What is TMJ/TMD?

Venture Creative on April 30, 2019

You may have heard of TMD or TMJ, but do you know what they are and what the difference is?

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)

Millions of Americans suffer from chronic facial and neck pain as well as recurring headaches. In some cases, this pain is due to Temporomandibular Disorder, or TMD.

Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect your lower jawbone to your skull. These joints get a lot of use throughout the day as you speak, chew, swallow, and yawn. Pain in and around these joints can be unpleasant and may even restrict movement.

Symptoms of TMD include:

  • Pain in the jaw area
  • Pain, ringing, or stuffiness in the ears
  • Frequent headaches or neck aches
  • Clicking or popping sound when the jaw moves
  • Swelling on the sides of the face
  • Muscle spasms in the jaw area
  • A change in the alignment of top and bottom teeth
  • Locked jaw or limited opening of the mouth

Treating TMD

TMD can be treated many ways, depending on your diagnosis. Non-surgical options include short-term, non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs for pain and muscle relaxation, bite plate or splint therapy, and even stress management counseling.

If non-surgical treatment is unsuccessful or there is clear joint damage, oral surgery may be necessary. The surgical treatment of TMD can involve either arthroscopy or direct jaw surgery, depending on the extent of the damage.

Prevention is Always the Best Medicine

There are a few simple steps you can take at home or work to prevent TMD from becoming more severe, or to prevent it from occurring in the first place:

  • Relax your face — remember the rule: “Lips together, teeth apart”
  • Avoid grinding your teeth
  • Avoid constant gum chewing
  • Don’t cradle the phone receiver between your head and shoulder — either use a headset or hold the receiver in your hand
  • Chew food evenly on both sides of your mouth
  • Do not sit with your chin resting on your hand
  • Practice good posture — keep your head up, back straight, and shoulders squared

We understand it’s not always preventable, that’s why we’re here. Call us today to schedule your consult.

 

Teeth Extraction Survival Guide (What to Expect)

Venture Creative on April 2, 2019

There are times when it is necessary to remove a tooth. Sometimes a baby tooth has misshapen or long roots that prevent it from falling out as it should, and the tooth must be removed to make way for the permanent tooth to erupt. At other times, a tooth may have so much decay that it puts the surrounding teeth and jaw at risk of decay, so your doctor may recommend removal and replacement with a bridge or implant. Infection, orthodontic correction, or problems with a wisdom tooth can also require removal of a tooth.

When it is determined that a tooth needs to be removed, your dentist may extract the tooth during a regular checkup or may schedule another visit for this procedure. The root of each tooth is encased within your jawbone in a “tooth socket,” and your tooth is held in that socket by a ligament. In order to extract a tooth, your dentist must expand the socket and separate the tooth from the ligament holding it in place. While this procedure is typically very quick, it is important to share with your doctor any concerns or preferences for sedation.

Once a tooth has been removed, neighboring teeth may shift, causing problems with chewing or with your jaw joint function. To avoid these complications, your dentist may recommend that you replace the extracted tooth, especially a front tooth replacement.

Now that you know a little about what to expect, here are some tips to keep in mind.

Pre-Surgery

  • Do not eat or drink anything (including water) for eight hours prior to your appointment. If you take medications, you should take them with a small sip of water no later than three hours prior to your appointment.
  • A responsible adult must accompany you to the office, remain in the office during the procedure, and drive you home.
  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing with sleeves that can be rolled up past the elbow.
  • Remove contact lenses, dental prosthetics (dentures), and jewelry.
  • Do not wear lipstick, excessive makeup, or nail polish on the day of surgery.
  • Fill any prescription pain medications and antibiotics before the day of your surgery.
  • If you have an illness such as a cold, sore throat, or stomach or bowel upset, please notify the office.

Post-Surgery

  • Never drive an automobile or operate dangerous machinery on the same day as your surgery or procedure.
  • Avoid any heavy lifting and strenuous physical activity for several days after your surgery.
  • Drink plenty of fluids, but do not suck on a straw, because this can dislodge a clot and lead to bleeding.

We are in the business of giving smiles. Call us today to get your smile feeling right again!

 

Interesting Facts About Dental Implants

Venture Creative on March 4, 2019

Dental Implants. You’ve heard of them, perhaps you’ve even considered them for yourself or someone close to you, but do you really know about them? We have a handful of interesting facts you may not know about dental implants.

Anyone can get them

That’s right. Anyone. No matter your age, you’re eligible for a new smile. All you’ll need is a sign off from your Oral Surgeon saying your jaw is ready to take on the new smile. If they have any concerns, there are options to prep your jaw so you can be back on your way to a new set of pearly whites.

You wouldn’t be alone

The number of people who have implants is growing by 500,000 each year according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Join the 3 million people in the United States who already have implants.

Your implants, your secret

Unless you told someone you have implants, they wouldn’t know because implants look just like real teeth! Implants even fuse with your bone.

It only takes one day

With our Teeth-In-A-Day service you can come in and turn that frown upside down with a whole new set of teeth in simply one day. Check out our Teeth In A Day, A Second Chance At a First Impression post to learn more about the procedure.

Long-lasting

With a nearly 100% success rate, this permanent option is here to stay. Forget options you had to replace and adjust, like dentures, bridges and crowns. Dental implants are here and ready to keep your smile long-lasting. If you take special care of them, they have the potential to last longer than 18 years!

Now that you’ve heard our five interesting facts about dental implants, don’t hesitate to call with any questions you may have. Let us help you smile.

How to Overcome Your Fear of Oral Surgery

Venture Creative on March 1, 2019

We are not your everyday practice; we genuinely care about our patients and relate to each one on a personal level. At our office you aren’t just a patient—you are family. We take great pride in having our patients leave happier than when they arrived. We understand oral surgery can make people feel uneasy so we have put together a list of ways you can overcome your fear of oral surgery. These ways are all related to pre-surgery steps we take to help you feel comfortable moving forward.

Open and Honest Communication

First, understand our team members are experts at managing the health, emotions, and expectations of our patients throughout each and every interaction. We strive to always communicate clearly with our patients by discussing their options, reviewing their treatment plan, and answering any questions or concerns they may have. We want them to feel calm and comfortable every time they visit our office.

State-of-the-art Facilities

Second, know that because of our state-of-the-art facilities in St. George, Cedar City, Delta, and Kanab, UT, and Page, AZ , our patients know are going to receive the finest care possible.

Convenience

Third, we are always available to answer any questions or concerns our patients may have. Drs. Davis is also available after hours for emergency care.

As a courtesy to our patients, we call on their insurance before their first appointment. By doing so, we ensure they have a shorter wait time, and we are able to provide them with a more accurate financial estimate.

Sedation Options

One of our main goals is to provide you with a surgical experience that is as comfortable as it is effective. That’s why we offer several methods of sedation. Your oral surgeon will work with you to decide on a personalized sedation plan that will give you the care you need while ensuring your comfort and safety every step of the way. The following are our options:

  • Local Anesthetic
  • Nitrous Oxide Sedation with Local Anesthetic
  • In-office IV Sedation or General Anesthesia
  • Hospital-Based General Anesthesia

To learn more about what each of the options includes, click here.

We hope this information has given you the comfort you need about oral surgery. If you still have concerns please don’t hesitate to call. We will walk you through everything you need to know to feel confident.

How To Survive The Holidays After Oral Surgery

Venture Creative on December 21, 2018

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How To Survive The Holidays After Oral Surgery

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Since this time of year is for visions of sugarplums to dance in your head, you’re probably not dreaming about getting oral surgery done. However, this time of year usually ends up being most convenient to get those procedures done, so how do you survive the holidays after oral surgery? We’ve compiled our top three tips to help you heal and still have a happy holiday.

Follow Your Post Surgical Care

In the hustle and bustle that comes with the holidays, don’t forget to follow your post-surgical care instructions. Take a minute to set reminders in your phone so you aren’t out last minute present shopping and miss taking medications or flushing out your wisdom teeth pockets.

Eat the Right Foods

Be careful not to chomp down on roasted chestnuts by an open fire. Think mashed potatoes with gravy, peppermint shakes sans the straw and Grandma’s marshmallow sweet potato dish.

Other ideas include:

  • Eggnog (minus the straw of course)

  • Hot chocolate (again minus the straw)

  • Cheesecake and other creamy desserts like delicious pie

  • All the soups (just no chunks)

  • Soft bread to dip in the tasty soups

  • Classic mac and cheese, if your holiday party is lucky enough to have it

  • Hummus (this underrated side is a perfect consistency and packed with protein!)

  • Ground or small bites of turkey and ham (an easier meat to eat would be salmon)

Stay Positive

Last but certainly not least, be merry and bright! Positivity is key to a quick recovery. Don’t let oral surgery put a damper on your holidays. Keep your friends and family close, along with soft, tasty foods and desserts, and you’ll be all set!

The end of the year is nearly here so if you’re considering oral surgery before the new year, contact us today 435-628-1100. We are happy to answer any other questions you might have about surviving the holidays after oral surgery.

Happy Holidays from our family to yours!

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No more pain, call us today!

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