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General Dentistry
General Dentistry Services
Over 40 Years of ExperienceIn-House Savings Plan
Dental Hygiene Services
At Dr. John Stivers, we stress prevention in all we do. It is our goal to help you avoid any dental problems, and the best way to do that is to regularly visit Cindy, our hygienist. Her thorough, gentle services will keep your gums and teeth healthy.
At your hygiene visit, we will clean your teeth and examine:
- Teeth
- Gums
- Jaw joints
- Chewing muscles
- Screen for oral cancer
Bite-Related Disorders and Headache Treatment
If stress is causing you to clench your jaw, you might be suffering from bad pain in your head, neck, and shoulders. If that sounds like you, reach out to Dr. John Stivers for help! Dentists have discovered that a small plastic device worn over your two front teeth can help to avoid stress-induced jaw clenching. Called an NTI-Tension Suppression System, this device is approved by the FDA for headache treatment.
We will fit the NTI to your teeth, and you will wear it at night to reduce the muscle contractions of your scalp and jaw that can induce migraines and jaw pain. Patients report near immediate improvement in their headaches after using the NTI. In addition, studies have shown that patients who use it reduce the intensity of their jaw clenching by 66 percent and see a significant decrease in headaches.
Root Canal Therapy
Root canals help to save your teeth by treating diseases of the soft dental pulp. The procedure is relatively simple and involves little to no discomfort. When a tooth becomes infected, it is usually related to the nerves in the root of the tooth, causing the nerves to require removal. If left untreated, infections can turn into an abscess, which could lead to bone loss in the jaw.
To start the procedure, the area around the tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic. The dentist then drills into the tooth to create an opening to the canal so that infected tissue can be removed and the area can be cleaned. The space left is then filled with a sealant called gutta percha. We recommend fitting the tooth with a crown to improve the appearance of the tooth and make it more likely that the root canal is successful.
While "root canal" often sends patients into a panic, advances in dental technology
have made it much less scary. Local anesthetics and pain medication have made it so the procedure can be performed with little to no pain. You may experience some discomfort following the procedure, which is normal for most dental procedures.
Over-the-counter painkillers are typically enough to relieve any pain following a root canal, or you may be prescribed a medication. The procedure also alleviates any pain or discomfort you were experiencing due to the infection, so you can go back to enjoying the foods you love without any pain. If you are experiencing pain, contact us
today.
TMJ Treatment
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, the joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull at the temporal bone. This joint controls chewing. If you're experiencing pain in this area, you may have temporomandibular disorder, or TMD. This can be caused by stress, repeated clenching of the jaw muscles, or teeth grinding.
Some symptoms of TMJ include:
- Pain when opening or closing mouth
- Trouble chewing
- Jaw becoming stuck open or shut
- Headaches or ear pain
- Clicking or popping sounds when opening your mouth
- Teeth grinding
Since many of these issues can also be related to other health issues, only a medical professional can diagnose TMD. Teeth grinding is especially problematic as it can lead to future problems. Extended teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can cause the enamel to wear down and expose dentin, which is a material softer than enamel and more susceptible to decay. Sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks can also occur due to bruxism.
If you think you may have TMD, contact us for your consultation. We can help diagnose you and offer relief for your symptoms. Short-term methods for pain relief include pain relievers and hot / cold compresses. A night guard can also be used to prevent or lessen the effects of nighttime teeth grinding. In severe cases of TMD, surgery may be required. However, behavioral treatments to change the way you use your jaw muscles usually provide relief.
Night Guards
If you're afflicted with bruxism, you are in danger of damaging enamel, wearing down your teeth, jaw pain, and gum irritation. The noise from teeth grinding at night can also disturb your spouse's sleep! If you grind your teeth, consider using a night guard.
Night guards provide a barrier between your top and bottom teeth while you sleep. All night guards are custom fitted for your comfort and to allow for proper breathing. An impression of your teeth is taken by your dentist to create the night guard. They are very durable and can last up to 10 years.
Aside from night guards, there are things you can do to stop teeth grinding. Behavioral treatments can train your jaw to be free and easy rather than clenched. You can also refrain from chewing gum or chewing on objects like pens. Avoiding alcoholic beverages and drinks with caffeine can also help, as these beverages increase the likelihood that you will grind your teeth. If you have suspicions you've been grinding your teeth at night, contact us
today!
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