TMJ Awareness Month: Do You Know the Signs of TMJ?

Do you have jaw pain? At Thousand Oaks Dental, we offer all the dental services your family needs under one roof. We also provide essential services that are difficult to find at other dental offices, including TMJ treatment. We understand that jaw pain can interfere with your entire day, and we want to help you get out of pain quickly. We offer mouthguards, physical therapy, and heat and ice therapy to help you get relief.

Call us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Precious Thompson!

 

November is TMJ Awareness Month

November is TMJ Awareness Month, and we want to make sure our patients are informed about the signs and symptoms of TMJ. TMJ is a disorder that affects the temporomandibular joint, which is the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull. When this joint is not functioning correctly, it can lead to various problems, including pain, headaches, and difficulty chewing.

 

What are the Signs of TMJ?

There are a few different signs that you may be suffering from TMJ. If you experience any of the following, we recommend scheduling an appointment with us so we can take a look:

– Pain in the jaw, face, neck, or shoulders

– Headaches

– Difficulty chewing or pain when chewing

– Clicking or popping sound when opening or closing the mouth

– Locked jaw

 

What Causes TMJ?

There are a few different factors that can contribute to TMJ. Some of the most common include:

– Arthritis in the joint

– Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)

– Jaw injury 

– Stress 

 

How is TMJ treated?

The good news is that many different treatment options are available for TMJ. After examining you and assessing your symptoms, we will work with you to develop a treatment plan that may include any of the following: 

– Medication to relieve pain and inflammation 

If you are suffering from TMJ, you may seek relief from the pain and inflammation. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for TMJ, medication can be an effective treatment option. Pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, can help to reduce swelling and ease the pain. If over-the-counter medications are insufficient, Dr. Thompson may prescribe a stronger pain reliever. In addition, corticosteroid injections can be used to reduce inflammation.

– Mouthguard to protect the teeth from grinding 

Do you wake up with a sore jaw or teeth? You may be surprised to learn that you are not alone. Millions of Americans suffer from bruxism, or tooth grinding, which is also a common cause of TMJ. Bruxism can occur during the day or at night, and it can cause a great deal of discomfort. Fortunately, there is a simple solution: a custom mouthguard. A mouth guard helps to protect your teeth from the damaging effects of grinding and can also help to alleviate some of the pain and stiffness associated with TMJ. If you think you may be suffering from bruxism or TMJ, talk to our team about getting a custom mouthguard. It may be the first step on the road to feeling better.

– Physical therapy 

At Thousand Oaks Dental, we also offer physical therapy services to help you find relief from TMJ. Our trained team members can help you strengthen the muscles in your face and neck, which can help to relieve pain and improve jaw function. In addition, physical therapy can help you learn how to practice good posture and proper jaw alignment, both of which can help reduce TMJ symptoms.

– Heat and ice therapy

Applying a cold compress to the area for 15 minutes at a time can help to reduce inflammation and ease discomfort. Alternating between hot and cold compresses can also be beneficial. Heat and ice therapy can also be used to help reduce inflammation and pain associated with TMJ. 

 

TMJ Treatment for Relief in San Antonio, Texas

Our goal is to provide you with the best possible care so that you can get back to your life pain-free. If you are experiencing any of the signs or symptoms of TMJ, please schedule an appointment with us so we can take a look. We offer various services to meet your needs, and we will work with you to find the best treatment plan for your situation.

Thousand Oaks Dentist 78232

A healthy and beautiful smile can make you feel confident daily, but it requires an excellent dentist. If you are looking for a dentist who will take the time to get to know you and your dental health, you will find her in Dr. Precious Thompson. Dr. Thompson is a Thousand Oaks Dentist 78232 passionate about dentistry and will ensure her patients have healthy teeth for a lifetime. She provides personalized care that focuses on the individual, not just their teeth.

 

Finding the Right Dentist in the Thousand Oaks Area

Seeing the right dentist is essential for many reasons. First, they can help to prevent cavities and tooth decay. By regularly cleaning your teeth and providing fluoride treatments, dentists can help to keep your smile healthy and bright. And seeing the right dentist is an excellent way to maintain oral health. Just like seeing a doctor for regular checkups, seeing a dentist regularly can help ensure that your mouth stays healthy for years. 

When it comes to finding a dentist, there are a few things you should keep in mind. For one thing, you can ask around for recommendations. Your family and friends can be a great source of information regarding finding a good dentist. And don’t forget to check online reviews. We’d encourage you to read the online reviews posted about us because the quality of our care shows in the appreciation of our patients. 

Also, consider what your dental needs are. If you have healthy teeth and gums, you may be able to get by with a general dentist. However, if you have specific dental needs, you may need to see a specialist, such as an orthodontist or periodontist. One great thing about Thousand Oaks Dental is that we provide all the above services and more! 

We offer multiple dental services you need in one convenient location – everything from general dentistry to cosmetic dentistry. We’re a family dental office, providing care for any group, from toddlers to seniors. Our extensive service list includes:

We even specialize in convenient and health-promoting procedures that aren’t available at many dental offices, such as TMD therapy, sleep apnea treatment, customized athletic mouthguards, and wisdom teeth removal.

No matter your dental needs or condition, we are here to help. If you don’t see the service you need on our list, feel free to contact us. We’ll either care for your dental needs or find someone who can!

Another great way to find the right dentist for you is to schedule a free consultation and meet the doctor and the dental team. During your first appointment, our staff will warmly receive you, and we can give you a tour of our state-of-the-art San Antonio dental facility. We’ll ask about your medical history and any medications you are currently taking. We will also ask about your family’s dental history. This information is important in helping us determine what type of care you will need.

Dr. Thompson and her team will examine your teeth and gums if you have a checkup or teeth cleaning scheduled. We will look for any signs of decay or other problems. If we find anything, we can recommend a course of treatment.

Finally, we can talk to you about your oral hygiene habits. We can give you some helpful tips on how to brush and floss correctly. We may also recommend a specific type of toothpaste or mouthwash for you to use.

 

Skilled and Experienced Thousand Oaks Dentist 78232

Every patient is unique. That’s why Thousand Oaks Dental in San Antonio, Texas provides personalized care so you can feel comfortable and confident with your dental health.

Your dental goals are our dental goals at Thousand Oaks Dental. We’ll do everything we can to ensure your positive experience with us because we want you to be our lifelong patient! 

Request an appointment today on our website! We would love to see you at our office soon!

It’s Time to Get a New Denture! – San Antonio, TX

No matter how a person takes care of their dentures, the oral device is not a permanent restoration. It can wear out over time. Besides, some other factors may necessitate the wearer to replace their old restorative device. How can people tell if they need to switch to new dentures? Here are the signs:

Pain and discomfort that appear persistently

A worn down denture can lead to TMJ disorder. This condition causes chronic pain or discomfort such as headaches, facial nerve pain, persistent jaw pain, and earaches. Dental professionals require patients to bring their restorative appliance to the clinic and have it checked.

Cleaning Hassles

When dentures do not fit tightly to the gums, it is possible for the food particles to gather in the gaps. Wearers will find it a challenging task to clear these residues, therefore. Dentures that trap foods need to be replaced right away—doing so will not only make the person’s cleaning activity smoother, but it will help decrease the risk of bacterial growth as well.

Chewing Problems

Switching to a new denture is preferable when the said restorative appliance no longer serves its purpose which is to restore the wearer’s chewing function. People may compromise their overall health if they continue to stick with their wonky dentures.

 

Senior patient at the dentist

 

Get A New Denture Now!

Dentures are bound to make the wearers daily function easier and comfortable—not the other way around. So if you notice some problems with your old oral device, replace it now!

We at Thousand Oaks Dental offer dentures services in San Antonio, TX. For denture-wearers who are no longer happy with the performance of their teeth replacement, you are welcome to avail a new denture in our dental office.

Our practice provides two types of dentures: Partial and Full. The first option is suitable to those who have lost a single or few of their teeth while the other alternative is for people who do not have any remaining teeth left either on the top or bottom jaw.

 

Are you ready to replace your old teeth replacement? Avail our Dentures in San Antonio, TX. Set an appointment with us at Thousand Oaks Dental. You may visit our clinic at 2235 Thousand Oaks Dr. Suite 120 San Antonio, TX 78232.

Denture FAQs You Need to Know Before Getting One – San Antonio, TX

Been thinking of getting dentures to restore your smile? Want to compare the available restorations to get a favorable result? Or, too hesitant to settle for just one choice? Fret no more!

At Thousand Oaks Dental, we understand the hassles of having extensive tooth loss. That is why we try to reach out to all our patients in need by offering either full or partial dentures, depending on their needs. But first, for you to get a clearer view on dentures, we have prepared a series of commonly asked questions as well as its answers. These can help you decide whether dentures are really the best option for your oral restoration.

What are dentures and its types?

Dentures are either made of plastic or acrylic resin and different metal materials molded to support the pontics (fake teeth). There are two types of dentures: partial and full. And as the name suggests, partial can serve as a replacement for some of the lost teeth, while full can restore an entire arch at either top or bottom jaw.

How are dentures held in the mouth?

Partial dentures are secured in place by a metal framework that holds on to the adjacent healthy teeth, while full dentures are shaped depending on its placement. The upper denture is molded to cover the palate (roof of the mouth) creating suction, and the lower one is formed like a horseshoe to make way for the tongue.

Who are candidates for the procedure?

Unlike dental implants which requires a sufficient amount of bone support, anyone who is in need of missing teeth restoration can avail of the procedure. But to make sure that nothing is compromised, undergo an evaluation to take care of any complications that may jeopardize the results.

Should the dental appliance be removed at night?

While it is okay for a patient to wear dentures during sleep, it preferably should be removed. By doing so, this gives the bone and the gums a chance to relax after the pressures applied to it during the day. It is also best to soak the appliance in a special solution or plain water at night to keep it clean and moist.

Is eating an issue with dentures?

It is a known fact that there are a few food restrictions with dentures, but patients can still enjoy the foods they like. It takes a little time to get used to the appliance, but after a while, they will be able to eat regularly, even with some sticky or hard foods. A perfectly fitted denture allow patients to do so, or even with the help of some denture adhesives.

 

For inquiries about Dentures in San Antonio, TX, call us at Thousand Oaks Dental. You can also visit us at 2235 Thousand Oaks Dr. Suite 120 San Antonio, TX 78232.

Thousand Oaks Dental – A Vital Part Of The San Antonio Community

San Antonio TX DentistI, Dr. Thompson, am proud to live and work in the great city of San Antonio. It’s an honor and joy to serve in a community filled with people who make our culture rich and friendly. I love opportunities to do community outreach to help enrich the place where we live. How can I not want to give back to such a great city that signifies the “Come And Take It” attitude of our history at the Alamo? Read more…

Are Dental Veneers Right For Me?

San Antonio TX Porcelain VeneersWhen it comes to cosmetic dentistry, the quickest solution to a Hollywood smile is porcelain veneers. Veneers are wafer thin shells of porcelain that are bonded directly to the front surface of your teeth. Since they are solely used for cosmetic benefit, veneers are only placed on the teeth that are visible when you smile. While this innovative procedure can certainly change your life for the better, it is considered an irreversible treatment. Veneers require that a small portion of your tooth enamel be shaved off so that the porcelain shell can strongly adhere. Most patients have no regrets in getting veneers, as they deliver a brilliant and beautiful smile that can be cared for just like natural teeth. Read more…

Dental Implant Or Dental Bridge?

San Antonio TX Restorative DentistryYou never plan to have a black hole in your dental landscape, but at times, this happens. Injury, missing adult teeth and cracked teeth can lead to having a missing tooth in your mouth. When this happens you will be faced with what to do with the existing hole. It is possible that you decide to just leave the gap there and embrace the hole as your own. In many cases, this choice is not acceptable for aesthetic reasons. Your other two options in restorative dentistry are a dental implant or dental bridge. We’d like to compare and contrast these for you so you can make a more informed decision. Read more…