Northern Virginia, including Arlington and Alexandria
November 22nd, 2011
If your TMD symptoms are caused by an improper bite, then a dental crown may help alleviate the pain you are experiencing.
When the temporomandibular joint is subjected to excessive pressure, you may experience painful TMJ/TMD symptoms like headaches and tooth pain. Damage caused by decay and trauma can cause your teeth to have uneven surfaces. An unbalanced bite can also cause stress to the TMJ. Placing tooth crowns over damaged teeth will restore these teeth to the normal shape and size, allowing your teeth and jaws to come together in an appropriate manner.
Depending on the severity and underlying cause of your TMJ symptoms, several other treatment approaches may be suggested. For instance, orthodontics may be necessary to correct a misaligned bite. If your TMD symptoms arise from grinding your teeth at night, a mouth guard can be used while you sleep to keep teeth separated.
For experienced neuromuscular dentistry to treat TMD in Northern Virginia, please contact the experienced staff at Galleria Dental Aesthetics to schedule a consultation.
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November 18th, 2011
The ultimate purpose of a root canal is to save a natural tooth. Root canals stop an infection that could otherwise lead to the loss of your natural tooth and the necessity for a tooth replacement, like a dental implant.
Inside your tooth is an inner chamber that houses the tooth pulp. The pulp contains connective tissue, blood vessels and nerves, and it extends through the tooth root canals. When the pulp becomes infected, an abscess can form at the tooth’s root tip.
The tooth pulp can become infected from:
- Decay
- A crack or chip in the tooth
- Trauma to the tooth that causes a fracture
- Repeated dental procedures, such as large fillings
To stop the infection and allow you to keep the natural tooth, general dentists and endodontists treat the root canal by drilling a hole in the crown of the tooth; the decayed pulp is then removed through the hole and the infection is allowed to heal. The cleaned out tooth is then filled and sealed to prevent future decay.
Some patients choose to repair the lost structure of the tooth with a restoration like a tooth crown. After root canal treatment, the structural integrity of the tooth is weakened, which may lead to fractures later on. A tooth crown protects the tooth from cracking and effectively stabilizes and seals the tooth.
For root canal treatment in Northern Virginia, general dentists Joseph Oh and Chong Lee provide skilled treatment, as well as porcelain crowns. Please contact Galleria Dental Aesthetics to schedule a consultation.
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November 14th, 2011
The length of treatment for TMJ will vary depending on individual cases. The causes of your TMJ symptoms will significantly influence the amount of time it takes to reduce your discomfort and correct the underlying issues.
Several approaches can be taken in treating your TMJ, including:
- Dental orthotic devices
- Nighttime mouth guards
- Dental restorations
- Orthodontics
- Stretching jaw muscles
- Medications
A combination of these approaches may be used to treat you, so the time required will vary. If your TMJ pain is caused by grinding or clenching your teeth while you sleep, exercise or work, a mouth guard can stop the grinding or clenching. The mouth guard can be worn while you sleep, exercise or work for as long as you continue to grind or clench your teeth.
Dental orthotic devices, or “splints,” are also worn in the mouth, but these devices are usually worn 24 hours a day to alleviate headaches, neck and back pain, and muscle soreness and tension. Some patients wear splints indefinitely to help reposition the jaw and associated muscles.
Some treatments may offer immediate correction of the cause of TMJ pain. If the pressure on your TMJ is caused by uneven tooth surfaces or missing teeth, then dental restorations like dental fillings and dental implants can realign your bite and relieve TMJ discomfort.
For TMJ treatment in Northern Virginia, please contact the experienced neuromuscular dentists at Galleria Dental Aesthetics to schedule a consultation.
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November 9th, 2011
Crowns are used to restore tooth structure that has been damaged by decay or fractures. They are normally used when more that 2/3 of the natural tooth structure is missing, and are an exceptional restoration to stabilize and restore the remaining tooth structure.
In some rare cases, dental crowns can become dislodged from the restored tooth and fall out. A crown is bonded to your tooth with dental cement, and a cementing error can be the cause of the crown falling off. Another reason may be if the crown is not fitted properly to the remaining part of your natural tooth.
If your tooth crown falls out, you should schedule a dental appointment immediately. Keep the dental crown clean by placing it in a sealable plastic bag. Depending on the situation, the crown may be cemented again or a new crown may be made.
Improperly fitted crowns are rare, as is possible inadequate cementation. Properly fitted and adequately cemented crowns can last at least 10 to 20 years. At Galleria Dental Aesthetics, we use all-porcelain crowns in McLean, Virginia, for the most natural, metal-free look. Please contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
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October 27th, 2011
The length of your orthodontic treatment depends on the severity of your unique case. The majority of cases take between nine months and three years.
As an adult, you may be especially concerned about the appearance of metal braces. Invisalign straightens your teeth with clear, plastic aligners and the treatment time is usually comparable to the time required for metal braces.
If you are considering orthodontic treatments, you may be a candidate for Invisalign, which has several advantages, including:
- Virtually invisible
- Easier to clean teeth
- Corrects a variety of dental problems
Studies have shown that there is no significant difference between orthodontic treatment for adults versus children, and it is never too late to straighten your teeth and correct a misaligned bite. A properly aligned smile offers both aesthetic appeal as well as health benefits. Teeth cleaning and flossing are easier when teeth are not crowded, and tooth surfaces between tightly spaced, crowded and misaligned teeth are more likely to colonize bacteria because the surface literally cannot be reached, which can lead to plaque buildup and gum disease. An advantage to having a correct bite is increased function in chewing and speaking.
To schedule a consultation with an experienced orthodontist in McLean, Virginia, please contact Galleria Dental Aesthetics.
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October 19th, 2011
Many adults can benefit from orthodontic treatments like fixed braces and Invisalign. Regardless of whether you have worn braces before, you may need additional tooth movement to correct your bite or the alignment of your teeth. As an adult, you can correct spaced, crowded and crooked teeth with orthodontics.
Advances in dental technology provide you with several options. Metal wires and brackets are not the only orthodontic solution available to you. Invisalign corrects a wide range of dental problems, including:
- Overbites, underbites and crossbites
- Spaces between the teeth
- Crooked or crowded teeth
The advantage of Invisalign, is that the treatment uses clear, plastic aligners to discreetly straighten your teeth. Oral hygiene is easy with Invisalign because you remove the aligners to eat and drink, and then you can easily brush and floss your teeth before reinserting the aligners.
It is important to note that not all cases can be treated with Invisalign. Severe bite problems may require the use of metal braces, or a combination of braces and Invisalign. On the other hand, it may be that you do not require orthodontics, but will instead benefit from a cosmetic treatment. For example, sometimes gaps between the teeth cannot be closed with braces, but the gap can be corrected with porcelain veneers.
The only way to determine the best solution for you is to consult an experienced orthodontist. At Galleria Dental aesthetics, dentists Chong Lee and Joseph Oh are specially trained to determine if Invisalign is an option for you.
For adult orthodontics in McLean, Virginia, please contact Galleria Dental Aesthetics today to schedule a consultation.
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October 14th, 2011
Teeth cleanings are recommended once every six months under normal, healthy circumstances. However, as with all dental procedures, every patient presents with their own individual circumstances and risk factors for gum disease. Your dentist and dental hygienist will work together to recognize factors that could possibly compromise your teeth and the health of your mouth and develop a plan specific to your dental needs. This may require more frequent cleanings, a more intense cleaning or a specific regimen for your homecare procedures.
Regular cleanings by a dental professional are an important part of maintaining your oral health. In addition to getting your teeth cleaned at recommended intervals, you should practice proper oral hygiene habits at home. Brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day prevents the buildup of bacteria that cause cavities, bad breath and gum disease.
During your recare visit, your dental hygienist will evaluate and recognize signs of inflammation, discuss the findings with your dentist and you, and develop an approach to help you achieve and maintain optimal oral health. In a healthy mouth, your hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup above and below the gumline. If the plaque and tartar debris is allowed to build up and remain around and below the gumline, it may lead to gum disease or periodontitis. Periodontitis is more advanced than gum disease, or inflammation of the soft tissues. Periodontal disease is caused by overgrowth and accumulation of dental plaque which causes disintegration of the bone around the teeth, forming pockets between your teeth and under your gums. The pockets are actively infected and will continue to deepen, causing the boney foundation to disintegrate and your teeth to become loose, putting you at risk for tooth loss. General dentistry and regular frequency of dental cleanings prevents periodontitis through the removal of soft plaque and hard calculus during a cleaning.
A routine dental cleaning can also improve the appearance of your smile by reducing surface staining. Over time, the cumulative staining effect of certain beverages and foods can cause your teeth to become discolored, and a cleaning, which includes polishing will take care of that.
For experienced and comprehensive dentistry in McLean, Virginia, please contact the general dentists at Galleria Dental Aesthetics today.
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October 10th, 2011
General dentistry maintains your oral health by preventing, diagnosing and treating disorders of the teeth, gums, jaw and face. General dentistry procedures include:
Many cosmetic dentists provide general dentistry services. These dentists can enhance both the health and the appearance of your smile. Cracked, chipped, stained and gapped teeth can all be corrected with cosmetic procedures even though these issues may not be improved with general dentistry alone.
The value of cosmetic dentistry extends well beyond appearances. Having a smile that you are confident about can make all the difference in your self-esteem and social interactions. A cosmetic dentist understands that having a healthy and attractive smile is important, and as such, your cosmetic dentist can provide solutions that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
For dentistry that considers your complete oral health and appearance, please contact the experienced Northern Virginia cosmetic dentists at Galleria Dental Aesthetics to schedule a consultation.
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September 30th, 2011
Sedation dentistry will require you to arrange a ride home regardless of whether you are receiving sedation orally or through an IV. The effects of sedation may last for several hours, and your drowsiness will make it unsafe for you to drive. You may also want to arrange for someone to be with you at home until you are feeling normal again.
Another way to plan for your appointment includes preparing your home for your return. You may want to set up an area to rest comfortably. If you are having major dental work done like a dental implant, you may want to stock up on soft foods that will be ready for you when you get home.
The following day you most likely will not experience any lingering effects from the sedation. The majority of patients feel fully recovered the next day.
At Galleria Dental Aesthetics, we want to ensure that your dental visit is enjoyable, and that fear or anxiety does not prevent you from receiving dental care.
Please contact the experienced Northern Virginia sedation dentists at Galleria Dental Aesthetics to schedule a consultation.
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September 26th, 2011
Sedation dentistry is a way to let you feel comfortable no matter what dental procedure you are receiving. Sedation can be used across the spectrum of dental procedures, from routine cleanings to dental implants.
Determining if sedation dentistry is right for your dental procedure depends entirely on your preference. If your fear or anxiety is preventing you from receiving the procedure, then sedation dentistry may be the right solution for you. Other reasons to consider sedation include:
- Past traumatic dental experience
- Anxiety or fear associated with the dentist
- Discomfort or pain from sitting through a dental appointment
- Dental anesthetics do not numb you adequately
- Uncomfortable tooth sensitivity during dental visits
While you are sedated, you will be fully awake and able to communicate with the staff and the dentist, but you will have no memory of the procedure afterwards. Sedation dentistry allows you to be in a relaxed state for hours, so you can have multiple procedures completed in one visit without feeling uncomfortable.
To determine if sedation dentistry is right for you, please contact the Alexandria, Virginia sedation dentists at Galleria Dental Aesthetics.
Posted in Sedation Dentistry | No Comments »
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