Tag: pain

Choosing a Composite Filling For Your Smile

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A cavity in your tooth can cause many problems if left untreated. Not only can a cavity become painful, it can also cause bad breath, and can lead to the loss of your tooth. Depending on where the tooth is located, you may have the option of using a composite filling to address your cavity. If you have a cavity that is readily visible by other people, you can talk to Dr. [doctor_name] about a composite filling.

A composite filling is actually a resin of plastic and powdered glass. The advantage to using a composite filling is that the dentist can color it to match the surface of the rest of your tooth, making it far less obvious to others.

After your dentist has removed the decayed tooth material, [heshe] will mix a resin that has been colored to match your tooth. The process of placing a composite filling will take longer than other fillings, since the tooth needs to be kept dry during the process. Additionally, composite fillings are placed in layers to give them added strength, and each of those layers need to be cured with a special light.

Composite fillings work best for teeth that do not receive a great deal of pressure from chewing, and are usually reserved for use on the front teeth. All fillings need to be replaced eventually; but, with the proper care a composite filling can last over five years. You will need to brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss once a day, and see your dentist for your regular cleanings and exams.

If you are in need of a filling and would like to see if a composite filling will work for you, we will be happy to see you. To make an appointment at [practice_name] in [city], [state], call [phone] today.

Lower Your Risk for TMJ Disorders

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Do you ever feel like your oral health has let you down? Does your jaw constantly cause you pain beyond the point to which your mouth can function properly? The truth is that you may have a temporomandibular disorder, also called a TMJ.  Fortunately, you can lower your risk for TMJ disorders by protecting your mouth properly. However, due to the highly complex nature of TMJs, you could still suffer an ailment.

If you should suffer from a TMJ disorder, take the time to care for your jaw as best you can until a visit to your dentist can be made. Typically, your jaw will best function with the help of ice packs for inflammation and heat packs for pain. If your TMJ disorder is caused by another disorder such as bruxism, try using night guards and bite pads to help alleviate some pressure off of your jaw.

Meditation also helps alleviate pain associated with TMJ disorders. There are many forms to try using, including soothing music, soft biofeedback techniques, and yoga. If medication is necessary, be sure it has been approved by your dentist. Also try to cut back on habits that can cause your jaw more pain including eating hard foods, biting your nails, and chewing gum.

If you would like to set up an appointment to discuss your possible TMJ treatment with Dr. Michael Long or Dr. Matthew Thurman at [practice_name], please call [phone] to set up a visit to our dentist office in [city], [state]. We look forward to helping you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted!

How to Treat a Cracked Tooth

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Have you ever bitten into one of your favorite foods and heard a crack? As you can probably know—or can at least guess—this can be an extremely unpleasant experience. Sadly, many people feel that they can wait to have this problem addressed, but we recommend looking for treatment immediately.

Sadly, a cracked tooth could be caused by a cavity. If this is the case, you’ll probably have to cover the weakened tooth with a crown. You see, if you don’t care for a cracked tooth, your crack could slowly extend to the root of your tooth. Once this happens, you’ll be more vulnerable to infection, sensitivity, and even tooth decay.

However, while visiting a dentist as soon as possible is important, you may need to wait a few days. Luckily, there are a few things you can do at home to alleviate any discomfort while you wait. For instance, you could place gauze on the cracked tooth or apply a cold pack to your cheek to alleviate pain and swelling. You may also consider using dental cement, which you should be able to find at your local drugstore.

When you do visit our dentist, we’ll assess the state of your mouth and offer you any personalized advice you need. Sometimes, for a minor crack, you’ll just need to have your tooth smoothed out. At other times, our team will fill the crack with specialized filling material. More serious breaks may need root canal therapy and will usually be covered by a crown.

Do you have more questions about the causes of a cracked tooth—or about how you may be able to address the problem? Are you interested in learning more about the care you can receive from our team? Would you simply like to schedule an appointment with Dr. [doctor_name]? If so, we invite you to give [practice_name] a call a [phone]. We’re eager to hear from you!

Is Dental anxiety keeping you from Necessary Treatment?

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Welcome to the dental practice of Dr. Michael Long and Dr. Matthew Thurman, where we strive to give the best quality care to our patients in the most relaxed and comfortable environment as possible. We understand that some patients feel anxiety about receiving dental treatment. Dental anxiety is actually a common phenomenon and because we want our patients to have the best possible experience while they are with us we work with them to have the best experience possible.

Dental anxiety can stem from a variety of factors, including a fear of experiencing pain, either because of a previous negative experience, or from hearing others share their stories of an unpleasant experience. Some people are afraid of receiving injections or that the injection won’t work properly. Others fear the side effect of anesthesia, and one of the most common fear is that of not being in control while sitting through a procedure, feeling vulnerable and helpless.

Dr. Michael Long and Dr. Matthew Thurman work hard to provide you with quality dental care in a safe, calm and relaxing atmosphere. There are things we can do to help you feel comfortable during your treatment. First, rest assured that you are not alone, so please let us know that you are experiencing anxiety. We are happy to discuss ways to help you relax, and ease your tension. We can explain what will happen as the procedure unfolds, so that you know exactly what to expect next. We can also work out a signal to let us know you need us to stop for a moment, like raising your arm to let us know you need to take a breath, or rinse or spit.

Don’t let dental anxiety prevent you from receiving the care you need. To schedule your next visit with one of our dentists, please call our team at [phone] today. Dr. Michael Long and Dr. Matthew Thurman are here to help you have your best dental experience yet.