Monthly Archives: December 2017

TMJ treatment

6 Signs You Need TMJ Treatment

Doctor-recommended TMJ treatment differs depending on the severity of your condition and other factors, such as your age and health status. While some cases of TMJ may be managed through basic treatments like fitted oral appliances, other cases are much more serious and require oral surgery.

TMJ treatment

If you are wondering which category your case falls into, take a look at the six signs below to help you determine if your doctor may recommend surgery as a treatment option.

1. You Have Serious Jaw and/or Facial Pain

TMJ disorder isn’t an easy condition to live with. It can cause significant pain from chewing, but also just from talking. If your jaw constantly locks and gets stuck in one position, it could create pain that radiates throughout your upper body. From migraines to ear pain, TMJ disorder can be the cause of severe discomfort.

2. Your Teeth Are Wearing Down Faster Than Usual

Many times, TMJ disorder is the result of a misaligned bite. This can cause your natural teeth to come together incorrectly, making them wear down much faster than they should. Since this can lead to the need for tooth restorations, TMJ disorder intervention is often recommended to ward off damage.

3. Your Teeth Are Becoming Loose

Another extreme side effect of TMJ disorder is when your misaligned bite causes teeth to slowly become loose. Again, this is cause for immediate treatment in order to delay the negative effects and preserve your natural teeth.

4. There Are Serious Breathing Concerns When Sleeping

Sometimes the need for TMJ treatment intersects with the need for sleep apnea treatment. TMJ exacerbates sleep apnea, and if you aren’t getting the necessary oxygen at night, your oral surgeon may recommend a surgical solution.

5. The Jaw Joint Is Severely Damaged

Whether caused by TMJ or not, advanced arthritis in the jaw joint can have degenerative effects that only worsen with time. If there is joint cartilage degradation or the disc has moved out of place, stabilization or a rebuild could be required.

6. Nonsurgical Treatments Do Not Have the Desired Effect

One of the key signals that surgical TMJ treatment is necessary is when nonsurgical treatment avenues have been exhausted to no affect. Qualified, experienced oral surgeons will always coordinate with your doctor and dentist to make sure all other treatments have been tested for success before taking the next step.

When Your Doctor Recommends Surgery

When our team at Richmond Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery recommends surgical TMJ treatment, we have your long-term best interests in mind. We are happy to share more about our approach. Contact us today to take the first step.

dental implants

Why Choose Dental Implants?

A dental implant is just one of your restoration options when you have a missing tooth, but for many patients, it’s also the best.

Why should you consider dental implants to replace your missing teeth?

dental implants

You Have Bite Power Equal to Natural Teeth

With dental implants, you don’t have to watch what you eat. Since the implant stabilizes the underlying bone, there is no risk of bone loss over time. Your jaw stays as strong as it is today.

Also, since implants are permanent, you can chew comfortably and with confidence. There are no dietary restrictions to slow you down — you can eat anything you would with natural teeth.

Immovable — No Extra Maintenance

Dental implants are a low-maintenance option, or at least as low maintenance as natural teeth can be. You treat them just like you would your regular teeth. Brush, floss and visit your dentist for regular exams and cleanings.

Unlike dentures, dental implants never need to be removed or sanitized. There are no prosthetic sore spots or adhesives to worry about. Implants are a convenient solution.

It Looks and Feels Like a Real Tooth

If you’re worried about how an implant will look in your mouth, don’t fret — an experienced oral surgeon knows how to shape and place replacement teeth that mimic the look of your old tooth exactly.

It’s uncanny how real an implant can appear. Once it’s in place, you might have a hard time telling the difference yourself! When you smile, it won’t be easy for anyone to ever tell you were missing a tooth, and this can give your self-confidence a boost. This is one of the goals of tooth restoration — to make your smile yours again! And since implants help stimulate and preserve jawbone too, your facial structure will remain the same.

It’s a Highly Successful Procedure

The process of placing implants is just that — a process — but it’s one that has been perfected over time. Implant procedures have a high rate of success!

You Can Expect it to Last for a Long Time

Finally, think about the return on your investment. While implants might cost more than dentures or bridges up front, they are proven to offer long-term effectiveness. In comparison, most other dental restorations must be replaced every 10 to 15 years.

At Richmond Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we will help you explore all your tooth restoration options when you’re searching for a smile-saving solution. And when dental implants are your treatment of choice, you can trust our expertise and experience. We are here for you.