I think I may be having TMJ issues. My jaw seems to be making popping and cracking noises and when I wake up in the morning my jaw is sometimes sore.  What type of doctor do I need to see for this issue?

Answer: The temporo mandibular joint, or TMJ pain syndrome is a very common medical problem, and symptoms typically include pain in the joint, especially when chewing. There may also be trouble opening the mouth wide in more severe cases. TMJ pain syndrome is most often picked up and evaluated initially by your dentist.  Therefore a dentist is a good place to start if you have not seen anyone about this issue.  A dentist will be able to determine if you do have TMJ and either start treating you or refer you out to a specialist such as an Orthodontic dentist.Post

There many be a time when you will need to use your dental insurance plan for more then just preventive services. So when you are in the process of buying a dental insurance plan think about possible future needs and what the plan has to offer.

If generally speaking all you need to have is the twice a year cleanings and check ups, you may never need large dental care such as root canals and crowns.  Yet even the best of us can sometimes get a small cavity.   Most insurance companies will offer resin-based composite (white) filling for your front teeth or teeth that are within sight of your smile. However, for molars (back teeth) they may only cover for amalgam (silver) fillings. It is important to know this if you are wanting only resin-based composite regardless of the tooth being filled.

My teeth seem to be fine but my gums in the back bottom of my mouth look to be swollen and are a little sore.  

Answer:  One of the main reason for swollen gums is gingivitis. Gingivitis (Gum Disease) is inflammation of the gum lining at the base of the teeth.  Generally mild cases of gingivitis will respond to increased dental hygiene (regularly, daily brushing and flossing) to remove bacteria and food debris between the gum and the teeth.  However, more severe cases of gingivitis may require a deeper dental cleaning, which can be performed at your dentist’s office.

Question:  I have poor teeth and little money.  I was told that a dental school would be able to fix my teeth on the cheap.  I am not sure how to find a dental school and which one would be the best to go to.

Answer: I would search on line for local dental schools that you are willing to travel to. Once you found a few start making phone calls. Ask them how they work and book appointment and how they figure out cost. Some school will work with you on cost depending on what you can afford.

Question:  I am 21 looking for the cheapest dental insurance plan I can get that will still save me money of my dental care.

Answer:  The type of dental insurance plan that you would want to look for would be a dental HMO insurance plan. Dental HMO insurance plan are the more affordable dental insurance plan option available.

A misaligned bite may be caused by TMD. However, a misaligned bite may also be caused by malocclusion such as overbite, underbite, and crossbite, or even bad dental work. These later problems can eventually lead to TMD, but are not always caused by it.

To detect issues with your bite, you need to see an experienced dentist for examinations every six months. Therefore choosing a dentist who offers general as well as orthodontic and neuromuscular dentistry services is ideal. A dentist who offers this type of comprehensive practice will best be able to detect all manner of bite issues and customize a treatment option that restores alignment, strength, and optimal function to your smile.

When talking about our jaw there is much going on. The jaw is a hinged joint with the capacity of moving up and down, and side to side. The movement of the jaw is made possible by a group of four muscles: tensor velipalatini, tensor tympani, digastrics, and the mylohyoid.

Through these four muscles run the five cranial nerves: trigeminal, facial, glossopharyngeal, vagus, and hypoglossal. These nerves are responsible for all of your mouth’s motor functions. The trigeminal nerve in particular is responsible for the movement of your jaw as well as any sensations running through it.

Even minor stress placed on facial muscles from a misaligned bite will put pressure on your cranial nerve bundle. The end result may be both localized and systemic issues ranging from jaw pain and swelling to chronic headaches and even digestive issues

Question: I think I am going to need a root canal but I do not have much money.  How can I find the cheapest root canal.

Answer: In order to make dental care cost more affordable it is a good idea to have dental insurance.  You may want to look at a dental HMO plan for your current needs as they normally do not have any waiting periods for major dental care services such as root canal work.

Try to find a general dental that would be able to do the root canal as a general dentist will normally be lower in cost then a root canal specialist.

Also remember to shop out cost.  Just like you would shop out for a new car, tv, etc you can shop out cost for dental care by calling a few local dental offices and asking for a cost range for their service.

People rarely stop to think about the mechanics of biting and chewing since we do this automatically.  These mechanics  including the proper actions of bones, nerves, muscles, and teeth working together to make basic functions happen without effort. Unfortunately, even the slightest problem with one part of this intricate network can result in painful symptoms and a condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).

Demineralizations is a loss of minerals from the surface of the tooth enamel.  This loss of minerals happens constantly from acidic food and drinks as well as bacteria. Minerals must be continually replaced by your saliva and fluoride-toothpaste. As long as you add more back, versus what is being lost, you will be okay.

Protect your partials by cleaning them correctly.

Removable Partials: Make sure you fill your sink with warm water.  Hold your partials in your hands and rinse them carefully under warm water to remove any food and stains.

Note: never use hot water because you can cause your partial to warp over time. Fill a container or cup with warm water and add one tablet of denture/partial cleaner to the water or as directed.

Fixed Partials: For fixed partials only use a soft bristled toothbrush and toothpaste that is designed specifically for partials. brush the surface of the teeth, gums, and dental apparatus thoroughly.

A dental partial can be either fixed or removable. It is an apparatus that is worn in the mouth to replace any number of missing teeth.  However unlike dentures. partials are worn over your teeth attached by a metal or invisible clasp.  Even though dental partial are false teeth they still required the same care that your natural teeth should receive.

Question:  I need to find where I can go for affordable dental. I currently in pain my teeth are discolored and sensitive to hot and cold things.

Answer: I would advise in first investing in a dental HMO insurance plan. Dental HMO insurance plans are low cost dental plan ranging around $10 – $20 a month.  Dental HMO insurance plans will help to reduce your dental care cost and in most cases provide preventive care for free.

Another option would be looking into any dental schools in your area. Dental schools normally charge much less for dental care services and many times will work with you regarding payment.

Question:  I have Medicaid and I though it comes with dental services but I not sure what type of dental care services are available under Medicaid.

Answer:  Each individual state will determined the extent of dental coverage provided by the Medicaid Medical Card.   Generally speaking most states will offer general care and preventative dental services for children on the Medical Card.  This would include check-up exams, cleaning and fillings for cavities.  Yet you should check with your own states benefits to make sure what is and is not covered under Medicaid.

Question: What is the best way to whiten your teeth

Answer: I would suggest having your dentist to whiten your teeth if you want the best posible results.  However, if that is too costly there are some very affordable over the counter whiten strips available such as Crest Whitening Strips.  Denpending on how fast you want to whiten your teeth they have week strips as well as two hours strips

Many people have dental fears, and fears of visiting the dentist is a frequent problem in pediatric dentistry as well. According to studies on addressing children dental fears, it is important to involve mothers and especially fathers in dentist fear prevention campaigns.

In addition fathers should attend their child dentist visit and display no signs of fear or anxiety.  Parents are the key in addressing their child dental fears. They should appear relaxed as a way of directly ensuring that the child is relaxed too.  The right attitude can be achieved in the child so that attending the dentist is not a problem

Question:  My mom really needs dental implants. I am trying to help her find the cheapest prices for dental implants.

Answer:   There is no one set price for dental implants cost will very from dentist to dentist, cost factors can include the cost of dental implant surgery, cost of the post, cost of the crown. In addition if needed, you may have cost for any synthetic bone material. Basic dental implant pricing and fees can range from around $1200 to $3000 per tooth. However if a patient required to have additional services such as a bone regeneration and sinus elevation, dental implants cost will be much higher.

The answer is yes it can. If you or your child knocks out a tooth, keep in mind the sooner you can get to your dentist’s office, the better.  If a tooth has been knocked out, gently rinse any debris from the root and attempt to place it back into the socket. If that’s not possible, hold it in the mouth on the way to the dentist. If that is still not an opinion then keep the tooth in milk until you get to the dentist’s office.

For people that have braces or anyone that may have receding gums, it is a good idea to have an interdental brush with you. Such brushes are small, and are manufactured by several companies such as Gum for the Proxabrush. Sometimes even floss or an electric toothbrush does not remove a tiny piece or rice stuck between your tooth and your wire, but in that case an interdental brush can do wonders.