TMJ Pain - 5 Things You Need to Know About It

By Arthur Kezian

Dealing with your TMJ can be a real pain!  If you think that your TMJ - or, your Temporomandibular Joint - might be responsible for your discomfort, there are 5 things you need to know:

1.       TMJ pain won't go away on its own

Because your TMJ is the "hinge" that connects your lower jaw to the side of your skull, you're putting it to work every time you eat, talk, yawn, or chew gum.  If you don't find a skilled TMJ dentist that can solve your problem, your pain and inflammation are only going to get worse.  Plus, that popping or clicking sound that your jaw is making is going to become even more pronounced.

2.       TMJ pain is often mistaken for an illness

Because it sits right next to your ear, lots of people think that their TMJ discomfort is an ear infection.  Or, some people think that their headaches are a result of being sick - rather than a joint problem.  If your doctor says you're not sick, it's time to find a TMJ dentist that can tell you if the problem really lies in your jaw.

3.       TMJ pain has a number of causes

When you're dealing with TMJ discomfort, you're really dealing with a tiny cartilage disc that has slid out of place.  The disc can move around for a number of reasons - like if you grind your teeth, chew too much gum, have a bite that's not aligned properly, or suffer an injury to your jaw.  Even extreme stress can lead to TMJ problems.

4.       You'll need a dentist to diagnose your specific TMJ problem

A good TMJ dentist will start out by giving you a physical exam - including x-rays and checking your bite alignment.  That way, he'll be able to see if your pain is part of a deeper structural problem, or if something else is to blame.

5.       There are a number of ways to relieve TMJ pain

Once your dentist knows what's causing your pain, he can help you get rid of it.  If your bite is out of alignment, braces can fix it - and eliminate your pain.  Or, if you're a big teeth grinder when you sleep, a nighttime mouth guard can immediately make you feel better.

For serious inflammation, your TMJ dentist can give you a corticosteroid shot, but that's typically only done in rare cases.  Some serious cases of pain can be relieved with laser therapy.  The laser softens the cartilage disc, so that it can easily slide back into place.

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS  443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777 

-N.S.

Think Replacing Your Silver Fillings with Composites is a Waste of Time? It's Not!

By Arthur Kezian

Millions of people have traditional silver fillings in their mouths.  While they may not like the look of them, most of those people don't see a reason to head to a dentist to replace their fillings.

But here are 4 reasons why replacing silver fillings with composites ISN'T a waste of time:

1.      You can wind up with a brighter smile

If you're like most people with silver fillings, your filled teeth look dark and dingy - leaving you with a smile that could definitely be brighter and whiter. 

Luckily, composite fillings are white, so they're practically invisible once they're inside your mouth.  As an added benefit, a good dentist can blend the resin so that it's a perfect match to your teeth - meaning that no one will know you've got fillings, no matter how many cavities you've suffered!

2.      You can get the mercury out of your mouth

When replacing silver fillings, you remove the mercury threat that's lurking in your mouth.  That's right; those traditional silver filings have mercury in them!  Sure, it's a small amount, but the Food and Drug Administration calls it a "moderate risk".

Composite fillings are made out of resin, so they're a much safer alternative.  You won't have to worry about the FDA assessing their risk anytime soon!

3.      You won't have to worry about them breaking

How many times have you wound up back in your dentist's chair, thanks to a filling that broke, cracked, or chipped?  And, if the damage was bad enough, your dentist had to grind down your tooth and put a crown over it. Talk about uncomfortable!

There's another big problem that comes from broken silver fillings - tooth decay.  Even if your filling only cracks, it makes it easy for bacteria to get inside your tooth.  Plus, the silver fillings themselves can leak - which will rot your teeth!

When changing silver fillings with composites, you get to take advantage of strong resin - which is stronger material, with a stronger bond.

4.       You can eat without being in pain

For some reason, those old silver fillings lead to more tooth sensitivity.  As a result, you might shy away from that cold glass of iced tea or that bowl of ice cream.

But when you replace your silver fillings with composites, your tooth sensitivity woes will likely go away.  That way, you'll be free to eat whatever you want, without tooth pain getting in the way!

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777 

-N.S.

These 5 New Cosmetic Dentistry Tools Will Give You a Reason to Smile!

By Arthur Kezian

If you're working with a good dentist, you can give your smile a brand new look.  That's because new tools and techniques are coming out all the time.  All of these advances in cosmetic dentistry have created more natural-looking finished products that aren't nearly as painful or as complicated as you might think!

Some of the biggest advances in dentistry in recent years are:

1.     Teeth whitening

Ask a group of people why they're headed to a Los Angeles cosmetic dentist, and the majority of them will tell you they're going to get their teeth whitened.  There are a few different options for teeth whitening, one of them being bleach trays. This option gives you the ability to whiten your teeth at your own pace in the comfort of your own home.

 

2.     Dental implants

Another big part of dentistry is dealing with teeth that have fallen out.  Before, you had to rely on dentures.  Today, dental implants look natural and feel secure in your mouth.

What are they?

Dental implants are actually artificial tooth roots (usually made out of titanium) that are screwed into your jaw bone.  Then, your dentist installs a crown or a bridge on top.  The end result looks just like a natural tooth!

3.     The use of composite materials

Whether you need a cavity filled or you need a gap in your teeth covered up, a good dentist will use composite materials to do it.  These materials are made out of resin, so they bond securely inside your mouth.  Plus, they can be custom-blended to match your exact tooth shade.

Thanks to composite materials, you can have tons of dental work done, and no one will ever know!

4.     The use of porcelain

Want a smile like an A-list celebrity's?  A good dentist will use porcelain to do it!  Because porcelain is now being used for veneers and caps, you can cover up damaged and discolored teeth.

5.     Gum sculpting

Insecure about your "tiny teeth"?  Embarrassed by your "gummy smile"? Cosmetic dentistry has taken a giant step forward with gum sculpting.  

How does it work?

Your dentist will use a special laser to remove excess gum tissue.  It will expose more of your teeth, which will immediately make them look longer.

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777

-N.S.

Root Canals - What You Need To Expect

By Arthur Kezian

When a patient is in intense pain, often due to an abscess, (an infection of the tooth) then root canal surgery may be considered. In most root canals, the pain is due to the infection or abscess in the tooth. The root canal surgery will relieve the pain. Your respected endodontist must drain the fluid from the abscess and this will relieve the pressure, and reduce the pain.

Teeth consist of enamel on the outside, and dentin on the inside. Dentin covers up the pulp which is very soft and contains lots of nerve endings. It is the damage to the nerves that give us the pain. If the enamel is chipped or otherwise worn away, bacteria can enter the dentin and cause infection. The infections can go down into the root of the tooth and this is when root canal arises and surgery may be performed.

 

Your endodontist prescribed antibiotics due to the abscess. It is essential to get the abscess under control because the pus that is contained in the abscess can make the pain relief become ineffective. That is the pain relief which your chosen Los Angeles dentist utilizes to perform your root canal surgery. You need that! So, the antibiotics will clear up the abscess and this will make surgery safer for you.

One of the fallacies surrounding root canal work includes that the infection cannot return. All teeth require proper care, and you must continue seeing your dentist regularly. Los Angeles root canal surgery means that your dentist must x-ray your tooth yearly to ensure there is no infection. This is because you would not be able to feel it, due to the nerves being removed.

Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste is essential, too. After Los Angeles root canal surgery you should make sure your teeth are even better cared for than before!

If you are searching for a dentist in Los Angeles, you must call Los Angeles Dentist. Make an appointment with Los Angeles Dentists and you can be sure that your teeth are in the capable hands of an experienced, caring professional.

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777 

-N.S.

A Caring Face in an Emergency!

By Arthur Kezian

Have you found yourself lying in bed, whimpering because of a toothache? I am sure that all of us at one time or another find ourselves in that position. There is one thing to do during situations like these, see a dentist for an emergency. Don’t leave finding a dentist to the last minute though, make sure you already have a dentist before you face any severe toothache.

When you are in a situation like this you need some help that is professional, caring, empathic and most of all, effective. There is no point waiting and wondering, should I go? The answer is always going to be "Yes!" You cannot get a mirror and treat yourself can you? Not even professional dentists treat themselves - they have to see a dentist themselves for an emergency.

It is still important to try and think clearly about what you are going to do next. Don't go for the cheapest option. You pay for what you get and you want proper treatment that is going to be effective. Plus if you make a wrong decision then you could end up going to a less effective dentist, only to have to go somewhere else at a later date. That way you are going to have to pay twice. Not a good idea. Choose wisely when it comes to dental emergencies.It is better to go somewhere where you can be cared for and helped in a comfortable clean place with a caring staff that genuinely wants to help. If you are looking for an emergency dentist in Los Angeles, look no further. We are here to help you with any emergency.

Maybe it is not you but your child that is in pain. What could be worse? Your child needs a dentist that is going to be sympathetic and caring. Remember that not getting your child treated as soon as possible can mean that the child has problems with their teeth as an adult.Yes, often the pain you or your loved one is in is progressive. This means it is going to get worse over time. You have the journey to the dentists to do - so how much worse is it going to be by the time you get there? You need to make the decision now.
Finding an emergency dentist means that you have someone on your side, someone you can rely on to make you feel better, to make that traumatic pain stop.
You may have a fear of the dentists. Please do not worry. Why not check out some of the reviews about Los Angeles Dentist? The dentists there have a great reputation and they really do care about their patients. Nervous patients are a specialty. At the emergency dentist Los Angeles your fears will not be pushed aside, they are properly dealt with.
When a dentist has years of experience they know how to help people who are in pain and scared. You will experience this the moment you walk into reception at Los Angeles Dentists. Make sure you are properly looked after and you have the care that you can put your trust in. If you are in Los Angeles right now, go to Los Angeles Dentist, the emergency dentist in Los Angeles that you can really rely on.

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777 

-N.S.