A complete medical and dental evaluation is necessary to diagnose patients with suspected TMJ disorders. If you are diagnosed with a TMJ disorder, there are a variety of TMJ treatment options that may be effective for you.
Heat and ice with anti-inflammatory medications are usually used as initial treatments for controlling pain. Heat and ice therapy will help reduce muscle tension, and anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin help control inflammation in the area, which can also help relieve some pain.
Physical therapy, which can be performed as easily as occasionally opening and closing the jaw, can also greatly decrease pain and increase the range of motion and strength of the joint. In some cases, massaging the jaw area can also be beneficial.
Occlusal therapy involves the use of a dental guard. A custom-made acrylic appliance that fits over the teeth, the guard acts to balance the bite and reduce teeth grinding. This appliance is usually recommended to be worn at night but it may also be prescribed for wear throughout the day.
Dental therapy, such as orthodontics, may be required to correct an abnormal bite, and dental restorations, such as dental crowns, can assist in creating a more stable bite. Tooth grinding while asleep plays a big part in the wear and tear of your jaw. It is very important to notice when this occurs and to visit your dentist as soon as possible for treatments to help limit this activity.
As a last resort, surgery is recommended for those situations where initial treatments fail. There are several surgical treatments that may be recommended to treat your TMJ, but these options are typically only considered in the most severe cases of joint deterioration.
For more information about TMJ treatments, contact our cosmetic dentistry center in New Jersey to schedule an appointment.
Sedation dentistry is a popular option for patients that have dental phobia or severe anxiety when going to the dentist. Sedation dentistry may also be recommended for complicated procedures. Here are some commonly asked questions about sedation during dental procedures.
Sedation dentistry is the process of giving a patient a sedative in order to relax the patient and relieve any anxiety that he or she may have. The sedation process allows the patient to be comfortable during the procedure and to take away any major fears that going to the dentist may cause. A sedative is given either orally, as an inhalant, or intravenously to make the patient relax or sleep through the dental procedure.
Patients who are in otherwise good health and are anxious about going to the dentist for needed treatments will be ideal candidates. If a patient has continuously put off treatment or abandoned plans for treatment due to anxiety, then this may be a good way for them to get the needed procedures completed. It may also be appropriate for those who have intense and chronic jaw soreness or who suffer from a heightened gag reflex. Finally, patients undergoing complicated procedures, such as the placement of dental implants or certain cosmetic dentistry treatments, may be good candidates for sedation dentistry.
Patients are cautioned to have a responsible person with them to care for them in the hours after sedation. They should not attempt to drive or operate any machinery in the hours following the procedure. They may experience some light amnesia. They may find that they actually recover more quickly and with less discomfort than previous visits to the dentist where no sedation was used. Dry mouth is a common side effect that goes away after sedation has completely worn off (approximately four to six hours).
Most dental insurance companies do not cover the cost of dental sedation, though it is a good idea to check your policy to learn the details about your specific coverage.
Porcelain veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry treatment. The veneers improve the appearance of your smile by adding a “cover” over your teeth. Porcelain veneers are made of a thin material that is bonded to the front of your teeth, giving you a whiter, straighter smile.
If you have ever chipped a tooth or experienced gum recession, the dentist may have recommended porcelain veneers to fix the problem. This treatment option is mainly used by dentists to improve teeth that are discolored, chipped, worn, or misaligned. Porcelain veneers are bonded tightly to the enamel on the front of the tooth to conceal these aesthetic concerns and create the appearance of a beautiful new smile.
Porcelain veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry treatment because they provide patients with a very natural-looking appearance. It may be noticeable that you’ve changed your teeth, but only because they will look whiter and straighter. The material closely emulates the typical, natural enamel on your real teeth. Enamel is what gives your teeth the white, reflective shine that is bright or dull depending on the health of your teeth. When porcelain veneers are placed over teeth, it resembles the reflective enamel characteristics of healthy teeth, creating an attractive, natural appearance.
Porcelain veneers are extremely durable and resistant to stains, making this treatment option a perfect choice for those people who are heavy smokers, coffee drinkers, or red wine drinkers. Unlike teeth whitening treatments, porcelain veneers make it possible for people who won’t give up these habits to maintain a white smile. Furthermore, with proper care and maintenance, porcelain veneers can offer long-lasting, beautiful smile makeover results.