When Headaches are Dental Related

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man with bad headacheWhen your tooth hurts, it’s called a toothache, and as such, it’s most likely a dental issue. When your head hurts, it’s called a headache, but unlike a toothache, its origin isn’t always obvious. Headaches and migraines are among the most common forms of discomfort, and can indicate excessive stress and anxiety, a pinched nerve, a lack of oxygenated-blood to the brain, or a host of other possible conditions. In some cases, patients can endure their frequent headaches for years before finally learning that the problem stems from a dental-related issue. With a visit to our Livonia dentist’s office, Dr. Stewart can perform a comprehensive examination to determine if your chronic aches and pains can be resolved with an appropriate dental treatment.

OSA and Your Quality of Sleep

Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, is a condition that involves constant, repetitive cycles during which you stop breathing in your sleep. The issue arises when oral tissues in your mouth and throat clog your airway, restricting your breath and resulting in the sound of snoring. The noise grows louder the more your airway is obstructed, until finally, your airway is completely blocked and you stop breathing. Your mind will panic and force your body awake to start breathing, but not enough to fully wake you up. The decreased sleep and oxygen can eventually affect your quality of life, leading to chronic headaches and migraines, symptoms of sleep deprivation, and an increased risk of cardiovascular problems.

TMJ and the Function of Your Jaw

TMJ stands for your temporomandibular joint, which is one of two joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull. TMJs allow your jaw to open and close as needed when you bite, chew, and speak. Normally, these joints move smoothly in tandem, allowing the pressure of your bite to be distributed evenly. When your bite is imbalanced, or when you habitually grind your teeth (bruxism), your TMJs can become damaged, misaligned, or inflamed, aggravating the trigeminal nerve that innervates the majority of your head, neck, and face. Besides painful, sore jaw muscles, TMJ disorder can also lead to severe migraines, frequent earaches, popping/clicking noises in your jaw, and a host of other craniofacial pains.

Find Relief

Because both OSA and TMJ disorder originate with your oral structures, Dr. Stewart often helps patients find relief by custom-designing specialized dental appliances. In the case of OSA, a sleep guard can hold your lower jaw in a forward position to prevent tissues from collapsing into your airway. TMJ disorder can often be alleviated with a mouthguard designed to prevent teeth from grinding together to give your jaw’s joints time to heal. After a comprehensive examination, Dr. Stewart will consult with you to determine what’s causing your headaches, and whether or not a custom dental appliance can help you find relief.

ABOUT YOUR LIVONIA GENERAL DENTIST:

James Steward, DDS, and our compassionate staff proudly serve patients of all ages from Livonia, Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and all surrounding communities. To schedule a cosmetic consultation, call our office today at (734) 425-4400.

filed under: Sleep Apnea, TMJ

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Obstructive Sleep Apnea Can Be Treated

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woman asleep on the couchAccording to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million American adults have obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. The cause of this condition is the brief and repeated interruption of your breathing while you sleep. Muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep over-relaxed or large oral tissues from collapsing into your airway, which interrupts your breathing for up to ten seconds or more. This pause can cause low blood oxygen levels and irregular sleep intervals, leading to the possible development of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and fragmented memory loss over time. If you’ve been diagnosed with OSA, then Dr. Stewart can help you treat your condition and help you avoid the resulting health risks. (more…)

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Discussing Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

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woman in bed can't sleepThe US National Library of Medicine mentions in an article that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common problem affecting 24% of middle-aged males and 9% of middle-aged females. Among these adults, snoring is a common trait. The prevalence of snoring could indicate the presence of obstructive sleep apnea, and a trained professional like Dr. Stewart can determine your specific needs when it comes to treating your condition. (more…)

filed under: About Sleep, Patient Education, Sleep Apnea

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How Would You Like to Makeover Your Smile?

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smiling woman in whiteOne of the greatest joys of being a dentist is seeing a patient’s face light up at the sight of their new smiles. Besides routine checkups and dental restorations, like fillings and root canals, Dr. Stewart also offers a variety of cosmetic dentistry services to improve your smile’s appearance. A smile makeover describes a combination of such procedures designed to produce dramatic results with the most conservative methods possible. Whether your teeth are stained, chipped, uneven, or are less-than-perfect for any number of reasons, Dr. Stewart can device a customized makeover plan tailored to your specific smile’s needs. (more…)

filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry

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Take-Home VS. In-Office Teeth-Whitening

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bright smile timeChoices are what make modern dentistry so customizable to each patient’s situation. Regardless of your schedule and particular dental needs, Dr. Stewart can help you achieve the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve with a conservative treatment plan tailored specifically for you. Teeth-whitening, for instance, is the most popular cosmetic dental treatment around, designed to erase teeth stains that, in many cases, are unavoidable. Professional teeth-whitening is the most effective method to brighten your smile, but some patients prefer the convenience of an over-the-counter product they can take home. With the choices we offer at our Livonia cosmetic dentist’s office, you can enjoy the best of both worlds—professional results delivered with optimal convenience.

What Makes Teeth-Whitening Work?

Though they aren’t always easy to differentiate to the untrained eye, there are several different kinds of teeth stains and discoloration. The purpose of teeth-whitening is to provide a quick and easy solution to the most common stains, which occur on or within the outer layers of enamel surrounding your teeth (extrinsic teeth stains). The active ingredient in teeth whitening, usually hydrogen peroxide, can eradicate most extrinsic stains, and the main difference between take-home and in-office procedures is the method and frequency of application.

Brighter Smiles at Home

When your time is limited, quick and easy is about more than convenience; it’s a necessary pace. Since extrinsic teeth stains don’t typically indicate an emergency situation (other than where confidence is concerned), treating them shouldn’t take up too much of your time. During an in-office whitening appointment, Dr. Stewart will carefully apply a prescription-strength whitening gel to your teeth, then activate it with a curing light to stimulate the whitening agents. Your visit will last just over an hour, and you can leave our office with a smile that’s up to 10 shades brighter than when you walked in.

The Convenience of In-Office Treatment

Even if you prefer the freedom of brightening your smile on your own time, you don’t have to settle for a mediocre over-the-counter product. Our take-home whitening kit consists of a professional-strength bleaching agent and a set of custom-made trays that fit snugly over your teeth. The trays allow you to apply the gel evenly over your teeth’s surfaces, and when applied as directed, you may see noticeable results within the first few days. On average, take-home whitening requires 10-14 days to reach optimal results.

ABOUT YOUR LIVONIA COSMETIC DENTIST:

James Steward, DDS, and our compassionate staff proudly serve patients of all ages from Livonia, Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and all surrounding communities. To schedule an appointment, call our office today at (734) 425-4400.

filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry

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How to Reinvent Your Smile with Porcelain Veneers

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excited about new smileDental veneers have contributed to the “Hollywood Smile” concept since the 1930s, when they were first created to improve the smiles of actors with poorly cared-for teeth. Since then, the construction and application of dental veneers have improved vastly, and they’ve helped countless people outside of Hollywood achieve the smiles they’ve always wanted. Even if you have more than one issue to contend with, today’s porcelain veneers can completely reinvent your smile in a single procedure, and without disturbing much of your healthy tooth structure. (more…)

filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry

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Top 3 Myths About RCT, and the Truths Behind Them

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fact arrow through mythsIf asked to describe root canal therapy to someone who had never heard of it, how would you portray it? Would you describe a safe, effective, and often-necessary procedure designed to save infected teeth? Or would your narrative sound more like a frightened retelling of a traumatic dental experience? How you describe something reflects your understanding of it, and for many people, the understanding of root canal therapy can be clouded by secondhand-myths and long-debunked research.

#1—“I’ve heard that it hurts.”

Before the advent of anesthesia, nearly everything hurt, and the myth about root canal treatment causing discomfort likely originated before local anesthesia was a routine part of dental treatment. Before the procedure begins, Dr. Stewart will numb the tooth and surrounding tissues with a local anesthetic. After the infected tissues inside your tooth are removed, and the rest of your tooth is restored, the pain you felt before treatment will finally dissipate.

#2—“I’ve heard you can get sick from root canal treatment.”

In the 1920s, when most mechanisms behind dental health were not yet understood, Dr. Weston A. Price postulated that endodontic treatment, or root canal therapy, led to diseases in the body. Despite Dr. Price’s theories being thoroughly debunked by more modern research in the 1950s, this belief is still widely spread. The truth, though, is that removing a tooth’s infected pulp, which is connected to roots that extend into the jawbone, helps stop the spread of bacterial infection. If you grow sick or feverish, it may be because an abscess has formed on the tooth, or on the jawbone surrounding it.

#3—“I’ve heard that it’s better just to extract the tooth.”

Because he believed that endodontics caused illness, Dr. Price heavily advocated tooth extraction as an alternative. Today, many patients still think extraction would be better, since it typically costs less up front. When you extract a tooth, the bacteria in your mouth have a greater chance of entering your bloodstream while the tissues heal. To preserve the integrity of the rest of your teeth and your jawbone, you’ll eventually have to replace the extracted tooth, preferably sooner rather than later. However, if you hesitate too long, then a tooth extraction may be the only option left by the time you seek treatment.

About Your Livonia Restorative Dentist:

James Steward, DDS, and our compassionate staff proudly serve patients of all ages from Livonia, Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and all surrounding communities. To schedule an appointment, call our office today at (734) 425-4400.

filed under: Patient Education, Restorative Dentistry

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You Have Dental Implant Questions—We Have Answers

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little man q&aThere’s strength in numbers, especially when it comes to your teeth. You need a full set for your mouth to operate properly, and if you lose one, then replacing it is more important than just restoring your smile’s appearance. With the unique ability to replace your lost teeth’s roots, and a success rate of over 95%, dental implants have quickly become the preferred solution to replacing lost teeth.

What are dental implants made of?

As the name suggests, a dental implant is a small device that’s surgically inserted into your jawbone. The secret to their success lies in their biocompatible titanium construction, which allows your jawbone to fuse to the implants’ surfaces as it heals. After about 4-6 months, your dental implant(s) will become a part of your jawbone’s anatomy to provide unmatched support for your dental prosthesis.

What if I already wear dentures or a dental bridge?

Although they’ve revolutionized our approach to rebuilding smiles that have suffered tooth loss, dental implants don’t make conventional replacement teeth obsolete. On the contrary, implants serve to improve traditional replacement teeth by adding the support of a prosthetic root. In addition, your dentures will no longer slip and lose their grip, since they’re stabilized by implants instead of dental adhesives.

Do I have to undergo surgery?

By definition, placing dental implants requires surgery to situate the root devices within the jawbone. If you’ve suffered significant jawbone deterioration, which typically occurs following tooth loss, then you may have to undergo prerequisite surgery, such as a jawbone graft, to restore its density and structural integrity.

Will I have to replace my dental implants after a few years?

The benefits of receiving dental implants extend far beyond more stable replacement teeth; replacing lost teeth roots also helps stem the jawbone deterioration that results from lost teeth roots. Dentures most often slip because of a shrinking jawbone and dental ridge, and frequently require replacement. Dental implants, however, can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. Your dental crown, bridge, or denture may require replacement after a decade or two of continuous use, but your new prosthesis can be situated on top of your existing implants.

About Your Livonia Implant Dentist:

James Steward, DDS, and our compassionate staff proudly serve patients of all ages from Livonia, Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and all surrounding communities. To schedule an appointment, call our office today at (734) 425-4400.

filed under: Dental Implants, Patient Education, Tooth Loss

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How Cavities and Gingivitis Affect Dental Implants

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mature man brushing his teethLosing a tooth isn’t something you’re likely to forget, but with the right dental prosthesis, your smile can look and function as though it never happened. The most comprehensive tooth replacements are supported by dental implants, which are surgically inserted into the jawbone where your teeth once were. Implants replace your teeth’s roots the way bridges and dentures replace their crowns (top portions), providing a more stable and long-lasting solution to tooth loss. Their longevity, however, depends largely on how well you take care of them, and how effectively you can keep them safe from developing dental diseases. (more…)

filed under: Dental Implants, Oral Health, Tooth Loss

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The Beauty, and Function, of Tooth-Colored Fillings

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beautiful smart smileWouldn’t it be nice if you could treat your cavities or other dental health issues without leaving noticeable evidence? With tooth-colored fillings, you can. For over a century, metal amalgam has been the dental filling material of choice. While the metal fillings are strong, durable, and highly effective, the metallic flash that the fillings add to your smile can diminish its aesthetic value. Instead of amalgam, Dr. Stewart typically recommends tooth-colored dental fillings comprised of innovative, white composite resin, which holds more than just a cosmetic advantage over their metal amalgam predecessors.

What Your Tooth Filling Should Accomplish

The need for a dental filling after treating a cavity stems from the tooth’s inability to repair its own structure when damaged (like bones and other body tissues normally can). Tooth decay is a progressive disease that destroys a tooth’s structure as it advances towards the center. To stop this advancement, Dr. Stewart will remove the decayed tissue, clean out any lingering bacteria and infection, and replace the removed tooth structure with a dental filling to restore its structural integrity. Ideally, the filling should seal and protect the tooth’s vulnerable inside from further bacterial infection while simultaneously reinforcing the tooth to restore its proper function.

Improving an Old Concept

Made from a mixture of silver, mercury, zinc, and other trace metals, amalgam fillings are strong and can last a long time with proper care and maintenance. Like most metals, however, amalgam is subject to hot and cold temperatures, expanding and contracting (respectively) when exposed to either. If an amalgam filling contracts, it can create spaces between the filling and tooth, allowing oral bacteria to reenter the tooth’s interior and finish the destruction it started. If the metal filling expands, the inflexible tooth will be unable to accommodate it and may crack, fracture, or completely break. This flaw, coupled with the unsightly metal flashes when a patient smiles and speaks, can make the traditional restorations less-than-ideal. By contrast, composite resin is tinted to match a tooth’s natural color, and the material is bonded to the tooth’s surface for a more effective seal and improved structural support.

About Your Livonia Dentist:

James Steward, DDS, and our compassionate staff proudly serve patients of all ages from Livonia, Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and all surrounding communities. To schedule an appointment, call our office today at (734) 425-4400.

filed under: Restorative Dentistry

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