Douglas P. Sinn, DDS/Advanced Facial & Oral Surgery

01/22/2016

The temporomandibular joints, called TMJ, are the joints and jaw muscles that make it possible to open and close your mouth. Located on each side of the head, your TMJ work together when you chew, speak or swallow and include muscles and ligaments as well as the jaw bone. They also control the lower jaw (mandible) as it moves forward, backward and side to side.
Each TMJ has a disc between the ball and socket. The disc cushions the load while enabling the jaw to open widely and rotate or glide. Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs and bones from working properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder.
Possible causes of TMJ disorders include:
• arthritis
• dislocation
• injury
• tooth and jaw alignment
• stress and teeth grinding
Diagnosis is an important step before treatment. Part of the dental examination includes checking the joints and muscles for tenderness, clicking, popping or difficulty moving. Depending on the diagnosis, the dentist may refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who specializes in TMJ disorders.
There are several treatments for TMJ disorders. This step-by-step plan from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research allows you to try simple treatment before moving on to more involved treatment. The NIDCR also recommends a “less is often best” approach in treating TMJ disorders, which includes:
• eating softer foods
• avoiding chewing gum and biting your nails
• modifying the pain with heat packs
• practicing relaxation techniques to control jaw tension, such as meditation or biofeedback.
If necessary for your symptoms, the following treatments may be advised:
• exercises to strengthen your jaw muscles
• medications prescribed by your physician, for example, muscle relaxants, analgesics, anti-anxiety drugs or anti-inflammatory medications
• a night guard or bite plate to decrease clenching or grinding of teeth.
In some cases, your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend fixing an uneven bite by adjusting or reshaping some teeth. Orthodontic treatment may also be recommended. Your dentist can suggest the most appropriate therapy based on the suspected cause.

12/09/2015

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas!!

12/07/2015

Before and after Dental Implants to replace teeth lost in an accident.

11/23/2015

God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

11/23/2015

What are you thankful for?

Find out more about the history of History of Thanksgiving, including videos, interesting articles, pictures, historical features and more. Get all the facts on HISTORY.com

09/29/2014

Happy National Coffee Day!!

WebMD tests your knowledge on the good, the bad, and the surprising about America's favorite beverage.

03/07/2014

HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy requires that the patient breathe 100 percent pure oxygen inside a hyperbaric lab filled with compressed air, through a comfortable clear hood. The air pressure inside some labs can be increased to as much as six times the normal atmospheric pressure. The extra pressure increases blood oxygen to many times its normal level. The blood vessels then deliver increased oxygenated blood to tissues throughout the body to help heal, fight infection, decrease swelling (edema), and aid in the growth of new blood vessels (capillaries). These benefits cannot be achieved by breathing normal amounts of oxygen in a regular room. Recent research indicates the production of new stem cell growth for patients with chronic and degenerating conditions.

WHAT CONDITIONS CAN BE IMPROVED WITH HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY?

Radionecrosis (radiation damage from cancer treatments)
Certain non-healing diabetic and non-diabetic wounds
Chronic refractory osteomyelitis (bone infections)
Non-healing wounds, damaged tissue, and bone
Necrotizing infections.

03/06/2014

"It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan."
Eleanor Roosevelt

03/04/2014

02/28/2014

TOP TEN HEALTH REASONS TO
REMOVE YOUR WISDOM TEETH
#10 Reason
Because there is limited space for wisdom teeth to erupt and because the surrounding gums are difficult to keep clean, infection and inflammation are common even when there are no apparent symptoms. Research shows that once inflammation takes hold, it is almost impossible to eliminate and may spread to other teeth.
#9 Reason
Research suggests that oral inflammation associated with wisdom teeth may contribute to preterm or low birth weight infants.
#8 Reason
Even when wisdom teeth erupt through the gum tissues, they rarely provide any meaningful function and are always difficult to keep clean. Our staff is trained in assisting with general anesthesia and IV sedation within our state-of-the-art offices. Patients are continuously monitored during and after surgery.
#7 Reason
In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth develop associated cysts and/or tumors. Removal of such lesions may require extensive procedures to repair and restore jaw function and appearance.
#6 Reason
With age, the chance for complications related to the removal of wisdom teeth increases.
#5 Reason
Gum disease and inflammation associated with wisdom teeth may lead to receding gum tissues, deterioration of the jawbone and tooth loss.
#4 Reason
Wisdom teeth may contribute to crowding of nearby teeth.
#3 Reason
Even wisdom teeth that seem to be problem-free (asymptomatic) remain a breeding ground for oral infection and inflammation. Research supports the concept that such inflammation may enter the bloodstream and contribute to the development and/or progression of a variety of diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke.
#2 Reason
Once it has been determined that a wisdom tooth will not successfully erupt into your mouth and be maintained in a healthy state, early removal of wisdom teeth is associated with faster and easier recovery.
#1 Reason
The number reason for removing your wisdom teeth is PEACE OF MIND.