TMJ Therapy Explained

Any doctor will say that patients shouldn’t wait to receive therapy for their jaw. Between acupuncture, physical therapy, and dental procedures, there are plenty of solutions. When it comes to an ailment like TMJ, the sooner the treatment the more likely it will work. This can help patients avoid pain in the future.

The discomfort of TMJ stems from the overuse or wearing down of the joint connecting the jaw to the skull. As common as it is, many doctors have come up with different treatments. There are many ways to cut through the pain, from muscle relaxers to dental splints and even biobehavioral management. The importance is improving range of motion, keeping flexibility, and strengthening the muscles.

In more severe cases, surgery of the jaw may be required. Arthroscopy and even joint replacement is often a solution. But it’s important to make sure this is required. Dental surgery obviously has a greater impact on the body, so getting a second opinion wouldn’t hurt.

Clearly, there are many remedies for TMJ. And therapy needs to be considered on a case-by-case basis. Medical treatment is a surefire way to bring long-term relief from all that pain.

For more, contact our TMJ doctor in Los Angeles.

Benefits of Flossing Regularly

When it comes to your daily oral health routine, it is crucial not to cut corners. Simple habits such as flossing regularly can positively impact your gum health and fight off gingivitis. It has been proven through numerous studies that flossing will significantly reduce the amount of bleeding and gum inflammation over time. This practice can remove harmful bacteria and plaque resting between teeth, which will ultimately limit your susceptibility to developing cavities.

Follow these awesome tips to ensure you are flossing correctly: 

Use approximately 18 inches of floss and start with most of it wound around each index or middle finger. You will only need to work with one to two inches at a time. 
When you gently glide the floss between two teeth, be sure to cup the floss around each tooth individually. Do not simply perform a saw-like motion between teeth. 
Never snap floss between teeth. If you are having difficulty removing floss, simply glide it out from one side and try again. 
As you move from tooth to tooth, be sure to use a clean section of floss. 

Consider which type of floss is best for your smile. Depending on whether you have dental implants or braces, the type of floss you use can make an impact. 

For more information about the importance of flossing, call our office or schedule an appointment with one of our periodontists in LA.

Should I get veneers?

If you’re looking to revamp your smile in a way that is quick and highly effective, dental veneers are an excellent solution. For many patients considering porcelain veneers, the cost is well worth the stunning results. Not only will you have a gorgeous Hollywood smile, but it will be incredibly simple to maintain.

Porcelain veneers are thin shells that are cemented to the front of your teeth to restore their appearance. During the initial stages of this process, our dentist will discuss with you your desired results. You will get a clear idea of what to anticipate during treatment, as well as the final outcome.

Our dentist will also remove a thin layer of enamel in preparation for each veneer to properly attach to your smile. This is done to ensure your new veneers are completely natural looking. Afterward, he will create a mold of your teeth and your custom veneers will be finished within the next few weeks.
 
During your follow-up appointment, your permanent veneers are applied. By the end of your visit, you will leave with your dream smile and newly found confidence.

Call our office for more information regarding porcelain veneers or to schedule your consultation.

Mini Dental Implants and Their Advantages

Mini dental implants began in the early 90s as an alternative to standard dentures, and have grown in popularity because of their availability to almost anyone. Candidates who were rejected for regulation-size implants due to low bone density can qualify for mini implants, with or without dentures. Mini implants are less than 3mm in diameter, compared to 3.7mm for regulation implants. Fittingly, they cost less. And again, they require less bone for acceptance.

If a patient is not approved for support by a full plate, the same problem can be solved by distributing weight evenly across four to six mini implants. This is also true for patients who may have weak candidacies because of old age or infirmity. Mini implants are much less invasive than regular implants, require only a couple of hours in the chair, and allow the patient to go back to eating and drinking within a few hours of the surgery.

A mini implant is constructed in a threaded way that screws directly into the implant site. The site should already be more secure, since bone removal is not necessary.

For more about the advantages of mini dental implants, contact our expert in implants in Beverly Hills.

Transform Your Smile Discreetly

If you’ve ever worn metal braces, you know just how distracting they can be during adolescence. When it comes time to choose an orthodontic method for your child, you may be surprised by the new advancements and treatments available. 

If your child is self-conscious about wearing metal braces, she may be an ideal candidate for discreet orthodontics. Beyond traditional brackets and archwire, orthodontists now offer Invisalign, lingual braces, and ceramic braces, which will do wonders for your child’s confidence.
 
Invisalign is one of the most discreet options available. This method uses virtually invisible aligner trays that rest on top of teeth and shift them into proper alignment over time.

Ceramic braces are similar to metal. However, they involve tooth-colored brackets. This feature ensures that your child’s braces will blend into their natural teeth. 

Lingual braces are placed on the back, or lingual surface of teeth. Although they are also made of metal, no one will be able to see that your child has braces. This method is also very effective with a high success rate. 

It is important to discuss with your child which option will best suit their needs. If she feels embarrassed about the thought of wearing traditional braces, treatments such as Invisalign may be worth the investment.

For more information about orthodontics, contact our Invisalign doctor in Los Angeles.

Tooth Sensitivity Out of Nowhere

Is there anything worse than a sharp pain shooting through your teeth out of nowhere? Sudden tooth sensitivity can be incredibly irritating, especially if you are unable to identify its cause. Here are some common reasons for sudden tooth sensitivity.

Increase in stress: High levels of cortisol are bad for your overall health. As far as your teeth are concerned, you may be more prone to teeth grinding or bruxism if you experience high levels of stress. This bad habit could easily be the source of newly developed sensitivity. 

Sudden interest in acidic food: Your diet plays a large role in the condition of your teeth. If you recently fell in love with a new food, it is wise to check its acidity levels before you accidentally overdo it.  Acidic foods and sudden change in diet have been known to cause tooth sensitivity.
Tooth Whitening products: Certain bleaching products on the market may cause sensitivity to your teeth if you apply too often, as these whitening formulas are not customized to meet your specific needs. It is important to talk to your dentist before using an OTC whitening product. It is also wise to apply conservatively to avoid dehydrating your teeth. 

Contact our expert in emergency dentistry in Los Angeles if you experience extreme dental sensitivity or toothaches.

Will My TMJ Get Worse

If you notice any signs of jaw pain, you may be wondering how to target them before they get any worse. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to avoid TMJ and combat irritation at its source.
 
TMJ, or temporomandibular disorder, is considered pain in the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull. Soreness found in this joint could have several different causes, such as stress, arthritis, trauma to the mouth, or erosion of the disk holding proper alignment. 

What you can do to keep TMJ pain from getting worse:
Apply a heated compress- to relieve joint tension
Apply ice indirectly- to reduce swelling
Relaxation Techniques- participate in yoga, massage therapy, or breathing exercises to reduce stress
OTC pain relievers- to combat swelling and nerve pain
See a professional- for an oral appliance that may help realign your jaw for long-term comfort
Avoid bad habits- such as biting nails and clenching jaw; reduce gum chewing 

Our TMJ doctor has many solutions to help target your jaw pain. It is important to seek medical advice as to avoid severe headaches, back and neck pain. Call our office for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Invisalign Timeline

Invisalign is an alternative orthodontic treatment that gets rave reviews from providers and patients. It is very effective against crooked or rotated teeth, and has even seen some changes in patient malocclusion—or bad bite. As a visual aid, it is superior to traditional braces, which most patients—especially younger ones—consider an obstruction even in their more updated forms.
Invisalign is also faster than braces in most cases. This is also part of the draw. Braces can take as long as two years, while Invisalign rarely takes more than a year. 

Your total treatment time is determined by the severity of your case. Your dentist prescribes your number of aligner sets in advance, with new sets scheduled at two week intervals. Invisalign is a staged system, with each new set extending the progress of the previous one. If you wear them as instructed, and observe monthly checkups, your treatment largely takes care of itself. 

Of course, this schedule is contingent on you wearing your aligners 22 hours a day, no exceptions. Taking them out for meals is all that’s allowed, otherwise you risk falling behind in your treatment.
 
Ask your Invisalign dentist in LA about ways to guarantee a timely result.

What Can Invisalign Do for Me?

If you have ever looked in the mirror and wished for a straighter, more even smile, it might be time to consider orthodontics. Today’s orthodontic options are more extensive than ever before and include not just conventional and clear braces but also Invisalign, a system of clear aligners that are smooth and removable. These aligners gradually shift your teeth over the course of treatment until each tooth is in a perfectly balanced position. Our Invisalign dentist in Beverly Hills can help you decide if Invisalign is right for you. 

Invisalign can do a lot for you, including: 

1. Give you a healthy, straight smile
Imbalanced smiles can put abnormal pressure on the jaw joint and cause teeth to wear unevenly. Invisalign can treat many of the same bite problems that braces can. It can bring your jaws and bite back into alignment and create a healthy, balanced smile that is easy to clean and maintain. 
2. Give you a confident smile
A crooked smile might make you feel embarrassed, but visible wires and brackets can be just as embarrassing. The clear aligners of Invisalign straighten your smile invisibly, and every two weeks, your teeth will get a little bit straighter until the only thing people will see is your beautifully straight smile.

3. Give you a worry-free smile
With removable aligners, you don’t have to worry about your diet or your dental hygiene routine. You can easily remove your aligners each time you eat, or when you brush and floss, making your entire treatment experience simple and convenient.

Call our office today to learn more about how Invisalign can transform your smile or to schedule your consultation with our team.

Aftercare for Dental Implants

Dental implants are a great solution to restoring smiles and supporting a strong, healthy jawbone. Before you go in for your procedure, it is important to understand the proper care necessary to support your new implants. Our Los Angeles implant doctor is an expert when it comes to helping patients regain confidence through beautiful, highly functional dental implants. 

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is inserted into the jawbone to act as an anchor for a porcelain crown. Your dental implant will take several weeks to heal, as your jaw must naturally fuse to the metal implant. After the bond strengthens and your gums heal, your dentist will attach an abutment, and eventually a porcelain crown. After your dental implant process is complete, you will have gorgeous and natural looking results. To take proper care of your dental implant, switch to non-abrasive toothpaste and special implant floss. It is incredibly important to take good care of your gums in order to avoid infection. With the proper attention, you can expect your dental implants to last a lifetime.

Contact our office today to address any questions or concerns you have regarding dental implants or to schedule an appointment.