tmj Archives - Dr. Duane Delaune's Blog

Will Zirconia Crowns Decrease My Jaw Pain?

Posted on December 31, 2024 by AllSmiles.

I am beginning not to trust my new dentist. I am getting a four-crown, zirconia dental bridge. I looked at the dentist’s estimate, and it includes a porcelain upgrade. The dentist did not mention a porcelain upgrade to me, so before I call the office, will you please explain what this is? I want to compare her answer with yours. On a second matter, my last bridge was not zirconia, and I had lots of jaw pain and TMJ issues that finally got corrected. Are zirconia crowns less risky for TMJ? Thank you. Nick from NM

Nick,

Unfortunately, your dentist would need to explain what he means by a porcelain upgrade. The terminology is not standard to the dental profession but is a term your dentist uses.

Below are several possibilities.

Your dentist uses a more expensive type of porcelain for your dental bridge.
If the bridge is for front teeth, the charge could be for premium esthetic treatment to ensure your crowns and bridge look like natural teeth and match surrounding natural teeth. It is common for a dentist to charge more for front-tooth crowns than crowns in the back of your mouth.
Perhaps a more expensive type of metal will be used as the framework for your crowns.
It could be terminology for a metal-free dental bridge. You mentioned that you will receive a metal-free zirconia bridge.
Your dental insurance plan may restrict your dentist’s reimbursement for a bridge. Using a term like porcelain upgrade could be your dentist’s way of recouping some expenses.

You should call the office and ask for an explanation. You can also ask if the office will send you an e-mail or something in writing explaining the service.

Do Zirconia Crowns Increase TMJ Risks?

Although you may read articles online with varying opinions about zirconia crowns and how they affect TMJ risks, your dentist is responsible for ensuring your new bridge is in harmony with your bite. If your dentist has advanced training in occlusion and bite, you should not experience recurring TMJ problems.

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. Ask Delaune Dental about financing to help pay for dental care.

Can Dental Crowns Treat My TMJ?

Posted on December 15, 2024 by AllSmiles.

I wear a custom nightguard for TMJ. It helps with jaw clicking and migraines. My teeth grinding has worn down my molar teeth. One tooth cracked last week. The TMJ specialist recommended adjusting my bite with inlays or crowns on my lower teeth to alleviate TMJ discomfort. Are putting crowns on my teeth a way to treat TMJ, or is it a waste of money? – Thanks. Max from Fort Lauderdale

Max,

Treating TMJ disorder is common and acceptable by using dental crowns to rebuild your bite and change how your teeth come together. Sometimes, a full-mouth reconstruction involving crowning all the teeth is recommended. Sometimes, a dentist may recommend full-mouth reconstruction or dental crowns on all teeth.

Although people may use the term “TMJ specialist,” TMJ treatment is not a recognized dental specialty.

What Kind of Training Does a Dentist Need for Complex TMJ Cases?

Comprehensive TMJ treatment often requires advanced training beyond standard dental school education. Because jaw movements are intricate, this typically involves post-graduate training in complex restorative dentistry.

Dentists seeking advanced training in TMJ treatment often attend renowned institutions such as:

Piper Education and Research Center
Spear Education
The Dawson Academy
The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies
The Pankey Institute

Completing the entire curriculum from one of these institutes helps a dentist achieve optimal expertise.

Based on your description, your current dentist may understand TMJ treatment well. The effectiveness of your mouthguard suggests that your current treatment plan is showing positive results.

It may be beneficial to discuss your treatment plan with your dentist, including any specific training they have received in TMJ 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

How Can I Treat a Tooth Infection at Home?

Posted on February 16, 2024 by AllSmiles.

How can I treat a tooth infection at home? I do not have dental insurance, so I need some advice. The toothache hurts daily, and yesterday, the swelling in my left cheek increased. What can I do for the infection until I save enough money to see a dentist? Rhoda

Rhoda,

How Can You Treat a Tooth Infection at Home?

You cannot treat a tooth infection at home because it is inside the tooth, which neither you nor antibiotics alone can reach. You need professional care from a dentist to remove the infection.

How Can You Treat a Tooth Infection?

A dentist must perform root canal treatment for a tooth infection. Although a dentist may prescribe antibiotics after root canal treatment, the medication alone will not eliminate the infection. Consider three reasons:

Location of the infection – Antibiotics cannot remove the infection from the tooth pulp.
Infection requires removal – A dentist uses instruments to perform root canal treatment and remove the infective tooth pulp. Without removing the infected tissue, the bacteria in your tooth will become antibiotic resistant. A dentist will protect your weakened tooth with a dental crown.
Tooth infections spread – Untreated tooth infections spread to your gums, other teeth, jawbone, and even into your bloodstream, which can be deadly.

What If You Cannot Afford Root Canal Treatment?

Diagram of root canal phases, including numbing the tooth, widening, cleaning, and filling canals and attaching a dental crown.

Only root canal treatment removes a tooth infection

If you cannot afford root canal treatment, allow a dentist to remove the tooth rather than let the infection spread. However, preserving a tooth has these benefits:

A missing tooth causes neighboring teeth to drift into the space.
Missing teeth can affect chewing or speech.
Misaligned teeth can lead to earaches, headaches, jaw pain, and other TMJ disorder issues.

Consider a dental clinic

Look for a free or low-cost dental clinic in your area. Even if they don’t provide root canal treatment, they can extract an infected tooth to prevent the infection from poisoning your body.

Call dental offices

Call local dental offices to ask about payment plans or health care financing if you can pay for dental care in installments.

Your oral health and well-being are worth searching for options to eliminate a tooth infection even though you don’t have dental insurance.

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.

Why Does One of My Three Dental Crowns Hurt?

Posted on April 4, 2023 by AllSmiles.

One of my upper left molars has been hurting for two months. My dentist thought the tooth might be fractured and covered it with the crown. It hurts even when I chew soft food. When I put pressure on the tooth with my finger, it feels better, but the pain returns when I lift my finger. This is so weird.

My dentist adjusted the crown, but the teeth still hurt. I’ve had other crowns with no problems like this. Is something wrong with my bite? What could be causing my tooth pain? – Thanks. Carlton from Gatlinburg, TN

Carlton

Thank you for your question.

Your description sounds like your bite is still off.

Why Does Your Dental Crown Hurt?

A poorly placed crown can push your teeth out of alignment and cause pain. Pain from decay or infection in your teeth will not improve if you push down on them, so decay or infection is not the problem. Either your gums or the crown is causing your symptoms.

Untreated concerns with dental crowns can lead to TMJ discomfort

If your dentist adjusts your bite correctly, you can clench your teeth and put pressure on them without discomfort. Your dentist might need to adjust other teeth, too. She may be hesitant about adjusting your teeth if she only worked on the tooth that has the crown. Sometimes small shifts in one tooth affect others, and adjusting adjacent teeth is the only way to align your bite correctly.

A misaligned bite can cause problems like these:

TMJ disorder
Headaches
Neck pain
Nighttime teeth grinding
Jaw pain

Get a second opinion if your dentist is unable to correct your bite. You can look for a dentist with advanced training in occlusion and bite.

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.

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.

Why Do My Three New Crowns Hurt When I Chew?

Posted on September 30, 2022 by AllSmiles.

In early July, my dentists put crowns on my top left bicuspid and the two teeth behind it. After the second molar, I do not have any teeth because an oral surgeon pulled my teeth 14 years ago. All three teeth had old fillings and deep decay. Now that I have crowns, the teeth hurt when I chew. Because three teeth in a row have crowns, I’m unsure whether one or all teeth hurt.

When I put pressure on the crowns with my finger, they all hurt, but the pain could be referring. My dentist adjusted the crowns twice but said my bite was too aggressive when I chew. She said I should chew on the other side of my mouth until the inflammation calms down. That is not a solution for me. Should I ask my dentist for new crowns or get someone else to check out my crowns first? Thanks. Ennis from MD

Ennis,

Thank you for your question.

Dr. Delaune would need to examine your crowns and take x-rays for an accurate diagnosis, but we will provide general information that can help.

Why Do Your New Crowns Hurt?

TMJ issues can result from crowns that do not fit well

If your new crowns hurt when you chew, you may be too high or have a tooth infection. What is the solution?

Adjust your bite – Lower opposing teeth can hit the upper teeth with more pressure than usual if your bite is too high. The repetitive force will irritate your teeth. Eventually, your jaw muscles and joints can become irritated and sore. Neck pain, earaches, or headaches may develop as TMJ disorder symptoms. If your dentist correctly adjusted your bite and the pain linger, you may have a tooth infection.
Check for tooth infection – An x-ray will reveal whether you have a tooth infection. The extent of your pain sounds like you may need root canal treatment. When an infection is challenging to detect, you may need a referral to a root canal specialist (endodontist).

Will You Need New Crowns After Root Canal Treatment?

You should not need new crowns after root canal treatment unless your current crowns are defective or contribute to discomfort. An endodontist can access your tooth pulp through the top of your crowns to perform root canal treatment and seal the crowns closed.

If you do not get satisfying answers from your dentist, schedule a second opinion with a dentist with advanced TMJ and root canal training.

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

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.