Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry Blog
August 1st, 2011
Temporomandibular joint disorder (also known as TMJ or TMD) is a common and often-misdiagnosed condition typically related to bite problems caused by misaligned teeth.
Because TMJ shares symptoms with other conditions including arthritis, migraines and gum disease, the source of discomfort can be difficult to determine. The skilled Maryland dentists at Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry have experience with neuromuscular testing and TMJ treatment. We can accurately diagnose the source of your pain and create a custom treatment plan to alleviate the chronic discomfort associated with TMJ.
In evaluating you for TMJ, we will ask questions about your symptoms and activities that may trigger pain. We will also conduct an examination to look for a misaligned bite and check your jaw’s range of motion.
Using the latest technology allows us to precisely determine your proper bite alignment and test your jaw muscle functionality.
A digital mandibular scan will track your jaw’s resting position and movement, recording your jaw while chewing, swallowing, and opening and closing your mouth. Electromyography will be used to measure electrical activity in your jaw muscles and help assess your muscle function. Sonography allows us to hear the sounds of your jaw in motion, including the popping and clicking noises often associated with TMJ.
Using both a physical examination and state-of-the-art technology allows us to diagnose your individual condition and develop a TMJ treatment plan to correct the source of your pain. Untreated, TMJ can cause increasing pain and lead to depression and progressive dental problems.
If you live in the Laurel, Columbia, Fulton or Silver Spring, Maryland, areas and would like more information about TMJ testing or TMJ treatment, please contact Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry to schedule a consultation.
Posted in Neuromuscular Testing | No Comments »
August 1st, 2011
Am I a candidate for sedation dentistry?
The experienced Maryland sedation dentists at Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry will thoroughly review your medical history before recommending sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry is generally safe for adults who are in overall good health, are not taking conflicting medications, and who experience:
- Fear of the dentist
- A strong gag reflex
- Sensitive teeth
- The need for multiple procedures
- Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ or TMD) or other conditions that prevent you from holding your mouth open for extended periods
How safe is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is not for everyone, but it is safe for most patients. We will discuss any potential risks with you in detail based on your initial exam and medical history. Your condition will be monitored throughout your dental procedure.
Will I feel anything during my sedation dentistry procedure?
You will likely remain conscious, but numb to sensation and feeling a heightened state of relaxation. You will likely recall little or nothing about your procedure.
What are the benefits of sedation dentistry?
Not only will you feel relaxed while undergoing your dental work, sedation dentistry also allows us to perform multiple procedures if necessary in one sitting.
What procedures can be performed while under sedation?
Sedation dentistry can be used for a wide range of general and cosmetic dentistry procedures, including:
If you live in the Laurel, Columbia, Fulton or Silver Spring, Maryland, areas and would like more information about sedation dentistry, please contact Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry to schedule a consultation.
Posted in General Dentistry | No Comments »
June 27th, 2011
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a titanium screw that is surgically implanted in the bone to replace the root of your missing tooth. A porcelain crown is attached to the screw to replace the missing tooth. The dental implant is very important for tooth replacement because it replaces the missing tooth’s root preventing the gum tissue from shrinking and the jawbone from deteriorating and causing future dental problems.
Do dental implants require any special care?
The care required for dental implants is the same as your natural teeth. The care you will want to give your dental implatns includes:
- Brushing your teeth at least twice a day
- Flossing your teeth at least once a day
- Having your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year
How many missing teeth can I have replaced with dental implants?
You can replace one or more missing teeth with dental implants.
Do I have to remove my dental implants when I eat?
Dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement option. Unlike dentures, you will not have to remove your dental implants for cleaning, to eat, or to drink. Dental implants function just like your natural teeth and are very durable and resilient.
If you have any additional questions about dental implants, please contact our cosmetic dentistry team at Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry serving Laurel, Columbia, Fulton, and Silver Spring Maryland.
Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry | No Comments »
June 24th, 2011
Implant dentistry is the field of dentistry that restores teeth using dental implants and porcelain crowns. Dental implants are used to replace the root of the missing tooth and are surgically placed in the jawbone. The porcelain crown is placed on the dental implant and acts as the replacement tooth.
Laurel implant dentist Dr. Daniel Melnick uses surgical guide stents to aid him in placing the dental implants. Surgical guide stents show the exact placement of the implant in the bone in regards to the angle and depth required for a successful dental implant.
New Tone Cone Beam 3D Digital X-rays
At Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Melnick uses state-of-the-art technology to provide you the best care and results possible. He uses the New Tone Cone Beam 3-dimensional digital x-ray machine to take high resolution images of your jaw structure. The 3D images taken by the New Tone Cone Beam machine show the soft and hard tissues, the nerves, the blood vessels, and other important structures of your mouth.
Dr. Melnick uses these images to accurately measure your bone structure and create a guide stent. The guide stent created based on the 3D images will ensure that your dental implants are placed with precision and accuracy. The New Tone Cone Bean images greatly improve the success of your implants and your dental implant experience.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Melnick about dental implants in Laurel, Maryland, please contact his dental implant office. Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry serves patients in and around the Laurel, Maryland area.
Posted in Implant Dentistry | No Comments »
May 31st, 2011
What is a filling upgrade?
A filling upgrade replaces your old metal fillings with porcelain fillings. Metal fillings have the potential of causing health problems and damage to your teeth. They also draw negative attention to your smile. Porcelain fillings blend flawlessly with your natural teeth and will not cause health or dental issues.
Are filling upgrades only for aesthetic purposes?
Replacing your metal fillings with porcelain fillings increase the aesthetic quality of your smile as well as the health of your teeth, Metal fillings can tarnish and darken the teeth and may cause the teeth to crack over time. Porcelain fillings will not discolor or damage your teeth and they will add strength to your teeth.
How many appointments will it take to replace my metal fillings?
Laurel cosmetic dentist, Dr. Melnick uses CEREC technology for filling upgrades. CEREC technology is a fast and effective way to replace old fillings and only requires one visit to Dr. Melnick’s cosmetic dentistry office.
What dental problems can upgrading my fillings correct?
Upgrading your fillings will correct all of the dental problems metal fillings cause to include:
- Tarnished fillings
- Fillings that are failing
- Loose fillings
- Health concerns related to mercury in metal fillings
If you would like to upgrade your fillings and live in the Laurel area, please contact our cosmetic dentistry team at Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry today, serving Laurel, Columbia, Fulton, and Silver Spring Maryland.
Posted in Porcelain Fillings | No Comments »
May 24th, 2011
What is TMJ?
TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint. Everyone has two Temporomandibular Joints on either side of the lower jaw. The TMJ attaches the lower jaw to the skull and is responsible for the full range of motion of the lower jaw. The TMJ lets the lower jaw move up and down, side to side, and forward and backward.
TMJ can also refere to the misalignment of the Temporomandibular Joints and the disorder the misalignment causes called Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD).
What are the symptoms of TMJ?
When the Temporomandibular Joints are misaligned, many symptoms of the disorder may result. These symptoms include:
- Migraine-like headaches
- Facial, neck, shoulder, and back pain
- Ringing in the ears (Tinnitus)
- Loose teeth
- Clicking or popping of the jaw
- Sore or sensitive teeth
How do I get treatment for my TMJ?
Dr. Melnick is a neuromuscular dentist in Laurel, Maryland who is specially trained to diagnose and treat the causes of TMJ. In a consultation about your TMJ symptoms, Dr, Melnick will examine your bite, how your jaws are aligned, and your symptoms. He will discover how your jaw needs to be aligned in order to work properly and relieve your symptoms, There are several treatment options to meet your specific needs.
If you have additional TMJ questions or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Melnick, please contact Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry. We serve patients in and around Laurel, Columbia, Fulton, and Silver Spring Maryland.
Tags: tmj
Posted in Neuromuscular Testing | No Comments »
April 28th, 2011
What is a porcelain filling?
A porcelain filling is made of high-grade dental porcelain that is as strong and durable as your tooth’s enamel. Porcelain fillings are used to correct many dental problems such as cavities.
Why should I choose porcelain fillings over metal fillings?
Unlike metal fillings, porcelain fillings can be color matched to blend flawlessly with your teeth. No one will notice that you have had any dental work performed. Metal fillings have a tendency to discolor and damage teeth. The metal used for metal fillings expands and contracts with hot and cold food or drinks. This constant movement can put stress on your teeth and may cause your teeth to crack. Porcelain fillings are a great choice to correct tooth damage because of their cosmetic and health qualities.
How many appointments will I have to make to get porcelain fillings?
In the past, two appointments were required to fix damaged teeth. Now, only one appointment is necessary because of the revolutionary advancements of CEREC technology.
Can I have my old fillings replaced with porcelain fillings?
Metal fillings can be replaced with porcelain fillings, Replacing old fillings will help enhance the aesthetic qualities and health of your smile.
For additional information about porcelain fillings and to have all of your porcelain fillings questions answered in Laurel, Maryland, please contact our caring cosmetic dentistry team at Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry, serving Laurel, Columbia, Fulton, and Silver Spring Maryland.
Posted in Porcelain Fillings | No Comments »
April 25th, 2011
What are the causes of tooth discoloration?
Genetics, environmental factors, and food and drinks can all cause the teeth to yellow and become discolored. Some of the common causes of tooth discoloration are:
- Aging
- Heredity
- Too much flouride
- Tobacco
- Metal fillings
- Medications
- Trauma to the teeth
- Coffee
- Tea
- Soda
- Red wine
- Berries
- Apples
Tooth whitening can reverse these effects and brighten your teeth for a healthy, beautiful smile.
How bright will tooth whitening make my teeth?
Columbia, Maryland cosmetic dentist, Dr. Melnick can brighten your teeth to any shade you desire. You can achieve subtle or dramatic results depending on your needs. Dr. Melnick is able to control how bright the tooth whitening treatment makes your teeth.
How long will my tooth whitening results last?
Your tooth whitening results will last several years. How long the results last really depends on your personal habits. Your results will stay bright for a long time if you brush and floss regularly, get routine dental cleanings, and avoid factors that stain teeth like tobacco, red wine, and soda.
Dr. Melnick provides at home bleaching materials to his tooth whitening patients so they are able to maintain their results at home.
To schedule a tooth whitening consultation with Dr. Melnick in the Columbia, Maryland area, please contact Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry today.
Posted in Tooth Whitening | No Comments »
March 28th, 2011
A smile makeover is a customized treatment plan to correct one or many dental issues to enhance the health and beauty of a smile. The below smile makeover questions and answers will help explain a little more about this fantastic cosmetic dentistry treatment plan.
What dental issues can a smile makeover correct?
- Crooked teeth
- Gaps in teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Stained or discolored teeth
- Missing teeth
- Damaged teeth
- Chipped and cracked teeth
- Uneven teeth
What cosmetic dentistry procedures may be part of a smile makeover?
A smile makeover is designed to correct your specific dental issues and may include one or more of the following cosmetic dentistry procedures:
What cosmetic dentistry procedures should I include in my smile makeover?
Laurel cosmetic dentist, Dr. Melnick will examine your gums, teeth, and bite in a consultation about your smile. You can ask him all of your smile makeover questions and discuss your goals for treatment. He will explain the best cosmetic dentistry procedures to meet your needs and create a beautiful smile.
To schedule a smile makeover consultation with Dr. Melnick in Laurel, Maryland, please contact Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry today.
Posted in Smile Makeover | No Comments »
March 25th, 2011
What cosmetic dentistry procedures are available?
Depending on your specific needs, Laurel cosmetic dentist, Dr. Melnick may suggest one of the following cosmetic dentistry procedures to enhance your smile and correct dental problems:
- Tooth whitening
- Porcelain veneers
- Dental Implants
- Porcelain Crowns
- Porcelain Fillings
- Gum treatment
Dr. Melnick can create a personalized treatment plan for you that combines one or more of these cosmetic dentistry treatments. Combining treatments is known as a smile makeover and is a great way to correct many dental problems and enhance the appearance of your smile.
What dental problems does cosmetic dentistry correct?
Cosmetic dentistry can correct any dental problems and improve the health of your smile. The most common dental problems that cosmetic dentistry corrects are:
- Crooked teeth
- Discolored or stained teeth
- Uneven teeth
- Cracked teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Missing teeth
- Crowded teeth
Does cosmetic dentistry fix teeth or only make them look nicer?
Cosmetic dentistry treatments correct dental issues for healthy smiles. Cosmetic dentists like Dr. Melnick improve the health of his Laurel, Maryland patient’s teeth with treatments that also improve the appearance of his patient’s smiles. Dr. Melnick is committed to creating healthy, beautiful smiles.
To learn more about cosmetic dentistry and to schedule a consultation with Dr. Melnick in Laurel, please contact the Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry office today.
Tags: Cosmetic Dentistry
Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry | No Comments »
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