Dentist Jefferson City Blog

Mar 27 2023

State Of The Art Dental Technology In Jefferson City Practice

Like other industries, technology has changed the experience of dentistry for both patients and practitioners. At Stadium Dental Center, we’re not into technology for its’ own sake—but when it allows us to provide your care more comfortably, quickly, and cost-effectively, we’re eager to adopt it. Here are some ways dental technology is in use in our Jefferson City office.

Digital X-Rays

Digital X-rays can help us identify conditions affecting your mouth, such as cavities and bone loss. These images are invaluable in complete diagnosis and effective treatment planning.

What makes digital X-ray images preferred over traditional ‘wet film’ X-rays is the vastly reduced radiation dosage you are exposed to (equivalent to what you receive being out in the sunshine for short periods), the time savings in processing, and the ability to be viewed on a computer screen, where they can be adjusted for contrast and brightness—allowing for optimal diagnosis. An additional benefit is the elimination of chemicals used in wet film processing.

Digital Photography

With digital photography, conditions we may find in the mouth such as fractured teeth, receding gums, and broken restorations can be displayed for you to help you better appreciate and understand the condition of your teeth and associated treatment recommendations. We can visually depict proposed treatment results on a computer or TV screen before work is begun so you can have a clearer sense of what to expect when your work is completed.

3-D (Cone-beam computed tomography) imaging

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging can help us plan for dental implants, evaluate abnormal teeth, and diagnose hidden dental trauma or unusual pathology. This low-dose imaging technology operates like traditional panoramic X-ray machines, capturing image data that provides a 3-D view of your teeth, mouth, jaw, neck, ears, nose, and throat. Though not routinely needed for most of our patients, we can obtain these high-tech studies when necessary for our patients.

CAD/CAM technologies

The traditional process to make a permanent crown involves many steps performed by the dental treatment and dental laboratory teams. Many, perhaps most, of the dental crowns we deliver are now produced using computer-assisted design and computer-assisted manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technologies. Later this year we’ll begin using an intraoral camera to scan in the shape and relationship of your teeth to speed up this process further and reduce our reliance on sometimes unpleasant but necessary intraoral impressions.

Dental Lasers

Lasers are everywhere these days, including in our Jefferson City dental office. We’ve found our intraoral laser very useful in treating canker and cold sores, gum disease, and removing soft tissue because of pathology or surgical needs. We can reduce symptoms and shorten healing times associated with a number of dental therapies by using the intraoral laser as well as control bleeding and reduce the quantity of bacteria in diseased gum tissue.

Mar 27 2023

TMD: What Is It And What To Do About It

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research says about 5 to 12 percent of people experience TemporoMandibular Disorders (TMD). This acronym covers a range of conditions affecting the joints, muscles, and nerves in the jaw. At Stadium Dental Center in Jefferson City, Missouri, we see these conditions frequently. We can help relieve the symptoms for folks with this painful problem.

What are the temporomandibular joints?

With one on each side of your face, the temporomandibular joints connect your lower jaw to your skull. These joints and the supporting muscles enable you to open and close your mouth, and to move your lower jaw from side to side. If you place your fingers in front of your ears and open your mouth, you can feel these joints.

What is TMD?

TMD occurs when parts of the temporomandibular joint become inflamed or break down or when the associated muscles become troublesome. The chronic muscle spasms and inflammation associated with this condition become painful and make normal use of the jaws difficult.

What causes TMD?

The cause of the disorder can’t always be pinpointed. However, TMD may be caused by trauma which affects the joints or chewing muscles. It’s often associated with sleep and airway disorders. Stress behaviors, like clenching the jaw or grinding the teeth, can aggravate the condition. TMD appears to be more common in women than men, though the reasons are still being investigated.

How do I know if I have TMD?

Those with TMD may experience one or more of these symptoms on either or both sides of the face:

Jaw pain or soreness that is more intense in the morning or late afternoon
Jaw pain connected with chewing, biting, or yawning
Clicking noises when opening and closing the mouth
Difficulty opening and closing the mouth
Locking or stiffness of the jaw when talking, yawning, or eating
Tooth sensitivity not associated with dental problems
Headaches or neck pain
An earache not associated with an ear infection

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact us for an evaluation. We can examine the joints and muscles in your jaw for tenderness, clicking, popping, or difficulty moving.

How is TMD treated?

Many TMD cases can be handled with simple lifestyle modifications, including:

Avoiding chewing gum and biting your nails
Taking non-aspirin pain relievers or using heat packs to manage pain
Eating soft foods
Practicing relaxation or stress relief techniques

In more severe cases, we may recommend:

Physical therapy (exercises to strengthen the jaw muscles)
Appliance therapy (a splint, mouthguard, or bite plate)
Medication (e.g., pain relievers, muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants, or anti-anxiety drugs)

Is TMD permanent?

TMD symptoms are often cyclical and can recur periodically. If you have this disorder, we can monitor your symptoms and manage your condition so you can enjoy a better quality of life. Learn more at the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain.

Mar 27 2023

Medications, Dry Mouth, And Your Oral Health

MEDICATIONS OFTEN HAVE frustrating side effects such as nausea or headaches. But did you know that dry mouth is also a common side effect of prescription drugs?

Saliva Helps Keep Your Mouth Healthy
There are over 400 medications that can affect your salivary glands. These medications include those used to treat depression, anxiety, pain, allergies, diarrhea, urinary incontinence, Parkinson’s disease, and many other conditions.

Our salivary glands are extremely important because they produce saliva. Saliva keeps our mouths moist and breaks down the foods we eat. It also helps keep the bacteria in our mouths under control.

Dry mouth may result in:

A higher risk of gum disease
An increase in cavities
Discomfort and difficulty eating, swallowing and talking

7 Simple Solutions To Help Fight Dry Mouth

If you or someone you know is taking medications that may be causing dry mouth, there are plenty of things you can do to help keep your mouth moist and healthy.

Drink more water! Sip on it throughout the day. Mineral, Carbonated water and Club Soda work really well to stimulate your saliva, too.
Chewing sugar-free gum helps keep your mouth moist and salivary glands active. Just make sure the gum is sugarless. Sucking on Sugarless Mints is also very effective.
Try eating frozen fruits. Frozen fruits may be soothing and satisfying to your dry and uncomfortable mouth.
Consider limiting your caffeine and alcoholic intake. It’s easier for your body to become dehydrated when consuming alcohol or caffeine.
Possibly use a humidifier while sleeping. This can help keep your skin and mouth hydrated.
Keep up with your daily oral care habits. Brushing and flossing help save your teeth from decay and other damaging problems caused by dry mouth.
Keep your regularly scheduled appointments. We’ll help you prevent serious problems that can result from dry mouth.
Use saliva replacement products, such as the Biotene group of products, are also effective.

Does Your Dry Mouth Problem Seem Severe? Let’s Talk
If you are having a lot of trouble with dry mouth, give us a call. You may also want to consult your physician about trying different medications or adjusting your dosages.

Thanks for reading our post! Please share it with others who could benefit! Our goal at Stadium Dental Center in Jefferson City, Missouri is to help your smile stay beautiful and healthy.

Mar 27 2023

You Didn’t Inherit Soft Teeth

IT’S TRUE THAT EVERY ASPECT OF OUR HEALTH IS AFFECTED TO SOME DEGREE BY OUR GENES. And yes, some people just seem to be more predisposed to getting cavities. But it’s probably not a matter of “soft teeth” versus “hard teeth.”

“I Do Everything Right And I Still Get Cavities”
Does this sound like you? If so, you’re the rare exception—and although it isn’t typical, we understand. That’s why it’s SO important that you pay particular attention to the basics if you feel you have soft teeth.

You Probably ARE Inheriting Your Oral Bacteria
There’s good bacteria and bad bacteria. That unique mix, in your unique mouth, and how your mouth reacts to that mix may be what you’re really inheriting from grandpa. This video talks about oral bacteria mix or imbalance:

BY THE WAY… If you watched the video above, Josh says, “All you have to do is brush.” Hey Josh… We have one criticism of your video. You need to floss too! When you skip flossing, you’re missing up to 35% of your tooth’s surface area!

You May Have Inherited A Tendency Toward Dry Mouth
Are you a mouth breather? Was everyone who attended last summer’s family reunion a mouth breather too? Our saliva is a critical primary defense against tooth decay. Dry mouth may be a problem you need to be aware of and treat.

You May Be Inheriting A Few Eating Habits
Some of us emulate our parents when it comes to the way we eat. That may include a tendency to snack a lot, an affinity for soft drinks, etc., which may be detrimental to our dental health.

You’ve Probably Inherited An Oral Hygiene Mindset
How faithfully do you brush and floss? How consistently do you schedule regular dental checkups? Do you avoid (or even fear) dentists? How aware are you of the connection between your oral health and whole body health? Often, these things are priorities/attitudes passed by parents to children (consciously and sub-consciously).

We Can Help You Troubleshoot
As you know, we love talking about this stuff. So if you’re unsure why you’re more cavity prone than you should be, let’s visit. We can help figure it out and suggest solutions to keep your mouth healthy.

Before We Go… Just For Fun…

As always, thanks for the trust you place in Stadium Dental Center in Jefferson City, Missouri!

Mar 27 2023

Six Important Toothbrush Care Tips

OUR TOOTHBRUSHES fend off plaque and bacteria, help keep our teeth sparkling, and leave our mouths feeling squeaky clean! But how squeaky clean is your TOOTHBRUSH–will your toothbrush care help you have a super-clean checkup?

Toothbrush DON’Ts

Don’t Store Your Toothbrush In A Closed, Dark Space
A moist, enclosed environment (like a container or cupboard) is not a good place to keep your toothbrush. Bacteria thrive in dark, wet conditions without circulation.

Don’t Share Your Toothbrush (Gross)
When you share your toothbrush you share bacteria, including bacteria that can cause dental decay and periodontal disease.

Don’t Keep Your Toothbrush Near The Toilet
Put your toothbrush as far away from the toilet as possible—at least six feet is a good rule of thumb. Because of “airborne particles”, always flush with the lid down. Enough said.

Toothbrush DOs

Replace Your Toothbrush
Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, or when the bristles get frayed. This not only ensures that it cleans your teeth better, but it eliminates the bacteria buildup issue. If you’ve been sick or are recovering from a cold, consider changing your toothbrush.

Rinse Your Toothbrush After Using It
Thoroughly rinse your toothbrush with water after each use. Rinsing it washes out debris and bacteria left behind. You can also deep clean it by swishing it around in mouthwash.

Keep Your Toothbrush Dry
Store your toothbrush upright in the open air. This allows it to dry out and not develop mold.

Care For Your Toothbrush And It Will Care For You
Keeping your toothbrush clean will help both your overall health and your oral health. Where do you keep YOUR toothbrush? If your toothbrush care follows these tips, having a clean checkup is much more likely.

Thanks for your trust in Stadium Dental Center in Jefferson City, Missouri!

What are the temporomandibular joints?

What is TMD?

What causes TMD?

How do I know if I have TMD?

How is TMD treated?

Is TMD permanent?

7 Simple Solutions To Help Fight Dry Mouth

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