise, the resulting discrepancy in your smile could lead to further dental health issues, and possibly more extensive tooth loss, in the future. (more…)