Beautiful Smiles | Poss Dental Designs

April 30, 2013

Fight Nashville Sleep Apnea with the Help of Dr. Poss

Filed under: Beautiful Smiles,Cosmetic Dentistry,Nashville Cosmetic Dentistry,Sleep Apnea — Tags: cosmetic dentist, nashville dentist, Nashville Sleep Apnea, sleep apnea, stop snoring — bdavis @ 7:11 pm

The field of dentistry can do more than simply make sure that your teeth are straight and clean. There are a number of conditions that dentistry can treat, and I have devoted myself to helping patients with their overall health, as well as the beauty of their smiles. With nearly 30 years of experience in the field of dentistry, as well as a wealth of training in a number of specialties, I believe that I am uniquely qualified to help patients with all aspects of their oral health. Although you may not consider the services of a dentist when you suffer from certain maladies or conditions, your overall health is closely tied to your oral health. This is why I recommend that you visit my Nashville cosmetic dentist office if you feel you might be suffering from sleep apnea.

If you have noticed that you often wake up feeling exhausted and fatigued, or if your partner has complained about unusually loud snoring, you could be suffering from sleep apnea. This condition affects both men and women, but it is more common in males. Sleep apnea is thought to affect approximately 7% of the population, but many medical and dental experts believe that it affects a much higher segment of the population. This is because the condition is so difficult to diagnose, particularly among those who sleep alone. The condition is characterized by a patient’s inability to breathe regularly while sleeping. Patients can stop breathing during sleep for several seconds, or even minutes. This can lead to a number of additional health problems, many of which can be fatal.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, it is likely that you have tried using a continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, machine to help regulate your breathing overnight. Although these machines have been able to help many patients fight the effects of sleep apnea, they can be incredibly cumbersome. If you are like most people, you prefer to feel free and comfortable during sleep. Unfortunately, a CPAP machine prevents freedom while sleeping because you must remain tethered to it throughout the night. This can actually lead to a further deterioration in the quality of your sleep.

I believe that there is more than one solution for those suffering from sleep apnea. As a Nashville dentist with years of experience treating patients, I have seen a number of people come to my office complaining of problems associated with sleep. Although many of them have expressed surprise when I tell them that oral correction can give them extraordinary results, my patients have been able to see their lives improve through the use of special appliances that fit comfortably and correct a number of breathing problems. These appliances are wonderful alternatives to bulky CPAP machines, and they have helped many patients overcome the problems associated with sleep apnea. Moreover, the appliances are custom-made for each individual patient.

It is likely that one of my custom appliances will be able to help you if you suffer from sleep apnea, but it is possible that you will require oral surgery to correct the condition. If that is the case, we can suggest some recommended practitioners.

If you are suffering from sleep apnea, you might not think to contact a dentist to seek solutions. However, you should consider our team if you want effective alternatives to CPAP machines and other medical treatments. Sleep apnea is serious, and it should be treated immediately once it is discovered. I encourage you to make an appointment to visit me in my office so we can discuss effective and manageable solutions that you and your partner will appreciate.

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March 7, 2013

Six Month Smiles Is An Innovative Dental Treatment For Adults

Filed under: Beautiful Smiles,Cosmetic Dentistry,Dentist,Nashville Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: adult braces, cosmetic dentist, nashville cosmetic dentist, six month smiles — bdavis @ 3:09 am

In order to transform a smile, and improve oral health, many people seek traditional metal orthodontics. Although metal braces are a customary method used to transform smiles, and improve oral health, there is another form of treatment that is now being utilized to enhance a person’s oral aesthetics with minimal invasion, time and pain.

One of the newest forms of dental appliances that aid in enhancing smiles are 6-month smiles. Six-month smiles are an inventive type of orthodontics used for straightening a person’s top and bottom front teeth. This dental treatment assists in fixing an assortment of dental problems and can give a person their desired results in as little as 6 months. This alternative to traditional orthodontia is low maintenance and can provide quality results in a fraction of the time.

These appliances are very easy to maintain. Although they are easy to maintain there are certain steps that one must take to ensure suitable oral health while undergoing this type of treatment. The use of regular fluoride rinses and avoiding certain foods, such as popcorn, hard candies and other types of hard foods, are required. Also foods with high acidity and those that are sticky should be avoided because they are harmful to the brackets on these types of braces. Use of a water pick and an interdental toothbrush is also recommended during the course of this orthodontic method to guarantee optimal tooth cleaning.

Although the typical length of treatment is six months, actual treatment times may differ depending on the individual and their particular issues and desired results. Like any other braces there will be slight pain and discomfort upon application of these. The recommended solution for any soreness is the use of over the counter pain relievers.

Only certain people qualify for this short-term option. Those best suited for this treatment plan have crowding and overlapping, overbites and spacing problems. To decide whether these special oral braces are right for you, you will need to have a variety of x-rays and intraoral photographs taken. If you would like to know if you qualify for six-month braces you should contact Dr. Stephen Poss as he is a leader in the cosmetic dentistry industry and is familiar with the application and treatment of these specialty braces.

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January 29, 2013

Treating A Dry Mouth To Prevent Tooth Decay

Filed under: Beautiful Smiles,Cosmetic Dentistry,Dentist,General Health,Oral Health — Tags: dr poss, dry mouth, nashville cosmetic dentist, nashville dentist, nashville oral health, treating dry mouth — bdavis @ 6:40 pm

Dry mouth (xerostomia) is a common problem amongst seniors. It is caused by a reduced flow of saliva, which could be a side effect of a medication or a symptom of a medical condition. If you take antihistamines, painkillers, blood pressure lowering medications, decongestants, antidepressants, muscle relaxants, Parkinson’s disease medications, diuretics or incontinence medications, you will be more likely to suffer from this condition.

An insufficient supply of saliva can cause many problems. Saliva is required to help digest food, wash away stray food particles and reduce the amount of plaque that builds up in the mouth. It also helps to heal sores and prevent infection by controlling the amount of bacteria, viruses and fungi in the mouth. If left untreated, a dry mouth can feel very uncomfortable, can leave a constant dry feeling in the mouth and make it difficult to eat properly. It also makes you more prone to developing mouth sores, experiencing cracked lips and suffering from a rough tongue.

In addition to causing a wide range of oral health problems, dry mouth can cause severe tooth decay. Tooth decay develops when food particles and bacteria join together to form a sticky substance called plaque. Saliva naturally decreases the amount of bacteria in your mouth and prevents plaque from building up on your teeth. A lack of saliva can contribute to plaque accumulation, which can cause the surfaces of your teeth to slowly break down. If left untreated, plaque can damage your teeth and expose their nerves, causing you to feel pain and discomfort.

If you develop tooth decay, Dr. Poss can help to repair your damaged teeth. He can also recommend several products to help alleviate dry mouth symptoms and subsequent issues. Tooth decay is relatively easy to treat in its early stages. If you fail to seek treatment, you may eventually require costly root canal treatment or tooth extraction.

If medication is causing you to suffer from xerostomia, you should first consult with your physician to determine whether it would be beneficial for you to change your medication or adjust your dosage. If this is not possible, you should maintain good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth at least twice daily, flossing daily and eating a range of nutritious foods. You should also visit us regularly for check-ups, dental cleanings and topical fluoride rinses. During your consultation, we may advise you to make changes to your lifestyle to improve your saliva production. Increasing your water intake, chewing sugarless gum, reducing your intake of sugary foods and refraining from consuming alcohol and caffeine-containing drinks may be recommended.

If you reside in the Nashville area and desire more information on the treatments for a dry mouth, contact Dr. Poss, Nashville Cosmetic Dentist to discuss your options.

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December 26, 2012

Options for Teeth Whitening in Nashville

Filed under: Beautiful Smiles,Cosmetic Dentistry,Teeth Whitening — Tags: brentwood dentist, cosmetic dentist, dentist, nashville cosmetic dentist, nashville dentist, nashville teeth whitening, teeth whitening — bdavis @ 11:17 pm

With more innovations cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening has increasingly become more effective, affordable, and widespread. For anyone looking to improve the shimmer of their smile and the aesthetics of their features, whitening their teeth can create an affable look that everyone will appreciate. There are several options for teeth whitening depending on the current state of teeth stains and the frequency of cleaning necessary.
You can find several toothpastes and mouthwashes on the market that feature a whitening ingredient but over the counter products do not have the power needed to eliminate most stains. A stronger peroxide that can only be found at a dentist’s office is the best solution for whitening. A cosmetic dentist will be able to provide the different types of peroxide bleaches that have the necessary strength for you to get a clean white look. Most teeth whitening products have a peroxide concentration between ten and twenty percent.

No matter what the state of your smile is, clean your teeth thoroughly and frequently or else the whitening process will not last. Some people’s oral health is too poor for some whitening procedures and they need to increase the health and strength of their teeth or gums. If your dentist clears you for a procedure, however, there are several options to take for a pearly white smile.

A bleaching is the most typical whitening procedure used by a cosmetic dentist. When people talk about teeth whitening, bleaching is most often what they a referring to. This procedure is a direct application of peroxide by a dentist. The application takes about an hour and must be done several times over the span of a few weeks for results to show. Zoom! whitening is a more rapid version of this procedure - which speeds up the traditional process.

Whitening gels advertised on television clear away the debris from teeth and replace it with a cleaning and whitening ingredient. You can purchase these from supermarkets but a dentist’s whitening trays will be far more effective. These need to be applied on a regular basis over a long period of time and may take up to a week before the gel takes effect. Unlike the over-the-counter gels, a dentist’s whitening trays will have a much stronger bleaching agent.
If you live in the Nashville area and want more information, contact Dr. Poss to discuss your treatment options. You can decide how white you would like your teeth as well as how quickly you want the process complete.

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December 12, 2012

From Dr. Poss – Nashville’s Premier Dentist on Sleep Apnea

Filed under: Beautiful Smiles,Cosmetic Dentistry,Sleep Apnea — Tags: cosmetic dentist, nashville dentist, sleep, sleep apnea, sleep problems, snoring relief — bdavis @ 9:12 pm

The field of dentistry can do more than simply make sure that your teeth are straight and clean. There are a number of conditions that dentistry can treat, and I have devoted myself to helping patients with their overall health, as well as the beauty of their smiles. With nearly 30 years of experience in the field of dentistry, as well as a wealth of training in a number of specialties, I believe that I am uniquely qualified to help patients with all aspects of their oral health. Although you may not consider the services of a dentist when you suffer from certain maladies or conditions, your overall health is closely tied to your oral health. This is why I recommend that you visit my Brentwood dental office if you feel you might be suffering from sleep apnea.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, it is likely that you have tried using a continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, machine to help regulate your breathing overnight. Although the CPAP is the “gold standard” of the industry about 50% of the patient who are prescribed CPAP cannot tolerate sleeping with the machine. If you are like most people, you prefer to feel free and comfortable during sleep. Unfortunately, a CPAP machine prevents freedom while sleeping because you must remain tethered to it throughout the night. This can actually lead to a further deterioration in the quality of your sleep.

I believe that there is more than one solution for those suffering from sleep apnea. As a Nashville cosmetic dentist with years of experience treating patients, I have seen a number of people come to my office complaining of problems associated with sleep. Although many of them have expressed surprise when I tell them that oral correction can give them extraordinary results, my patients have been able to see their lives improve through the use of special appliances that fit comfortably and correct a number of breathing problems. These appliances are wonderful alternatives to bulky CPAP machines and are FDA approved. Over the years we have changed hundreds of lives by allowing the patient to rest better and there sleeping partners are able to sleep with them because of the diminished loud snoring.

If you are suffering from sleep apnea, you might not think to contact a dentist to seek solutions. However, you should consider my Nashville dentist practice if you want effective alternatives to CPAP machines and other medical treatments. Sleep apnea is serious, and it should be treated immediately once it is discovered. I encourage you to make an appointment to visit me in my office so we can discuss effective and manageable solutions that you and your partner will appreciate.

Wishing You the Best and a Wonderful Holiday Season,

Dr. Poss

(615) 373-1056

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December 11, 2012

Nashville Sedation Dentistry

Filed under: Beautiful Smiles,Cosmetic Dentistry,Nashville Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: Dentist Anxiety, nashville dentist, Nashville Dentist Anxiety, Nashville Sedation Dentistry — bdavis @ 10:51 pm

Do you have anxiety about visiting the dentist? Do you wish this was a portion of your life you could skip? Sedation dentistry might be for you. Sedation dentistry typically entails the use of pharmacological agents to ease patient anxiety and anxiousness while they undergo dental operations. In addition to easing anxiety, it also makes a dental procedure more comfortable.

Here are four benefits of this form of treatment among patients:

Less Pain during Treatment
The main purpose of sedation is to depress the central nervous system in order to alleviate the discomfort associated with treatment procedures. Many people dread visits to the dentist due to the general discomfort of many procedures. As such, the promise of sedatives to numb pain and pressure during treatment is likely to assuage the mind of patients, especially those with a low threshold for pain. Fortunately, such treatment is safe for both adults and children alike.

Treatment for Sensitive Teeth
Patients with sensitive teeth are very likely to experience discomfort while undergoing dental surgery as well as regular cleanings. For such patients, sedation presents a welcome relief and is a much better alternative to skipping dental visits in general.

Solution for Gag Reflex
Individuals who experience rapid gag reflex often dread visits to the dentist, too. Such individuals fear that they might gag and vomit while a dentist is working on their mouth and filling cavities. For such individuals, sedatives offer an ideal solution. The sedated patient can sit still on the dentist’s chair allowing the practitioner to carry out the procedure without any interruption.

Solution for Extensive Procedures

Few people can withstand the discomfort of extensive procedures such as root canals and fillings. Some cosmetic dental procedures such as brace insertion also take a longtime to perform. Dental specialists such as oral and maxillofacial surgeons prefer to use sedatives on patients undergoing such extensive procedures to curtail movements and ease pain. Sedatives enable the professional to carry out several procedures at once, and reduce the number of appointments needed by the patient.

Many people experience anxiety when visiting the dentist and thus are reluctant to do so. Consequently, some people deliberately avoid appointments to the dentist due to tenuous phobias. Nevertheless, sedation dentistry offers a solution to any worries a patient might have. Patients can go through different dental procedures without experiencing any soreness or discomfort. Residents in need of a local Nashville dentist certified to provide sedation services should contact Dr. Stephen Poss – an expert at making people comfortable while keeping their mouths healthy.

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November 15, 2012

Enjoy The Smile Of Your Dreams With Cosmetic Dentistry Nashville

Filed under: Beautiful Smiles,Cosmetic Dentistry,Dental Implants,Dentist,Nashville Cosmetic Dentistry,Veneers — Tags: beautiful smile, cosmetic dentist nashville, dentist, nashville cosmetic dentist, oral health, smile makeovers — bdavis @ 8:45 pm

Cosmetic dentistry has the potential to change your appearance in a positive, uplifting manner. There are many options for cosmetic dentistry Nashville to accommodate individual need and budget. Professional cosmetic dentists can give you a greater understanding of what these treatments have to offer and how they can improve your smile to enhance your personal appearance. The following gives a brief description of some of the most popular and successful treatments for your careful consideration.

Dental Implants

If you have experienced the loss of front teeth due to an accident or disease, dental implants may be a viable solution to repairing your smile. Advanced dental technology has made the process of implants easier and more effective than ever. Modern implants are not only designed to look like your real teeth, but they feel comfortable and natural as well. They are built to conform to your individual mouth structure and surrounding teeth.
Unlike dentures that are removed during the night, implants become a permanent part of the structure of your teeth. In addition to improving your smile, they will help keep your other teeth from shifting and becoming misaligned; implants can also help prevent deterioration of the jawbone.

Veneers

If you have a problem with cracked, chipped or stained front teeth, veneer treatments are available to help create a more attractive smile. Porcelain veneers are slim casings bonded onto the tooth surface to cover chips, cracks and stains. Veneer treatments produce beautiful results without having to extract and replace your natural teeth. These stain resistant casings can be adapted to the size and shape of your damaged or stained teeth to give them a more attractive appearance.

Cosmetic Bonding

Teeth that are slightly misaligned, disproportional or that have sustained minor damage such as chipping can be renovated through cosmetic bonding. This treatment involves reshaping the tooth by applying composite resin so that it has a better shape and exterior appearance. Once the resin dries, the tooth can be shaped and polished to complement surrounding teeth and complete the restoration process. Bonding provides an affordable method of restoring minor defects in your teeth. Unlike porcelain veneers, however, which can last for the duration of your life, this treatment generally has a lifespan of 5-10 years.

Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening treatments benefit individuals who suffer from yellow or stained teeth. These treatments vary depending on individual need. The Zoom whitening technique is highly effective in removing yellow stains and restoring a whiter, brighter smile. This treatment is completed within a dental office setting and entails applying whitening gel to affected teeth and then activating with a specialized lamp to reduce or eliminate teeth stains. The process generally takes approximately one hour and produces long lasting results.

The use of bleaching trays to whiten teeth is a process that can be completed at home. By following dental instructions, you can get optimum whitening results. Home bleaching methods generally take several weeks to see positive results. However, bleaching has been very successful in removing unsightly stains and whitening your smile.

These are but a few of the many treatments available to enhance your smile. By choosing the appropriate treatment, you can have the smile you’ve always wanted for a more attractive and pleasing appearance. Contact Dr. Poss today to learn more about your perfect smile!

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November 13, 2012

Keeping Your Mouth Healthy During the Holidays

Filed under: Beautiful Smiles,Oral Health — bdavis @ 3:57 am

Despite your usual efforts at following good oral health habits, you may gravitate towards holiday food that does nothing to promote a healthy smile and healthy teeth. While one day of enjoying special treats may not seem so bad, your social schedule may mean that eating holiday food may last for several days or several weeks. The thought of skipping your favorite foods and beverages while spending time with the people that you care for the most may be unacceptable, but you can still enjoy holiday food and protect your oral health. With some simple changes and additions to your usual routine, you can maintain a healthy mouth, beautiful teeth, and still enjoy yourself during the holidays.

Your holiday fun may include traveling from house to house, city to city, state to state, or beyond. Being away from home may make brushing and flossing more challenging, but it is still possible to keep up with these necessary hygiene activities. One of the best ways to maintain a healthy smile is to keep your mouth clean, and this includes keeping sugar, caffeine, and other harmful things from remaining on your teeth. While coffee, tea, or cocoa may be perfect accompaniments to sumptuous holiday food and mealtimes, sipping these kinds of beverages over several hours may be extremely harmful to your tooth enamel. A better alternative would be to finish these beverages more quickly and then follow up with some sort of mouth cleansing. If you assume that effectively cleansing your mouth means having mouthwash, yards of floss and a full sized toothbrush at your disposal, you may be pleasantly surprised with the quick and easy alternative that may work for you.

While you may be able to slip away and brush your teeth if you are in your own home, it may be more difficult if you are traveling. A complete brushing and flossing would be ideal, but even swishing your mouth out with water may remove an impressive amount of harmful food and drink residue from your mouth. Simply keeping a glass or bottle of water nearby may protect your healthy smile, and you can do so without even leaving the hub of the holiday festivities. Even if you are slowly sipping sugary drinks or making repeated trips to a holiday buffet, intermittent drinks of water may keep you from ruining your healthy smile.

Another way to support your oral health during the holidays is to plan ahead as you would any other time you are going to be away from your usual surroundings. This may include keeping floss picks, dental gum, or a travel toothbrush and small tube of toothpaste at your disposal at all times. Innovative items such as sterile and reusable mouth picks, dental finger mitts, and dental wipes are small enough to fit in a small purse or travel bag, and you may use them quickly and discreetly in nearly any restroom area. A healthy smile can be yours whenever you desire, even as you enjoy your favorite holiday food and beverages with these easy oral health solutions.

Finally, you can keep your smile healthy by maintaining regular dental visits.

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October 8, 2012

Understanding Oral Health During Pregnancy

Filed under: Beautiful Smiles,General Health — bdavis @ 5:21 pm

During pregnancy there are many things you will want to think about in regards to your health. While many women focus on the health of their body and their baby’s body, many forget about their oral hygiene. However, this is just as important. By understanding what you need to do, you will be able to maintain your healthy smile during and after pregnancy.

The first thing you should know is what you should be doing to keep up with your regular brushing routine. If the toothpaste is causing you to feel nauseous then the best thing to do is to switch to a brand that does not have much flavor. Also, if you are having severe morning sickness and cannot brush your teeth after being sick, then it can be helpful to carry a travel sized mouthwash to help keep your breathe fresh and help eliminate the acids and bacteria in your mouth.

Another thing you should know is the importance of getting enough calcium during pregnancy. Your baby’s body will need plenty of calcium for development. If you do not take in enough calcium, your body will take from your own calcium for your baby. This can result in toothaches and weaker teeth. Keep in mind that if you breastfeed, then it is important to get enough calcium and other nutrients after your baby is born as this will also come from your body.

The good news though is that this is very easy to do with plenty of dairy, broccoli, soy and supplements. You should make sure to take in adequate amounts of vitamin D each day as this helps with the body absorbing calcium. Along with this, you should ensure that you keep sugary snacks to a minimum as these can lead to tooth decay.

It is necessary to see your dentist throughout your pregnancy to keep track of your oral health. Though dental procedures are usually avoided during the pregnancy, you still need to go. Even X-rays should only be done when absolutely necessary. You should ensure your dentist knows you are pregnant as well as any medications you are taking. If you have gum or periodontal disease, then this is something to be aware of and have treated.

Studies have indicated a common link between these diseases and premature birth. Your dentist should assess this and help you deal with the issue. If you find that you do have one of these oral diseases during your pregnancy it is also important that you let your let your OBGYN know so they can be prepared for the possibility of a premature birth.

Though this may seem like a lot of things to keep in mind, it is really not as much as you may think. Just remember to keep up with regular mouth care, get the necessary nutrients and tell any dentist or doctor you see about your pregnancy and other conditions. If there is a need for dental procedures, these can usually be completed after you give birth, though you should let your dentist know if you are breastfeeding.

Don’t forget to contact Dr. Poss with any specific questions about your oral health during pregnancy!

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September 28, 2012

Get Rid Of Headaches And Constant Jaw Pain With TMJ Treatment

Filed under: Beautiful Smiles,General Health,Teeth Grinding,TMJ Treatment Nashville — bdavis @ 5:26 pm

TMJ is the abbreviation for Temporomandibular Joint, and plagues many men and women worldwide. It is caused by a variety of issues, including:

• Disease (arthritis, for instance)
• Wear due to aging
• Grinding and clenching
• Chewing on things (not food)
• Poor alignment of teeth
• Trauma

Some of these situations are habits a person has formed. A child starts biting pencils, and continues to gnaw on things as she gets older. This biting might become grinding during slumber, or have begun from that grinding and progressed to daytime gnawing. Clenching is also a habit, even if it is related to mental health issues such as anxiety or problems with anger. It might be a coping mechanism in response to pain elsewhere in the body.

The result is pain of many kinds, including headaches. Taking analgesics can be helpful for relieving minor pain in the early stages of TMJ; however, this is simply a “band-aid” and has no long term impact on the cause of discomfort. Anti-inflammatory drugs sold over the counter are a more effective TMJ treatment as they reduce swelling in the joint.

Some clients will get injections deep into the joint, such as lidocaine or Botox. Lidocaine is recognizable as a topical anesthetic rubbed onto the skin before having an IV. Botox causes the joint to relax. Both forms of TMJ treatments are only effective for a few months and are not for the faint of heart.

Far less frightening and painful than a long needle, bite guards have also been proven effective. They stop the user from putting pressure on the TMJ. The user is not always aware she is grinding, especially at night, so a bite guard is a useful night time aid.

If dental alignment is the culprit, speak with Dr. Poss about getting braces. It is not too late, even if the teen years have passed you by. Many adults wear braces to correct a cross bite which were not addressed during childhood. This is a long term solution to an ongoing problem and could prevent headaches from becoming unbearable.

When it comes to TMJ treatment, it pays to think outside of the box. The problem rarely comes out of the blue, unless you are affected by arthritis or a disease that strikes joints all over your body. With some creative consideration, your headaches could be gone in just a few months even if you have suffered with TMJ for years.

Don’t forget that Dr. Poss has extensive experience treating TMJ and persistent headaches.

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1646 Westgate Circle | Suite 100 Brentwood, TN 37027

615-373-1056