TMJ Help Site

What kind of dental work do you need? Are you suffering from bleeding gums that continue to irritate you with no obvious cause? Do you have severe migraines and jaw pain that you cannot find a solution to? Do you have a crack on your front tooth that’s preventing you from smiling? Who can you go to for all your dental needs?

When you’re dealing with a myriad of oral health issues, your ideal dental practitioner is an authority in all areas of dentistry including cosmetic, neuromuscular, and general dental practices. Dr. James Loye and his experienced staff at Carmel Creek Dental can take care of all your needs from general oral hygiene to TMJ treatments.

General Dentistry

Your teeth are meant to last a lifetime and it’s up to you to practice daily hygiene to keep your mouth healthy and bright. In between dental visits, be sure to do the following:

· Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste

· Floss between teeth daily

· Replace your toothbrush with an ADA approved soft-bristled brush every 3 to 4 months

Every 6 to 12 months, patients should get a professional cleaning and check-up to treat decay and prevent periodontal disease. A regular dentist appointment should include the following depending on the individual needs of each patient:

· A thorough oral healthy history review

· Soft tissue (gum) examination

· Periodontal examination for gum disease

· A set of x-rays – individual and panoramic

· TMJ assessment

· Dental fillings

· Periodontal disease treatment

Cosmetic Dentistry

A beautiful smile says how you feel inside and out. If your teeth are unattractive or damaged, it can affect your self-confidence and how your feel about yourself. There are a variety of cosmetic procedures available to brighten, straighten and correct almost any cosmetic problem.

Your cosmetic dentist will evaluate your damaged teeth using a variety of dental and digital tools to create the perfect smile just for you. The condition of your gums, teeth and supporting structures are all thoroughly checked to determine the best makeover for your needs. Impressions are taken of your teeth to create mock-ups of your new smile. A lab specializing in teeth reconstruction creates whatever you and your dentist have decided is best for you including: crowns, veneers, inlays and onlays. There are many other cosmetic options offered also – from bonding to whitening that are safe, affordable and quick.

Neuromuscular Dentistry

If you are suffering from migraines, jaw clicking or jaw pain around the joint, you could be suffering from a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). TMD is an umbrella of neuromuscular disorders involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and its associated muscles, tendons and ligaments. Patients can inherit it or acquire it from trauma to the face or mouth. A neuromuscular dentist can offer various treatments to correct the bite and realign the jaw. The treatment options depend on how severe the condition is. From mild to serious symptoms, typical TMD solutions include the following:

· Over the counter or prescription anti-inflammatories, pain relievers and/or muscle relaxants

· Change in eating habits – avoiding crunch, chewy, large portioned foods that force the jaw to widen more than normal

· Manage stress symptoms to avoid clenching and grinding the teeth

· Mouth guards at night to protect jaw and teeth from wearing down

· Therapy including massage and gentle exercise for the jaw joints

· Surgery to reconstruct the jaw, disc and/or other supporting structures