General Dentistry Archives | West Maitland Dentistry

TMJ disorders can be difficult to diagnose and treat. To make it even more difficult the symptoms can fluctuate depending on levels of stress. If left untreated the over use of the jaw can lead to severe headaches, worn down teeth, fractured teeth, jaw pain and even lockjaw. Although some patients may find relief with treatment for TMD pain with common devices like an occlusal guard, there are other procedures for those that don’t.

What is TMJ?

TMJ is short for the temporomandibular joint. This joint acts like a hinge, connecting your jawbone to your skull. The TMJ and your muscles work together to open and close the mouth. TMD is short for temporomandibular joint disorders. This term is used when there is dysfunction in the joint and often stress is a major factor in this disorder.

What are signs of TMD?

Jaw or muscle pain
Popping or clicking of the jaw while opening/closing
Headaches
Limited opening of the mouth
Lockjaw
Earaches/ringing in the airs
Neck and shoulder pain

The first line in treating TMD pain is typically with an oral appliance like an occlusal guard or splint that prevents wear on your teeth and forces your jaw into a relaxed position. Sometimes though this may not be enough to lessen the symptoms, especially if you cannot control your clenching during the day. This is when a neurotoxin such as Botox® and Xeomin® may provide some relief.

What are the common side effects?

Common side effects are usually at the injection site and typically go away within a week. These side effects can include:

pain
bruising
headache
redness
swelling
muscle weakness

More severe side effects are rare but can include:

flu like symptoms
an uneven smile or frozen smile
temporary eyelid droop
nausea
respiratory infection

Normal functions such as drinking, biting, eating, swallowing are left unaffected.

Dr. Dhaliwal is certified in the treatment of Botox/Xeomin® for TMD. To see if this is a treatment that may help you give call for a consultation.

Sources

Pihut, M., Ferendiuk, E., Szewczyk, M. et al. “The efficiency of botulinum toxin type A for the treatment of masseter muscle pain in patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction and tension-type headache”. J Headache Pain 17, 29 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1186/s10194-016-0621-1

Siphai Calis, A., Colakoglu, Z., Gunbay, S. “The use of botulinum toxin-a in the treatment of muscular temporomandibular joint disorders”. Journal of Stomatology, Oral and Maxiofacial Surgery, 120, 4 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jormas.2019.02.015

Thinking of straightening your teeth but don’t like the idea of metal in your mouth? Invisalign® treatment may be the right option for you then! I’ve listed some common questions I receive from patients before they start the Invisalign process.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an orthodontic system for gradually moving teeth with series of customized removable plastic aligners. The aligners are thin and fit snug around your teeth. The aligners, in most cases, replace the need for traditional metal braces.

Who can wear them?

Invisalign is great for teenagers and adults. Compliant wear can help obtain a healthier and straighter smile. During your initial consultation we can determine whether it is a good option for you or if traditional braces is a better idea.

How does the process work?

Your first visit is a consultation. We offer either virtual or in person consultations. At this appointment we also take any records that may be needed, such as x-rays, photographs and a virtual scan of your teeth. The virtual scan will make a 3D computerized model which will aid in determining possible results that can be obtained from the treatment.

After this first consultation, I take all the information to map out a customized digital treatment plan for a step by step transformation of your smile. Once approved we will let you know when we receive your aligners. You then will come back into the office and we will make sure that your aligners fit well and are comfortable.

How does wearing them work?

In order for tooth movement to occur we recommend that our patients wear the aligners 20 to 22 hours a day. You will change out your set of aligners every week or two weeks depending on your customized plan. Periodically you will have routine visits with Dr. Dhaliwal to check how your teeth are moving and to make sure the aligners are still fitting well.

How long will your treatment take?

Although you may be able to see some changes to your teeth in the first few weeks, most cases take on average 12-18 months. Depending on how simple or complex your treatment needs are it may take less or more time.

From what material are Invisalign aligners made?

Invisalign aligners are a clear flexible plastic. They are FDA approved and do not contain BPA, latex or gluten.

What are the advantages of Invisalign over traditional braces?

The most obvious advantage of Invisalign is the cosmetic ability to move your teeth without having metal showing. But just as important if not more is having the ability to brush and floss easier than with traditional braces. Since there are no wires to trap food and debris there is a less likely chance of getting gingivitis or a cavity . Finally having the ability to remove those aligners means you don’t have to give up some of your favorite foods that are typically avoided with braces.

Why should I straighten my teeth?

Liking how your teeth look is extremely important but it is not the only factor when it comes to recommending teeth straightening. One of the key factors is taking in consideration problems that can occur from a misaligned bite. An uneven bite can lead to wear on teeth, fractured teeth, issues with the jaw joint and tooth pain.

Straight teeth are easier to clean, lessening the chances of developing gingivitis and periodontal disease. Making your teeth easier to clean can also help prevent cavities as well.

What happens after you’re done with Invisalign?

Just like any orthodontic treatment, retainers are a must to prevent teeth shifting. The retainers will help keep your teeth from shifting back to what they were before. Nightly wear of retainers is recommended after completion of your Invisalign.

If you have any questions about your straightening your teeth and Invisalign, check out the Invisalign website or for a free consultation contact us!

The concern about COVID-19 has hit an all time high. As we try to navigate back to our daily routines, visiting your dentist might be on your to do list. Here at West Maitland Dentistry we are doing everything we can to minimize the spread of the disease and as always making sure we strictly adhere to the CDC/OHSA disinfection and sterilization guidelines. Additionally we’ve implemented some more measures to ensure your dental visit is a healthy and safe one.

Some of the further precautions we are taking:

Questionnaires: before you even enter the practice we are screening patients to see if they have any symptoms related to the virus or if they have been tested for the virus.
Temperature checks for both patients and office staff.
Minimizing aerosol producing procedures. Meaning that in some cases we will use hand instruments, instead of a machine, to clean your teeth.
The use of N95 respirators, surgical masks and face shields of staff for all procedures.
Minimizing the amount of patients in the waiting room at one time.
Removing sharable items such as magazines, coffee machine, water fridge and children’s toys/books.
Sneeze guard for our front desk.
UV light sanitization or one time use of pens/safety glasses.
Requesting all patients use hand sanitizer when they enter our office.
Requiring all patients were masks in the office until they are seated in the chair.

When should you reschedule your dental visit?

Patients that are 65 and older: if you have medical concerns discuss with your physician whether it is safe for you to be seen..
If you have any of the following symptoms: fever, sore throat, cough, GI issues or any other flu like symptoms.
If you have been exposed to a person who has tested positive for COIVD-19, if you have tested positive within the last 10 days to COVID-19 or if you are awaiting test results.

What are some precautions you can take?

Wear a mask upon entering and leaving the office.
Use hand sanitizer when entering and leaving the office.
Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly and properly.
If you do contract the virus change out your toothbrush!

We want to remind you that we are here for you and if you have any questions or concerns about your dental visit contact us!

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West Maitland Dentistry Blog

Treatment for TMD Pain