Opening and closing your mouth to eat or to speak is a function that most of us take for granted. And why not? We’ve all been doing it since the moment we were born. However, for some people the simple action of opening or closing your mouth can be painful. Hinges on either side of your face connect your upper and lower jaws. These hinges are medically referred to as your temporomandibular joints. Elements of this complex hinge can malfunction or be thrown out of alignment. When this happens professional care may be necessary. At Drake & Voto Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Jayson Voto treats TMJ in Owasso with either oral appliance therapy or Botox injections.
June 9, 2016
Treating TMJ in Owasso, OK
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September 2, 2015
Sore Joints in Your Jaw Should Be Addressed With Our Professional TMJ Therapy
Your jaw is one of the most complex systems in your entire oral area. There are many bones and structures that work together to make your jaw move up and down and go side to side. Whenever you’re dealing with sore joints or other painful areas, it can leave your entire mouth in severe pain. This pain can cause you to pass on eating, brushing your teeth and more. Did you know that the joints located in front of the ears are the most-used in your entire body? They’re barely larger than the size of a quarter. It’s these areas that we concentrate on to bring harmony back to your jaw structure.
Dr. Drake and Dr. Voto are two dentists Owasso, OK area residents can trust, and they’re committed to bringing you jaw relief for good. When the TMJ joints, or temporomandibular joints, function properly, opening and closing your mouth becomes a cinch. When they’re not in great shape and are functioning improperly, chronic headaches and persistent facial pain are two of the most common side effects.
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January 7, 2015
How Important is Bruxism Treatment? Stop Teeth Grinding in Owasso, OK
Bruxism is an oral health condition that is characterized by the involuntary grinding of the teeth, usually at night while the patient is asleep. At Drake & Voto Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Owasso, OK, Dr. Gene Drake and Dr. Jayson Voto offer a comprehensive menu of general and preventive dentistry solutions, including treatment for bruxism and disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Saving Your Smile with Bruxism Treatment
Persistent teeth grinding causes a variety of undesirable oral health effects and the discomfort it causes can interfere with your daily life in a number of ways. Patients with untreated bruxism frequently suffer from one or more of the following symptoms:
- Teeth that appear shorter and flatter over time
- Indentations from teeth on the tongue or cheek lining
- Stiffness and/or tenderness of the jaw
- Chronic headaches that begin in the temple area
- Teeth that are worn down, exposing internal tooth structure beneath enamel
- Pain in the neck, head, shoulders, or upper back
Though you are most likely not bothered by your own teeth grinding or jaw clenching at night, there’s a possibility that your sleep partner is. In many cases, the extreme force with which the teeth grind together causes an audible scraping sound that can disrupt the sleep of others in the room. A custom oral appliance – often referred to simply as a nightguard – can be fitted to your unique dentition to reposition your jaw and cushion your teeth while you sleep. Most patients report relief from their bruxism symptoms within just a few nights of wearing their nightguard.
Schedule Your Bruxism Consultation Today
Do you suspect that you or your partner may be suffering from nighttime teeth grinding? Perhaps you often awaken in the morning with pain in your jaw or your head. Why wait another day to get the relief you need and deserve? Our team genuinely wants to help you get out of the daily grind and say goodbye to the pain and damage associated with bruxism. Contact us today to schedule your consultation with Drs. Drake and Voto in Owasso, OK. Our family-friendly, high-tech office warmly welcomes patients from throughout communities in the surrounding areas of Collinsville, Sperry, Tulsa, Skiatook, Claremore, and beyond.
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October 20, 2014
You can be Pain-free with TMJ Treatment in Owasso, OK
Pain is part of the body’s messaging system. When you feel pain, chances are something is wrong. And if that pain affects your head, face or jaw, then this may indicate a condition called temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD. At Drake & Voto Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Owasso, OK, Dr. Gene Drake and Dr. Jayson Voto specialize in TMJ treatment to eliminate your pain, so you can work, play and sleep in peace.
What is TMJ?
Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is located at the back of the jawline just in front of your ears. The American Dental Association (ADA) calls this joint one of the body’s most complex and one of the most frequently used joints. Every time you talk, chew, smile, laugh, or yawn, this joint is working.
What Causes TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder has a number of causes including trauma or injury to the jaw. The most common cause, however, is usually a bite problem that affects this joint. Teeth may become worn as a result of aging, teeth grinding and clenching, or any activity outside of normal function. Uneven surfaces that then result on the teeth interfere with the bite and jaw closure. People with TMJ disorder may experience a sore jaw; clicking or popping when the jaw is opened or closed; headaches; an earache without infection; and other painful symptoms around the jaw, face and head.
How is TMJ Disorder Treated?
In most cases, TMJ disorder can be remedied with an oral appliance, or mouth guard. Dr. Drake or Dr. Voto will assess your bite and likely take x-rays. Then, if they determine that a mouth guard is the solution, impressions will be taken of your teeth for your custom-fitted mouth guard. The mouth guard will reduce the stress on your jaw and leave you feeling more comfort and less pain.
Call Our Office Today
If you suspect that your jaw pain might be due to TMJ disorder, make an appointment today with Drake & Voto in Owasso, OK. We also conveniently serve patients in Claremore, Sperry, Collinsville, Tulsa, Skiatook and surrounding communities.
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