Advanced TMD Therapy with TENS

From disrupting normal bite function to causing severe migraines, ringing in the ears, and jaw soreness, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, or TMD can be debilitating. Without proper and prompt treatment, patients can find themselves struggling to perform the most basic of oral functions.

Treating TMD varies from patients to patient. While some can benefit from the daily use of a splint or oral appliance, others require more extensive neuromuscular-orthotic therapy. Within this comprehensive approach, specialized therapy known as TENS treatment helps many patients achieve best results.

What is TENS Therapy?
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, better known as TENS, is an advanced therapy for alleviating and overcoming TMJ disorders. In this neuromuscular therapy, electrical pulses transmitted through electrodes are used to stimulate controlled muscle contractions, alleviating pain points and discomfort caused by TMD.

TENS and Other TMD Therapies 
At our Newton dental practice, TMD dentist Dr. Steven Bader uses TENS therapy as part of a larger, multi-faceted approach to treating TMJ disorders. During TMJ Dysfunction Phase 1 Therapy, ultra-low frequency TENS treatment is used to measure muscle activity, jaw movements, and joint sound, providing Dr. Bader with an in-depth understanding of the cause of joint problems. Over the course of this first phase, TENs is used to for 45 minutes to an hour to help alleviate pain in the head and neck muscles and coax the bite into a more comfortable position.

Once the best neuromuscular position has been determined, an orthotic appliance is created to help physically move the bite into the correct position. When combined with continued TENS therapy, many of our Newton TMD patients are able to enjoy improved muscular relaxation as well as better bite.

During the second phase of TMD therapy, full-time orthotic devices are replaced with removable orthotic appliance that is worn for several months. Depending on the condition of the joint and dentition, additional long-term solutions such as continued TENS therapy, neuromuscular orthodontics, bite reconstruction, and semi-permanent orthotics may be recommended.

Treating TMD in Newton 
At Ted Filandrianos, DMD, FAGD & Associates, our mission is to provide patients with the comprehensive care needed to achieve optimal oral function. With the use of TENS therapy in treating TMD and its resulting symptoms, our team is able to provide individuals with lasting solutions that target the cause of their discomfort. If you are suffering from TMD symptoms and are seeking a comprehensive solution, contact our Newton TMJ dysfunction specialist today.

Teeth Whitening, Veneers, Same-Day Crowns

Thanks to advances in dental technology, achieving a beautiful smile through cosmetic dental procedures has never been easier. However, with so many available treatment options, knowing which cosmetic solution best fulfills your aesthetic goals without compromising the health and function of your smile is important. If you are weighing your treatment options, consider the following differences between some of the most common cosmetic procedures.

Teeth Whitening

For patients looking to brighten their smiles, professional teeth whitening is an ideal option. During this procedure, bleaching gel is applied to the dentition and activated using a specialized light. After about an hour, patients are able to notice a striking difference in the color of their teeth.

Unlike other cosmetic options which alter the teeth, teeth whitening is minimally invasive, making it ideal for patients who prefer to not make significant changes to their smile. However, for patients with deep, intrinsic staining caused by cavities or medication, teeth whitening may not provide sufficient coverage to transform the look of the smile.

Veneers

For patients with deep inner-tooth staining, as well as those with chipped or cracked teeth, veneers offer a comprehensive way of covering unsightly flaws, as well as creating a more uniform smile. Made of porcelain veneers are designed to blend in naturally with the surrounding teeth, making them virtually unnoticeable. To place the veneer, the tooth is buffed and a small portion is removed, ensuring that the prosthetic sits flush on the tooth. Dental cement is then used to securely attach the veneer to the tooth.

Whereas teeth whitening may require touch-ups in the future, veneers are a permanent, non-reversible treatment. As a result, taking good care of the veneer is a key component to ensuring lasting results. In the event the veneer is damaged or the tooth beneath the veneer becomes subject to cavity or infection, patients may need to pursue more advanced restorations in order to regain dental function and aesthetics.

Same-Day Crowns

In some instances, a tooth may be so severely damaged that veneers and teeth whitening are insufficient cosmetic options. As a result, these patients can still achieve beautiful, complete smiles with same-daycrowns. Unlike lab manufactured crowns, which can take around two weeks to create and place, same-day crowns are manufactured in office and placed in one dental visit. Made of highly durable porcelain, this immediate prosthetic alternative allows patients to improve their oral health, function, and aesthetics in just one appointment.

Like all other crowns, same-day crowns do require that the tooth be reshaped in order to accommodate the crown. However, the convenience of this option makes it ideal for patients seeking a cosmetic restoration.

Learn More about Cosmetic Dentistry Today

In Newton, Dr. Ted Filandrianos and his team utilize the latest in dental technology to provide patients with the best treatment option for improving their smile. To learn more about available cosmetic dental care in Newton, contact Ted Filandrianos, DMD, FAGD & Associates today. 

Treating Periodontal Disease

Gum disease is one of the most common oral health issues, affecting countless adults across the country. While this condition is easily prevented with the adoption of an effective oral hygiene routine, it can also progress quickly if left untreated. In severe cases of periodontal disease, patients may find themselves facing tooth loss and jaw bone deterioration.

In addition to damaging an individual’s oral health, gum disease can also compromise a patient’s overall health by increasing the likelihood of other health problems such as stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. With these consequences in mind, treating periodontal disease as soon as possible is a critical part of restoring the health of your smile.

Types of Periodontal Treatments

There are several methods of treating gum disease and restoring the health of the dentition, each of which are recommended based on the progression of the disease as well as the condition of the smile. Common treatment options include:

Deep Cleaning: Also known as root planing and scaling, this non-surgical gum treatment removes plaque and tartar from the root surfaces and periodontal pockets. By thoroughly removing bacteria from the root surfaces, this treatment helps to prevent recurring infection and is often considered one of the less invasive treatment options for periodontal disease. Antibiotics and other antimicrobial therapy may be used to slow or kill the disease-causing bacteria.

Soft Tissue Lasers: Dental lasers can also be used to treat gum disease. During this treatment, bacteria and infected tissue are removed while the periodontal pocket is sterilized. As the laser cauterizes the gum tissue during treatment, patients are able to enjoy accelerated recovery as well as minimal post-treatment discomfort. Additionally, soft tissue lasers also help to stimulate gum reattachment to the teeth, minimizing the size of the periodontal pockets. 

Gum Grafting: In some instances of severe gum disease, root planning and scaling will not sufficiently restore gum health. These advanced cases of periodontal disease may require soft tissue grafting. During this procedure, the infected gum tissue is removed and replaced with donor tissue from a healthier part of the smile. In the long run, gum grafting surgery helps prevent further damage to the smile by covering the roots and reducing bone recession caused by periodontal disease.

Dental Implants: If left untreated, gum disease can cause bone deterioration, leading to weakened bone structure as well as increasing the likelihood of tooth loss. In combination with bone grafting and other bone reinforcement procedures, dental implants can be used to stimulate healthy bone regeneration as well as replace any missing teeth. In addition to enhancing the health of the dentition, dental implants also restore dental function to the smile, thereby comprehensively restoring health to the smile.

Periodontal Treatment in Newton

For patients experiencing symptoms of gum disease, seeking treatment as soon as possible is crucial to maintaining long-term oral health. In Newton, Dr. Ted Filandrianos and his team offer a range of specialized gum disease treatments and restorations to help patients regain their smiles. For more information about treating and preventing periodontal disease, contact ourNewton dentist today.