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

November 1, 2022 Emergency, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, Preventive Treatment, Restorative Dentistry, TX, UncategorizedwebreportingComments Off

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

June 1, 2022 Cosmetic Dentist TX 78232, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Crowns, Dental Implants, Emergency, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry, Sedation Dentistry, Teeth Whitening, UncategorizedThousand Oaks DentalComments Off

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!

Dental Crowns – What Are The Different Types?

March 2, 2021 UncategorizedThousand Oaks DentalComments Off

Dental crowns offer an excellent way to repair damaged teeth. Whether your tooth is chipped, cracked, or broken, choosing a dental crown can be a good option for those who would like to avoid more intensive treatments. Crowns come in a range of different materials and there are several different types of dental crown your dentist can provide. Let’s take a look at some of the crown options Thousand Oaks Dental offers in San Antonio, Texas.

Dental Crown Materials

The material you choose for a dental crown is very important, with each of the available options having different properties that will impact the quality of your crown. We’ve outlined some of the most popular crown materials below to get you started.

Porcelain-Veneered Zirconia

Porcelain-Veneered Zirconia is hardy, affordable, and looks extremely natural. This type of crown is more prone to chipping than others and may aggravate nearby teeth.

Ceramic

Ceramic crowns blend very well with your existing teeth, while also being very strong. Ceramic materials are sensitive to pressure and prone to chipping, and this means that they are usually only used for front teeth.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (or PFM) crowns are great for long-term durability, providing a strong bond to teeth. PFM crowns are prone to chipping but are less likely to break away than other crowns.

Gold and Metal Alloy

Gold and other metal alloy crowns are the strongest around and are gentle on other teeth, but they look the least natural and can be costly. Gold crowns will look like a gold tooth.

The Different Types of Dental Crowns

Along with the material options you have available, there are several different types of methods used for applying a crown. You can find some examples of these below, though it is usually best to talk to your dentist to make sure that you are choosing the right crown for you.

Temporary Crowns

Temporary crowns are used during the period between getting your tooth measured and your new crown made. An adhesive will be used to attach the crown, making it weaker but also easier to remove once the permanent crown is ready.

One-Day Crowns

Some dentists have the facility to measure your mouth and create a crown inside their office. This will usually be milled from a ceramic material and can enable you to have your new crown installed on the same day as your first appointment.

Onlay Crowns

Onlay crowns (or ¾ crowns) are used when a patient doesn’t need a full crown. These will only cover part of the tooth, saving time and money during the treatment, while also giving you full use of the remaining tooth that you have leftover.

Crowns are an excellent dental treatment that can help you to regain confidence in your smile without having to go through intense procedures. Here at Thousand Oaks Dental offers in San Antonio, Texas, we’ve had the chance to help countless patients with crowns and other dental procedures. Feel free to get in touch with our friendly team today to get the advice and support you need.

Sedation Dentistry in San Antonio

March 1, 2020 UncategorizedThousand Oaks DentalComments Off

Are you someone who gets a little nervous when going to the dentist? If so, you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of people in San Antonio go to the dentist feeling anxious about getting the treatment they need to keep them healthy. Unfortunately, those feelings can be so bad that they can’t go through with the procedure, leading to worsening health problems down the road.

But what if we told you that there was a way that you could receive the dental care you need without feeling anxious or worried at all? Read on to find out more.

What Is Sedation Dentistry In San Antonio?

For some people, going to the dentist can feel like an ordeal. But here at Thousand Oaks Dental, we don’t think that is necessary, even if you hate the dentist. That’s because modern sedation techniques are now so effective that you can feel perfectly at ease, regardless of the level of care you need.

In other words, you can get the treatment you need to keep you healthy without feeling worried or anxious during the procedure.

The way our sedation dentistry in San Antonio works is very simple. First, you arrive at our cozy, homely clinic and check in with our friendly reception team. Then, when you’re ready, our specialist sedation professionals provide you with a sedative that helps you relax and feel more comfortable.

The effect of the sedative is quite remarkable. Many patients don’t feel any unease during treatment and leave the clinic with little memory of the procedure.

We explain everything that happens during treatment as we carry it out. You’ll be in the loop the whole time.

Our preferred method of sedation is to use nitrous oxide. We’ve found that this gas helps practically all patients in our care relax and achieve peace of mind during dental techniques.

Remember, sedation isn’t a replacement for anesthetic – it is just something that we use alongside standard procedures to help you feel better. We still provide local anesthetics to provide numbing where necessary.

Why We Use Nitrous Oxide For Sedation Dentistry In San Antonio

Nitrous oxide is our preferred method of sedation dentistry for several reasons.

The first is that it is highly effective. Many patients report that it makes them feel euphoric and forget about the treatment that they are receiving. Others say that it helps them feel much more relaxed in the dentist’s chair, helping them go through with procedures that they would otherwise find difficult to endure.

The second reason is that it is easy to administer. At our sedation dentistry practice in San Antonio, we place a mask over your face, which releases the nitrous oxide into your nose. After a few breaths, any worries you have should melt away.

Third, you can still drive home after using nitrous oxide. Many injectable sedatives require you to have a dedicated driver come with you to the treatment room.

So, in summary, while dental anxiety is genuine, our sedation dentistry helps you overcome it and get the treatment you need.

Thousand Oaks Dental

February 28, 2020 UncategorizedThousand Oaks DentalComments Off

Thousand Oaks Dental close to San Antonio, Texas, is one of the most well-known clinics in the entire region, prized for its meticulous approach to quality care and the use of modern technology and treatments. The practice bases everything it does around a simple mission: to deliver a personalized level of care that allows patients to feel more at home. Each member of the team builds a rapport and relationship with patients, clearly explaining the best course of action and helping everyone to feel at ease. The clinic understands that dentistry is just as much about relationships as it is treatment options and that there’s no substitute for excellent customer service.

What Makes Thousand Oaks Dental In San Antonio So Special?

All dental practices like to claim that they offer the best treatment, but what makes Thousand Oaks Dental in San Antonio, Texas, so unique?

Personalized Approach

Thousand Oaks Dental is a clinic dedicated to the long-term health of your teeth and gums. For that reason, it is not interested in providing short-term “quick fixes.” It wants to make sure that any cosmetic, medical, or lifestyle changes you make are sustainable and fit your emotional, health, and financial circumstances. The team gets to know you as a person, allowing them to make better judgments about which procedures and treatments are best for your overall health.

A Focus On Modern Technology And Treatments

While traditional dentistry offers excellent patient care, there is always room for improvement. Thousand Oaks Dental in San Antonio, Texas, therefore, implements the very latest technological solutions and stay currents. While not all breakthroughs improve the patient experience, many do, and the practice is keen to implement them as soon as they become available. High-tech equipment already installed at the clinic includes VELscope, Loupe Magnification, and ergonomic dental chairs.

A Home Away From Home

When you go to the dentist, you don’t want to feel like an animal at the vet, surrounded by whitewash paint and stainless steel medical instruments. That’s not a welcoming environment. At Thousand Oaks Dental near San Antonio, we take a different approach. When you arrive at our waiting room, you’ll find plush seating, beautiful decor, and a TV to help you relax, unwind, and enjoy yourself. Coming to our dental practice is nothing like going to the dentist!

Convenient Appointment Scheduling

We believe that dental treatment should fit around your busy life. That’s why we offer convenient appointment scheduling, allowing you to arrange your care around your day. We offer flexible early and late treatment slots, so you don’t have to take time out of your regular schedule to receive a routine checkup.

We’re also located in a highly accessible location in north San Antonio, Texas, just off Highway 281, making us easy for driving. You’ll find patient parking right next to our clinic.

In summary, Thousand Oaks Dental, is a professional dental practice with a difference. We care for all patients as individuals and offer the very latest technology for superior care.