What is Dental Bonding?

August 21st, 2019 by | No Comments

What is Dental Bonding?

If you’ve not come in contact with the concept of dental bonding before, understanding it can be a challenge. It’s a bit like dental veneers in the sense that it helps to enhance the appearance of your teeth, but it relies on an entirely different technology.

Instead of porcelain, dental bonding uses a resin substance that dentists place on your teeth to fill in chips or improve the shape of the tooth. It’s a bit like when you plaster over an uneven surface in your house to provide a smooth finish. Dental bonding attempts to achieve the same effect.

When Is Dental Bonding Used?

One of the advantages of dental bonding is how easy it is to use. All the dentist has to do essentially is paint it on, covering up any chips or blemishes, instantly improving the appearance of your teeth.
The advantages of resin over veneers can be considerable in some circumstances. Dental labs have to make veneers which conform to the exact shape of your teeth. There’s a whole process of taking molds, manufacturing the veneers – not to mention the expense. Dental bonding, on the other hand, can be completed in a single visit, making it a far less involved procedure. You arrive at your dental practice, the dentist paints on the resin in a color which matches that of your teeth, sorts out the cosmetic issue, and you’re done.

You can use dental bonding in a variety of situations. The most common application is filling and repairing chipped teeth. Your dentist can shape the resin to fill the gap, restoring the natural beauty of your teeth with minimal downtime.

Patients also choose dental bonding to improve the color of teeth. Some teeth can become discolored, either because the root died or the person took tetracycline antibiotics in their youth. Here again, resin can help. The dentist uses dental bonding to change the color of the tooth so that it matches the other teeth or appears more white.
Dentists also use dental bonding when the shape of the tooth is undesirable. Dental resin can lengthen or widen a tooth to help improve your smile.

What Happens During Dental Bonding?

The first step is to find a resin color that matches the rest of your teeth (in the case of a repair).
Next, your dentist will abrase your teeth to provide a stickier surface for the resin. After that, they will apply a conditioning liquid which helps the bonding agent to adhere.
After preparing the tooth, the dentist will apply the putty-like resin. The resin comes out soft so that the dentist can shape it into the desired form. It is then exposed to a UV light which hardens it.

Is Dental Bonding Safe?

Dental bonding is a highly safe and effective method of improving the visual appearance of your teeth and correcting color issues. Dental resin, however, isn’t as strong as natural tooth enamel so you may have to be careful with how you use your teeth following treatment. You can get dental bonding in Boston at Dental Partners of Boston.

Schedule An Appointment Today

If you are interested in dental bonding to help restore your smile then now is the perfect time to schedule an appointment with Dental Partners of Boston. Our team of Boston cosmetic dentists look forward to working with you.

Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?

August 12th, 2019 by | No Comments

Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are frustrating for many patients – they are a regular source of pain and infection. But if wisdom teeth are so problematic, why do we have them? It seems strange that evolution would give us teeth that are problematic and not necessary.

The Purpose Of Our Wisdom Teeth

Researchers believe that the reason that modern humans have wisdom teeth is that it is something our ancestors needed for their diet. Ancient humans and earlier hominids ate a lot of tough roots and leaves. These patient required large, strong jaws to process all that roughage and chew it so that it could pass down their gullets. “Wisdom teeth,” or a set of extra molars at the back of the mouth, helped considerably with this process by providing a large surface area on which to munch.
The shape and structure of the human face, however, changed during our evolution. We lost our large jaws, and the size of our skulls increased. We started to look less and less like other great apes, and more and more like, well, patient.

Our big brains are one of the causes of our wisdom tooth problems today. Big brains gave us the cognitive capacity to create fire and cook our food, but they also led to evolutionary pressures which shrunk the size of our jaws, leading to wisdom teeth problems. Cooking helped to break down the fibrous structures that hold plant matter and meat together, making it easier to chew and increasing the total number of calories available. All of a sudden, our big jaws were no longer necessary. What was the point of the body expending so much energy to build giant, powerful jaws if it didn’t need them for survival?

The problem, however, is that while our jaws shrunk, evolution still programmed our bodies to create wisdom teeth. This process creates a conflict: our jaws are small, but the footprint of our teeth is large. Many of the 53 percent of adults with wisdom teeth do not have enough real estate in their mouths to accommodate the extra molars.

The Problems Caused By Wisdom Teeth

While wisdom teeth were necessary in our distant evolutionary past, that’s no longer the case today. Many patient do not have any wisdom teeth at all. We do not need an extra set of molars to chew our food since most patient eat a mainly cooked and processed diet.
Wisdom teeth, however, can cause a variety of problems for some patient. Often, there isn’t enough space for the tooth to emerge at the back of the mouth. The tooth can rotate and become “impacted” in the space next to the regular molars.
Impaction doesn’t always lead to infection, but this is a common outcome. The gum surrounding the tooth can become swollen and inflamed. Pus can exude from the site and lead to a foul taste in the mouth and bad breath.
Worse still, if you leave the problem to fester, you can cause damage to the surrounding bone, which is why wisdom tooth extraction is vital.

Schedule An Appointment Today

If you have wisdom teeth still and they have become a nuisance then now is the time to schedule an appointment with Dental Partners of Boston. We look forward to talking with you about your particular situation to help alleviate your frustration with wisdom teeth.

What is A Boston Cosmetic Dentist?

August 5th, 2019 by | No Comments

What is A Boston Cosmetic Dentist?

You can put the reasons patient go to the dentist into two broad categories: those who go for medical procedures, and those who go for cosmetic. A cosmetic dentist is, as you might expect, a dentist who specializes in the latter; carrying out treatments to improve the visual appearance of teeth.

What Is A Boston Cosmetic Dentist?

Teeth can suffer from a variety of aesthetic issues. Sometimes teeth can be stained by coffee, tea, wine and other foods because of the tannins they contain. Staining makes teeth appear a yellowish-brown – not ideal. Cosmetic dentists use cleaning methods to remove the stains, and whitening agents to make them look whiter.  
In some cases, no amount of cleaning or bleaching can whiten teeth. For instance, patient who took certain types of antibiotics called tetracyclines in childhood can have permanently discolored teeth. In these situations, however, a dentist can still improve the appearance of their teeth using veneers. Veneers are just small pieces of ceramic (or other material) which sits over the top of teeth, providing a new front to make them appear better.

Boston cosmetic dentists, therefore, are concerned with making teeth look as good as possible. What’s more, improving the appearance of teeth often makes them more functional too. patient with poorly aligned teeth, for instance, can reduce issues associated with underbite or overbite.

Dental Partners Of Boston: Comprehensive Dentistry

At Dental Partner of Boston, we believe that patients should be able to get all their dental needs met by a single clinic. That’s why we offer both regular and cosmetic dentistry, integrating our services into a seamless whole. Through us, you can get extractions and fillings as well as whitening and other cosmetic procedures. We’re a one-stop-shop, meaning that you don’t have to go to multiple dentists to get work done. It’s all available right here at our practice.
Our team of dentists have years of experience and, thanks to their specialties, can meet any cosmetic dental needs that you might have. Our cosmetic dentists can beautify your smile in all kinds of ways.

  • Porcelain veneers. Our cosmetic dentists in Boston can fit thin, porcelain veneers over the surface of your teeth to eliminate flaws and hide chips. As discussed above, porcelain veneers are ideal for patient with tetracycline-based discoloration.
  • Tooth-colored fillings. Nobody wants big, black chunks of amalgam in their mouths, ruining their smile. While old fashioned fillings used dark materials, new varieties can match the color of your teeth perfectly. With us, you can get your old fillings removed and new, less visible alternatives installed.
  • Teeth whitening. Cosmetic dentists use a variety of techniques to help you whiten your teeth. Your dentist can show you how to use a home whitening kit and also offer in-house, professional whitening services.
  • Invisalign. The alignment of your teeth is essential, both medically and cosmetically. Traditionally, orthodontists install wired braces which rely on highly visible mounts. But Invisalign is a modern discrete tooth alignment system which uses a series of transparent retainers to shift your teeth into a better position.

Schedule An Appointment Today

If you are looking for cosmetic dentistry in Boston. then now is the time to schedule an appointment with Dental Partners of Boston. Our team of dentists look forward to working with you to create the smile of your dreams.

BOTOX® Treatments and Dentistry

July 31st, 2019 by | No Comments

Uses of BOTOX® As A Dental Treatment

BOTOX® has traditionally been thought of as a solely cosmetic procedure designed to stop the face from aging. But it has now entered the world of dentistry and it’s making a large impact that’s here to stay. A minimally invasive procedure, it can be used to help with an array of conditions such as bruxism, Temporomandibular joint disorder, masseter hypertrophy, deep nasolabial folds and headaches. Using Botulinum Toxin, it is a dental procedure which is available to patients at Dental Partners of Boston. It will help to sculpt your face (for up to six months) and help to diminish the pain and discomfort that you are feeling.

How Can Dental BOTOX® Help With Headaches?

As mentioned above, dental BOTOX® in Boston can help to ease headaches – both migraines and tension. These headaches are generally caused by muscle contraction. The dental BOTOX® will help with this contraction by creating paralysis in the muscles, getting rid of some tension. 

How Can Dental BOTOX® Help With Treating Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)?

A common cause of the syndrome is teeth grinding, which can result in lockjaw, pain throughout the jaw and painful tension headaches. A BOTOX® treatment will help with this condition by easing the pain and relaxing the muscles. Immobilizing the muscles, the treatment has fast and impressive results, working within a week of the procedure. If the discomfort starts to come back, you can arrange another appointment, as long as it is within the right time frame – i.e several months after your first appointment. 

How Does Dental BOTOX® Work?

After the dentist talks to you about the condition that you are suffering from, an examination will take place which will identify where the injection will be inserted. The BOTOX® will then attach itself to the nerve endings that control the muscle a few hours after it is injected into the muscle. Over the next week or so, the toxin within the BOTOX® will block the transmission between the nerve signals. 

Is It A Safe Procedure?

A BOTOX® dental treatment is a safe and simple cosmetic procedure that carries minimal risks – swelling or drooping of the eyelids, blurred vision, dry mouth, rashes and swelling. These are very unlikely but are important considerations when you are thinking of having dental BOTOX®. Before you make an appointment, ensure that provide us with your full medical history. Both ALS (and other nerve/muscle conditions) and pregnancy can cause complications with the treatment. 

Schedule An Appointment Today

All of your dental care needs can be met at Dental Partners of Boston. A multi-speciality practice with a dynamic team of doctors and years of experience within the dental industry, we will work together with you to find the best solution to your dentistry needs. If you are considering dental BOTOX® but are still unsure as to whether the treatment is appropriate for you, get in contact with us today by scheduling an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you at one of our Boston practices.

Gum Disease in Children

July 24th, 2019 by | No Comments

Periodontal disease can occur due to a number of factors, even in children. Generally, periodontitis begins with plaque buildup. From plaque forming on teeth due to a buildup of bacteria from sugar and starch to tartar, gum inflammation and gingivitis, it is a disease that will have to be treated by a dentist. If it isn’t treated quickly and safely, deep infections can occur that will result in loss of bone and tissue, tooth loss and it can greatly impact the immune system.

What are the main types of periodontal disease that can affect children?

Generalized Aggressive Periodontitis – this type of periodontal disease usually begins either within childhood or in puberty. A rare disease, it infects the entire mouth and can cause severe damage to the bone, as well as resulting in tooth loss if it is not treated rapidly. A clear sign of this condition is a heavy accumulation of plaque and gum inflammation.

Chronic Gingivitis – the best way to prevent this condition is to teach children the importance of brushing and flossing, as well as visiting the dentist regularly. If it does occur, however, it will cause the gum tissue to bleed and swell. This type can easily advance to more serious forms of the disease if it is not treated as soon as possible.

Necrotizing Periodontal Disease – one of the rarer forms of periodontal disease, it generally occurs in children that are suffering from a suppressed immune system. This aggressive infection kills gum tissue and tooth ligaments.

Aggressive Periodontitis – found in teenagers, this form of periodontal disease affects the incisors and molars. It is caused by plaque and calculus.

What Are The Main Signs of Gum Disease?

  • Bleeding while flossing or brushing
  • Receding gums
  • Swollen and sensitive gums
  • Consistent bad breath
  • Changes in jaw alignment or bit
  • loose teeth
  • White pus between the gums and teeth

How is periodontal disease treated?

The type of gum disease will be determined by your dentist, who will then decide the best course of action for your child. After taking an examination

and evaluating the history of your child’s health, a solution will be found. The Dental Partners of Boston guarantees the most efficient, safe and appropriate treatment is found for your child’s requirements. Preventing gum disease from getting worse, we understand the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

From recommending regular cleanings to deep cleanings, antibiotic treatments and occasionally surgery, there are a number of treatments that will be made available for your child.

What can parents do?

As well as establishing good dental habits early (teaching them that it’s important to regularly brush their teeth and floss), you should schedule regular dental visits and check-ups. You can also check your child’s mouth when you are home for any signs of plaque buildup or gum swelling. If you notice these, alongside receding teeth, you should book an appointment as soon as possible in order to diagnose and treat the issue.

Gum Disease in Women

July 10th, 2019 by | No Comments

How does gum disease develop and how does it affect women?

Gum disease usually develops due to plaque building up around your teeth and gums. With women, however, there are particular stages of your life that can particularly impact the health of your teeth and can result in the development of gum disease:

Puberty

Hormones begin to increase, therefore estrogen and progesterone levels are rising), gum sensitivity can increase due to the amount of blood that is circulating around the gums. This can cause your gums to become swollen, as well as plaque and food irritation, and can be an extremely uncomfortable process. Similarly, as young women start to menstruate and continue to do so throughout their lives, menstruation gingivitis can occur. This results in sores inside the cheek and swollen/bleeding gums. This is an uncommon condition, tending to affect women before and after the menstruation week.

Girls should learn to pay attention to their oral health and learn what is normal. This way, should anything unusual develop, they will recognize it early and take steps toward proper treatment.

Pregnancy

When a woman becomes pregnant, hormonal changes in her body increases the chance of contracting periodontal disease. Her body becomes more sensitive to toxins, including the bacteria that dwells in her mouth, causing her gums to become red and inflamed. How periodontitis directly affects the development of the baby or the pregnancy itself is still largely unknown, but it is a condition that needs to be treated safely.  If a woman already has gum disease, becoming pregnant may make it worse. Sometimes a large lump, or pregnancy tumor, will form on inflamed gum tissue, causing discomfort when eating and speaking. The lump glistens, has deep red pin point markings, may bleed, and crust over.

It is important to take care of every aspect of your health while expecting, so notice changes in your mouth as well as your body. The mother’s health is paramount to ensuring the baby thrives as he or she grows.

Menopause

When a woman is going through menopause or is post-menopause, they are susceptible to gum disease. Either menopausal gingivostomatitis can occur, or general discomfort of the mouth. If you think that you are experiencing an issue with your gums and teeth, it’s important to visit the dentist for an examination and check-up. 

Gum Disease Symptoms

Gum disease, which can develop into Periodontitis if it isn’t treated, can affect everyone. Many of the common signs of gum disease are:

  • Bleeding gums
  • Swollen gums
  • Receding teeth
  • Bad breath

If it isn’t treated quickly, it can result in tissue loss, tooth loss and damaged bone. In order to prevent gum disease from occurring, you should ensure that you brush your teeth regularly and arrange regular dental check-ups. If you start to notice these symptoms however, it’s important to contact Dental Partners of Boston for a consultation, and we will discuss treatment options with you.

What treatments for gum disease are available?

There are a number of treatments available to help with gum disease. The treatment that’s suitable for your needs will be determined by your dentist. Here are a few examples of the treatments that are frequently performed:

LANAP – One of the newest and less painful treatments for gum disease, it uses a laser. Promoting new bone growth and reattaching the gum tissue, it’s a regeneration procedure that has produced positive results in women of all ages. 

Gum regeneration treatment – this form of treatment will regenerate missing or lost bone and any damaged tissue that’s occurred due to gum disease. This type of treatment can also be used for cosmetic reasons, for example, if you have receding gums that you believe affect your appearance. 

Periodontal surgery – depending on the extent of the gum disease, periodontal surgery will treat the gums that surround the bone and teeth. 

Dental implants – as gum disease can result in loose or missing teeth, dental implants are a good treatment option in order to restore your oral health and the appearance of your smile. 

Scaling & Root Planning – A deep cleaning procedure where Dr. Guzman will remove any build up of plaque and bacteria, and ensure that any open pockets are cleaned so that your gums can reattach to your teeth.

If you have any concerns about the health of your gums, contact us today.

Gum Disease in Men

July 5th, 2019 by | No Comments

Research shows that gum disease affects a larger amount of men than women. This might be because they visit the dentist less or because they are more prone to dental plaque, bleeding and tartar. It’s important that if you notice symptoms of gum disease either in yourself or in your partner, you should contact us for a consultation. 

Gum disease is a condition that affects everyone around the world of all ages and genders. It may not be as noticeable at first, but if left  untreated it can become a major detriment to your health. How you can spot if you have or are developing gum disease, is if you notice: 

  • Receding Gums (which causes increased sensitivity)
  • Bleeding Gums
  • Your Gums Swell After Eating, Brushing, or Flossing.

Without treating gum disease, there can be irreversible permanent damage to not only your gums, but the rest of your mouth as well. Bone & tissue loss can occur, or even worse the loss of your teeth. To prevent these things from occurring, make sure that you brush your teeth twice a day, floss and schedule regular appointments with Dental Partners of Boston. 

How Gum Disease Develops And Affects Men 

Gum disease can develop due to a number of factors at any stage of your life.

If you have developed periodontal disease from plaque buildup, not only can it cause your gum tissue to become damaged, but it can also lead to impotence. Damaging blood vessels, the prolonged chronic inflammation can be the result of periodontal disease is unfortunately one of the main causes of impotence. This tends to affect men between the ages of 30 and 70. 

According to research, periodontal disease also has a connection to cardiovascular disease. In order to maintain your oral health and prevent heart disease from occurring (as men have a higher possibility of being affected by it than women), it’s important that you visit Dental Partners of Boston as soon as you see any of the above signs of gum disease. 

Periodontal health can also have a direct impact on your prostate health. Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) levels will rise if the prostate becomes infected or inflamed. PSA levels above 4.0 mL gives medical doctors reason to recommend a prostate biopsy to determine whether prostate cancer is present. As Periodontitis carries similar symptoms, and also has a high PSA number, if you notice symptoms of gum disease it’s important that you get checked by your dentist and a medical doctor to ensure you are healthy. 

Research also indicates that men who have suffered from gum disease are also more likely to develop cancer. To help prevent this from occurring, come into Dental Partners of Boston for an appointment where our team of dentists will give you a thorough dental plan to bring back a healthy smile! 

What Treatment Options Are Available For Gum Disease?

There are a number of treatments available for men that are suffering from gum disease. One or more will be recommended by our team, after an exam and consultation. Here are a few examples of the treatments that are performed:

LANAP – using a laser, this treatment is aimed at reattaching gum tissue, removing damaged gum tissue and promoting bone growth. A popular treatment, it is less painful than other options and produces positive results in men of all ages. 

Gum regeneration treatment – used for both cosmetic purposes and surgical purposes, gum generation treatment aims at regenerating damaged tissue and bone that’s been lost due to gum disease. 

Scaling & Root Planning – A deep cleaning procedure where Dr. Guzman will remove any build up of plaque and bacteria, and ensure that any open pockets are cleaned so that your gums can reattach to your teeth.

Dental implants – restoring your periodontal health and the appearance of your teeth, dental implants act as a treatment that will replace missing teeth that are lost to gum disease. 

Periodontal surgery – treating your gums, this more in-depth surgery will depend on the extent and type of gum disease you have. 

Schedule An Appointment Today

If you want to find out if you do in fact have gum disease and want to begin the process of healing your teeth then contact Dental Partners of Boston today to schedule an appointment. Dr. Guzman and our team of dentists look forward to meeting you and helping to restore your smile!

Dental Implants: What Is A Sinus Lift?

June 26th, 2019 by | No Comments

When the amount of bone a person has on their upper jaw needs to be increased to make dental implants possible, the procedure that’s used is called a sinus lift. A sinus lift is a surgical procedure that corrects bone loss and the sinus is moved up to make room for a bone graft.

After the procedure, 6 months must pass which gives the bone graft the time it needs to settle and then the implants can be put in place. If implants were placed without enough bone support, the implants would be more likely to fail and potentially cause a range of other problems.

How Does a Sinus Lift Work?

Ahead of the procedure, bone material has to be found, and this can either come from a donor or from the patient’s own bone material. When the procedure is underway, the dentist begins by making an incision in the gums in order to expose the bone. This allows them to cut a hole in the bone before pushing the sinuses up to where they need to be. 

At this point, the bone graft materials will be packed in and the gums can be closed up again using stitches. During the procedure, you will be under anaesthetic to ensure you feel comfortable during the procedure. 

To help stop the bleeding once the sinus lift has been completed, we will provide you with a pad to bite down on. The pressure will stop the bleeding quicker. Ice can also be used to reduce any swelling that occurs. As long as you’re careful post-surgery, you can be feel back to normal within a week or so.

Is it the Right Procedure for You?

So, is a sinus lift something you’d benefit from? They tend to only be performed when Dr. Guzman feels they’re necessary. If you think you need implants but you’ve been told that your bone can’t support them, you’re an ideal candidate for a sinus lift and you’ll most likely benefit hugely from the procedure.

By adding bone to the jaw, dental implants are made possible and more secure once they’re in place. If you’ve had teeth removed in the past, this might be the reason why your bone is weaker now; it can make the density decrease and make sinus lifts necessary if implants are to be safely inserted.

Schedule An Appointment Today

At Dental Partners of Boston, we’ve got a team of expert specialists who’ve carried out sinus lifts for a wide range of patients. If you want to find out more about whether this is something that’s right for you and if you could benefit from it, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Members of our team will confer and discuss a potential sinus lift with you and answer any questions that you might still have about the procedure. From there, we’ll carry out the procedure if both you and the specialist feel it’s the right way forward for you and your dental implants.

What To Do In A Dental Emergency

June 20th, 2019 by | No Comments

All kinds of accidents can happen at home, work, sports, and while you’re on the go. Some of these accidents might impact your teeth. It’s important to know what to do and how to respond if you do find yourself dealing with an unexpected dental emergency. Acting fast and taking the right steps can have a lasting positive outcome! Read on to find out how to respond to the dental emergencies below.

Knocked Out Adult Tooth

You should come in to see us as soon as you possibly can when an adult tooth is knocked out. But what do you do with the tooth? It’s important to keep it moist at all times. You can do that by putting it back in place and if it doesn’t stay there, hold it between your cheek and gums. You can also put the tooth in a glass of milk, that’ll do the job too.

Cracked Tooth

When you crack a tooth, the thing you’ll want to do right away is to reduce or prevent swelling. This can be done by rinsing out your mouth with warm water and cleaning the area where the cracked tooth is. You can also cold compresses on the area to keep that swelling at bay. Call our office to schedule an appointment as soon as you can.

Bitten Tongue or Lip

The shock and intense pain that comes when you accidentally bite down hard on your tongue or lip can really take you aback. It will pass soon but to help the process, you should start by washing your mouth or lip with water. After that, you should apply a cold compress to take some of that pain away and help it pass a little quicker.

Toothache

Toothache can be a real source of frustration and pain for many people. You should start by washing out your mouth with warm water to remove anything that might be causing irritation. After that, you should floss in the area where the toothache is located. If neither of these help alleviate the pain you should call in for an appointment. If the pain is intense and persistent, don’t wait and hope for it to go away. It can be potentially something serious and we want to ensure that you don’t run the risk of having to extract your tooth.

Removing Objects Stuck in the Teeth and Mouth

If you have something stuck between your teeth, the first thing you should do is floss. It’s great at getting in those spaces where nothing else can. You’ll be able to remove most food items or other things that might be stuck between your teeth in no time at all. You should never use sharp objects to remove things stuck in your teeth or mouth. If necessary, schedule an appointment for help if flossing doesn’t fully remove the object or food particle.

Take The Proper Steps to Protect Your Teeth

It’s also a good idea to do more to protect your teeth so you don’t find yourself in these situations to begin with. For example, you should always be sure to wear a custom mouth guard when you’re playing sports and doing other things where your teeth might be at risk. Remembering not to use your teeth as tools will prevent problems as well. Teeth are for eating and speaking only.

If you need extra support, please don’t hesitate to call us! We will most likely be able to get you right in if it is an emergency. If you aren’t sure you’re experiencing an emergency, contact us anyway. We’ll be able to assist you and help you determine the proper steps if you are in fact having a dental emergency.

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Causes and Treatments

June 12th, 2019 by | No Comments

TMJ, or Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction, affects millions of people in America and it tends to manifest itself in the form of jaw pain. However, there are lots of ways in which TMJ can impact your body and it often goes far beyond jaw pain. Many of the symptoms associated with TMJ can be very damaging and can limit a person’s day to day lifestyle options. We’re going to look at what causes TMJ and what the treatment options are. Read on to learn more.

The Causes of TMJ

The problem occurs when there’s a dysfunction in the temporomandibular joint, which is the joint that connects the skull and jaw bone. It should work smoothly but when a problem arises with the bones, the cartilage that covers the bones or the disk between them, it can be painful.

There’s a wide range of things that can directly cause TMJ, such as an injury to the jaw, teeth grinding, arthritis or poor alignment of the teeth. It’s also the case that women and people aged between 20 and 40 are most likely to suffer from TMJ than other demographics.

The Symptoms to Look Out For

If you’ve been having problems with your jaw but you’re not sure whether it’s TMJ or not, these are the symptoms you should be looking out for. Headaches are often associated with the problem, as is teeth grinding. You might also notice the erosion of your teeth and dizziness accompanied by neck pain.

These symptoms can be experienced in a variety of combinations and you don’t have to experience them all for them to signal TMJ. It’s also true that these symptoms are often made worse by stress and anxiety.

Treatment Options

The first thing you need to do if you think you might have TMJ is come in for a consultation. We will be able to assess the situation. You can then get a full diagnosis if the problem is present or find out what’s actually causing your symptoms if it’s not TMJ. The diagnosis process might involve x-ray images being taken as well as an exam.

There’s a wide range of treatment options available and the one that’s right for you will depend on your individual situation. Bite guards can be used to prevent the teeth grinding that’s associated with TMJ. These can be combined with relaxation techniques that reduce stress and the severity of your TMJ symptoms.

Pain relief can be used to control TMJ symptoms better and physical therapy is often used to help with strengthening the jaw. For some people, muscle relaxants can be beneficial because they relieve jaw tension. Sometimes injecting Botox into the tissues surrounding the joint is effective. Teeth alignment procedures can be helpful for people with a bad bite too.

Schedule An Appointment Today

Don’t hesitate to get in touch and schedule an appointment with Dental Partners of Boston. We can help find the right treatment for your TMJ. Our team of dental specialists have many years of experience in dentistry, and are here to help you. Our team will assess your situation and offer you the treatment solution that works best for you.