Is My Headache a Migraine or TMJ Disorder?
One of the most common symptoms of TMJ disorder is persistent headaches. However, sometimes it is difficult to determine if headaches are due to TMJ disorder or come from other causes. In order to properly treat your headaches, it’s important to properly diagnose them. If you suspect your headaches might be related to TMJ, consult with your dentist.
What is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder occurs when the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is improperly aligned. This joint is located where the lower jaw joins the temporal bone of the skull. Misalignment can occur when the teeth are improperly aligned due to malocclusion, tooth loss, or movement of the teeth over time.
In addition to headaches, TMJ disorder can cause:
- Teeth grinding and clenching
- Discomfort in the jaw, neck or upper back
- Earaches
- Clicking in the jaw joint
If your headaches are accompanied by any of these symptoms, consult with your dentist to see if TMJ might be the cause. Treatment such as an orthotic or orthodontic treatment can reduce your symptoms.
Symptoms of Migraines
Symptoms of migraine headaches are usually somewhat different from other types of headaches, including headaches caused by TMJ. Migraine headaches are often accompanied by visual symptoms such as spots, auras, or even temporary vision loss. Other additional symptoms of migraines can include:
- Nausea
- Sensitivity to light
- Sensitivity to sounds
- Discomfort limited to one side or one specific area of the head
If your headaches are accompanied by any of these symptoms, it’s likely they are migraines rather than the side effects of TMJ.
It is important to determine what type of headaches you have before undergoing treatment for them. If your headaches are true migraines, treatment for TMJ will probably not help reduce your symptoms. If, however, you do believe you have TMJ-related headaches, our dentist can help diagnose and recommend treatment.
If you suffer from persistent headaches or any other symptoms of TMJ disorder in the Irving area, please call Active Dental at 972-556-0600 for a consultation.
Root Canal Therapy: Purpose and Procedure
Cracked or infected teeth aren’t just painful- they can lead to further, more serious complications. When tooth decay is threatening to spread an infection in a tooth, your dentist may suggest root canal therapy.
Root canal therapy involves the removal of the pulp from the center of the infected or damaged tooth. The tooth is then filled with an inert material and capped with a crown. The removal of the infected pulp can save the tooth and prevent the spread of infection to other teeth or the jawbone.
The root canal procedure begins with the application of a topical anesthetic and a local anesthetic. The patient may also be given addition anesthetic (such as nitrous oxide) if needed.
Depending on the particular situation of the infected tooth in the mouth, the practitioner may place a rubber sheet between it and the rest of the teeth. Once all the preparatory steps are taken, the dentist will remove the pulp and clean out the tooth with a selection of files.
Finally, the newly empty and decontaminated tooth is filled with any necessary medications and filling materials. The materials are often placed below the gum line, or sometimes into the surrounding jawbone.
A permanent filling or a crown is then placed on top of the tooth. In the case of a crown, a temporary crown may be used initially while the dental technician uses a tooth impression to make a permanent one. The cap or filling is very important- without it, the newly weakened tooth may crack or become re-infected.
After the procedure, you will likely experience some continued numbness in your face due to the anesthetic for a short time. You may experience some discomfort for a day or two in the procedure site. Your dentist may also prescribe a round of antibiotics to fight off any lingering infection.
If you are in need of root canal therapy in Grand Prairie, contact Active Dental at 972-606-2999 to schedule a consultation.
Who Is a Candidate for a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a common treatment used to replace missing teeth. Most bridges are stationary, unlike dentures, which are removable. If you are missing one or more teeth and need information about dental bridges, our experienced dentist can help.
Am I a Candidate for a Dental Bridge?
If you are missing one or two teeth, a dental bridge might be a good solution to replace those teeth. Some other considerations include:
- Is the missing tooth or teeth located between existing teeth?
- Are the teeth adjacent to the gaps strong and healthy?
- Are you concerned about other teeth moving out of place?
- Do you practice overall good oral hygiene?
If your missing teeth are between strong, healthy existing teeth, a dental bridge is more likely to be successful in the long term. It is also important to keep your teeth clean and maintain good oral hygiene and see your dentist regularly. This will ensure that your other teeth remain healthy, that any decay or gum disease is diagnosed early, and that your dental bridge remains in good repair.
How Dental Bridges Work
Dental bridges provide prosthetic teeth that are attached to adjacent teeth. The way the bridge is anchored depends upon the position of the missing teeth. With a traditional bridge, the teeth on either side of the missing tooth or teeth are reshaped to accommodate a crown, with a prosthetic tooth in between.
Resin bonded bridges can also be anchored to adjacent teeth using resin and metal bands. This is more common when the abutment teeth are strong and healthy. Metal anchors are attached to the abutment teeth and the prosthetic tooth is then anchored to the bands.
Cantilever bridges are only anchored to one tooth. These are most commonly used on the back molars. Our dental team will help determine what type of bridge is best for your individual needs.
To find out more about dental bridges and how they can restore your smile in Irving TX, please contact Active Dental at 972-556-0600 to schedule a consultation.
My Gums Bleed When I Brush: Should I Be Concerned?
Seeing blood on your toothbrush after normal brushing can be disconcerting, but often is not a serious problem. However, some causes of bleeding gums should be brought to the attention of your dentist so that proper treatment can be initiated. If you are not sure what is causing your gums to bleed, contact your dentist as soon as possible.
Causes of Bleeding Gums
There are several possible reasons why your gums might bleed when you brush. These include:
- An injury to the gums. Your gums might have been cut or irritated by food you ate recently, such as sharp edges of chips or rough, crusty bread.
- Increased sensitivity of the gums due to pregnancy. If you are pregnant, your gums are naturally more sensitive and more likely to bleed.
- Using a toothbrush that is too coarse. If you suspect your toothbrush might be too coarse, switch to a softer brush to see if the situation improves.
- Gingivitis or gum disease. One early sign of gingivitis or gum disease is increased sensitivity of the gums and bleeding during brushing.
If you’re certain that bleeding is a result of an existing injury, there is probably no need to consult with your dentist. The injury will heal on its own. However, if you cannot determine the cause of the bleeding, a trip to your dental office is recommended.
Treatments for Gum Disease
If you are diagnosed with gingivitis or more advanced gum disease, your dentist will recommend treatment based on the severity of the condition. Gingivitis is relatively minor, and can often be treated with a special toothpaste or antibacterial mouthwashes. More advanced gum disease might require deep cleaning, such as a planing and scaling procedure, or even periodontal surgery.
If you suspect you might have gum disease, or need help determining the reasons your gums bleed when you brush, please contact our office serving the Las Colinas area for an appointment.
Bad Breath: Could a Rotting Tooth be the Cause?
The stigma of bad breath can cause extreme self-consciousness and greatly reduce your quality of life. If you are afraid to speak to others because of your bad breath, socialization becomes difficult, and it becomes imperative to find a cure as soon as possible.
Fortunately, a solution for your bad breath might be as close as your dentist. There are numerous possible causes for bad breath, but many of them can be corrected with basic oral care.
Most Common Causes of Bad Breath
A lack of basic dental hygiene is the most common cause of bad breath. However, if you normally brush and floss regularly, and still suffer from bad breath, it’s time to visit the dentist to look for another explanation.
Another common problem that can lead to bad breath is decaying teeth. If you have a decaying tooth that has not been treated, the bacteria from the decaying areas can cause bad breath. Your dentist can spot the decay and treat it, eliminating the source of the bad breath.
Other causes of bad breath include:
- Gum disease
- Smoking
- Systemic problems such as diabetes
- Consumption of strong-smelling foods
Many of these can be corrected by avoiding the causes, or by visiting the doctor or dentist for recommendations on how to treat underlying problems.
Treatments for Bad Breath
In addition to diagnosing and treating decay, other treatments your dentist might recommend include:
- Clean your tongue in addition to your teeth
- Be sure you are adequately hydrated
- Use a water-based tooth cleaner in addition to your toothbrush
Other approaches, such as using a regular mouthwash, chewing mint or cinnamon gum, or using breath mints, help mask bad breath but do not address the root causes and are therefore only temporary measures.
If you suffer from bad breath and need to find the root cause, or if you need to schedule a regular dental appointment in the Grand Prairie area, please call Alpine Dental at 972-606-2999 today.
What Protection Does a Mouthguard Provide?
There are many types of mouthguards and different reasons for wearing one. Whether you are an athlete looking to provide dental protection while engaging in sports or someone that suffers from bruxism that is seeking relief from the pressures caused from clenching and grinding, our dentist serving Las Colinas has the answers for you.
In many contact sports from peewee to professional, wearing a mouthguard has become mandatory. In addition to protecting the teeth and gums, a properly fitted mouthguard can prevent injuries to the soft tissues in your mouth including lips and the tongue. The key here is making sure the mouthguard fits properly. Your dentist will play an integral role in making sure you have the appropriate mouthguard for the intended activity.
People of all ages can benefit from wearing a mouthguard. Daily activities like riding a bike or working out can result in a fall that could leave you with a chipped or broken tooth. You don’t have to play a contact sport to suffer from a dental injury.
Other reasons your dentist might recommend a mouthguard include the prevention of clenching and grinding your teeth. Many people who suffer from bruxism could receive relief by wearing a mouthguard during sleep. This type of mouthguard is commonly referred to as a nightguard and it works to prevent the wearer from clenching and grinding their teeth during the night when the activity is done subconsciously.
Bruxism can be due to stress, but is often attributed to dental malocclusion. This means that the teeth do not align properly leading to grinding and clenching. The dental result can be excess wear and tear on the teeth that can lead to more serious dental problems like dental decay and TMJ related issues. A properly fitted nightguard allows the wearer to relax the jaw throughout the night preventing grinding and clenching.
There are several types of mouthguards available. Most are made from plastic and come in all price ranges. The mouthguards that are available over the counter in drug stores and sporting goods stores can be ill fitting. Wearing a poorly fitting mouthguard might not offer the protection needed and can make breathing and talking more difficult.
Our team at Active Dental can make a mouthguard to address your specific needs. Whether you want to protect your mouth while engaging in activities throughout the day or you need to protect your teeth during sleep, we will be able to provide a customized fit to protect your smile.