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TMJ/TMD Treatment
Alleviate jaw pain with a TMJ/TMD treatment plan from an Enamel Dentistry studio in Texas.
Relieve Jaw Pain And Discomfort
TMJ/TMD refers to various conditions that cause problems with the temporomandibular joint located just behind the ear. This delicate joint connects your jaw to your skull and helps with chewing, yawning, and speaking. When the joint becomes damaged from teeth grinding or clenching, trauma from an injury, overuse, and inflammation, it can cause unpleasant symptoms and pain.
Here's How To Recognize TMJ/TMD And Prevent Further Teeth And Jaw Complications
Symptoms
Pain and tenderness. Comfort can extend to the face, neck and shoulders. You may also hear a clicking or popping.
Effects
Limited jaw movement. Over time, TMJ can lead to difficulty opening or closing the mouth and even locking.
Damage
Gum recession and altered bite. Teeth can be misaligned contributing to jaw pain, tooth wear, and other dental problems.
Treatment
Symptoms vary among patients. Wearing a night guard can shift the jaw and promote proper healing of the joint.
Come In And See Us
We'll Have You Grinning From The Chin Up
We're changing the way patients experience the dentist. Our primary concern is your oral health and making sure you feel comfortable coming to see us. We know it can be scary visiting the dentist. But our philosophy of providing an easy and fun experience combined with our use of advanced AI tools, we know you'll feel different about coming to see us.
We offer:
AI Technology That Doesn't Miss A Thing
We've invested in top-of-the-line tools and the latest technology to improve efficiency and patient care. No more goopy impressions! From AI and 3D printers to iTero for digital and diagnostic impressions, we're equipped with proven equipment to ensure that every procedure is comfortable, convenient and ensures an accurate fit. Combining technology and innovations with our highly professional and knowledgeable dental team enables us to deliver the best treatment outcomes consistently.
Don't Let Finances Come Between You And A Beautiful Healthy Smile
We understand the frustration of needing dental care while feeling it may not be affordable. You shouldn't have to worry about paying for your oral health. That's why we have several options to help you easily finance your dental treatment.
Enamel Dentistry Patients Are The Best
The More You Know,
The Better Your Oral Health Will Be
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The Health Benefits of Regular Dental Care
You’ve probably heard it time and time again: brushing your teeth, flossing, and regular dental exams are important. While we can all appreciate having a beautiful smile, it’s often easy to overlook the health benefits of preventive dental care.
The health benefits of going to the dentist regularly go deeper than just making sure your teeth stay in good condition. We’re learning more all the time about how dental issues (like gum disease) can affect your overall health and lead to more serious health problems. That’s why regular dental visits and a good oral hygiene routine at home are so very important!
Six-Month Check-Ups Are Essential
Six-month check-ups give your dentist a chance to keep an eye on your gum and teeth health, which allows any developing issues to be caught early on. A small cavity is easy to fix but if it’s not addressed for many years, it can develop into severe tooth decay or even lead to infection. If a tooth is too badly infected, it may need extraction. It’s much easier to take care of a cavity as soon as it develops – and it can save you money in the long run if you don’t need more extensive procedures. We also do oral cancer screenings at every six-month check-up. Without regular dental appointments, oral cancer is very difficult to detect until it’s reached stage III or IV. By then, it’s already made its way through the body.
Don’t Forget Teeth Cleaning, Fluoride Treatments, or Dental Sealants!
Regular cleanings are important because they remove tartar, plus any plaque that your toothbrush and floss might have missed. While your teeth are being cleaned, our hygienists can look for anything concerning, like cavities or signs of gingivitis (gum disease). Fluoride treatments are also helpful because they remineralize your teeth, which prevents soft spots in the enamel that can turn into cavities. Likewise, dental sealants protect your molars (which are particularly vulnerable to cavities) from things like bacteria, acids, and food particles.
Keep Your Smile Strong and Healthy at Enamel Dentistry
At Enamel Dentistry, we want our patients to have a lifetime of strong, healthy smiles, which is why preventive dental care is at the heart of what we do. Our dental office serves all of Austin, providing complete dental care for children and adults. Contact us online or visit us at our South Lamar, Parmer Park, Lantana Place, Saltillo location. We also have a fifth location at the Domain opening soon!
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A Comprehensive Guide to Root Canals (Endodontic Therapy)
Despite the myths, endodontic therapy are key treatments that remove the pulp, save teeth and relieve pain. You will learn about root canal therapy and how to care for your tooth after, so you can confidently handle your dental health.
Endodontic Therapy Step-By-Step
Understanding Endodontic Therapy
What Does a Root Canal Look Like?
The endodontic procedure to remove the infected pulp, clean and disinfect it, and fill it to avoid further issues. Root canal pictures often show the before and after of the tooth’s interior, highlighting the clean, filled, and sealed canals.
Root Canal on front teeth - Root Canal Xray:
Root Canal Before and After:
The Lifespan of a Endodontic Therapy
How long does a endodontic therapy last? With proper dental care, including regular check-ups, cleanings, and good oral hygiene, a treated tooth can last a lifetime. A dental crown after endodontic therapy treatment adds protection and longevity.
Tooth with root canal hurts with pressure? Sometimes, it takes time for the surrounding soft tissues to fully heal after a endodontic therapy. In rare cases, some bacteria may remain in the affected tooth or the surrounding tissues, causing continued discomfort. Pressure on a cracked tooth may cause pain as well if left untreated.
If you're in pain or feeling sensitive after dental treatment, it's a good idea to see your dentist or endodontist for a check-up. They can determine the cause of the discomfort and recommend appropriate treatment to address it.
How long does a root canal last without a crown? The absence of a dental crown can greatly shorten a tooth's life. The crown is essential for protecting the weakened tooth from fractures post-treatment. Without a crown, the tooth is more likely to fail, particularly molars and premolars that handle most of the chewing.
Post-Endodontic Therapy Care
Immediate Aftercare
Can I drive after a root canal? After endodontic therapy, driving is safe as long as you feel well and have no lingering effects from sedation.
What can I eat after a root canal? What to eat after a endodontic therapy is crucial. Eat soft, easy-to-chew foods to avoid discomfort and protect the treated area.
Managing Discomfort
How to stop throbbing pain after root canal? Over-the-counter pain medication and cold compresses can alleviate pain. If you have pressure pain on root canal tooth or any other persistent discomfort, contact your dentist.
Root Canal Treatment Side Effects
- Without a crown for protection, the tooth that underwent endodontic therapy may weaken and become more susceptible to breaking. This happens because the procedure removes the tooth's pulp, which can make the tooth less strong.
- Rarely, but a few folks might get an allergic reaction to the things used in the procedure, such as the filling or anesthesia.
- Bacteria can cause another infection if it gets back into the tooth filling material. Signs of a re-infection include pain, swelling, and sensitivity.
- Root Canal Cracked Tooth: Without a crown, the tooth could crack, potentially causing infection and pain.
Common Questions and Concerns
Endodontic Therapy vs. Dental Implants
When considering root canal vs implant, remember that preserving your natural teeth is always preferable. Endodontic therapy can save the natural tooth structure, while implants replace the entire tooth.
Smoking and Oral Health
Can you smoke after a root canal? We advise against smoking because it can delay healing and raise the risk of complications.
Enhancing Your Dental Health
Preventing Root Canals
How to avoid root canal? The key lies in preventing tooth decay and gum disease through regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups. Addressing issues early with treatments like dental fillings can prevent the need for more invasive procedures.
Emergency Care
What about emergency root canal? When faced with severe pain or a cracked tooth root canal, immediate dental attention can prevent further damage and save your tooth.
Myths vs. Reality
The Truth About Pain
How bad does a root canal hurt 1-10? With modern techniques and anesthesia, most patients experience minimal discomfort.
Are Root Canals Bad for You?
Endodontic Therapy is a safe and effective way to treat infected teeth. The procedure removes bacteria, protecting your tooth and overall health.
Advanced Care and Alternatives
The Role of Dental Crowns
Getting a crown after root canal can help your tooth look, feel, and function normal again. A crown will ensure its strength and durability as well for the long term. The dentist will remove the temporary filling after the endodontic therapy, and complete your dental crown.
Exploring Alternatives
While there is alternative to root canal to consider, most of the time it's better to save your natural tooth.
Conclusion
Endodontic Therapy play a crucial role in dental health, addressing tooth infections and decay to save natural teeth. Knowing about root canals, caring for your tooth after, and preventing more dental issues can keep your smile healthy and free from pain. Remember, the key to a successful dental pulp therapy is early detection, proper aftercare, and regular dental visits. So, embrace your dental health journey with confidence and let root canals be a positive step towards a brighter smile.
Can An Emergency Dentist Do A Root Canal?
If you have a persistent or severe toothache, this may indicate that you have an infected tooth. If this is the case, it’s critical to come in for an emergency appointment to get a root canal and restore your tooth.
Enamel Dentistry offers emergency care and expert root canal therapy, and we want to make sure that our patients are informed about the signs and symptoms of infected teeth. Here are a few things to keep in mind about emergency dental care and root canal therapy in Austin:
Emergency Dentists Are Fully Qualified To Perform Root Canals
If you’re wondering whether an emergency dentist can do a root canal, the answer is “yes!” All dentists are trained to provide root canal therapy during their time at dental school. Any qualified emergency dentist at Enamel Dentistry is fully capable of performing a root canal.
In fact, an emergency dentist is often the best choice for a root canal. Instead of waiting for an appointment with a specialized endodontist, you can get help immediately. The sooner you get a root canal, the more likely it is that you will be able to save your tooth.
The Signs And Symptoms Of An Infected Tooth
Here are a few of the signs and symptoms of a tooth infection:
- A prolonged toothache that lasts several days and won’t go away
- Pain that radiates from the tooth to your jaw bone, neck or ear
- Discoloration of the affected tooth or nearby gums
- Swelling of the gums near the affected tooth
- Sensitivity to heat, cold and the pressure of biting or chewing
- Swelling in your cheek or face
If you notice one or more of these symptoms, your tooth may be infected. When you come in for emergency care, we will assess your smile and offer a diagnosis. If your tooth is infected, we will remove the source of your infection and save your tooth. During treatment, one of our dentists will open up the tooth, remove the decayed material from the inside, disinfect it, then fill and restore it to ensure that your tooth is protected from further decay and damage.
An Infected Tooth Is A Dental Emergency – Get Same-Day Care From Enamel Dentistry
A tooth infection certainly qualifies as a dental emergency, and it’s important to get help as soon as you can to make sure you can save your damaged tooth. At Enamel Dentistry, we offer same-day emergency dentistry in our offices throughout Austin.
With same-day care, you can reduce your risk of further complications and get relief from the pain and discomfort of your infected tooth. If you need an emergency root canal, take a look at our locations and contact the Enamel Dentistry office nearest to you for a same-day emergency appointment.
Do you need a night guard?
Sedation After Care Instructions
Post-Operative Dental Surgery Instructions
- Things to expect following surgery:
- >Bleeding: Bleeding or oozing for the first 12-24 hours is common. Mild to moderate bruising/discoloration can also be present.
- >Swelling: Swelling may begin within the first 24 hours but should reach its maximum by 48-72hours. Swelling should diminish by the 5th day.
- >Discomfort: Discomfort may begin as early as when the anesthetic wears off. Typically discomfort will increase as swelling increases, with peak levels occurring within the first 48hours and gradually tapering thereafter.
- Things to do following surgery:
- >Refrain from: Smoking, vaping, vigorous swishing, and drinking through a straw for a minimum of the first 72 hours. Ideally to prevent infections and delays in the healing process, this should be avoided until the tissue completely heals up or your dentist advises you otherwise. Please also refrain from disturbing any stitches that were placed.
- >Bleeding:
- >>Bite on gauze for 30 min - 1 hour with constant, firm pressure over the surgical site. If bleeding continues, replace gauze and continue to apply pressure until bleeding stops.Some oozing and discoloration of saliva is normal, so place an old towel on your pillow before going to sleep the first night. Keep head elevated.
- >Swelling:
- >>Apply an ice pack to the outside of the face over the surgical area--20 minutes on, 20minutes off. Repeat for the first 24 hours following surgery as needed.
- >>After first day use warm, moist heat on face for swelling.
- >Discomfort:
- >>Take medications as directed for pain. See provided Pain Management sheet.
- >Diet:
- >>Avoid crunchy, crumbly, hot, or spicy foods for at least the first 72 hours following surgery or as directed by your dentist. Soup (room temperature or cold), oatmeal, milkshakes (without seeds), and mashed potatoes are all examples of acceptable soft foods. Do not skip meals as adequate nutrition is important for the healing process.
- >>Diet can be supplemented with high protein or meal replacement shakes such asEnsure or Boost. Protein is an essential nutrient in the recovery process.
- >Physical Activity:
- >>Avoid heavy lifting, sports, or strenuous exercises for the first 5-7 days or as directed by your dentist. Walking is a great way to maintain physical activity while healing.
- >Hygiene:
- >>Do not brush teeth in area of surgery for the first 48 hours. Other areas of the mouth may be brushed paying special attention to avoid area of surgery.
- >>Use warm salt water rinses (¼ teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of water) 3-5 times daily after meals for the first 2 days following surgery (very gentle swishing).
- >>If periodontal surgery was completed, including crown lengthening, do not brush the site for the first week. Use Peridex mouth rinse twice daily, swishing for 30 seconds and spitting.
- >Medication:
- >>Take all medications as instructed. If antibiotics were prescribed, be sure to take ALLas directed.
- Contact the office at (512) 717-5315 or seek emergency care if:
- >Bleeding is excessive, swelling continues to enlarge after 72 hours, difficulty swallowing or breathing, temperature rises over 100°F.