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Archives for December 2022

How Long Can I Delay Wisdom Teeth Surgery?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

How long can I delay wisdom teeth surgery before it becomes an emergency? I am 32 years old and have all four wisdom teeth. I am pursuing new employment and opted to keep medical insurance only when I got laid off in October. My wisdom teeth were occasionally hurting, but within the past few weeks, they have become uncomfortable. I do not want to take time off from a new job, but neither do I have dental insurance to help cover the expense. How long can I wait for wisdom teeth surgery? Thanks. Derek from Galveston, TX

Derek,

Thank you for your question.

How Long Can You Delay Wisdom Teeth Surgery?

Delaying wisdom teeth surgery depends on the position and condition of your wisdom teeth. If you are feeling discomfort, your gums around the teeth may be infected. The infection will spread without treatment.

Impacted wisdom teeth

X-ray of a lower impacted widom tooth, for information on how long you can delay removal

A partially impacted wisdom tooth

Discomfort from impacted wisdom teeth increases with age as tooth roots thicken and jawbone density increases. We recommend getting an evaluation before your wisdom teeth become an emergency.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Without Dental Insurance

Even if you do not have dental insurance, consider these factors:

  • A wisdom teeth emergency will be inconvenient whenever it occurs.
  • At least a portion of oral surgery is often billable as a medical expense, so contact your medical insurance company to ask about plan benefits.
  • Dental insurance from a new employer may not be effective immediately.
  • Ask an oral surgeon about financing options or apply for healthcare financing through CareCredit® or another company.

Please get your wisdom teeth evaluated promptly. An oral surgeon can monitor them even if the teeth do not require immediate removal. But you will need an x-ray to determine whether you can delay surgery.

 

Dr. Duane Delaune, a Metairie, Louisiana, accredited cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post.

 

Dentist’s Needle Hit a Nerve, and I’m Scared to Get Fillings

Posted on by AllSmiles.

A dentist’s needle hit a nerve in August 2020, and I have not seen a dentist since then. I need fillings in three lower left molar teeth in bad shape. Although I need to switch dentists, I keep putting it off. The toothaches are getting worse. I know that my fear has not helped my situation. Is there anything I can do to psych myself out for another shot at the dentist? I know that not every dentist hits a nerve with a needle, but I was anxious about going to the dentist before that incident. What do you suggest? Thank you. Antonio

Hi, Antonio,

Thank you for your question. Dental anxieties and phobias affect millions of people. When a dentist’s needle hits a nerve, it can increase your anxiety. A dentist must examine your teeth and take x-rays to determine whether fillings or root canal treatment is appropriate.

How Can You Avoid the Pain of a Dentist’s Needle?

Close-up of a man's smile portraying painless dentistry after a dentist's needle hit a nerve

Look for a gentle dentist for a painless experience

You can avoid the pain of a dentist’s needle by looking for a gentle dentist who caters to anxious or fearful patients. They enjoy seeing nervous patients and putting them at ease. The dentist can increase your comfort with methods like these:

  • Offer sedation to help you relax before treatment
  • Numb your gums around your teeth before injecting a local anesthetic
  • Offer distractions, such as headphones with music, an overhead TV, or a cozy blanket while removing decay and filling your teeth with composite or performing root canal treatment

You can enjoy a comfortable, painless experience without feeling sensations from the dentist’s needle.

How Can You Find a Pain-Free Dentist?

You can find a pain-free dentist by asking friends or family members for recommendations. Otherwise, look online for dentists who cater to patients with dental anxiety. We suggest an approach like this:

  • Choose two or three dentists based on recommendations, online reviews, and each dentist’s credentials.
  • Schedule a consultation with each dentist.
  • Discuss your concerns and ask questions.
  • Decide if you like the dentist, the staff, and the office environment.
  • Choose a dentist who can give you productive, painless treatment.

Best wishes for a smooth and comfortable dental visit.

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.

I’m So Tired of My TMJ Ear Pain

Posted on by AllSmiles.

Brunette man in his 30s holding his ear, portraying TMJ ear painI am so tired of my TMJ ear pain. I’ve had sharp, shooting ear pain on and off for the past three years, and it’s getting worse. In 2019, I saw a massage therapist, which seemed to help, but I moved during Covid and have not gotten back on track. My therapist then recommended self-exercises and warm packs on the sides of my mouth. I’m beginning to have neck pain at night for the past month.

Sleep is challenging because I also snore and know my sleep quality must be poor. I only have a dog at home, so no one is here to tell me how badly I store, but my dog doesn’t leave the room at night. Yesterday morning, I was talking with several colleagues, and the topic of sleep apnea came up. One person said they got good results from wearing a mouthguard at night. I’ve tried that before, but it didn’t seem to help. Are there alternatives? Thank you. Josiah from UT

Josiah,

We are sorry to hear that you’ve been suffering from TMJ symptoms and ear pain. We hope that our response will help you find relief.

What Causes TMJ Ear Pain?

The jaw joint is near the ear canal, so TMJ inflammation can affect your ears, causing pain or ringing (tinnitus). An ENT specialist or dentist trained in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders can determine if TMJ or another condition is causing your ear pain or ringing.

What Is the Treatment for TMJ?

TMJ treatment depends on the cause and severity of your condition. After an examination, a TMJ dentist will explain treatment options, which may include:

  • Anti-inflammatory medication
  • Applying moist heat to the area
  • Custom night guard to minimize the effects of clenching and grinding your teeth
  • Eating soft foods
  • Relaxation techniques
  • TMJ stretches and exercises

Are Sleep Apnea and TMJ Related?

Studies show that sleep apnea and TMJ disorders are related. According to a 2019 article published in The Journal of Craniomandibular & Sleep Practice, when the jaw joint malfunction contributes to

  • Teeth grinding
  • Headaches
  • Ear pain
  • Sleep disturbances

Request a Consultation with a TMJ Dentist

If you are experiencing TMJ symptoms, schedule an exam with a dentist with post-graduate training in diagnosing TMJ disorders. After a comprehensive exam, the dentist will explain how you can get relief.

 

In Metairie, Louisiana, Dr. Duane Delaune has been diagnosing and treating TMJ cases for decades. Visit his website to read about his training.