tmj dentist Archives - Dr. Duane Delaune's Blog

Will I Need Braces for Inner Cheek Biting?

Posted on November 8, 2023 by AllSmiles.

I keep biting the inside of my right cheek when I chew. It happens if I eat something that requires much chewing, like chicken or an apple. It doesn’t happen with softer foods, though. Is this a dental issue that requires braces, which I cannot afford, or could it be a medical issue? I can’t imagine why it would be medical, but I don’t know. The problem began over a year ago, but it’s become more frequent. Thanks. Viviana from Tampa, FL

Viviana,

A cheek-biting habit may be related to dental concerns. A dentist can determine whether your teeth alignment is causing you to bite your inner cheek when you chew.

What Causes Inner Cheek Biting?

Factors that can cause inner cheek biting include anxiety, depression, distractions, compulsive behavior, or bite misalignment. Although occasional accidental cheek biting is not a concern, you should get professional help to identify the cause of a chronic habit.

Anxiety or depression – Cheek biting can become an emotional reaction to stress, anxiety, or depression.
Compulsive behavior – Body-focused repetitive behavior is related to conscious or subconscious habits, such as cheek biting, hair pulling, or skin picking.
Distractions – Reading, driving, watching TV, or talking while eating can distract you from chewing well, causing you to bite your inner cheek.
Teeth misalignment – Teeth misalignment from orthodontic concerns or restorative dental work can affect your bite or how your upper and lower teeth meet. Cheek biting can be a sign of a non-harmonious bite.

What Can a Dentist Do for a Cheek-Biting Habit?

Teeth misalignment can cause inner-cheek biting and TMJ issues

A dentist can examine your teeth and bite to determine whether they affect your check-biting habit or if you need to consult your medical doctor. If so, the dentist may recommend a mouth guard, orthodontics, or tooth restoration to correct your bite. If your bite is off, you may also experience TMJ-related symptoms, including jaw pain or stiffness, earaches, headaches, or neck pain. Schedule an exam with a dentist with advanced occlusion and bite training for an accurate diagnosis.

Dr. Duane Delaune of Metairie, Louisiana, sponsors this post. Read why Dr. Delaune’s patients consider him one of the best dentists in town.

Which Ceramic Crowns Can Hide a Dark Front Tooth?

Posted on August 15, 2023 by AllSmiles.

I have crowns on my front teeth. They are old and fused to metal. The front left tooth had a root canal in 2012, and the tooth is dark. Which ceramic crowns should I request to hide the dark tooth without making it evident that my front teeth have crowns on them? Thank you. Viviana from IL

Viviana,

We understand your concerns. We advise patients to focus on the dentist’s skill to restore their smile rather than the materials used. The riskiest thing you could do is to pick crown material and ask your dentist to use it. This could put the dentist outside their comfort zone, working with an unfamiliar material and producing an unattractive outcome. Remember, no material will guarantee a beautiful result unless the dentist is artistic.

Consider several reasons.

Which Ceramic Is Best for Front Teeth Crowns?

The best ceramics for front teeth crowns depend on several factors, including the condition of your teeth, whether they are discolored, and your dentist’s skill and preferences. We recommend searching for a dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training to determine which crowns will produce the most natural-looking results for your teeth.

All-ceramic crowns look natural

While it’s true that porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns don’t look entirely natural, many all-ceramic crowns can look so real that even a trained professional might be unable to tell they’re not your natural teeth.

Durable ceramics are plentiful

All-ceramic options are strong enough for your front teeth, so there is no need to worry about that aspect.

Your dentist’s artistic talent matters

Matching a dental crown to the natural tooth next to it is a challenge. Front teeth show when you smile, so achieving a match is vital to helping you feel confident about your smile. Find a dentist with artistic ability and advanced cosmetic dentistry training. Let the dentist choose a ceramic based on your case and the dentist’s experience and comfort level. Skilled cosmetic dentists collaborate with a master ceramist who understands ceramics and can achieve beautiful results.

Can a Dental Crown Hide a Dark Front Tooth?

If you have an underlying dark tooth, a dentist and ceramist must mask it with opaquer. One technique is to use a composite buildup material and then add the crown. However, some dentists prefer to instruct the lab ceramist to use an opaque layer in the crown instead. and then layer it with feldspathic porcelain for a natural-looking result.

Before choosing a dentist, you can schedule consultations with two or three advanced cosmetic dentists to compare your options and the dentists’ work. A trained cosmetic dentist will balance your bite to prevent TMJ concerns, ensuring your smile is healthy and attractive.

Before and after dark front teeth restored with dental crown photos from Metairie, LA, cosmetic dentist Dr. Delaune

Dr. Delaune’s patient

Dr. Duane Delaune of Metairie, Louisiana, sponsors this post. Read why Dr. Delaune’s patients consider him one of the best dentists in town.

Is It Safe to Get a Tooth Filling at 7 Months Pregnant?

Posted on March 21, 2023 by AllSmiles.

Is it safe to get a tooth filling replaced if I am seven months pregnant, or should I leave it alone for now? I have a tooth filling from October 2022 for a small cavity. The tooth has become sensitive to heat and cold. My dentist said I needed a root canal and crown at my last dental visit. I prefer to switch out the filling and not be stuck in a dental chair near the end of my pregnancy. The sensitivity is worsening, and I am concerned about tooth pain during my delivery, making me even more miserable. I’m beginning to clench my teeth from the anxiety. I’m trying to break the habit because it will only worsen things. Is it safe to get a filling replaced? – Thank you. Yasmin

Yasmin,

Thank you for your question. We understand your concerns about your oral health, baby, and comfort during a dental visit. If you have a tooth infection, it will worsen without treatment.

Is It Safe to Get a Tooth Filling During Pregnancy?

According to the American Dental Association (ADA) is safe to get diagnostic, preventive, and restorative dental care throughout pregnancy. The ADA recommends the second trimester as the most favorable time for dental procedures for the following reasons:

First trimester – Many women experience nausea and vomiting, creating challenges in a dental chair.
Second trimester – You may feel better physically and more comfortable sitting in a dental chair.
Third trimester – The baby’s weight may cause discomfort or lightheadedness during a dental procedure.

Why Is Your Tooth Sensitive?

A tooth infection can cause sensitivity in a tooth with a filling. During the procedure, something may have irritated your tooth, such as lingering decay or irritation from dental tools or materials.

Dental X-rays During Pregnancy

Teeth clenching can lead to TMJ concerns

A dental x-ray will reveal your tooth’s condition with minimal radiation exposure. A tooth infection can spread to other teeth, your jawbone, and even your bloodstream.

If you are skeptical about your dentist’s care, we recommend getting a second opinion to determine the cause of your tooth sensitivity and what is required to relieve it. It will give you peace of mind and help you stop clenching your teeth, which can lead to more toothaches and jaw pain.

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

How Long Does TMJ Last?

Posted on February 23, 2023 by AllSmiles.

How long does TMJ last? Since late October, I have had horrible jaw pain and clicking when I open my mouth or eat. I also have very painful and clogged ears. Sometimes, they ring, which affects my sleep. I am concerned that I feel tired when I wake up after pain and ear-ringing episodes. My dentist said surgery would just make it worse, and the medicine would help, but it is not helping. Will the pain eventually go away? – Morgan

Morgan,

Thank you for contacting Delaune Dental. We understand your concerns about your TMJ discomfort and other symptoms. Although Dr. Delaune would need to perform a comprehensive exam to identify the source of your discomfort, we will explain the basics about how long symptoms can last.

How Long Does TMJ Last?

TMJ can last a few days to a few weeks or longer depending on several factors, including:

The severity of your case
The cause of your symptoms
Whether you get treatment, including self-help or professional care
Your compliance with treatment recommendations

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ)

TMJ pain and discomfort sometimes go away with self-care, including TMJ exercises, alternately applying heat and cold to the side of your face, and using over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication.

Depending on the severity of the disorder, you may not be completely relieved of the symptoms, but they can improve. Some cases require professional care. If you have lingering symptoms, we suggest an appointment with a dentist with training and experience in diagnosing and treating TMJ. You may need to wear a custom night guard to relax your jaw and relieve the TMJ joint and facial muscles while sleeping.

Schedule an appointment with a dentist experienced in this area. They will evaluate your condition and recommend the appropriate treatment.

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 December 10, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I 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.

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.

What Foods Should I Eat or Avoid for TMJ Pain?

Posted on April 29, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I’m trying to decide if I really need to see a dentist or if I can manage what I think is TMJ on my own. My friend researched online and found a site that says if I eat whole foods, my TMJ symptoms will improve. It didn’t promise the symptoms would go away, but it said they would get better. I’ve had mild jaw pain for the past three years, but it’s getting worse. Within the last three weeks, my jaw has locked during my sleep. That is a painful and scary feeling. Can you tell me what foods I should eat to improve TMJ? Anias from Vancouver, WA

Anias,

Whole foods can nourish the body and improve many different conditions. But TMJ (temporomandibular joint) issues may not be related to what you eat. Nerve and muscle tension cause TMJ. Jaw muscles can get strained, injured, or sore. An accident, bruxism (teeth grinding), or facial trauma can provoke symptoms.

What Foods Can You Eat to Improve TMJ?

The foods you can eat to improve TMJ symptoms are related to food texture. The TMJ Association gives this advice on food choices:

Choose soft or blended foods to give your jaw muscles a break.
Try soup or pasta.
Eat soft fruits like bananas and soft steamed vegetables.

What Foods Should You Avoid to Improve TMJ?

Avoid these food to improve TMJ symptoms:

Hard, crunchy, or sticky foods, such as carrots and nuts.
Avoid chewy foods and snacks, including taffy and chewing gum.
Avoid foods that require you to open your mouth wide to bite them, such as apples.

How Can You Relieve TMJ Discomfort?

Visit a dentist with advanced TMJ training

You can relieve TMJ discomfort by following these suggestions:

Alternate warm and cold compresses on the side of your face where you feel discomfort.
Use anti-inflammatory medication (unless it conflicts with other medicines you are taking or is otherwise not tolerable).
Get a dental exam to determine whether you grind your teeth and will get relief by wearing a custom mouth guard at night.

Schedule a consultation with a dentist with advanced TMJ training. You will eventually need an exam and x-rays to identify the source of your discomfort.

Dr. Duane Delaune, an cosmetic dentist in Metairie, Louisiana, sponsors this post.

New Crowns Affect My Speech and Make My Neck Hurt

Posted on January 7, 2022 by AllSmiles.

My dentist placed four new crowns on my front teeth. Two crowns got rid of a gap between my center front teeth, and my dentist added two more crowns to even out my smile so the center teeth would not look too large. Since getting the crowns, my mouth does not close correctly, and I have trouble pronouncing some words, like words that begin with “tr.”

Also, my mouth and lips are dry, and I have some neck and jaw pain. I’ve had the crowns for three months, and despite my dentist’s adjustments, I see no improvements. I prefer to go back to my gap because the crowns are so uncomfortable.

My dentist asked me to give him more time, But I am unsure what we are waiting for. So far, I do not have another appointment scheduled with him. What are my options? Thank you. Edgardo from TX

Edgardo,

Your description is a problem that requires the attention of a dentist with advanced training in occlusion and bite. Dentists who study occlusion and bite understand proper jaw function and how your upper and lower teeth should meet when you close your mouth or bite down.

When Dental Crowns Cause Speech Issues and Pain

When a dentist places new crowns, you begin to experience speech issues and neck and jaw pain, so closing your gaps is not the issue. Usually, the problem is that your dentist opened your bit too far.

Several issues can create a bite that opens too far:

Crowns are too thick
Crowns are too long

Symptoms from Poor-Fitting Crowns

Poor-fitting crowns can prevent proper mouth closure and neck and jaw pain.

Lip incompetence – When your lips cannot close naturally without effort, it can lead to dry mouth. And as saliva production decreases, bacteria breeds And black buildup leads to tooth decay.
Jaw and neck pain – Upper and lower teeth that do not meet cause jaw strain. Repeated stress results in neck and jaw pain.

Get a Second Opinion for Your Dental Crowns

Schedule an appointment with a dentist who has advanced training in occlusion and bite. Your neck and jaw pain should resolve with new crowns that fit well. Otherwise, if your symptoms continue, the National Institutes of Health’s brochure on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder recommends conservative treatment. A dentist may recommend a custom split to wear and night and help your jaw relax.

Duane Delaune, DDS, an cosmetic dentist of Metairie, New Orleans, sponsors this post.

Crowns that fit well prevent speech issues and jaw and neck pain.
Photos are of Dr. Delaune’s patient.

Did dental treatment cause my TMJ symptoms?

Posted on September 30, 2021 by AllSmiles.

My teeth were in horrible shape, so my dentist placed eight temporary crowns on my lower almost two weeks ago, and since that time, I have had terrible jaw pain. I am scheduled for four porcelain veneers in a month. Although I do not like taking pain meds, I take ibuprofen twice daily. I deal with the pain the rest of the time. My dentist is out of town through next week due to a death in his family. Is my pain normal, or should I schedule an appointment with another dentist? I am worried that my bite is off and causing me to develop what feels like TMJ. – Thank you, Karla, from KY

Karla,

Thank you for your question.

You have had extensive dental work on your lower teeth, so we understand that you are pretty uncomfortable. What you describe does not sound unreasonable for reconstructing your teeth. Preparing eight teeth for crowns requires keeping your mouth open for an extending period.

Did Dental Treatment Cause TMJ?

Your jaw muscles can become sore and stiff during and after long dental sessions. Other than taking ibuprofen, you can apply moist warm towels to the sides of your face. Continue to rest your jaw and avoid foods that are chewy or sticky. Rest your jaw as much as possible. The symptoms you describe should be only temporary and not require TMJ treatment. Not all jaw pain is related to TMJ.

Other TMJ symptoms include:

Earaches
Ringing in the ears
Neck pain
Headaches
Jaw locking, popping, or clicking

Your dentist has probably arranged another dentist for on-call emergencies. If your pain worsens or lingers, call the dental office, and ask about arrangements your dentist may have for follow-up care.

Duane Delaune, DDS, a cosmetic dentist of Metairie, New Orleans, sponsors this post.

Help! My Dental Implants are Falling Out.

Posted on May 31, 2021 by writeradmin.

I had a full mouth reconstruction done a year ago and the dental implant crowns have been falling off leaving me with nothing but the screws. Now one of the implants themselves have fallen out. I’ve been trying to reach my dentist for months, but they keep blowing me off. Now I learn he’s actually fled the country. Is there any way I can get some teeth now?

Liz

Dear Liz,

I am sorry for what you are being put through. It seems your dentist was a crook. I think he or she knows they are in trouble as they fled. I wonder how many other victims there are. It will be hard to recoup your money unless he comes back to the country. I can, however, tell you how to get the smile you want.

You made a good choice in getting dental implants. They are the best tooth replacement. I hope you actually needed a full-mouth reconstruction and that wasn’t just another part of his unethical behavior. Either way, you need one now. To be frank, this is one of the most advanced procedures. Unfortunately, this procedure is not taught in dental school. In order for a dentist to get the training to do this properly, it will require a dentist who invested in a significant amount of post-doctoral treatment, specifically in three areas:

Cosmetics – to ensure your smile looks beautiful
Dental Implants – for obvious reasons
TMJ and occlusion – to make certain they know you your teeth should meet with proper occlusion.

I know that is a tall order. Start with the the cosmetic training. I would not look for the cheapest dentist. That usually means they cut corners in order to keep profits up. That is the last thing you need. Look for someone listed on the mynewsmile.com website. Any dentist listed there has had their technical training as well as their artistry evaluated. They cannot just pay to be listed. Next look at their implant training. Dentists with implant training often have TMJ training as well because proper occlusion is necessary for a good outcome with dental implants. For instance, Dr. Delaune did implantology training with the Zimmer Institute, but he also invested in advanced TMJ training with the renowned Dawson Academy.

Please don’t be surprised if they mention you need a bone grafting procedure to get these implants done correctly. Your implants will probably have to be removed, if more of them haven’t failed by then. When that happens, you lose some bone structure. In order for your dental implants to remain secure, you will need that bone support. In fact, it is imperative that bone integrates with the implants for a successful case.

Following these guidelines, you should receive an amazing smile you will be proud to share that will serve you well for many years to come.

This blog is brought to you by New Orleans Dentist Dr. Duane Delaune.