Temporomandibular Joint

Looking for signs of bruxism is standard practice during a clinical examination. Evaluation Your dentist monitors changes in your teeth and mouth over the subsequent visits to determine if symptoms are progressive. Determining the cause The terms "Bruxism" and "Grinding teeth" refer to the repetitive clenching and grinding of the teeth. Your dentist is looking for signs of: Tenderness in your jaw muscles Teeth that are worn flat, and the uppers and lowers match Noticeable dental abnormalities, such as broken or missing teeth X-rays detect damage to your teeth, the underlying bone, and the inside of your cheeks A dental exam may detect other disorders such as Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) that have symptoms similar to bruxism. For most people, bruxism is a temporary problem, Dental approaches In the meantime, your dentist may offer ways to preserve the teeth, such as mouthguards designed to separate teeth and prevent damage caused by clenching and grinding. These dental appliances fit the upper or lower teeth. Damaged teeth may require restoration by reshaping the teeth or applying crowns. Other options/approaches: Stress Management: To reduce grinding your teeth out of anxiety, you may be able to implement relaxation techniques such as meditation. Behavior change: Once you know you have bruxism, you can change the grinding habit. Your dentist will show you the best position for your mouth and jaw, and you can practice keeping this position in place. Biofeedback. If you're struggling to break a habit, biofeedback may be able to help teach you how to control muscle activity in your jaw.

Dr. Li and the Transformation Dental Partner's team have effective sedation capabilities. We can provide many levels of comfort. Topical & Local Anesthesia We begin with a topical solution that 'pre-numbs' the injection area. Then the local anesthesia is used to completely numb the area being treated. This temporarily blocks feeling to the nerve and should last one to two hours or longer. Nitrous Oxide Gas Nitrous oxide gas (laughing gas) is especially useful for highly apprehensive patients. The transformations are oftentimes astounding. Someone who was anxious walking into treatment is now completely relaxed. Conscious Sedation One of the major benefits of oral conscious sedation dentistry is that people often feel like their dental procedure lasts only a few minutes, when in fact it might have taken hours to perform. Therefore, complex dental procedures such as complete smile makeovers or extensive smile restoration procedures that normally require multiple visits can often be performed in fewer, but longer, appointments. In fact, some patients, who have no fear of the dentist whatsoever, are using sedation dentistry to pack three or four dental appointments into one long one that they won't remember. General Anesthesia (IV Sedation)  You can choose a technique available to patients who suffer from being afraid to visit the dentist and who often suffer with diseased teeth as a consequence of that fear. At the office of Dr. Li, a highly qualified specialist anesthetist is right there at the dental treatment and administers medication through an IV that makes you completely unaware of your surroundings. As you sleep away, you will not know that dental treatment is taking place. Oddly enough you will still be able to hear Dr. Li if he or she tells you something or asks you to open your mouth wider. When the procedure is finished, you immediately wake and you won’t remember any of the dentistry. This will reduce stress and anxiety, which accompany treatment. There is no awareness of treatment during the entire procedure. Pulse, blood pressure and respiration are continually monitored throughout the procedure. The body rapidly metabolizes these types of anesthetic agents, allowing for a quick recovery.

Talk with Dr. Li - Despite the fact that it can be challenging to talk about irrational fears with a stranger, Dr. Li may take additional precautions during appointments if worries and stress are communicated. This way, collectively, they may identify any specific worries or fears and work at alleviating these types of concerns. Bring an iPod - Music acts as a relaxant and in addition drowns out any fear-producing sounds. Enjoying some comforting music in the course of this appointment will greatly reduce anxiety. Decide on a sign - Quite a few people are afraid that the dentist will not likely know they may be in considerable discomfort throughout the appointment, but will carry on the procedure no matter what. The best way to fix this problem is to decide on a "stop" hand sign with the dentist. Both sides can easily understand signs like raising the arm or tapping on the chair. Use a sore throat spray - Throat sprays (such as, Vicks® Chloraseptic® Throat Spray) may actually control the gag response. A couple of sprays will usually keep the reflex within check for about one hour. Take a mirror with you - Not being able to view what is happening can increase anxiety and make the imagination run wild. Observing the process might help keep actuality at the forefront of the mind. Sedation - Choosing a comfortable level of sedation provides an excellent option for many individuals. Talk to us about the procedure - Be sure to let us know the extent and depth of treatment plan explanations you would like Talk about all the choices with Dr. Li and choose one that works well and generates minimal anxiety.

What is Root Canal Treatment & How Do I Know I Need a Root Canal? Root canal treatment rids the inner tooth of infection by removing the pulp and carefully cleaning and disinfecting the root canal. After this procedure, the tooth needs to be sealed and strengthened to prevent future infections or breakage and save the tooth from extraction. A crown placed over the remaining structure following a root canal treatment is the best way to protect the tooth and ensure long lasting health. Do you have a constant toothache? It may be a sign of infection in the nerve of your tooth as a result of the decay process. Do you have tooth sensitivity? Lingering sensitivity of 10 seconds or longer to pressure or temperature changes may trigger pain or discomfort. Is your jaw sensitive to the touch and sore? Infection from a tooth will spread to the rest of your body. At this point, you will feel pain in your neck and jaw. Is there an untreated tooth in your mouth, broken or chipped? Small chips and breaks in your teeth give bacteria a place to hide and fester decay and infection. The best option is a root canal and a crown for a healthy tooth that fits in naturally with your other teeth.

Inlays, onlays and crowns strengthen the structure of each tooth. Your dentist will always prioritize keeping your natural teeth in place as long as possible. But when advanced decay means there will be more filling than tooth structure, it puts your tooth at risk of cracks, breaks, and other issues. An inlay, onlay or crown are a practical option. Your dentist designs these pieces with a custom approach to restore the aesthetics of your smile with a strong, healthy tooth. In addition this practice has the technologically advanced equipment on-site to ensure that fixing your tooth with a dental crown is simple, successful and completed in one appointment. What is an inlay, onlay, or crown? An inlay covers the interior of a molar , the surface inside the cusps. An onlay covers the biting surface of the tooth including the cusps. And a dental crown covers the entire visible portion of a tooth, protecting its remaining structure and restoring its original shape, size, and color. Is getting a dental crown a painful procedure? Advanced technology and improved techniques have simplified this procedure, making it more tolerable than ever. We can discuss options for sedation, but if the patient does not require pain relief or anesthesia, numbing gel and local anesthetic is usually enough. Do I need a dental inlay, onlay, or crown? An inlay is used when the decay is too large for a filling. An onlay is used when the decay including the biting surfaces of the molar. A dental crown is needed for severe tooth decay when there is more cavity left than tooth structure once the decay is removed. The remaining tooth structure will become brittle over time and at risk of breaking. A crown is placed over the tooth to protect it from wear and tear when you chew. You may also need a crown after having either root canal treatment or dental implant surgery Dental technology is constantly improving, allowing new and faster treatment options. CEREC technology now allows your dentist to create dental restorations, including inlays, onlays, and dental crowns, and complete them in a single visit. Before CEREC Same-Day Crowns, you would have to visit the office multiple times for treatments and impressions, and typically involved a temporary crown that could break or cause problems. How long does a dental crown last? As long as they are properly cared for, our crowns are designed to last for 15-plus years. What to do if you break or damage an inlay, onlay, or crown? Contact us if you have an old crown that is cracked, feels too loose or falls out. We may be able to bond it back in place or replace it entirely.

10 Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign 1. How Does Invisalign® Treatment work? 3 easy steps can put you on the path to your brand-new smile. Meet with your doctor and get a sneak peek at your new smile using the iTero Element® scanner, your Invisalign Doctor can take a fast and precise 3D digital scan of your teeth and map out a custom treatment plan just for you. Start transforming your smile right from your first fitting; this is a key step in your success. Your doctor will ensure your aligners fit well, answer your questions, and let you know what to expect. Keep your brand-new smile beautiful with lasting results using our Vivera® retainer. You transformed your smile with the world’s most advanced clear aligner system. Now it’s easy to keep the smile you love. Vivera retainers are custom made and 30% stronger than other retainers؞. 2. How long will the invisalign treatment take? Ultimately, your dentist will prescribe the retention protocols as they can be different for each unique condition and treatment plan. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how often you need to wear your retainers. An example protocol might include wearing the first set full-time. Then, based on the doctor’s recommendation, gradually reduced until retainers are only worn at night or even as few as three nights per week. Depending on the complexity of your case, you could complete your treatment in as little as six months, but you’ll start seeing results in a matter of weeks. 3. How is Invisalign treatment different from other teeth straightening options? Invisalign treatment is the most advanced clear aligner system globally, backed by more than two decades of innovation. Unlike braces, Invisalign clear aligners are removable and virtually invisible. There are no wires and brackets, so you don’t need to change how you brush and floss. And, you can continue to eat all your favorite foods. 4. Who is Invisalign Treatment For? Invisalign treatment can be a great solution for both adults and teens looking for a virtually invisible method to improve their smile. Our innovations and technological advancements make it possible to fix nearly all common teeth-straightening and bite issues, from simple to complex — all without interrupting your busy life. And, thanks to a discreet blue dot on the outside of teen aligners, parents can be sure their child is wearing their clear aligners enough. 5. Why do people choose Invisalign? There’s no guesswork,invisalign straightens your teeth more predictably with convenience that does not interrupt your life. Aligners are custom fit for you. Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible. Others may not even notice you’re wearing them, making Invisalign treatment a seamless fit with your lifestyle. You can remove your Invisalign aligners for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. With traditional wires and brackets, there’s a long list of foods you unfortunately can’t enjoy because they can damage or get stuck in your braces. You can take aligners off for special occasions, like a wedding, job interview, or for playing your favorite sport or instrument. Just remember to wear them 20 to 22 hours a day to get the best results. Invisalign clear aligners are designed to fit snugly around your teeth, so slipping out should not be a cause for concern. 6. Does Invisalign change the shape of your face? Clear aligners make positive changes to the facial structure by correcting flaws due to misalignment of teeth and improper jaw position. Crooked teeth, underbite, overbite, crossbite, the gap between teeth, are some of the teeth misalignment problems. All these problems are responsible for an improper facial structure. 7. Do you have to wear a retainer forever after Invisalign In short, yes. The paradigm today is retention is for life – the proper retainers and retainer maintenance can protect the investment you've made in your smile and save you money in the long run. Retainers prevent teeth from gradually shifting back toward their initial position after braces, Invisalign, or other clear aligner treatments. Every case is different, so ask your doctor if you need retainers. Your new smile is a keeper! Vivera retainer material is at least 30% stronger and twice as durable as other leading clear retainer materials. Your Vivera retainer is custom-fit for your smile, with your comfort in mind, essential since you'll wear it while you sleep. Doctors who have used Vivera retainers are more satisfied with Vivera retainers than with other retainers. Let's make sure the smile that you've always wanted lasts forever. 8. Is Invisalign worth it as an adult? Perhaps you have known that you needed orthodontic treatment but didn't get it as a child. Invisalign is an excellent option to address your orthodontic needs as an adult. Or you may find as an adult your teeth have shifted, and you're now experiencing light to modest crowding. These changes in your teeth and bite can dramatically affect your oral health. Invisalign is the best option for the orthodontic needs of adults for many reasons, including: Convenience: Invisalign is discreet when you're wearing it, and it's easy to take it out when you need to. Affordable: Insurance coverage, pre-tax dollars, and a payment plan from your doctor can help. Effective treatment: The results you want, in as little as six months, are based on the complexity of your case. 9. Should I sleep with my Invisalign aligners? Yes! Your doctor will provide clear instructions on when you need to wear your aligners or retainers. The general rule during the treatment phase is to wear the aligners 22 hours a day. So this most certainly includes while you sleep. Retainers are most often worn at night to keep your teeth in position. 10. Can you whiten your teeth while having Invisalign In a nutshell, the answer to whether people can whiten teeth while wearing Invisalign aligners is yes. However, the decision should be made with supervision and advice from a dental professional due to several factors. Often, less intense forms of tooth whitening such as the use of toothpaste or mouthwashes with whitening agents can be helpful for those who wear aligners. Wearers have reported that the aligners help to keep the whitening agents in close proximity to their teeth, providing greater whitening action. Such whitening agents can help break down surface stains, while tiny abrasive particles can scrub and polish the surface of the teeth. Check with your doctor first and follow the recommendations given.

What is dental bonding? Dental bonding is a cosmetic process that uses composite resin to improve the appearance of teeth. It’s a conservative way to repair slightly chipped, discolored or crooked teeth and even fill in gaps between them. Basically, hard white material shaped over the surface of the tooth bonds with your tooth. Bonding comes in a variety of natural-looking shades for a seamless look just like real enamel would be! Our team is committed to providing high-quality, affordable dentistry for all ages and stages of life. Whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth, we will always provide you with excellent care that meets your needs. Bonding is a great way to improve the appearance of teeth, because it can be done in one appointment, there's no need to worry about scheduling multiple appointments and taking time off work. Bonding is a fast procedure and doesn’t require any down time. If you don’t need anesthesia, you can continue with your normal daily routine after the procedure. How to prepare for teeth bonding Tooth bonding isn't for everyone, and the only way to know if you're a candidate is by consulting your dentist beforehand. Problems like severe tooth damage or decay will make it difficult to perform this procedure. A healthy smile is a confidence booster. If you have discoloration, a chipped tooth, or a gap and you’re looking for an inexpensive repair, see your dentist for a consultation. Your dentist can determine whether this procedure is right for you, and if not, recommend other options to improve the appearance of your teeth. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Pay Attention...Gum Disease Could Kill You Gum disease holds the number one spot globally when ranked by the number of people who suffer from gum disease. For the record, worldwide, there are more cases of gum disease than the roster of people who have the widespread common cold virus. Studies performed in the U.S. show that more than 50 percent of the U.S. population have gingivitis and about 30% have periodontitis (gum disease). Periodontal disease is a microbial oral infection that silently eats away at the gum tissue, teeth and underlying bone that, all together, make up your smile. Gum disease may affect just a single tooth in your mouth or, some teeth on the bottom and some on top. The life story of periodontal disease starts again as soon as you stop brushing your teeth. The germs that survive your "Wand of Death's" attack (I'm not kidding, that's how the bacteria refer to a Sonicare toothbrush) find each other again and start systematically depositing layer after layer of biofilm on your teeth. What biofilm? It's that velvety, yellowish "sludge" that accumulates on your teeth while you sleep. Dental staff refer to it as plaque. Once the plaque builds to a necessary depth of coverage, it will have built up just enough material on the teeth to initiate the plaque's de-mineralizing engine. The enzymes in the plague begin to suck the minerals away from the enamel that protects the tooth. It sounds terrible, but don’t forget, losing minerals is a normal process that happens each day because of ongoing wear and tear. Thankfully, nature dropped in a solution for just such an occasion. As calcium is displaced from the enamel, saliva is constantly bathing the teeth with fresh essential minerals from today's meals and water supply. The kicker is, however, the bacteria have deposited such a thick coat of plaque that the saliva is prevented from reaching the tooth's enamel layer. So, the enamel under the plaque begins to soften and the supporting gum tissue becomes red and sore. From there, it's a downhill slide. The germs seem unstoppable. But wait! Lucky for us, there's one chink in the microbes' plan that can slap them silly. The gum disease germs must have about 9 hours to build up the perfect amount of plaque on your teeth. Unless that thick sludge reaches a required thickness, the plaque can't attack your teeth. There are 24 hours in every day. You can separate each day into three chunks of eight hours each. Brush your teeth morning, noon and night, and you will never have to worry about those ugly bugs. The Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease: Bleeding gums after brushing Gums bleeding after flossing your teeth Aching, shiny red or swollen gums Wobbly and/or loose teeth Tooth roots becoming exposed Chronic bad breath (halitosis) Pus between the teeth Discomfort when biting down or chewing Recent change in your bite New spaces between your teeth Food getting lodged up in your gums As strange as it may sound, the infectious germs in your gums can migrate around your body and get to other organs, such as your heart, digestive system, and lungs. The catch-22 with that is, you can use a toothbrush to scrub away the plaque coating your teeth, but you don't have access to your heart. What you must realize is that gum disease should be considered a bigger risk factor to one's health than previously judged. So, if your health is important to you, don't put off having regular cleanings and periodontal therapy. As gum disease continues unchecked, bacterial enzymes attack the gum tissue. Eventually, the bacteria break through and enter your bloodstream. The bacteria and their by-products cause an inflammatory response all over your body. For fragile family members, this additional stress could be the final ingredient that pushes them too hard. Other studies show that prescribed drugs you are receiving for numerous internal conditions like heart failure, pulmonary disease such as emphysema or COPD, diabetes, knee replacement, kidney failure, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and/or pregnancy may be hindered by germs from the mouth. "Gum disease and inconsistent dental treatment are predictors of failing health and premature death," relates health and wellness author, Dr. Michael F. Roizen in his heralded book, Real Age: Are You As Young As You Can Be? He cites that periodontal disease has been proven to be associated with heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, digestive problems, osteoporosis, and immune disorders. Did you know that if you add up the entire infected area of periodontal disease and decay in the mouth and gums, you end up with a total infected area about two inches in diameter. Of course, "out of sight, out of mind" applies here. If that infection was on your face you would make it a top priority to get it cured.