Is TMJ Pain Ruining Your Life? Here's How to Solve the Problem

By Arthur Kezian

When you're dealing with a TMJ disorder, even the most simple of things - like eating, yawning, or talking - can be excruciating.  Trying to make conversation on a blind date or trying to enjoy a big, thick sandwich feels like agony.  That's why people with TMJ pain are desperate for answers and relief.

So, first things first - what causes TMJ pain?

Your TMJ - or, your Temporomandibular Joint - is the "hinge" that connects the side of your skull to your lower jaw.  Inside the joint, there is a small cartilage disc.  If that disc slides out of place, it puts pressure on the nerves around it.  Every time you open and close your mouth, the disc slides around, usually making a popping or clicking sound.

Why does the disc slide out of place?

There are a number of reasons - like a jaw injury, too much teeth grinding, chewing too much gum, or even experiencing too much stress.  No matter what causes the disc to move, the result is the same - intense pain.

How do I know if I have TMJ pain, and not something else?

Only a qualified TMJ specialist can tell you for sure that your discomfort is being caused by a TMJ problem.  A good dentist will give you a complete physical exam - including x-rays and a check of your bite alignment - to see exactly what's going on.

Typically, TMJ pain causes headaches, trouble opening and closing your mouth, cheek pain, muscle spasms, and ear pain.  In fact, some people's ear pain is so intense that they think they have an ear infection!

What can a good specialist do for me?

Once he figures out what's causing your specific pain, there are a number of things he can do to give you some relief.  Some of the most common TMJ pain treatments are:

-        Braces, specifically for people who have bites that are out of alignment

-        Mouth guards, which can eliminate excessive teeth grinding

-        Special stretches and massage techniques that can instantly relieve pain

-        Prescription pain killers and/or muscle relaxers, but only on a temporary basis

What if the problem is more serious?

If your pain has led to a lot of inflammation, your dentist can give you a corticosteroid shot.  However, this is only done in rare cases.

More and more TMJ dentists in Los Angeles are turning to laser therapy.  Specifically, they use a special laser to soften the cartilage disc.  That makes it easier for the disc to slide back into its proper place.

No matter what's causing your problem, you don't have to let TMJ pain ruin your life.  With the help of a good TMJ specialist, you can feel as good as new!

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

-N.S.

4 Reasons to Talk to a Cosmetic Dentist about Veneers

By Arthur Kezian

Think that the services of a cosmetic dentist are only for movie stars and rich athletes?  Think again!  A good cosmetic dentist can help anyone get the smile of their dreams.  If your smile is less than perfect, dental veneers may be the answer.

What are they?

Dental veneers are thin pieces of porcelain (or sometimes resin) that are applied over the front of your tooth.  Once your dental veneers are in place, they'll instantly give you a better-looking smile.

If you haven't talked about getting dental veneers from a cosmetic dentist yet, here's why you should:

1.       You'll get whiter teeth

Some otherwise-innocent things -- like certain antibiotics, silver fillings, and root canal work -- can discolor your teeth.  Luckily, you don't have to be embarrassed by dingy or "dirty-looking" teeth.  All you have to do is talk to a cosmetic dentist about veneers.  When you get dental veneers your smile will instantly be whiter!

A word to the wise -- if whiter teeth are all you're after, make sure your dentist uses porcelain veneers.  They repel stains better than resin, so you won't have to worry as much about that glass or red wine or coffee staining your brand new smile!

2.         You'll get straighter teeth

Having even just a few uneven or misaligned teeth can drag down your entire smile.  Luckily, a good cosmetic dentist can take care of them.  By applying veneers to your teeth, they will instantly look like they're all the same length.  Plus, they'll look much straighter.  That way, you won't have to feel insecure anymore!

3.       You won't have gaps in between your teeth anymore

Having a gap in between your front teeth is no fun.  You're embarrassed to smile or pose for pictures, and you feel like everyone's talking to the gap -- instead of you.  But if you want that gap to become a distant memory, all you have to do is talk to a dentist!

By applying veneers that are ever-so-slightly bigger than the teeth in question, your cosmetic dentist can completely cover up that gap that's making you so miserable!  And, because you'll only need a couple of veneers, your cosmetic dentist can make sure that they come in a custom shade that blends in perfectly with all of your other teeth.

4.       You won't have to deal with broken teeth

Whether a sports injury or a car accident is to blame, broken teeth can make even the most confident of people feel insecure.  Luckily, by getting dental veneers from a Los Angeles cosmetic dentist, your smile can look as great as it did before your teeth were damaged!

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

-N.S.

4 Ways Dental Implants Can Make Your Life Better

By Arthur Kezian

You may think that dental implants are solely a cosmetic thing.  Yes, they will make your smile look better -- but when you work with a good implantologist, you can take advantage of so much more than just whiter, healthier-looking teeth. 

In fact, by taking advantage of everything that dental implants have to offer, you can make your life better in 4 different ways:

1.       You'll have a more balanced diet

If you have missing teeth or loose dentures, the odds of you being able to eat an apple or munch on some carrots are pretty slim.  But when you can't eat all of those healthy fruits and vegetables, your health starts to suffer.  By getting implants, you'll be able to eat anything you want -- meaning you'll be able to take advantage of much healthier eating habits.  You'll never have to worry about developing a vitamin deficiency because you can't eat the foods you need!

2.       You'll have more self-esteem

If you're missing teeth or you have severely-damaged teeth, it can affect your entire outlook on life.  If you're embarrassed to smile or meet new people, you can turn into a hermit that never interacts with -- or fully enjoys -- the world around them.

But when you get implants you can feel better about yourself.  You'll have a smile that you can be proud of, and you'll feel more prepared to take on the world around you.

3.       You'll be able to speak with confidence

Part of the self-esteem issues that you're facing have nothing to do with cosmetics.  Instead, you may be insecure about your voice.  Many people with missing teeth or bulky dentures have trouble speaking clearly. 

Luckily, though, an implantologist can install implants that feel just like your natural teeth.  That way, you'll have no problem enunciating!

4.       You'll look younger

Hate that droopy smile that's developed over the years?  Embarrassed by the sagging skin that makes your face look older and less attractive?  Your teeth could be to blame!

Here's how it works -- when you're missing teeth, the bones around them deteriorate faster.  If your bones aren't as strong as they used to be, they have a harder time supporting the skin and muscles in your face.  As a result, you end up with wrinkles around your mouth, lips that aren't as full as they used to be, and a smile that's doesn't curve upward like it did years ago.

Even though they're not natural teeth, dental implants can give your bones the support they need.  In fact, implants can even promote bone growth -- meaning that you won't just stop the aging process, but you'll also be able to reverse it.

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

-N.S.

5 Emergency Dentistry Tips You Can't Afford to Forget

By Arthur Kezian

You never know when a dental emergency is going to pop up.  Whether you've got a cracked tooth, a miserable toothache, or a tooth that's been knocked out, it's important that you get an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible.  In the meantime, be sure to follow these 5 emergency dental tips:

1.       Keep track of the pain

If your toothache flares up when you drink your morning coffee, or if the pain comes surging back when you eat dinner, your dentist will need to know about it.  The more background information you can give him about your symptoms, the sooner he'll be able to diagnose the problem -- and the sooner you'll start to feel better.

2.       Never assume the pain is random

Sometimes, that "random" toothache that suddenly popped up is actually the result of a tiny crack in your tooth.  In the emergency dental world, cracks like these are more common than you might think.  Many times, the only way to see what's really going on is to have your Los Angeles emergency dentist take x-rays. 

And, never assume that the pain will leave as quickly as it arrived.  The longer you wait to get treatment, the worse the pain is going to get.

3.       Always stick knocked out teeth in milk

Just lost a tooth playing hockey? Quickly grab a cup of milk and stick your tooth in it!

Why?

Milk has special chemical properties that protect the cells at the end of your tooth.  If these cells are exposed to the air for too long, they'll start to die.  If too many of them die, your body may reject the tooth when your doctor tries to replant it!

4.       Never clean off a tooth that's been knocked out of your mouth

When you lose a tooth, your first inclination may be to clean it off.  However, by doing that, you're making things more difficult for your dentist. He'll need to see what kind of tissue was attached to the tooth when it came out, so that he can give you better treatment.  By scrubbing the tooth clean, you're removing valuable evidence that your dentist needs!

5.       Go easy on the pain meds

A painful toothache is one of the most common dental complaints.  Even if your Los Angeles emergency dentist can see you right away, you may feel like you can't tolerate the pain.  No matter how bad it is, though, be careful with your pain relief.  If you apply something directly to the tooth itself (like a gel or aspirin), you can burn the gum tissue around it, and wind up in even more pain!

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