According to the American Dental Association, more than fifteen percent of American adults suffer from chronic facial pain. Some common symptoms include pain in or around the ear, tenderness of the jaw, clicking or popping noises when opening the mouth, or even headaches and neck aches.
Two joints and several jaw muscles make it possible to open and close the mouth. They work together when you chew, speak, and swallow. These structures include muscles and ligaments, as well as the jaw bone, the mandible (lower jaw) with two joints, the TMJs.
Diagnosis and Treatment
A dentist can help identify the source of the pain with a thorough exam and appropriate X-rays. Often, it's a sinus, toothache or an early stage of periodontal disease. But for some pain, the cause is not so easily diagnosed. The pain could be related to the facial muscles, the jaw ortemporomandibular joint, located in the front of the ear. Treatments for this pain may include stress reducing exercises, muscle relaxants, or wearing a mouth protector to prevent teeth grinding. They've been successful for many and your dentist can recommend which is best for you.
Request an appointment or call our office to schedule a personal consultation during your next visit.
Dr. Richard J. Healy, DDS
http://www.drrhealy.com/
805/928-3928
Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/DrRichardHealyDDS
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Monday, July 5, 2010
Dental Fillings: Why do they need to be replaced?
A dental filling (also called a dental restoration) may last many years before it needs to be replaced. However, there are a number of reasons that fillings may need to be replaced. Constant stress from chewing, grinding and clenching teeth may eventually cause a filling to chip, crack, wear down, or fall out. A filling may also need to be replaced if the surrounding tooth structure becomes decayed.
Fillings that are worn or have pulled away from the teeth leave gaps at the filling edges, which provide an entry point for decay-causing bacteria. Bacteria are present in a thin film called plaque that forms on teeth and gums. If the seal between the tooth and the filling breaks down, food particles and bacteria can work their way between the filling and the tooth and cannot easily be removed with a toothbrush or other means.
Decay may develop along the edge of the filling or underneath it. Decay that is left untreated can infect the dental pulp, which often results in the need for root canal treatment. Untreated decay can even lead to loos of the tooth.
Regular dental examinations are important because problems with existing fillings generally can be detected in the early stage. Although you may not be able to tell that your filling is worn, your dentist can identify weaknesses in your dental restorations during a regular check-up.
During the exam, the dentist determines is the existing fillings are intact or if any have cracked or become worn. An instrument called an explorer can be used gently to detect any worn spots around the fillings edge. Dental x-rays may be taken to find decay under a filling or between the teeth, neither of which can not be seen simply by looking at the tooth.
Worn fillings should be replaced before decay begins. Don't wait until the tooth hurts or a crack appears in the filling or the tooth. Cracks or infection may make treatment more complicated and expensive.
Advances in modern dental materials and techniques offer new ways to create more natural-looking smiles. Researchers have been working for decades to develop materials, such as ceramic and plastic compounds, that look like natural teeth. There are several types of tooth-colored materials that can be used to repair damaged or decayed teeth.
Many factors affect the performance, durability, longevity and exposure of dental fillings. These factors include:
Before your treatment begins, discuss the options. In some cases, extensive tooth decay around an existing filling may leave little tooth structure once the decay is removed. In that case, a crown may be recommended to completely cover and protect the remaining tooth. Be sure to:
This information was provided by the American Dental Association.
Dr. Richard J. Healy, DDS
http://www.drrhealy.com/
805/928-3928
Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/DrRichardHealyDDS
Fillings that are worn or have pulled away from the teeth leave gaps at the filling edges, which provide an entry point for decay-causing bacteria. Bacteria are present in a thin film called plaque that forms on teeth and gums. If the seal between the tooth and the filling breaks down, food particles and bacteria can work their way between the filling and the tooth and cannot easily be removed with a toothbrush or other means.
Decay may develop along the edge of the filling or underneath it. Decay that is left untreated can infect the dental pulp, which often results in the need for root canal treatment. Untreated decay can even lead to loos of the tooth.
Regular dental examinations are important because problems with existing fillings generally can be detected in the early stage. Although you may not be able to tell that your filling is worn, your dentist can identify weaknesses in your dental restorations during a regular check-up.
During the exam, the dentist determines is the existing fillings are intact or if any have cracked or become worn. An instrument called an explorer can be used gently to detect any worn spots around the fillings edge. Dental x-rays may be taken to find decay under a filling or between the teeth, neither of which can not be seen simply by looking at the tooth.
Worn fillings should be replaced before decay begins. Don't wait until the tooth hurts or a crack appears in the filling or the tooth. Cracks or infection may make treatment more complicated and expensive.
Advances in modern dental materials and techniques offer new ways to create more natural-looking smiles. Researchers have been working for decades to develop materials, such as ceramic and plastic compounds, that look like natural teeth. There are several types of tooth-colored materials that can be used to repair damaged or decayed teeth.
Many factors affect the performance, durability, longevity and exposure of dental fillings. These factors include:
- the materials in the filling
- size of the filling
- where and how the filling is placed
- patient's level of oral health and hygiene
- patient's overall health
- the chewing force that the tooth must bear
- the length and number of visits needed to prepare and adjust the restored tooth
Before your treatment begins, discuss the options. In some cases, extensive tooth decay around an existing filling may leave little tooth structure once the decay is removed. In that case, a crown may be recommended to completely cover and protect the remaining tooth. Be sure to:
- Keep your teeth and gums in good health with regular dental visits and professional cleanings.
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and clean between teeth once a day with floss or another inter dental cleaner to remove decay-causing bacterial plaque that toothbrush bristles can't always reach.
- Look for oral hygiene products that display the American Dental Association's Seal of Acceptance, a symbol of safety and effectiveness.
This information was provided by the American Dental Association.
Dr. Richard J. Healy, DDS
http://www.drrhealy.com/
805/928-3928
Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/DrRichardHealyDDS
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Oral Cancer
According to the American Dental Association, there is recent good news about progress against cancer. It is now easier than ever to detect oral cancer early, when the opportunity for a cure is great. Currently only half of all patients diagnosed with oral cancer survive more than five years.
Our practice has the skills and tools to ensure that early signs of cancer and pre-cancerous conditions are identified. We can help you fight and win the battle against oral cancer. Know the early signs and see your dentist regularly.
You Should Know:
Regular Dental Check-ups Are Important
Regular dental check-ups, including an examination of the entire mouth, are essential in the early detection of cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions. You may have a very small, but dangerous, oral spot or sore and not be aware of it.
Request an appointment or call our office to schedule a personal consultation during your next visit.
Sincerely,
Richard J. Healy, DDS
805/928-3928
http://www.drrhealy.com
Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/DrRichardHealyDDS
Our practice has the skills and tools to ensure that early signs of cancer and pre-cancerous conditions are identified. We can help you fight and win the battle against oral cancer. Know the early signs and see your dentist regularly.
You Should Know:
- Oral Cancer often starts as a tiny, unnoticed white or red spot or sore anywhere in the mouth.
- It can affect any area of the oral cavity including the lips, gum tissue, cheek lining, tongue and the hard or soft palate.
- A sore that bleeds easily or does not heal
- A color change of the oral tissues
- A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small eroded area
- Pain, tenderness, or numbness in the mouth or on the lips
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing or moving the jaw or tongue
- A change in the way the teeth fit together
Regular Dental Check-ups Are Important
Regular dental check-ups, including an examination of the entire mouth, are essential in the early detection of cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions. You may have a very small, but dangerous, oral spot or sore and not be aware of it.
Request an appointment or call our office to schedule a personal consultation during your next visit.
Sincerely,
Richard J. Healy, DDS
805/928-3928
http://www.drrhealy.com
Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/DrRichardHealyDDS
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