February 29, 2012

Do You Grind or Clench Your Teeth At Night? TMJ Treatment

TMJ Treatment, Nashville and Brentwood TN

If you find yourself grinding or clenching your teeth often, you are not alone. In fact, millions of people are afflicted with this condition, which is also known as “bruxism.” Bruxism affects people of all ages – from children all the way up through mature adults. One of the unfortunate effects of bruxism is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ), which can leave you in daily pain if left untreated.

In this article, we’ll explain more about how teeth clenching and grinding are connected to TMJ, and how you can find relief from the condition today.

How Does Teeth Grinding and Clenching Lead to TMJ?
People who are dealing with bruxism can be susceptible to clenching or grinding their teeth at any time, but it is a bit more common at night. In addition to generating considerable wear and tear on teeth over time, it also continuously stresses the jaw region of the face. Eventually, this repeated movement strains the jaw and leads to TMJ. So how do you know if you might have a case of TMJ?

To get a better idea of whether you have TMJ, take a look at the following common symptoms to see if they sound familiar to you:

  • Pain or soreness in your face
  • Pain or difficulty while chewing
  • Headache, migraine or earache
  • Discomfort in the neck or shoulders
  • Clicking or popping noises when you chew

People with TMJ typically experience some of the above symptoms, so if any of those sound familiar you should seek TMJ treatment from a dental professional today. Keep reading to find out how your dentist can save you from the pain and discomfort of TMJ.

How Can Your Dentist Offer TMJ Treatment?
When you visit your dentist to get TMJ treatment, you will be amazed at how much better you will feel over the following weeks, months and years. Dentists are specially trained to get right to the root of the problem using advanced diagnostic equipment. This technology enables them to see exactly where the jaw has been misaligned due to grinding or clenching of the teeth.

Once your dentist has located the areas of misalignment and determined how the jaw should be properly aligned, he or she will design a solution that directly addresses your unique alignment. This solution typically consists of an oral appliance resembling a mouth guard used in sports. This custom oral appliance gradually shifts your jaw into its correct alignment as you sleep and holds it still so you can’t clench or grind your teeth. Over a relatively short period of time, you will find that the pain and other symptoms become a distant memory.

Another thing your dentist can do is use restorative and cosmetic dentistry to repair any damage to your teeth that has been caused by the constant grinding and clenching. If you have endured that problem for a prolonged period of time, you might have cracks, chips or erosion that need to be addressed.

Take control over your TMJ problem today by contacting Dr. Poss. His years of experience treating TMJ will provide the solution you need in the shortest time possible.

February 20, 2012

Safe Ways to Remove Metal Fillings

We completely understand if the thought of carrying around potentially toxic substances in your body makes you a bit squeamish. Yet, this is exactly what is happening if you have metal fillings in your teeth. There has been much debate over the years about which negative health effects can be attributed to metal fillings, but many health professionals do agree that they pose harmful side effects for your body.

If your teeth contain metal fillings and you are concerned about the long-term health effects, your best option is to have them removed by a dentist who is certified in safe removal of amalgam fillings. In this article, we’ll explain why and how to protect yourself by getting rid of your old metal fillings.

Why remove metal fillings?
As we mentioned above, metal fillings – also known as amalgams – can be detrimental to your health over time. The amalgam contains silver, tin and zinc, but the material that health care professionals are really concerned about is mercury, which can compose as much as 50% of some fillings. Mercury is widely recognized as a metal that can harm the human body, and it is present in metal fillings and some metal and porcelain crowns.

Following, we have listed some of the numerous health conditions that have been at least partially blamed on amalgams. Although some of them are still the subject of debate, it will give you a good idea about why having your metal fillings removed is a wise health decision.

  • Neurological effects including Alzheimers’, Lou Gehrig’s disease, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis
  • Respiratory problems
  • Vision problems
  • Cancer
  • Impaired fetal development
  • Impaired immune system
  • Problems with teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue

The right way to remove metal fillings
Removing metal fillings is a process that requires an intense focus on safety for both the patient and dentist. During removal, mercury particles can become airborne and they can enter the patient’s nose, mouth and lungs if the proper precautions aren’t taken. To make sure that you are undergoing the safest filling removal, you need to visit a dentist who adheres to the International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology (IAOMT) standards, which govern the safe removal of amalgam and other metals from the mouth.

When you have Dr. Poss remove your metal fillings, you will receive the highest level of safety. Our approach closely follows IAOMT standards and is centered around using the best practices available to ensure your well-being, including:

  • Administering an optional bio-compatibility test before the procedure to ensure that the replacement materials will be compatible with your body.
  • Using a rubber dam, aeration device and safety glasses during removal to protect the you from mercury particles.
  • Making sure you are breathing pure oxygen during the procedure while the materials are removed from your teeth.

Once your old fillings have been removed from your teeth, we replace them with metal-free materials that are safe for body. The new materials are durable and long-lasting, and they closely match the look and feel of the tooth.

Call Dr. Poss, cosmetic dentist,  today to ensure that the materials used to fill your teeth are protecting both your teeth and the health of your entire body.

January 30, 2012

6 Reasons To Treat Sleep Apnea

If you think you might be dealing with sleep apnea, you should make it a point to get diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Some people ignore this condition for years or possibly even never get treated, which can potentially lead to more serious complications later on. Instead of dismissing your sleep apnea as something that doesn’t require professional attention, keep in mind that one quick visit to your dentist could provide relief and health improvements that you have been lacking for years.

If you’re not convinced yet, keep reading to find out more about the negative health problems that can result from leaving your sleep apnea untreated.

Health problem 1: Higher blood pressure
Obstructive sleep apnea causes people to wake up many times throughout the night, which eventually causes damage to the walls of the blood vessels. These blood vessels are in charge of maintaining a normal blood pressure, so the damage inhibits their ability to carry out this important task.

Health problem 2: Diabetes
Sleep apnea is known to often impact people’s blood sugar levels, which has been linked to increased occurrences of diabetes. Getting treated for sleep apnea sooner rather than later can lower the risk of diabetes, or at least perhaps lessen the risk of complications due to diabetes.

Health problem 3: Depression
Depression is a relatively common symptom found in people who are dealing with sleep apnea. Lack of sleep can lead to drastic changes in mood and temperament, which can cause depression.

Health problem 4: Heart illness
Researchers have asserted that sleep apnea is capable of contributing to serious heart problems such as heart disease and heart attacks. This is because sleep patterns that are severely disrupted by sleep apnea can lead to hypertension or coronary artery disease.

Health problem 5: Stroke
Studies have shown that people with sleep apnea are much more likely to suffer strokes than those who don’t have the condition. In fact, a major research effort called the Sleep Heart Health Study found that even men with mild cases of sleep apnea are more at risk for stroke.

Health problem 6: General lack of energy
Weeks, months and years on end of little to no sleep can obviously leave a person feeling drained of energy. This tiredness can affect almost every part of a person’s life from work performance to simply being able to focus on conversations. Studies have even shown that people who have severe cases of sleep apnea are more likely to be involved in auto accidents than regular sleepers.

You Should Take Action Now
Even if you only suspect that you may be suffering from sleep apnea, you should make an appointment with your dentist to get checked out. Dentists have advanced methods of providing effective and fast treatment for sleep apnea, including custom oral appliances that you can wear while you sleep. Instead of letting the potentially dangerous effects from sleep apnea take their toll on you over time, seek treatment now and begin enjoying the peaceful sleep your body requires.

January 28, 2012

What is Your Gum Disease Risk

Any dentist will tell you that gum disease is a health condition that you don’t want to mess with. It can lead to decaying and lost teeth, it has been linked to other conditions such as stroke or heart attack, and it just isn’t as attractive as a set of pink gums surrounding gleaming white teeth.

In order to avoid dealing with periodontal disease, one of the first steps you should take is to assess your gum disease risk to see which preventative measures are right for you. Your dentist is the most qualified to perform this assessment and you should definitely ask for his or her professional opinion. You can also take a look at the following risk factors for periodontal disease to see which ones currently apply to you.

  1. Age – According to studies, your risk of having gum disease nearly doubles once you reach the age of 65. The oral system is affected by aging just like the rest of the body, but with the right dental approach you should be able to keep periodontal disease at bay.
  2. Gender – Women are more likely to have gum disease, which is mainly due to their hormones. As they make their way through puberty, pregnancy and menopause, their hormones change and create an opportunity for gum disease to take root.
  3. Smoking – Smoking is a well-known contributor to gum disease, and it also makes the disease harder to treat.
  4. Poor dental hygiene – Brushing and flossing are two of the best ways to ward off disease, along with regular visits to the dentist. Without doing these things, plaque is free to attach itself to teeth and cause inflammation and swelling in the gums.
  5. Medications – Certain medications can hasten the arrival of periodontal disease. This side effect will usually be explained to you by your doctor and as on your medication’s label.
  6. Health conditions – People with certain health conditions are more likely to develop gum disease. These conditions include diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis and some auto-immune diseases.
  7. Unhealthy diet – People who eat unhealthy foods on a daily or near-daily basis have an increased risk of gum disease.
  8. Stress – Don’t stress out about this, but stress is a factor that can actually lead to periodontal disease. A healthy body is usually great at defending against the infection that causes gum disease, but stress makes it much harder to accomplish that important task.
  9. Other dental problems – Existing problems with teeth or even faulty dental work are suspected of being gum disease causes. The gums can be irritated, inflamed or infected by problems such as fillings with abrasive edges, misaligned teeth, or oral appliances that are dirty or don’t fit correctly.

As we mentioned earlier, your dentist is the first person you should have assess your risk factors and come up with ways to keep your gums healthy. Some aspects are simply out of your control, but for many others you have the power to prohibit them from affecting your gums. Visit Dr. Poss your cosmetic dentist in Nashville, TN to find out about keeping your gums healthy.

January 25, 2012

5 Easy Ways to Remember to Floss

Despite the fact that flossing is an essential part of your daily routine and it can even contribute to a longer life, sometimes it is hard to remember to do it. There can be many reasons for people being forgetful when it comes to flossing, such as you work odd hours, you ran out of floss a week ago, or you subconsciously just don’t want to do it. Regardless of the reason, it is a practice that should be carried out on a daily basis.

If you have trouble remembering to floss, we have some easy tips for you that will keep it on the top of your mind every day. Eventually it might even be something that you do without thinking about it! Read on to find out how you can be a regular flosser in no time.

  1. Remind yourself of the benefits – Flossing can do wonders for your looks and health. It keeps your gums healthy and clean so you won’t have to worry about gingivitis. It cleans out any food stuck between teeth that can lead to staining and cavities. It also gets rid of plaque that can make its way into other parts of your body and contribute to future health problems such as heart disease and stroke.
  2. Establish an ironclad routine – One common theory is that it takes 21 days to make something into a habit. Whether that is the exact time it takes to establish a habit or not, it is true that you should floss daily without fail until it is just something you do. One trick that might help is to put a small calendar next to your bathroom sink and put a check mark on each day that you floss.
  3. Always have more floss on hand – If you happen to run out of floss, you might be tempted to let it slide for a few days (or weeks) until you get new floss. Instead of letting this happen to you, consider buying an economy pack of dental floss so that you have a steady supply for months.
  4. Have a loved one remind you – Your wife, husband, son, daughter or any other person close to you would probably be happy to remind you to floss. Don’t be afraid to ask for their help, but be sure to ask someone who will actually follow through with their promise to hold you accountable.
  5. Become a mobile flosser – There are situations for pretty much anybody where a tight schedule or unforeseen events can hinder your ability to floss at home. This is not the time for excuses considering that a container of floss can fit in your pocket at any time. You can sneak to the bathroom during work or find many other small windows of time to get your flossing fix.

Remember, flossing is something quick and easy that you can do to improve your help. All it takes is a conscious effort at first until it is just second nature! Keeping up with these common oral health practices will keep your smile bright and your mouth healthy. Visit Dr. Stephen Poss, your Nashville dentist to keep your mouth healthy and happy.

Are You a Candidate for Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry can give you that bright, straight smile that you’ve been wanting so badly, but you may not be sure if you’re a good candidate for it. Maybe you’re wondering if the imperfections in your teeth will eliminate cosmetic dentistry as an option for you. The good news is that dentists can work miracles in your mouth, and chances are good that you are a qualified candidate for cosmetic work.

To give you an idea of whether your mouth is ready for cosmetic dentistry, we’ve put together this clear explanation of how dentists evaluate candidates.

Qualifications for Cosmetic Dentistry
Even if your teeth have significant problems (stains, cracks, decay and other damage), this does not necessarily exclude you from cosmetic dentistry. Most stained and crowded teeth can be made beautiful so that you look 10 years younger and are bursting with self-esteem and confidence.

When evaluating you, your dentist will look at your entire mouth to get a good sense of how to best proceed. Your dentist wants to determine whether your oral health is sufficient for cosmetic work. If the dentist finds oral issues such as gum disease or jaw problems like TMJ, those problems will need to be treated first before performing cosmetic dentistry.

To prepare your teeth for cosmetic dentistry, your dentist will perform restorative work to repair and strengthen your teeth. This restorative dentistry will ensure that your oral health is strong enough that your dentist can work on making your teeth sparkle.

After You Have Been Approved for Cosmetic Dentistry
Once your mouth is in better shape, your dentist will begin to craft a polished smile that will have you shining with confidence in public. Cosmetic dentistry can fix flaws including:

  • Stains
  • Crowding
  • Gaps or spaces
  • Crooked or misaligned teeth
  • Too much or too little gums showing

Your dentist will choose a cosmetic dentistry program specifically geared toward your unique requirements. You may only need one procedure or a few, but your treatment options may consist of the following procedures and others:

  • Teeth whitening – A fast and easy tooth-whitening session can boost your smile’s brightness by several shades in one visit to the dentist.
  • Veneers – Porcelain veneers whiten smiles and fix any gaps or crooked teeth.
  • Dental crowns – Dental crowns are permanent caps that go over damaged or decayed teeth to improve their shape and looks.
  • Dental implants - Dental implants are inserted to replace missing teeth and produce a more complete smile.
  • Composite bonding – Composite bonding is a quick and painless procedure that uses composite materials to fix gaps, repair cracks and hide tooth discoloration.
  • Clear trays and aligners – Clear trays and aligners are an effective solution to repair tooth crowding or gaps.

Get a Better Smile Today
Make the commitment to a bright and healthy smile today by calling Dr. Poss. He and his team of cosmetic dentistry experts will give your mouth a thorough evaluation, then perform the restorative and cosmetic dentistry you need to show off a perfect smile to the world.

December 31, 2011

6 Resolutions for Better Health in 2012

How do you want to remember 2012? Do you want to remember it as just another year, or would you like to look back on it as the year you became the healthy person you wanted to be? If you desire the latter option, now is the time to get started.

Your first step should be to visualize your ideal overall health, which will help you shape your goals and formulate a plan. Do you want brighter and straighter teeth? How about a slimmer midsection? Is your goal to ward off health issues such as heart disease or cancer? These things and more are all attainable with the right New Year’s resolutions. To start you on the path to a healthier body and lifestyle, here is a list of six possible resolutions for better health.

1. Pay your dentist a visit twice per year
Your dentist helps to keep your teeth beautiful and ensure that your entire oral system is healthy. By visiting your dentist twice yearly, you will have confidence that your smile is attractive and you are free of plaque and even oral cancer.

2. Floss between your teeth on a daily basis
Flossing between your teeth eliminates plaque, prevents cavities, fights bad breath and prevents gum inflammation that can contribute to more serious health problems. Many people neglect flossing, but you should make it a regular habit to improve your health.

3. Say goodbye to at least one of your bad habits
We all have a few of those habits that we know aren’t good for us, but for some reason they are hard to abandon. This year, identify a bad habit you’d like to put an end to and make a conscious effort to kick that habit. Common New Year’s resolutions include quitting smoking, avoiding junk food and trying to become more organized.

4. Add exercise to your life
Whether it’s lifting weights, practicing yoga, playing basketball or even simply taking a daily stroll, exercise will improve your life in a big way. Exercise fights fat and improves appearance while also offering health benefits such as lower cholesterol, increased energy and stress relief.

5. Maintain a healthy diet
Even if you aren’t overloading on junk food, the foods you eat may still be negatively impacting your health. Some unhealthy foods can raise your cholesterol, widen your waistline and contribute to diabetes. Take a look at your diet and see where you can make improvements, whether it is saying no to certain foods or eating healthier foods.

6. Avoid stress whenever possible
Frequent stress is bad for your health and it can affect your mood and happiness. Identify where you regularly encounter stress – whether it’s in your family life, work life or anywhere else – and do your best to eliminate that stress.

Follow at least some of the above tips and you should be able to make 2012 one of your best years yet. Give Dr. Poss, your Nashville Cosmetic Dentist a call so we can help you accomplish your dental resolutions and show off a bright and healthy smile to everyone you meet.

November 30, 2011

Straigten Your Teeth For a More Beautiful Smile – Adult Braces in Nashville

Teeth straightening options for adults have come a long way over the years, and now you can fix your teeth with minimal hassle. In fact, people will barely be able to tell that you are using devices to fix your teeth because today’s dental technology is less visible to the human eye.

When it comes to straightening your teeth, you have several effective options to consider. Your dentist will be glad to walk you through each option and recommend the one that works best for your needs and budget. But before you visit your dentist, read this quick guide to teeth straightening options to get an idea of what you might want.

Clear trays or aligners
Afraid that your teeth will attract unwanted attention if the tooth-straightening process employs a lot of shiny metal? Clear trays or aligners should quiet your fears, as they are virtually transparent and barely noticeable. You can enjoy the confidence you gain from correctly aligning your teeth and still being able to flash a white smile that is not obstructed by metal.

With this method, you will wear a series of nearly invisible trays that easily slip onto your teeth to align your smile. One beneficial advantage that clear trays have over braces is that they are removable, which makes it easier to brush and floss. They also are known for being more comfortable than traditional braces because they are less likely to irritate cheeks and gums.

When you use clear trays, you will usually receive a new tray approximately every two weeks. Changing the trays gradually corrects any defects in your smile and in very short time (five to 24 months) produces a mouth full of nicely aligned teeth.

Clear trays and aligners are effective for treating oral problems including moderate tooth crowding or gaps between teeth. They are not recommended for everyone, so you should ask your dentist if they are right for you.

Six Month Smiles
Six Month Smiles is a cosmetic braces system that offers a fast path to straight teeth, all while being nearly undetectable. This innovative technology uses clear brackets and wires that match the color of your teeth, so the braces will barely be visible when you talk or smile. Another benefit of Six Month Smiles is that it is often less expensive than other dental methods such as veneers, traditional braces or aligners.

Six Month Smiles typically does exactly as its name implies by straightening teeth in around six months, which is exceptional for people who want a fast way to get a perfect smile. This treatment method may not be right for everyone, so you should certainly check with your dentist to see if it’s right for you.

How to find the right option for you
If you want a straighter, brighter smile, make an appointment now to see your cosmetic dentist. Your dentist will clearly explain all of your options and help you find the one that meets your budget and will work wonders for your teeth.

November 20, 2011

All You Need to Know About Nashville Teeth Whitening

Numerous factors can cause the yellowing or discoloration of teeth, from bacteria to tobacco smoking. The good news, however, is that no matter the cause for discoloration, your teeth could be whitened to restore, and even improve their look and color. A brilliant white smile is a big confidence booster. A session with your Nashville dentist could work wonders for your self esteem.

It would be best to get your teeth whitened by a cosmetic dentist, no matter the severity of the discoloration. Two of the leading teeth whitening methods used by dentists today is zoom whitening and the at-home whitening kits. The former is usually carried out in the dental clinic while the latter is usually meant for home use.

Zoom Whitening Process

Zoom whitening is a simple and painless procedure conducted by cosmetic dentists to remove stains from the teeth. Firstly, the lips, gum and tongue are separated from the teeth using special dental inserts after which a whitening gel is applied to the teeth. The gel contains hydrogen peroxide that is activated by a special light to penetrate the teeth.

This process has been found to be very effective in getting rid of even the deepest stains and discolorations from teeth. The effect lasts for years with very little maintenance required thereafter. Zoom whitening takes about an hour at your Nashville dentist’s office, and it is very safe to use.

Home Whitening Kits

In addition to, or as an alternative to the in-office whitening process, your dentist can provide a customized teeth whitening kit that you can use at home. One advantage of this is that you can whiten your teeth at your own convenience, although the full effect of the process takes longer to achieve. At home whitening is also perfect if you have sensitive teeth whereby an in-office procedure might have adverse effects.

Your Nashville dentist,  can offer you a whitening tray, which comprises of molds into which you put a small amount of a teeth bleaching gel. The molds are inserted overnight, and some visible improvement can be seen even on the next morning. The full whitening, however, ideally takes 2 weeks to achieve.

You can get both of these types of teeth whitening from Dr. Stephen Poss in Nashville, who has over 28 years of dentistry practice. Dr. Poss also provides many other cosmetic dental services such as smile makeovers and porcelain veneers. Do visit www.drposssmiles.com to see how this doctor can transform your smile today.

November 14, 2011

Grinding Your Teeth: How and Why You Should Stop

Do you grind your teeth while you sleep? Chances are that you aren’t even aware that you do. Teeth grinding – also known as bruxism – is a common disorder that affects an estimated 30 to 40 million people in the United States including many children.

It is possible to put an end to your case of bruxism as well as repair the damage it has caused. In this article, we’ll tell you what you need to know about how to stop grinding your teeth.

How to tell if you grind your teeth
If you grind your teeth in your sleep, there are several telltale signs that can indicate you’re dealing with bruxism. Take a look at this list and see if any of these symptoms sound familiar to you:

  • Moderate to extreme wearing of your enamel – The more you grind your teeth during the night or even during short naps, the more your enamel will be worn away by the friction. In advanced cases, the inside of your teeth can be exposed and they will need to be repaired by a dentist.
  • Sensitivity to heat or cold – As your enamel is worn away, the material inside of your tooth (called dentin) can be exposed. Dentin is usually sensitive to heat or cold and can cause you discomfort when your teeth come in contact with certain foods or beverages.
  • Painful jaw – Grinding and clenching your teeth can put a lot of stress on your jaw, which can lead to soreness and even jaw imbalance in certain cases.
  • Additional symptoms – Grinding your teeth can also lead to symptoms including earaches, headaches, anxiety and tension.

If you are coping with any of the previously mentioned symptoms and suspect that you are dealing with bruxism, you should take steps to correct it soon. Grinding your teeth can not only wear the teeth down in an unattractive manner, but it can possibly crack or permanently damage your teeth.

How to stop grinding your teeth
If you’re aware that you grind or clench your teeth during the day while you are awake, you may be able to control it. If you are grinding at night, that is a more complicated situation that may require some outside help.

One of the first things you should do to eliminate your disorder is visit your dentist. Your dentist can fit you with a custom mouthguard that will protect your teeth while you sleep and prevent teeth grinding. Your dentist can also repair any damage that has been caused by your jaw’s nocturnal activities.

After you have worked with your dentist to take care of the physical aspects of bruxism, you can also work to cure the mental aspects. Because the disorder is usually triggered by stress or tension, reducing these things can help you greatly. Consider trying meditation or simply looking for ways to get rid of whatever is causing you stress.

If you grind your teeth, call Dr. Poss, your cosmetic dentist, today. His expertise will brighten your smile and make sure it is protected while you sleep.

 

« Newer PostsOlder Posts »
1646 Westgate Circle | Suite 100 Brentwood, TN 37027
Poss Dental Designs' Blog 615-373-1056