Archives for November 2022

Did My Fall Cause a TMJ Flare-up?

Posted on November 28, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I’ve been ill for almost two weeks, and my balance has been off. Four days ago, I fell in my bedroom and hurt my face and knee. The impact was not severe, but I have bruises on my left brow, cheek, and knee. Since I fell, I noticed some jaw pain that I hadn’t felt for five years. I previously had TMJ issues, but could a fall cause a flare-up? Khloe

Khloe,

We are sorry to hear about your fall! Although Dr. Delaune would need to examine your jaw for an accurate diagnosis, we can provide some insight.

Can a Fall Cause a TMJ Flare-up?

A fall or any impact on your face or jaw can cause a TMJ flare-up. The facial implications can result in these jaw injuries:

Sprained muscles
Fracture
Dislocation

Any injuries can affect the jaw joint, muscles, or bone.

What Can You Do to Sooth a TMJ Flare-up?

If you are experiencing a TMJ flare-up, you can try at-home remedies. See your dentist or doctor immediately if your symptoms are severe or worsen.

TMJ home remedies may include:

Apply a cold pack or moist heat to the side of your face
Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or a muscle relaxer
Temporarily change your diet and eat foods that require minimal chewing
Wear a custom night guard
Perform TMJ exercises

Schedule an Appointment for an Exam

If your discomfort persists, your doctor may decide to take x-rays to determine whether you fractured any bones when you fell or if your teeth alignment is causing your symptoms. If your jawbone is intact, your doctor may recommend therapy, trigger-point injections, or other treatment to soothe the TMJ flare-up.

If your dentist still needs advanced TMJ training, schedule an exam with an experienced dentist.

Metairie, Louisiana, dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post. Dr. Delaune attended The Dawson Academy for TMJ training.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe If I Take Blood Thinning Medication?

Posted on November 23, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I understand that some dental procedures are risky for people who take blood thinners. I take Xarelto and am considering getting my teeth whitened. Is it safe to get my teeth whitened if I take a blood thinner? Thanks. Lydia

Lydia,

Thank you for your question. Invasive dental procedures have a greater risk of provoking bleeding than noninvasive procedures. Whenever you see a health care provider, ensure you update your records with your prescription medication so the doctor can anticipate any concerns and plan accordingly.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe If You Take Blood Thinning Medication?

Teeth whitening is safe if you take blood thinning medication because the whitening procedure is noninvasive. If your teeth and gums are disease free, the whitening process should not cause bleeding. When gums bleed easily, gum disease is often the cause, and even flossing your teeth can irritate your gums. Your dentist will recommend gum disease treatment before teeth whitening to minimize the risk of bleeding.

What Happens During the Teeth Whitening Procedure?

Before teeth whitening, your dentist will ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. During the in-office whitening session, you can expect the following steps:

Retract your cheeks to get full access to your teeth
Apply a protective barrier on your gums to prevent bleaching gel burns
Apply bleaching gel to each tooth
Rinse your teeth and repeat the process two or three times depending on the brightness you want

Request a Teeth Whitening Consultation

In-office bleaching gel, such as Zoom whitening, being applied to teeth

Tell your dentist which medications you take before dental procedures, including in-office teeth whitening, such as Zoom.

Schedule a consultation with a dentist if you are concerned about whether a dental procedure will conflict with your medication or affect a medical condition. The dentist will explain what the treatment involves and whether precautions are needed before your procedure date.

Ask Your Medical Doctor

Keep your medical doctor or prescribing physician informed about any health care procedures you plan. The doctor can review your medications and collaborate with your dentist or other health care provider to ensure your safety before, during, and after the procedure.

Metairie, Louisiana, dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post.

Porcelain Veneers for Overlapped Teeth Instead of Invisalign?

Posted on November 11, 2022 by AllSmiles.

Will you please tell me if porcelain veneers can straighten my teeth? I understand that Invisalign is an option, but at age 52, I prefer something faster than a year of orthodontic treatment. My upper teeth overlap. The overlap affects six teeth, but I realize that a dentist may see that other teeth are involved. Is there any chance that veneers might work? Thank you. Antonia from Northbrook, IL

Antonia,

Thank you for contacting us. Sometimes, porcelain veneers can straighten teeth without braces.

Can You Get Porcelain Veneers Instead of Invisalign?

Porcelain veneer

Porcelain veneers can sometimes straighten teeth instead of Invisalign, but they have limitations. If you have mild overlap, porcelain veneers may be an option. Veneers can improve tooth shape and shade, too. After an examination and x-rays, a cosmetic dentist will determine whether veneers can help. These steps may improve your overlapped teeth:

Prepare your teeth for veneers by removing tiny amounts of tooth enamel
Reshape the overlapped teeth to align them
Collaborate with a ceramist at a dental lab to create porcelain veneers that make your teeth look even

Will You Need Orthodontics Before Veneers?

A cosmetic dentist may recommend orthodontics before veneers in these cases:

Cross-bite
Your palate requires expansion
The degree of tooth rotation
Missing teeth
Extra teeth

Mispositioned opposing teeth can break or displace porcelain veneers.

Are You a Porcelain Veneers Candidate?

You may be a porcelain veneer candidate if your teeth and gums are healthy. Otherwise, a dentist must resolve tooth decay or gum disease before recommending cosmetic dentistry. Also, the dentist will explain alternative treatment methods for a healthy and aesthetically pleasing smile.

Request a Cosmetic Dentistry Consultation

During a cosmetic dentistry consultation, you can meet with the doctor to discuss your concerns about your teeth. The dentist may take pictures, scans, and x-rays of your teeth to assess their condition and whether porcelain veneers, Invisalign, or another treatment will give you the best results.

Metairie cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post. Read details about how Dr. Delaune strives to provide some of the best dental care in Metairie.