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562-860-6626

13017 Artesia Blvd, Suite D120, Cerritos, CA 90703

Dentist Cerritos

Jesmine Boghawala DDS

10929 South St #110B

Cerritos, CA 90703

 (562) 860-6626

Impact of TMD on Daily Life

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Disorders of the temporomandibular joint can drastically range in severity. Nevertheless, each disorder relates in that they all lead to symptoms patients would rather do without. Below, we highlight the impact of TMD on daily life and treatments to alleviate discomfort while you look for substantial TMJ disorder treatments.

 

TMJ versus TMD

First, we will clear up one common misconception. TMJ simply stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull. TMD, however, specifically refers to disorders of the TMJ (that is what the “D” stands for). In daily life, people often use TMJ—rather than TMD—to refer to any issues with the joint. Throughout this article, we will use TMD to refer to disorders of the temporomandibular joint and only use TMJ to refer to the joint itself.

TMDs can range from mild to debilitating, depending on the precise issue with your joint. These can impact daily life in an unfortunate variety of ways.

 

Impact of TMD on Daily Life

Below, we outline some of the main ways TMJ disorders cause daily impairments and difficulties.

Before reading these, know that having TMDs does not indicate a hopeless case. Highly effective treatment options do exist. Working with an experienced dentist almost always brings relief from each of the symptoms brought on by TMDs.

 

Daily Pain

Issues with the TMJ can cause chronic pain throughout the day. It can even worsen when talking, yawning, or chewing. In other words, TMDs make some of the most basic activities difficult or unbearable. TMJ treatments can alleviate this pain and give you back the comfort you deserve.

In addition to joint pain, patients may experience headaches or earaches because of their TMJ disorders. This happens most often in cases of prolonged TMJ tension. When the muscle cannot relax, symptoms—namely pain—develop.

This pain is not restricted to the areas near the TMJ. Patients have reported TMD pain radiating out to body parts like the neck, shoulders, back, and even the fingers. 

 

Jaw Movement Restrictions

TMDs can limit your ability to open your mouth. In addition to the pain, severe cases can keep you from opening your mouth wide enough to chew or make speaking a challenge. We recommend seeking treatment before your condition reaches this point. As with any condition, the sooner you treat it, the better the outcome.

 

Sleep Interference

Chronic issues like TMD do not go away when you lie down in bed for the night. In many cases, this is when they begin to show the worst of their negative impact. Pain from TMJ issues can keep you awake, cause you to wake up in the night, and even interfere with breathing (if you breathe through your mouth at night). If TMD causes sleep deprivation, you will have a whole new set of issues to deal with. 

Sleep deprivation is routinely linked to adverse effects such as:

  • Memory impairment
  • Increased mental health risks
  • Difficulty focusing or attending to activities
  • Chronic fatigue

 

Dizziness and Nausea

TMDs do not limit symptoms to pain. Patients can also experience somatic symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. For many people, these symptoms are more difficult to tolerate than pain. Patients who struggle with TMDs may find their routines more limited by nausea than other symptoms, further restricting their engagement with all life has to offer.

 

Summed Up: TMD Reduces the Quality of Daily Life

What do all these effects have in common? They degrade your quality of life. Pain, nausea, and difficulties moving all restrict how you can spend your time. Even if you push through the symptoms to pursue your activities, you may find a loss of enjoyment.

Luckily, living with the symptoms of TMJ disorders does not need to become a daily reality for you. Many dentists offer tailored treatments that can reduce or even eliminate symptoms associated with TMJ issues. TMDs may negatively impact daily life, but a path forward does exist.

 

Treatments to Reduce the Impact of TMJ Disorders

Treatment options range from noninvasive procedures to full surgical operations. The type needed will depend on the cause and severity of your symptoms. Some of the main ways dentists free patients from TMJ pain include:

  • Mouth guards: Best for patients with TMJ issues related to teeth-grinding.
  • Neurotoxin injections: An FDA-approved method for relaxing muscles.
  • Oral surgery: Usually a last resort, but one that can prove highly effective in severe cases.

 

Personalized Treatment for Impressive Results

Our leading orthodontist in Cerritos has provided TMJ treatments for patients facing TMJ pain for years. We build your care plan from the ground up, exploring options optimized for your needs.

How Is Dental Bonding Performed?

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Dental bonding is a modern and widely used method in restorative and cosmetic dentistry. But how exactly is dental bonding performed, and in what cases can it be useful? Please read our article, which discusses these questions.

How Is Dental Bonding Performed?

Dental bonding is an effective method used in cosmetic and restorative dentistry to solve various issues:

  • Cover stains and discoloration on teeth that do not respond to teeth whitening solutions
  • Restore cracked, chipped, or broken teeth
  • Close minor gaps between the teeth
  • Adjust the shape or size of uneven teeth
  • Elongate the teeth
  • Fill in the cavities
  • Cover and protect teeth roots exposed due to gum recession

Dental bonding typically employs a material called resin composite. It is the same material that is usually used in dental fillings. This material can be closely matched to the color of your teeth, meaning that it will look natural in your mouth.

The Procedure of Dental Bonding

At the beginning of the procedure, your dentist will discuss with you the results you want to achieve with dental bonding and choose the right shade of the bonding material. Then, your teeth will be prepared to receive dental bonding material. The surface of your teeth will be slightly roughened up so that the resin composite can bond with it securely. Also, the special conditioning liquid will be applied to your teeth during this preparational step.

The next step is the application of the bonding material. Once it is applied, your dentist will mold it into the proper shape to achieve the desired results. At the end of the procedure, the resin composite is hardened with a curing light, and your teeth are polished so that they appear even, smooth, and natural.

Altogether, the procedure can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes per tooth to complete and typically does not cause any significant discomfort or pain to the patient.

After the Procedure of Dental Bonding

The results of dental bonding last for 5 to 10 years on average. The longevity of your dental bonding will depend on its location in the mouth and on how well you take care of your teeth and your restoration.

The dental bonding procedure typically does not require any downtime or recovery after it. However, it is essential to follow several simple rules to ensure that the results of the procedure last as long as possible:

Avoid Staining Foods and Beverages

Unfortunately, resin composite is not exceptionally stain-resistant. To preserve its initial appearance for as long as possible, avoid the following foods and beverages:

  • Red wine, black coffee and tea
  • Brightly colored fruit and berry juices
  • Beverages and candies containing dye
  • Berries
  • Beetroot
  • Currie
  • Brightly colored spices

If you consume any staining foods or beverages, rinse your mouth or brush your teeth right after.

Avoid Hard and Crunchy Foods

Hard and crunchy foods, such as nuts, crackers, popcorn with seers, etc. can cause your dental bonding to crack, chip, or break off. Also, using teeth as tools, for example, for opening bottles, cracking nuts, etc., can cause the same damage.

Maintain Thorough Daily Oral Hygiene

Brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes and flossing every evening, removing food debris and bacteria are the best ways to ensure that the results of your dental bonding last and that your teeth and gums are healthy.

Avoid Teeth Whitening Products

Whitening products are not meant to be used on resin composite and will be either ineffective at best or harmful to it. If you notice that your dental bonding has become stained or discolored, consult your cosmetic dentist.

Do Not Use Abrasive Toothpaste

Toothpaste that contains abrasive particles can create micro scratches on the surface of your dental bonding restoration, leading to food debris and bacteria accumulating inside the scratches. As a result, your bonding might become stained or discolored.

Visit Your Dentist for Professional Cleanings Regularly

Undergoing professional dental cleanings every 6 months will help remove plaque and surface stains from your bonded teeth and your natural teeth as well. Also, regular checkups will help your dentist spot any potential issues with your dental bonding or your oral health before they become severe.

Make an Appointment Today

If you are considering dental bonding, do not hesitate to call our office and make an appointment with a highly qualified dentist in Cerritos today. At Innovative Smiles, we use modern methods and materials to offer reliable and long-lasting results. We are looking forward to welcoming you to our dental office.

What Classifies as a Dental Emergency?

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Everyone knows that regular visits to the dentist can help prevent tooth decay and other mouth issues. However, occasionally, a bonafide dental emergency will arise that necessitates a quick visit to an emergency dentist. Failing to address these issues when they arise can lead to dire health consequences, so it is paramount to take immediate action when necessary. Learning what classifies as a dental emergency can help you be more prepared when they pop up.

Read on to learn exactly what classifies as a dental emergency and find an emergency dentist in your area.

 

What is a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is a dental issue with an acute time frame, which has the potential to heavily impact the health of one’s body and mouth. Realizing when a dental emergency is occurring can save you a world of pain and possibly keep you from severe medical danger.

When a dental emergency occurs, you should visit a dental professional as quickly as possible. They will have the tools and expertise to treat your condition comprehensively.

Unchecked dental emergencies can have very severe consequences and, in some cases, can prove to be deadly due to the sensitive nerve endings and blood vessels that fill the mouth. Given this, it is crucial to take any occurrence that you suspect might be a dental emergency seriously.

 

What Classifies as a Dental Emergency?

Several different elements contribute to a dental situation being qualified as an emergency. Common dental emergencies include the following:

  • Exposed nerves
  • Having a tooth knocked out
  • Unexplained swelling or bleeding
  • Lost fillings
  • Damaged crown
  • Abscessed teeth
  • Infection in the mouth and teeth

Any of the above conditions have the potential to cause a considerable amount of damage to one’s teeth, mouth, and general physical health.

 

Causes of Dental Emergencies

Knowing some of the sources of common dental emergencies can help you be more prepared when they come up. Keep an eye out for the following scenarios that are familiar sources for dental emergencies:

  • Car accidents
  • Work-related accidents
  • Intense contact sports
  • Eating or chewing on hard materials
  • Jaw joint pain

The longer you go without treating a dental emergency, the higher the chance that it will negatively impact your general health. Taking the initiative can give you a higher chance of resolving your emergency satisfactorily.

 

What Is Not a Dental Emergency?

Overreacting to dental issues that are not emergencies can negatively impact your wallet by causing you to incur very expensive, unwarranted medical bills. The following conditions are not considered dental emergencies and can be resolved by a rudimentary dental visit.

  • Small chips or cracks in the teeth
  • Mild toothache
  • Broken braces or other dental fixtures
  • Objects are caught in the teeth
  • Minor cuts or sores in the mouth

Some of these mild dental issues can become emergencies if they are exacerbated or impacted in any way. Keep an eye out for signs that they may be developing in negative fashions, like if you experience large amounts of bleeding.

 

What to Do in a Dental Emergency?

If you are experiencing a dental emergency, you should seek out emergency dental services as quickly as possible. Resolving your issue carries with it a number of benefits, including that you can:

  • Save your teeth
  • Prevent damage to your mouth
  • Preserve previous dental work
  • Save yourself time and money

An emergency dentist can perform a number of services to attempt to repair the damage done to your mouth in your emergency dental situation. Some of these services are among those commonly asked for:

  • Tooth extraction
  • Replantation
  • Splints
  • Irrigation and antibiotics
  • Fillings
  • Root canal

Once you are at the dentist’s office, you should relate to them all of the symptoms that you’re experiencing. This will help them identify the exact source of your dental emergency and the best path forward for treatment. In some cases, such as in the case of high levels of damage due to an impact of some kind, the problem and treatment course should be obvious.

 

The Top Dentist in Cerritos 

The Jesmine Boghawala DDS and our award-winning team are dedicated to offering patients the best that an emergency dentist in Cerritos can offer. If you worry that you are experiencing the symptoms of a dental emergency, contact our office today to set up an appointment.

When To Get A Dental Inlay or Onlay

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Dental inlays and onlays are types of dental restorations that are known as indirect restorations. This means they are made outside of the mouth in a laboratory. These restorations are used when a cavity is too large to be resolved just using a filling. Let’s see when to get a dental inlay or onlay.

However, like any type of procedure, it serves to show the difference between these two procedures. Knowing which types of situations they work well in can help you can increase the overall efficacy of the procedures that you’re looking to receive.

When to Get a Dental Inlay or Onlay

If you’re curious about the benefits of these procedures to restore a decayed or broken tooth, take a look at this guide that describes some of the appropriate situations to utilize them in.

What Are Dental Inlays?

Inlays and onlays are roughly analogous to fillings and crowns in terms of the types of issues they are able to resolve. All four intend to fill in areas of the teeth that have been affected by cavities to some degree.

Inlays are similar to dental fillings but are used on cavities that have become too large to be resolved simply by the use of a dental filling. Inlays are generally considered to be more durable than fillings, as they are made of stronger materials than your typical fillings. Because of this increased complexity in terms of installation and materials, inlays can take longer to install than a typical filling, sometimes taking up to two sessions to install.

What About Dental Onlays?

If your tooth doesn’t fit the scenario that a dental inlay is used in, you might find that you should seek out a dental onlay instead. Dental onlays cover the cusp areas of the teeth. Also, dental onlays are often compared to dental crowns and are used in similar situations and for similar issues.

Dental onlays repair damage on the elevated part of the tooth surface. These types of implants are made of porcelain or gold, and they cover the part of the tooth that has been damaged. Onlays actually cover less of the teeth than a typical dental crown, which is designed to replace a very large portion of a damaged tooth, if not the entire tooth.

What Occurs During Inlay and Onlay Installation?

There are several steps that comprise the installation process, and each one is essential to properly adhering the fixtures to the rest of your teeth. The general steps for the installation process are as follows:

1. Removing the cavity or filling

If you have an existing filling in your tooth, or a visible cavity, your dentist will remove it prior to any active installation being place in the mouth. Once the cavitated tooth or filling is removed, there will be a hole where the tooth once was.

2. Making an impression on the tooth

During your first visit to the dentist, a mold is taken of the tooth that needs to be prepared. You can collaborate with your dentist in terms of picking a restoration shade that matches the general shade of teeth in your mouth.

3. Placing the temporary filling

While your dentist prepares the inlay or onlay that is to be placed in your mouth, they will place a temporary filling in your mouth to seal the cavity temporarily. This will help prevent further decay and protect the tooth from oversensitivity from both heat and cold.

4. Placing the inlay or onlay

After the restoration, either inlay or onlay, is made, you will need to set up an additional appointment with your dentist to actually install your fixtures. During this procedure, you may have some local anesthetic applied to your mouth in order to reduce the amount of pain that your feel during your procedure.

During this procedure, your temporary filling will be pulled, and the inlay or onlay is cemented into your teeth. Oftentimes, this procedure can be executed without causing significant discomfort.

You can expect your inlays and onlays to last many years, barring any sort of mistreatment or very harmful dental health. These fixtures are considered quite durable and respond very well to proper dental care. Your dentist will inform you towards whether you can anticipate having issues with your own fixtures.

The Best Dentist in Southern California

Jesmine Boghawala DDS is one of the most trusted resources in Southern California for receiving high-quality dental inlay and onlay work that you can depend on. If you’re curious whether or not these procedures can help you achieve higher levels of dental health, then contact our dental office in Central Cerritos today to schedule an appointment.

Does Insurance Cover a Root Canal?

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Root canal treatment can be quite pricey, and the exact amount you pay will also depend on the dentist, the position of the tooth, and the difficulty of the procedure. If your dentist tells you that you need root canal therapy, you might be surprised by the bill and wonder: Does insurance cover a root canal? In this article, we will answer this question and discuss possible hidden undercurrents associated with dental insurance.

Does Insurance Cover a Root Canal?

On average, dental insurance may cover 40% to 80% of the cost of a root canal treatment. This coverage is called co-insurance and typically applies after you meet your deductible. However, coverage eligibility and the amount covered by the insurance might vary depending on the company’s policy and the specifics of the situation. 

In some cases, you must meet a deductible before the insurance company covers the cost of your treatment. In worst cases, if a deductible is equal to or more than the cost of the treatment, the procedure will not be covered by the insurance. 

Some dental insurances do not cover root canal therapy at all and only cover preventative treatments such as cleanings. That is why you must read your insurance policy documents carefully and make sure the root canal treatment is covered. In addition, discuss your insurance policy with your dentist’s office manager to avoid unexpected costs. 

What Is a Waiting Period?

A waiting period means that you might have to wait up to 12 months while paying premiums before you can use your insurance for some dental procedures. This is especially common in cases of more expensive procedures like root canal treatments. If you enroll in insurance just so it can cover your root canal treatment, you might pay more because you will pay for 12 months of the premiums, the deductible, and also the co-insurance. So, sometimes, it is cheaper to pay for your root canal treatment out of pocket. 

We recommend carefully checking all the advantages and disadvantages of the dental insurance plan before making a decision. In addition, if you need root canal therapy, it means that your tooth is not in good condition, and the sooner you get treatment, the more chances you have of saving it. Thus, it is not a good idea to wait for 12 months for the insurance coverage to begin.

How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?

On average, the cost of root canal treatment for one tooth without insurance is $900 to $1500. However, if one of your front teeth needs root canal therapy, the price might be lower, from $700 to $1100. If your insurance covers root canal treatment, the price might range from $300 to $1500, depending on the insurance policy and the severity of the case. 

Keep in mind that often, you will need to get a dental crown in addition to root canal treatment. The cost of the crown might be between $1500$ and $2000$. The cost of emergency root canal treatment is approximately similar to the routine root canal prices listed above. 

Risks of Postponing Root Canal Treatment

Even though root canal treatment is a pricy procedure, it is crucial for your dental and overall health. If the infection in the tooth goes untreated, it can spread to the surrounding teeth, the gums, and eventually to the jaw. This can lead to abscesses in the mouth, tooth loss, severe damage to the jaw, and even stroke, heart attack, and sepsis. 

If you wait too long to get root canal treatment, it might be impossible to save the tooth, and the next step will be tooth extraction. Please keep in mind that tooth loss can lead to jaw bone density loss. Thus, dentists recommend that you replace the missing tooth with a dental implant within the first six months. Getting dental implants is also a costly procedure, so it is probably a good idea to try saving the existing tooth with a root canal treatment while it is possible.

Make an Appointment Today

If you need root canal treatment, do not postpone making an appointment with a general dentist at Jesmine Boghawala DDS Clinic. You should undergo root canal therapy as soon as possible to save the tooth and prevent the infection from damaging other teeth and tissues in your mouth. Our specialists look forward to welcoming you to our office.

 

562-860-6626

13017 Artesia Blvd, Suite D120
Cerritos, CA 90703


Office Hours
Monday: 9AM-6PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 9AM-6PM
Thursday: 9AM-6PM
Friday: 9AM-6PM
Saturday: By Appointment
Sunday: Closed

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Jesmine Boghawala DDS
10929 South St #110B
Cerritos, CA 90703
Phone: 562.860.6626
Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri - 10:00AM - 7:00PM
Sat by Appt.