San Ramon Cosmetic Dentistry Blog | Sean Michael Anderson, D.D.S.

San Ramon, Pleasanton, Walnut Creek and Dublin, CA

Monday, May 25, 2009

Jaw Pain Relief is Possible

Jaw pain, or TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder), can often occur when the TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is misaligned so that it causes undue stress and pressure. The jaw joint is located at the side of the face in front of the ear. There are two joints, one on either side of the face. The joint is comprised of the lower jaw bone (mandible), which fits into a hollow in the skull’s temporal bone, and a disc that separates the two bones.

When I treat jaw pain in my clinic, I must first establish a correct diagnosis.
  • Is pain due to disorders of the muscles of the head and face?
  • Could an injured TMJ disc or disorder of the joint structures be causing pain? (i.e., degenerative joint diseases, such as osteoarthritis)
  • Are misaligned teeth due to wear and tear or missing teeth causing the problem?

Sometimes jaw pain should be managed rather than eliminated. In many other cases, reconstruction can relieve pain by aligning your bite. I am a trained neuromuscular dentist and a graduate of the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI), the top post-graduate dental school in the world. If a technique exists to relieve your pain, I can implement it.

If you are in the San Ramon, California area and are experiencing jaw pain or any other symptom of TMD, please contact Dr. Sean Anderson today to make an appointment.

posted by Evan Langsted at 9:47 AM

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

How Short, Worn Teeth Affect Your Bite

Shorter, more worn teeth commonly develop as we age. In my practice I often see wear and tear that comes from teeth clenching and nightly teeth grinding, fingernail chewing, etc. These and other habits accelerate the wearing process and lead to sensitive teeth, and ultimately, tooth breakdown. Sometimes the damage is so severe that reconstructive treatments are required.

Other concerns with short and damaged teeth include:

  • Misalignment -- Worn teeth affect overall wear and tear, causing jaw misalignment. As a result, all teeth wear down down more rapidly.
  • Headaches and muscle pain – Because worn teeth affect bite alignment, head and muscle aches can result.
  • Appearance – Worn, short teeth can make us appear toothless and age us beyond our years
  • Chewing – Worn teeth affect our ability to properly chew our food.

To correct short, worn teeth, I often use crown placement to restore original shape and rehabilitate your bite. Sometimes, dental implants may be in order. I recommend that patients with a history of tooth grinding also use a night guard to prevent additional damage.

If you or a loved one has short, worn teeth, I can help you determine the most appropriate treatment and prevention methods. If you live in the San Ramon, California area, please contact our office to make an appointment.

posted by Evan Langsted at 9:40 AM

925.269.2700

Sean Michael Anderson, D.D.S
Neuromuscular & Aesthetic Cosmetic Dentistry

1501 Bollinger Canyon Road Suite G
San Ramon, CA 94583

Disclaimer: San Ramon, CA cosmetic dentist Dr. Sean Anderson's website only provides information on cosmetic dentistry, neuromuscular dentistry, and family dentistry in Alamo, Danville, Dublin, Pleasanton , Walnut Creek
and the San Ramon area south of San Francisco. This information is not to be taken as medical advice.
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