A number of side effects and symptoms related to the mouth, head and neck areas may necessitate the need for complex restorative treatment. Acute or chronic dental conditions can lead to other effects that further impact the patient’s overall oral and general health. Certain side effects and symptoms often indicate greater issues that may require complex restorative treatment. These may include:

  • Headaches: While any number of triggers can cause headaches, problems with jaw alignment, teeth grinding habits and occlusion (how the upper and lower teeth come together) quite often lead to chronic or frequent headaches.
  • Teeth Grinding: Grinding of the teeth, whether mild or severe, places unnecessary pressure on the jaw joint, facial muscles and tooth structure. Teeth grinding can cause extensive damage to the teeth and jaw joint if left treated.
  • Jaw Alignment: Proper jaw alignment is crucial not only for functional needs, such as eating, talking and yawning, but also for the health of the tooth structure. Improper jaw alignment creates interferences in how the teeth meet together and can wear down tooth structure over time.
  • Bruxism: Extreme teeth grinding or clenching, also known as bruxism, is a condition responsible for a number issues affecting the mouth, head and neck. Broken or worn teeth, soft tissue damage, head and neck pain, and damage to the jaw joint often result.
  • TMJ: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge joint located on either side of the head, and connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull. TMJ Syndrome, or TMJ Disorder, is a condition affecting this joint and the muscles surrounding it and is often caused by improper jaw alignment, habitual teeth grinding and other parafunctional habits.

When Treatment Is Needed

The presence of these side effects and symptoms often indicates the need for rehabilitation procedures, or complex restorative treatment. A comprehensive examination of the head, neck and mouth areas can determine if these conditions are present and their effects on oral and overall health.

The Importance of Treating Sleep Apnea

December 12, 2018

Thousands of Americans suffer from sleep apnea. It is a potentially serious sleeping disorder where a person momentarily stops breathing while asleep. While many people can find relief through lifestyle changes, others will require treatment from our dentist in Nashville, TN. Immediate treatment is essential or else you will contend with a number of risk […]

Read More

What Is Causing Your Jaw Pain?

August 3, 2018

Do you frequently experience jaw pain? If so, you probably have a hard time speaking and eating normally. It’s easy to forget how important your jaw joints are until they no longer function properly or comfortably. Fortunately, there are treatments available to help alleviate discomfort from a variety of jaw problems. Dr. Richard Howes is […]

Read More

Do You Have TMJ?

July 18, 2018

Millions of dental patients every year suffer with TMJ without even realizing it. The symptoms are incredibly common, and treatments are known to reduce pain and correct its underlying causes. The problem is, many people simply don’t understand what they are dealing with. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, is a problem that develops when the hinge-like TM […]

Read More

What Happens When You Ignore Your TMJ?

June 14, 2018

In your jaw, there is a joint that functions like a sliding hinge, known as the temporomandibular joint. This also connects the skull and jawbone, and there is a joint on both sides of the jaw. When you have pain in this joint or the muscles that control the jaw, it is known as TMJ […]

Read More

The Risks of Untreated TMJ

February 16, 2018

Pain in the jaw joint, also known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), is serious. If left untreated, it can become a major obstacle to your overall oral health, and in extreme cases it might take surgical correction to provide relief. When patients talk to a dentist about treating these symptoms early, the negative effects of […]

Read More

What Teens Should Know About TMJ

January 8, 2018

Most think that dental problems primarily effect the elderly population (or those who fail to follow a strict daily oral hygiene regimen). However, there are some dental problems that can develop despite your age and your best efforts at maintaining a healthy smile. In fact, research done by Colgate suggests that teens may be at […]

Read More

Jaw Clicking? It Might Be TMJ

December 13, 2017

Do you have difficulty opening your mouth for your favorite holiday cookies? Do you hear clicking noises from your jaw while comparing holiday recipes? How about pain when you yawn after stuffing yourself with turkey? If you have any of these symptoms, you might be suffering from TMJ. Trust Dr. Tilman Richards, an experienced dentist, […]

Read More

Ways to Prevent Gum Disease

December 6, 2017

Gum disease starts as gingivitis, which may manifest in swollen, red, tender gums. Eventually if it’s left untreated, gingivitis can lead to serious periodontitis that includes loose teeth, infection and even tooth loss. Fortunately, preventing gum disease is easy if you know your risks and the best preventative measures to take. Regular Brushing Preventing gum […]

Read More

Headaches? TMJ Might Be the Culprit

November 6, 2017

Do you notice that you have frequent, unexplained headaches? If so, it is possible that temporomandibular joint problems could be to blame. TMJ is fairly common and is estimated to affect over five percent of the population. It is typically caused by an injury to the jaw joint, teeth grinding, misalignment of the teeth or […]

Read More

3 Best Ways to Prevent Gum Disease

October 11, 2017

When left untreated, periodontitis damages the soft tissues of your mouth. It’s uncomfortable in the early stages, but severe cases result in tooth loss. Here are three ways you can prevent gum disease. Oral Hygiene Gum disease happens when bacteria in the plaque on your teeth infect your mouth. To remove contaminants, brush and floss […]

Read More
Dental Website Design By Progressive Dental