TMJ Symptoms & Treatment Options

December 20, 2017 by dental1admin Leave a Comment

TMJ Symptoms & Treatment Options

The temporomandibular joint or TMJ functions like a hinge to a door. This facial feature connects your jaw and the rest of your skull together. It is the joint which lets your jaw move and function. This joint provide you the ability to eat, talk and yawn.

Issues that involve this part of your face are erroneously known as TMJ, after the joint and not the disorder itself. To help you learn more about this condition, our resident dentist in Sterling Heights Michigan, Dr. Fadi Farhat, offers the following information on TMJ symptoms and treatment.

Causes of TMJ dysfunction

Although TMJ dysfunction is a common condition that affects people all over the world, it is not clear exactly why it happens. Some dentists believe the condition involves problems with how the joint or the muscles around it work. Among the many reasons identified to lead to the condition, the following are some of the most common ones:

Tooth grinding and clenching – Whether you are aware that you are doing it or not, these two habits put a tremendous amount of pressure on your jaw.
Arthritis – This condition involves pain and stiffness in the joint. If you have arthritis, you might find it more difficult to move your mouth and jaw.
Stress – People react to stress differently. Some people tend to clench or grind their teeth when they are stressed. These people are more susceptible to developing the condition.
Injury to your jaw or teeth.
Chewing gum, poor posture and any other activities that may cause your teeth or jaw to become misaligned.

TMJ dysfunction symptoms

It is possible that you have TMJ dysfunction if you feel any pain around your jaw area, including the face or neck. Some people may hear clicking when they open or close their mouth. Some may have upper and lower sets of teeth that do not have a precise fit. In some cases, you may have difficulty moving your jaw.

Diagnosing TMJ dysfunction

There is no one, sure way of diagnosing the condition. Dentists will need to run a few tests and examine your head, jaw, neck and face to see what is going on. This is to make sure that the symptoms you are experiencing are not a sign of another condition such as an infection in your sinuses or ears.

Treatment options

As with any other dental issue, dentists will go first for the least painful, most conservative and least permanent course of treatment. Here are some of those options:

Over-the-counter pain relievers, muscle relaxants or drugs to reduce inflammation
Splints and mouth guards
Recommend eating soft foods
Jaw exercises
Perform relaxation techniques

If you would like to learn more about TMJ dysfunction, contact your Sterling Heights dentist today.

Toddler Tooth Care – Practical Tips for Parents

November 2, 2017 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Your child’s future growth and development depends heavily on the foundations that you build during his early years.

That also applies to his oral health.

Your child’s initial years are marked by rapid growth and development. And with the flurry of milestones and activities, parents sometimes overlook taking proper care of their little ones’ oral health.

This should not be the case.

Most of the habits that your child picks up as he grows start during his formative years. And as a parent, you would want to give your child a good head start, including in aspects related to his dental and overall health and well-being.

That means teaching your child, as early as possible, the importance of practicing good oral hygiene habits which he should take with him to adulthood. These include regular brushing and flossing, eating healthy and balanced meals, and visiting the dentist at least twice a year.

Ideally, your child should be able to schedule his first appointment with a Sterling Heights dentist at around the age of two.

This will provide you and your child the opportunity to take better care of your child’s teeth through solid advice from a trusted professional, as well as to monitor potential problems before these spiral out of control.

Furthermore, when a child is exposed to the environment of a dental clinic, he develops a sense of confidence and positivity, warding off the fear of the dentist which can undermine his oral health.

Taking care of a child’s teeth requires a solid partnership between parents and dentists.

But what exactly can you, as a parent, do to take better care of your little darling’s teeth? Here are a few practical toddler tooth care tips.

Helping your kid deal with the eruption of his first teeth

Your child’s first tooth will emerge at the age of six months. His first set of teeth will continue to come out until the age of three.

The eruption of teeth can bring discomfort in young children, making them irritable. In order to minimize the effects of teeth eruption, there are a few things that you can do. These include placing a cold spoon or a teething ring in your child’s mouth and using pain relief gels.

Brushing your young one’s teeth

Parents should closely monitor and supervise their child’s tooth brushing until their children reach the age of six.

For toddlers, parents should use an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste. Remember that your child does not need too much toothpaste. A small amount, roughly the size of a pea, will do.

Invest in a soft-bristled toothbrush for your child. In brushing your child’s teeth, make sure that you clean all surfaces using a soft, back and forth motion.

Dealing with thumb sucking

Thumb sucking is a reflex action among babies and toddlers. Simply put, this is normal among children of this age. Ideally, your child should outgrow this habit before the emergence of his permanent teeth.

However, parents should take the necessary steps to wean their children off this habit when it persists upon the eruption of the permanent teeth. Otherwise, this can lead to a few dental health problems, including tooth decay and bite problems.

8 Fun Facts About Digital Dental X Rays

September 11, 2017 by sterlingheightsdentalcare 1 Comment

8 Fun Facts About the History of Digital Dental X Rays

Growing up, you may have been taught that exposure to any form of radiation is harmful for human beings. In history books and on the news, you have likely seen its horrifying effects on people. Radiation can affect the body in a number of ways, but this also depends on the amount you are exposed to. In small doses, radiation has been used in medicine to detect and treat a host of ailments, from hyperthyroidism to cancer.

Radiation can be found in a wide range of medical and dental tools, and X-rays are one of them. Learn more about x-rays and the good side of radiation with these interesting facts about digital dental x rays.

Radiation can be found all us — in the air we breathe as well as on the walls, floors and ceilings made of cement, stone or bricks. It is also emitted by a number of devices including watches, TV sets and computers. Human beings have been exposed to radiation since before they were born. When talking about exposure, the amount of radiation should also be considered.
People are exposed to radiation on a daily basis. Even the amount of radiation you are exposed to when going about your day is several times higher than what you would get during a typical x-ray session. To put it into perspective, the amount of radiation a person is exposed to on a daily basis is the equivalent of taking 950 digital x-rays.
Using natural gas to cook food produces more radiation than making a dental x-ray.
X-rays have been around for more than a century. They were first discovered in 1895, the same year the first dental x-ray images were produced.
Machines have evolved over the years. Today’s machines are smaller, faster, more efficient and safer to use. Newer sensor-based machines use about a tenth the amount of radiation that the traditional film-based machines did.
X-ray images show what your teeth, bone and supporting tissues look like on the inside. Dentists use them to find cavities, look at the roots of each tooth, and see if you have any oral health issues.
Radiation safety measures emphasize the importance of using ALARA — As Low As Reasonably Achievable levels when taking dental x-rays.
Because images are now in digital form, it has become easier for medical and dental personnel to share images and collaborate on what treatment to use.

You can learn more about radiation and its benefits from your Sterling Heights dentist.

Call us today to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists.

Types of Sedation Dentistry

August 29, 2017 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Types of Sedation Dentistry

For some people, a visit to the dentist evokes feelings of dread and panic. People don’t fear the dentist; what people fear is the thought of what the dentist could do inside a person’s mouth, like drilling and injecting medicine.

Patients who get anxious easily are advised to undergo sedation dentistry. Sedated patients often stay awake but experience no pain during the entire procedure. This makes dental patients less anxious and more compliant with the dentist’s instructions.

Sedatives can be administered before any type of procedure, from a quick tooth cleaning session to more invasive procedures. Here are some of the different types of sedation dentistry.

Anxiolysis

This mild type of sedation is used to relieve anxiety. With minimal sedation, the patient remains awake throughout the procedure but is visibly more relaxed. Nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” is administered using a small mask placed over the patient’s nose. In some cases, dentists may induce anxiolysis using pills instead of nitrous oxide gas. Patients who would like to avail of this type of sedation will need to be honest about any past or current medical conditions or if they are taking any medications.

Moderate sedation

Patients who undergo moderate sedation may experience slurred speech but will not remember much of what happened during the procedure. They can still respond to physical or verbal stimuli but have a reduced ability to hear, smell or feel pain. There are two ways to administer the sedative: via an IV or via intramuscular injection.

Deep sedation

Under deep sedation, patients can go in and out of consciousness but they can be awakened when needed. They won’t be able to breathe independently, will lose some of their reflexes, and won’t be able to respond to stimuli. For this type of sedation, the sedative is typically administered using an IV.

General anesthesia

Patients who need to undergo surgery or more invasive dental procedures are given general anesthesia. The option is also offered to people who are not considered viable candidates for the other types of sedation. When given general anesthesia, patients are totally unconscious throughout the procedure. The strong effects of the sedative may linger even hours after the procedure is over. As a result, patients who are given this type of sedative will need to be assisted.

Contact Dental One Care if you are looking for an experienced dentist in Sterling Heights, MI. Our staff members are standing by, ready to answer your inquiries and set you an appointment with one of our dentists.

A Quick Guide To Getting Root Canal

August 18, 2017 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

A Quick Guide To Getting Root Canal

“Root canal” is a procedure that involves removing infected material inside the tooth’s pulp. This procedure is done to relieve the patient of pain. The term can also refer to the inner passages inside a tooth located in between the roots and the pulp.

Use this quick guide to learn more about the procedure. Included in this guide is a brief overview on what causes the pains, signs to look out for and more, as shared by a trusted dentist in Sterling Heights, MI.

Sources for root canal pains

There are several possible causes for pain in the root canal. The first is severe damage to the tooth. Pain occurs when tooth decay has gone beyond the tooth’s outer layers. Tooth cracks and chips can also cause decay and pain. Performing multiple dental procedures in the same area can cause the same result. Infection caused by trauma, fillings, cracks, chips and tooth decay can also result in tooth canal pain.

When a root canal is needed

Not all tooth pain can be resolved by having root canal. A dentist may suggest getting root canal if the patient notices any of the following signs:

Experiencing extreme pain when eating or when putting any pressure on a specific area
Experiencing tooth pain when the tooth is subjected to hot or cold stimuli, even when these stimuli have been removed
Observing a bump near the painful tooth
If the tooth is becoming darker
Noticeable swelling or tenderness around the area of the gums

What happens during the procedure

The procedure involves a series of steps from removing the infection inside the tooth pulp until the tooth is sealed. Here is an overview of the procedure:

The dentist will order an x-ray of the patient’s mouth to see the extent of the infection.
General anesthesia is administered to make the area numb. This will help make the procedure pain-free and stress-free for the patient.
Using a drill, the dentist will create a hole on the infected tooth to gain access to the pulp. A series of special tools will be used to remove the tooth’s damaged pulp and nerve.
After the infection has been removed, the dentist can complete the procedure on the same day. If a customized crown will be used, the dentist may seal the gap using some temporary filling while waiting for the crown to be completed.
For patients with a severe tooth infection, the dentist may leave it open to allow the pus to draw away from the tooth. Once the tooth is free of infection, the dentist will seal the hole with filling or crown. Schedule your appointment with us today!

How the Invisalign treatment process works

July 13, 2017 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

This Is How Invisalign Works

Perfectly straight teeth are half of the formula for a beautiful smile, which is why a lot of parents save thousands of dollars for their children’s braces. Older folks nowadays are also investing in a beautiful smile, but instead of the traditional metal braces, which younger people wear, they opt for the more discreet option: Invisalign.

How Invisalign Works

Invisalign works very similarly to traditional braces except for the fact that it’s virtually invisible and it’s also removable. It solves the same issues that traditional braces do – overbite, under bite, open bite, gapped teeth, crooked teeth, crowded teeth, cross bite and the presence a snaggle tooth.

The aligner trays for Invisalign put pressure on teeth the same way that metal brackets, wires, and elastics do – moving teeth horizontally and vertically, and even rotating them when needed. The aligner trays are designed in such a way that the right amount of force is applied in the right place, at the right time.

There are several aligner trays for the entire system and the number is dependent on the amount of work that needs to be done to get teeth straight. The duration of treatment is also different for every case, says a trusted dentist in Sterling Heights. Typically, however, patients go through the system for two to three years.

The Invisalign Process

Once you’ve decided that Invisalign is the treatment you want to get perfectly straight teeth, your orthodontist will take X-rays, pictures, and impressions of your teeth and gums to create an accurate 3D image of your dental condition.

From these images, your orthodontist will determine if Invisalign would actually work for you. As effective as Invisalign is for many, there are special cases (like when a patient has bridgework or back tooth bite problems) wherein other treatments are deemed more suitable and practical.

If you’re not a “special case,” a precise treatment is designed for you and this will take into account the exact movements of the teeth, as well as the estimated length of the treatment.

After that, you’ll be given a virtual representation of the different stages of your Invisalign treatment. This will provide you a thorough understanding of how the treatment will progress and see the changes achieved by every stage.

You’ll then be provided the aligner trays after a few weeks, and once you get the trays, you’ll be given instructions by your dentist on how to deal with initial discomfort, how long you’re supposed to wear them, how to keep them clean, and when they should be replaced by the next tray.

For more information on Invisalign, a Sterling Heights dentist is ready to answer whatever queries you may have.

4 Gum Disease Treatment Options

July 11, 2017 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Gum Disease Treatment Options From Dental1Care

Gum disease is the inflammation of the gum line. When left untreated, it can affect the bone surrounding and supporting your teeth. Symptoms include swollen or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, loose teeth, gums that recede, and visible pus around your teeth and gums.

Good thing there are different gum disease treatment options offered by your trusted Sterling Heights dentist today.

3 Stages of Gum Disease

1. Gingivitis – This happens when bacterial plaque is not removed from your teeth thoroughly. The tell-tale signs of this are swollen, red, and bleeding gums. With daily brushing and flossing and regular dental cleaning, this condition can easily be reversed.

2. Periodontitis – This occurs when gingivitis is left untreated. It affects not just your gum tissue but the ligaments and bones supporting your teeth as well. And this can result in permanent tooth loss.

3. Chronic Periodontitis – This is the advanced form of the disease. The severity of the disease can be influenced by important risk factors, such as lack of adequate home care, health history, smoking, genetic susceptibility, and medications.

4 Treatment Options for Gum Disease

1. Scaling and Root Planing or SRP

SRP is the first step in treating periodontitis, wherein the dentist will scrape and remove the plaque and tartar off of your teeth and gum line by scaling. To prevent bacterial infection, the dentist will smooth away any roughness on the roots.

2. Pocket Reduction Procedure

When the gum tissue isn’t fitting snugly around your tooth after scaling and root planing, you may need to undergo periodontal pocket reduction. Otherwise known as flap surgery, this is done by folding back the gum tissue to remove infectious bacteria and to reattach it to the healthy bone.

3. Regenerative Procedures

To promote the growth of bone in areas where the bones have been damaged by periodontal disease, bone grafting is recommended. Your dentist will remove bacteria and then place natural or synthetic bone in the affected area. Tissue-stimulating proteins can also be placed to help your body in efficiently growing the bone and tissue.

4. Gum Grafts

Exposed roots caused by gum recession can be covered using gum grafts. Your dentist in Sterling Heights will take gum tissue from your palate to cover the roots of your teeth. By covering exposed roots, sensitivity can be reduced and roots can be protected against decay.

If you have undergone any of these gum disease treatment options, meticulous homecare is very crucial to make sure that your teeth and gums are strong and healthy at all times. You will be advised to stop smoking since this can hinder the healing process. Moreover, you need to keep a close eye on your oral health with regular dental cleaning appointments.

How Much Does Invisalign Cost?

June 20, 2017 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Invisalign has been creating a buzz in recent years. This system uses a series of removable, clear aligners that are pressed directly on the teeth in order to exert pressure and progressively move them into place.

Advantages of Invisalign Over Metal Braces

The clear factor is the big difference between these two options. Invisalign uses aligners that are transparent and almost invisible to the naked eye. Moreover, it can be used for any type of malocclusion.

With Invisalign, you just have to see your dentist once in every six weeks instead of visiting the dental office every two weeks just as you would if you opt for wire braces. He will provide you with sets of aligners and take note of your progress.

Unlike metal braces, you can remove the Invisalign aligners if you drink, floss, brush, and eat. As such, your teeth will be less likely to act as a catch-all for plaque or to trap food. Moreover, since it is removable, dental cleanings can be done easily and quickly.

How the Invisalign Process Works

First, a CT scan of your teeth will be taken. Second, computer aided design will approximate the movement of your teeth. Third, a reputable orthodontist will create your treatment plan. If necessary, modifications can be made. Fourth, molds of your teeth will be made at every stage of the treatment. And lastly, your Invisalign aligners will be created and fitted to your teeth. You may need to wear every new aligner for about two weeks.

How Much Does It Cost Today?

Even with hundreds of thousands of people having been successfully treated with Invisalign, many are still asking, “How much does Invisalign cost without insurance?”

According to a trusted dentist in Sterling Heights, the cost of achieving the perfect smile is not cheap. The cost of Invisalign is somewhat equivalent to the cost of wire braces. But this will greatly depend on how severe your malocclusion is.

For simple malocclusion, Invisalign may cost you around $3,500 whereas an average Invisalign treatment costs $5,000. Always remember that the cost varies and most dental offices offer discounts. However, this high cost should not stop you from achieving a perfect smile.

Your dental insurance may cover some of the treatment’s cost. But if you don’t have a dental insurance plan or perhaps your insurance plan doesn’t cover orthodontics, there are other ways to achieve a perfect smile. First, you can opt for health care financing plans that allow you to make monthly payments on dental or health treatments. Second, pay the cost of the Invisalign treatment using your credit card.

If the cost of getting an Invisalign is high, always think about its benefits. A perfect smile can become a huge boost to your confidence and self-esteem. Most importantly, straighter teeth are better for your overall health.

Choosing a Gentle Dentist in Sterling Heights

April 11, 2017 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Dentists must be knowledgeable in the biological sciences and skilled in the procedures required to treat dental problems. But the best dentists are those that show a caring, compassionate approach – the kind that makes patients feel comfortable which is essential to achieving the best treatment results.

With plenty of dentists to choose from today, how exactly will you end up partnering with the best dental professional? A reputable dentist in Sterling Heights shared some tips.

Ask for referrals from people you trust like your family and friends.

They will definitely recommend a dentist they are satisfied with. When they trust such dentist, it is more likely that you’ll also have a positive, satisfying experience during your visit.

Check online reviews.

With today’s modern, technological age, you can find the necessary information you need with just a few mouse clicks. Reputable dentists certainly have their own websites where they promote the products and services they offer. Moreover, you can get an idea of how you can be treated by looking at their customer’s review page. From there, you can decide if such dental office is suitable for you and your family.

Look into the dentist’s background.

To become a dentist, a person must complete years of education. Dental schools provide intensive dental study. After graduation, a dental residency program is required prior to entering into dental practice. Similar to physicians, dentists must pass a test and receive a license from the state where you want to work. Being equipped with a solid education and training in dentistry allows dental professionals to have more insights on patient interaction.

Is the dentist qualified?

Most dentists are general practitioners but there are a number of dentists specializing in specific areas of treatment. For instance, a dentist might specialize in performing techniques required to treat the interior of the tooth or in the surgery required to remove diseased teeth. Moreover, when the dentist has a Doctors of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree, it means they passed the national and state examinations.

Visit the dental office.

The office should be clean, organized and must present a warm, welcoming environment. The staff should be friendly and accommodating. You can expect to be treated with a gentle hand when you go to a dental clinic that upholds patient education.

When choosing a gentle dentist in Sterling Heights, look into dental care facilities with a good track record of providing high-quality dental services – from a simple checkup exam to a complex dental procedure. We are devoted to enhance and restore the natural beauty of your smile. Contact us today!

Specialist in Family Dentistry Underscores Importance of Caring for Children’s Teeth

March 9, 2017 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

As a parent, you want to ensure that your child grows strong and healthy. Often, that means bringing your child to his pediatrician for his checkups. But often, parents forget or put less importance on their children’s oral health.

According to both the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, your child’s dental health is just as important as his overall health. Both studies recommend that parents bring their children to a dental office within six months after their kids’ first teeth appear but no later than their children’s first birthday.

Baby teeth are important, too

Baby or primary teeth are just as important as permanent teeth. Parents may think that baby teeth are not important because these will be replaced by permanent ones later on.

But the truth is that baby teeth are valuable for a few important reasons. These teeth aid in chewing and in speech development. More importantly, baby teeth are natural placeholders for permanent teeth and if your child loses his baby teeth prematurely, this can cause problems later on in life.

Finally, taking care of your child’s baby teeth can help prevent tooth decay. Although a decayed baby tooth will be eventually replaced by a permanent tooth, having tooth decay on baby teeth increases the chance of tooth decay on permanent teeth.

The importance of dental care in children

You might be wondering why you should bring your child to a dentist at such an early age. There are a few important reasons for this.

First, a specialist in family dentistry (Sterling Heights, MI) can teach you how to properly clean your child’s teeth and make recommendations regarding your child’s diet and appropriate dental products. Furthermore, if you have questions related to your child’s teeth and how to take care of these, a dentist is the best person to ask.

Second, visiting the dentist at a young age will help keep your child’s oral health on the right track. Additionally, this ensures that your dentist establishes a good relationship with your young one and provides him with the best possible dental care.

As your child grows into a toddler, his dentist can regularly check his teeth and gums, clean his teeth, look for potential problems, and administer the appropriate dental treatments when necessary.

Scheduling your child’s first visit to the dentist

As much as possible, schedule your child’s visit to the dentist at a time when he is well-rested and has been fed. This will help ensure that he will be cooperative.

Remember that your child can pick up on your own energies. If you maintain a positive attitude, your child will feel more at ease at the dental clinic.

Avoid using a visit to the dental visit as a threat. Also, do not bribe your child to go with you to a dentist.

Schedule your visit with us today!