Oct 26, 2020
When was the last time you checked in with your jaw? In these stressful times, perhaps you’ve noticed that you clench or grind your teeth more frequently, or that your jaw has begun to pop as you chew or talk. While occasional grinding or clenching may not be harmful, regular grinding can cause damage to your teeth and impact your jaws and joints. Sounds scary! However, you’re not alone! Some 30 to 40% of Americans have jaw pain or grind their teeth. Talking to Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos is a great first step to addressing the aches in your jaw and face. Here are some symptoms to look out for and some tips to keep your jaw from causing you pain.
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, often happens at night while you sleep. Even if you’re not aware of grinding and clenching your teeth, you’re probably experiencing some symptoms in the daylight hours. Here are a few common symptoms:
- Dull headache
- Sore jaw, neck, or face muscles
- Popping or cracking when moving jaw
- Tooth pain or sensitivity
- Chipped or flattened teeth
There are steps you can take to stop grinding your teeth and Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos should be part of your plan. If you feel like you have been experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, come in for a comprehensive dental exam so we can help develop a special treatment plan for you. For example, we can prescribe and fabricate a night guard to help protect your teeth. We can also help you address your stress, as well as find resources and support for relaxing your mind and your jaw muscles. Some tips to consider include:
- Exercise for whole body health and stress reduction
- Counseling to help with stress and anxiety
- Warm compresses to help ease jaw tension
- Jaw exercises to help relax the muscles before bedtime
So, remember to brush your teeth, floss, and relax your jaw! If you need help addressing your jaw pain or teeth grinding, give us a call at 207.781.5900. We are here to help you have dental care that treats you and helps you have a healthy mouth and a healthy life!
May 20, 2019
For many patients, even the mere mention of a root canal causes fear and anxiety. It doesn’t need to be this way! Decades ago, these treatments were painful, but with advancements in dentistry and local anesthetics people have little, if any, pain during a root canal procedure. In fact, it’s probably more painful to live with an infected tooth than it is to get a root canal. So why does this fear persist? We think it has something to do with all the misinformation about root canals that is out there. We decided to look at some common myths and help educate you about what a root canal really involves.
Root Canal Myths
MYTH 1: No Pain, So No Need
While it’s true that pain is a great indicator of an infection or that something is wrong with your tooth, everyone experiences pain differently. Some people think if they only have a little bit of pain, then there’s no need for a dental procedure. Let Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos know if you are experiencing any pain. They can examine your teeth for cracks or other signs of damage as well as take x-rays to determine if there is an infection in your tooth that requires a root canal.
MYTH 2: Root Canals Will Make You Sick
Don’t believe everything you read on the internet! Apparently a poorly designed research study from a century ago is still cited by some as a reason to avoid root canals. This long-debunked study conducted by Weston Price in the 1920s claimed that the toxins in infected teeth could cause diseases such as arthritis and cancer, however there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Don’t let rumors prevent you from getting the oral care you need.
MYTH 3: Root Canals Need to Be Redone Often
Some people think that once they receive a root canal, they will need to have repeat procedures in the future to maintain the tooth. Preserving your natural tooth is always the best option and root canals have a high-success rate. Follow your regular oral health care regimen of brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and seeing Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos for regular check-ups. With this proper care, your restored tooth will last a lifetime!
What is a Root Canal?
Now that we’ve dispelled some misinformation, let’s return to the basics. A root canal is a treatment to repair and save a damaged or infected tooth. It is an alternative to removing the tooth, which would then require an implant or bridge. Teeth have a soft substance at their core called ‘pulp’ which contains nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels. When a tooth gets a cavity or a crack, bacteria can get into the pulp and cause pain in the tooth. Symptoms of this occurring may include swelling, pain, and temperature sensitivity.
The procedure may take one or two visits and involves removing the infected pulp and cleaning the root cavity. Once the tooth core and root have been cleaned, it will be filled and then sealed. We may determine that you also need a crown to further protect the tooth if it has been severely damaged. In some cases, a metal post inserted into the tooth may also be needed to help secure the crown. At FDA, we offer oral sedation for patients, which helps make the root canal procedure as easy and stress-free as possible.
If you have any questions or concerns about root canals or the general health of your teeth, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 207.781.5900. Our goal is to give you the best oral care possible and we always want you to feel comfortable and informed about all the procedures you may need while in our care.
*Image courtesy of shutterstock.com
Apr 22, 2019
The sign in our office is true: “Those teeth aren’t going to brush themselves.” Your teeth need you to brush and floss daily, and they need you to get regular check-ups with Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos. However, 100 million Americans fail to see a dentist each year. Whether it’s a busy schedule, dental anxiety, or lack of insurance, professional oral health care should not be avoided. Seeing a dentist regularly is a great way to support your oral health and can help prevent small issues from becoming big dental problems. By catching problems early on, you can save yourself time, money, and pain. Here are five signs it’s time to make an appointment with us:
You have pain.
A toothache is the classic reason to come to our office and should not be ignored. There are many possible causes for a toothache such as a cavity or broken tooth. Either way, a toothache should be evaluated by Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos right away to determine the cause and prevent the tooth from dying. Jaw pain can also be a sign of a dental issue such as bruxism or teeth grinding. Whatever pain you’re experiencing in your mouth, Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos can diagnose and address the issue, as well as help you avoid future issues.
You try to hide your smile.
What if you could have the smile of your dreams in just one or two dental visits? If you’re self-conscious about your smile, it can affect your confidence and prevent you from living your life to the fullest. Whether you’re missing a tooth or wish your teeth were whiter, many dental issues can be corrected through cosmetic dentistry. Building a relationship with us so we can understand your goals and needs is a great way to not just take care of your health, but also to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.
You notice blood when you brush or floss.
There are several reasons for bleeding gums, one of them being gingivitis, an early stage of periodontal disease. If your gums bleed easily, it’s time to talk with Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos. Gingivitis is reversible and preventable and we can help you get on the right path to better oral health. Bleeding and swollen gums could also be a sign that something else is wrong, another important reason to involve us in your health care.
You’re pregnant.
Coming in for a check-up should be on every mom-to-be’s checklist. As we’ve said before, oral health is directly related to overall health, and regular dental check-ups and a good oral health routine will help keep you and baby healthy. Pregnancy hormones can also cause changes in your mouth. For example, many women develop pregnancy gingivitis, or swollen gums, which can be helped with extra dental cleanings. Some women also develop overgrowths in their mouth called “pregnancy tumors,” which can be uncomfortable. Mostly, these growths go away on their own, but if you have discomfort or concerns, come in and see us.
It’s time for a check-up.
If it’s been over 6 months since you last visited, then it’s time to come in for a cleaning and exam. Even if you don’t have any symptoms, regular dental check-ups can help prevent problems from developing and treat symptoms (like those in the list above) before they advance. Regular visits to our office are just as important as brushing and flossing your teeth daily. Plus, we always love to see you!
It you’re experiencing symptoms or if it’s time for your next appointment, give us a call at 207.781.5900. Our team of knowledgeable and compassionate professionals are here to make your dental care as effective and comfortable as possible.
