Dental Solutions (2/3)
Bridges
A bridge is a custom-crafted, affordable solution for replacing missing teeth. When a lost tooth is replaced with bridgework, the teeth on either side of the missing one are prepared as crowns to serve as abutments (or retainers) to hold the prosthetic (replacement) tooth in place.
Crowns and bridges are most commonly prepared from high quality materials such as precious metals, porcelain, or a fused combination of the two. With recent advances in stronger porcelain, it is often possible to avoid any metal in these new cosmetic bridges. We use all porcelain, or porcelain bonded to cercon, to create metal free bridgework. This results in a very strong, natural looking, and aesthetically pleasing bridge.
Aesthetics, function, and tissue compatibility are considered when selecting the material most suitable for you.
TMJ Treatment
Dr. Forsberg is the only dentist in mid and south Santa Cruz County using neuromuscular dental concepts and computerized jaw tracking to treat TMJ or TMD Syndrome, myofacial pain dysfunction, and complex cosmetic cases.
What is TMJ (temporomandibular joint) or TMD (temporomandibular dysfunction)?
While other common names for this disorder are craniomandibular or craniofacial pain disorder, it is mostly commonly known as TMJ or TMD. Damage to the joints can be caused by accidents or arthritis, resulting in an obvious diagnosis. Another frequent cause is malocclusion or misalignment of the teeth (or bite) resulting in a misaligned joint. Medical issues may also precipitate or aggravate TMJ disorders; in which case, Dr. Forsberg would refer to another healthcare professional.
Common signs and symptoms of TMJ or TMD may include the following:
- Headaches
- Jaw joint pain
- Jaw joint clicking or noise
- Limited mouth opening
- Ear congestion
- Dizziness
- Ringing in the ears
- Difficulty swallowing
- Loose teeth
- Clenching or grinding
- Facial pain
- Sensitive teeth
- Chewing difficulties
- Neck pain
- Postural problems
- Tingling of the fingertips
- Hot and cold sensitivity of the teeth
- Nervousness or insomnia
Patients will often present with deep or over-closed bites open bites, and moderate to severe loss of tooth enamel on the edges of their front or back teeth.
How does neuromuscular dentistry help TMJ or TMD?
Neuromuscular dentistry allows us to look at the condition of the teeth and mouth, AND also the jaw joints and oral / facial muscles. We are able to evaluate the “whole dental pie”, not just bits and pieces. The diagnostic process is usually comfortable and for many patients, very relaxing. After achieving jaw muscle and joint relaxation with a TENS unit (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), sophisticated computerized equipment is used to do a series of diagnostic tests: sonograms, electromyograms (EMGs), and mandibular scans. In that an electrocardiogram (EKG) measures the electrical activity of the heart muscle, neuromuscular scans measure the electrical activity (EMGs) of the jaw and facial muscles.
From the data collected, Dr. Forsberg can recommend various treatment modes for the patient to choose from. This may range from a specially made custom orthodic to wear, orthodontics by a neuromuscular or specifically chosen dentist, to a recommendation of Partial or Full Mouth Rehabilitation. The goal of treatment is of course alleviate or decrease symptoms, and to also return your bite and oral condition to health, beauty, and long term comfort.
- www.leadingdentists.com
- Robert R. Jankelson, DDS
Laser Gum Contouring
Laser gum contouring may be needed when the position of the teeth at the gum line is irregular, or a gummy smile exists. It can often make a “too wide” or “too short” tooth look normal. A soft tissue laser is used to gently and painlessly reshape or recontour the gum line resulting in a more attractive smile.
The soft tissue laser is also used by our Registered Dental Hygienist in our Complete Gum Care Program for treating periodontal disease. It is used to gently remove diseased tissue and promote faster healing.
Dr. Forsberg is one of only a handful of local dentists who has a soft tissue laser.
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Terry W Forsberg DDS - Providing services in cosmetic dentistry, tmj treatment, laser dentistry, neuromuscular dentistry and periodontal therapy to the areas of Aptos, Santa Cruz and San Jose, California.
Aptos Neuromuscular Dentistry
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