What Are Possible Signs of TMJ or TMD?

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Grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw may be affecting the muscles and other parts of your jaw joint, also known as your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This can lead to TMJ disorders (TMD). Our dentists in Woodbridge, VA, at Niles Dental can diagnose and treat this condition, bringing you relief from any of the following symptoms.

Pain in Your Jaw

TMJ/RMD can make your jaw hurt due to increased strain on this joint. You might have soreness when you wake up or during the day.

Stiff Jaw

Overworking the muscles and other tissue in this joint can also result in stiffness, making it harder to open and close your mouth comfortably.

Soreness in Other Areas

TMD doesn’t only affect your jaw. You might also have pain in surrounding areas, like your face, ear, shoulder, or neck.

Jaw Noises

Do you hear sounds when you open and close your mouth? TMJ may cause noises like popping or clicking.

Headaches

You might have a lot of migraines or headaches from jaw strain. We can treat TMJ in Woodbridge, VA, to help reduce this pain.

Bite Problems

TMJ might cause changes that affect jaw alignment. Your top and bottom teeth may not fit together the way they used to.

Ringing in Your Ears

Do you have tinnitus or a ringing sound in your ears? This is another possible symptom of TMJ/TMD that’s linked to strain on your jaw joint.

Visit Our Dentists for TMJ/TMD Treatment

Are you having signs of this condition and looking for ways to manage it? Our dental team at Niles Dental is here to help! We offer diagnosis and treatment for TMJ in Woodbridge, VA, to help ease these symptoms.

When to Consider Dental Sedation

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Dental sedation is a common choice for patients when they visit the dentist, but unfortunately, it’s not always widely talked about. Because people might be nervous to admit that they’re nervous of the dentist, they might not mention their experiences, which can lead to general confusion about the practice. If you’re wondering when you might consider dental sedation in Woodbridge on a practical level, we’ll look at what you should know.

Dental Sedation: The Facts

Dental sedation is by no means new. Because many dental procedures can be painful and stressful, dentists have used it to help patients make it through from one side to the other. What is new in the field is that dental sedation is far more effective than it used to be, utilizing better dosage tactics and methodologies to ensure that the dentist in Woodbridge, VA gets it right.

When to Consider Dental Sedation

On the very base level, you should consider dental sedation if you’re finding yourself putting off your dental appointments. When you delay or even avoid the dentist, you put your larger oral health at risk. Whether your concerns have to do with general anxiety or outright fear, sedation dentistry is a far better alternative than doing nothing.

Of course, plenty of people just choose sedation dentistry when they want a more pleasant experience, regardless of the service or their general relationship with the dentist. If you’re interested in sedation dentistry, it’s worth learning more about not just the practice, but how different dental teams approach different types of patients. To find out more, contact Niles Dental to get the conversation started — whether you have questions about IV, nitrous oxide, or oral conscious options!

What Are the Different Types of Dental Veneers?

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Are discolored teeth making it awkward to smile? Do slight cracks in your teeth make you self-conscious? No matter what kinds of flaws your teeth have, dental veneers can help! At Niles Dental, our dentists in Woodbridge, VA, offer different types of veneers to hide tooth imperfections.

Composite Veneers

These affordable resin veneers may be right for your budget, but note that they’re not as durable or long-lasting as other types of veneers. You might have to replace them every few years.

Porcelain Veneers

These veneers offer greater durability and a lifespan of at least a decade. They’re custom-made to fit your teeth perfectly and provide a natural appearance — but they typically cost more than composite.

No-Prep Dental Veneers

Traditional veneers require tooth preparation, such as enamel removal. No-prep veneers don’t include this step, providing you with a quicker and more convenient option if you’re a good candidate for them.

Removable Veneers

Most veneer types are fixed to your teeth, but removable veneers can be taken out as needed. You might remove them when you want to eat, for example. You simply snap them back on when you’re done.

Which Dental Veneer Type Is Right for You?

This depends on various factors, such as your budget and aesthetic preferences. Our team can help you choose the right kind of veneers to camouflage dental flaws and enhance your smile!

Visit Our Dentists for Dental Veneers!

Are you looking for ways to cover up tooth imperfections? With dental veneers in Woodbridge, VA, you can look forward to having a dazzling smile! Our dentists at Niles Dental offer this cosmetic dental treatment for cracks, stains, and other unsightly flaws.

My Tooth Is Chipped: What Should I Do?

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A chipped tooth can be a big problem, depending on its severity. If you’ve recently chipped a tooth, your dentist in Woodbridge, VA, can help. The professionals at Niles Dental are here to help when you’re suffering from a damaged, painful tooth. Here’s what you need to know about the dangers of a chipped tooth and what you can do.

Dangers of a Chipped Tooth

Small chips are often nothing more than a cosmetic problem, but a deep break in a tooth can put you and your teeth at risk. When a tooth is badly broken, this allows bacteria into the center of the tooth. Chips in your tooth enamel can lead to:

  • Dental infection: A dental infection is an emergency typically treated with a root canal.
  • Tooth decay: Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that eat away at the tooth enamel.
  • Loss of the permanent tooth: If your tooth is damaged badly enough, your dentist may need to extract the tooth.

Options If Your Tooth Is Chipped

If you have a chipped tooth, get help from your dentist quickly.

Dental Veneers

A dental veneer is a tooth-shaped cosmetic cover that the dentist may place over the front of your tooth to hide problems with your tooth enamel.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a composite material that your dentist can attach to your tooth to restore its shape when the tooth is chipped.

Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a cap your dentist may place over your tooth to protect the tooth enamel from further damage.

If you have a chip in your tooth, you may need a dental crown in Woodbridge, VA, or another form of treatment. Your dentist can help! Call today to learn more.

Which Type of Dental Crown Is Right for Me?

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Are you planning to have a decayed tooth restored with a dental crown? You may not realize how many different types there are to choose from. Our dentists in Woodbridge, VA, at Niles Dental offer crowns made of metal, porcelain, resin, and other materials. We can guide you in picking the most suitable type of dental crown based on various factors.

Tooth Location

A worn or damaged tooth in the back of your mouth may need a more durable type of crown, such as a metal crown. But porcelain or ceramic crowns may be better options for front teeth.

Budget

How much are you willing to spend on a crown? Metal and porcelain crowns tend to cost more overall. If you’re looking for a cost-effective option, we might recommend all-resin or another lower-cost crown type.

Convenience

How quickly do you want your tooth restored? If you’re a good candidate for same-day crowns, we might recommend this type. You can get new crowns in one visit rather than two!

Aesthetics

A metal crown for a back tooth won’t stand out, but you may want to choose ceramic or porcelain to restore a visible tooth. These materials have a more tooth-like appearance compared to metal.

Durability

If the affected tooth is a molar or premolar, we may recommend metal for its strength and durability. You’ll need a crown that’s strong enough to withstand chewing on a regular basis. Porcelain and ceramic might not offer this durability.

Set Up an Appointment Today for Crowns!

Ready to have a damaged tooth fixed? At Niles Dental, our dental team offers dental crowns in Woodbridge, VA, to restore teeth. We can help you select the right crown type for your tooth.

How to Handle Pain After a Root Canal

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You’ll find several articles about root canals that often say the same things: that the pain that you’ll feel after a root canal is usually mild or even nonexistent. Of course, these articles will often follow it up for tips about managing the pain, which can include anything from Aleve to cold presses. Here, we’ll look at what to expect from the procedure and add a few more solutions to the mix.

The Long and Short

The first thing to know about root canal pain is that extreme pain is anything but typical. In other words, if you’re concerned about the level of pain you’re experiencing, it’s probably for good reason. While root canals half a century ago may have meant that patients had a long recovery, the latest techniques should spare you from that kind of agony.

Severe pain should mean a call to your endodontist or dentist in Woodbridge, VA. The only caveat is that if the original practice was incompetent, they may also not be able to treat the aftermath.

Standard Tips for Pain Management

If you’re experiencing fairly mild (or even moderate) pain and discomfort after a root canal in Woodbridge, chances are your body is simply adjusting to the procedure. In this case, it’s important to stick to soft foods, saltwater rinses, cold compresses, and gentle brushing and flossing. You can even consider topical numbing solutions if you want to really dull the ache.

Find Qualified Staff in Woodbridge, VA

At Niles Dental. we’re here to help you figure out the cause of your pain and then exhaust every possible avenue to treat it. While most root canals are very straightforward (leading to few consequences), some break the mold. If you think your pain is abnormal, contact us today so we can check it out!

What Are Sublingual Braces?

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Braces are not always well understood within the general public, which can lead to some general confusion. If you’ve heard of lingual or sublingual braces before and weren’t sure what they were, rest assured that you’re not alone. Here, we’ll look at not just what they are but also why you would need them.

What Are Sublingual Braces?

Sublingual braces are placed behind rather than in front of your teeth. When you smile at yourself in the mirror, you won’t be able to see them at all. Sublingual braces debuted in the 1970s, allowing people to avoid the highly visible metal of traditional braces.

Why Don’t More People Wear Sublingual Braces?

Sublingual braces in Woodbridge, VA didn’t exactly take off the way you might have expected them to. This wasn’t just because they were more expensive than traditional braces, but also because they were harder to clean and they could cause some people to speak with a lisp.

Understanding Braces Vs. Clear Aligners

Clear aligners have been available for decades and are an excellent alternative to traditional braces. Not only are they invisible, but orthodontists in Woodbridge, VA can tell you that they’re highly effective at positioning your teeth and correcting your bite. The catch is that aligners are only appropriate for those with more mild disorders. If you have a more severe issue, you’ll need braces (whether lingual or traditional).

At Niles Dental, we know that most people would prefer sublingual or clear aligners in a perfect world. However, because there are often extenuating circumstances, sometimes it just helps to have all the information at your fingertips. If you have questions about the types of braces that are appropriate for you, contact us for an appointment today!

 Nervous About Dental X-rays? Don’t Be!

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If you’re visiting the dentist in Woodbridge, VA, your dentist may recommend dental X-rays. Dental X-rays are an important part of some dental appointments because dental X-rays help your dentist see things about your mouth that can’t be viewed with the naked eye.

For example, your dental X-ray may show the status of your wisdom teeth and how they’re affecting your other teeth. Your dental X-ray may also show the dentist small cavities in the space where one tooth touches another.

If you get nervous about getting dental X-rays, you shouldn’t. Dental X-rays are an important tool that the dentist will use to take care of your teeth.

What Happens During a Dental X-ray?

During a dental X-ray, the dental professional will place a sensor or a film in your mouth, and aim the X-ray at the sensor. Next, the dental professional will take the picture.

The dental professional may do this several times, readjusting the sensor and film each time. The dental professional will do this until they’ve gotten all the pictures they need.

Are Dental X-rays Safe?

Dental X-rays are considered very safe. They emit a small amount of radiation. This is the same amount of radiation you might be exposed to when watching television or using your phone.

To help ensure safety, the dentist will cover you with a lead apron when taking the X-rays. The dentist will also limit the number of times you get dental X-rays. You will probably not get X-rays every time you visit the dentist unless the dentist finds something wrong with your teeth.

Do you need a dental checkup in Woodbridge, VA? The professionals at Niles Dentistry are here to help. Call today to make your next dental appointment.

5 Benefits of Routine Dental Checkups

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Are you due for a dental checkup? If it has been over six months since you’ve seen the dentist, then it’s time to make an appointment with Niles Dental today! We’re happy to offer the most dependable dental checkups in Woodbridge, VA.

Keep reading to learn the 5 benefits of routine dental checkups.

Catch Problems Early

Dental issues can be extensive and expensive. This is especially true if you let a dental problem go untreated. When you visit your dentist for routine checkups, they can examine your teeth and gums and look for any areas of concern. This is a great way to catch dental issues early on before they become more serious.

Save Money

As dental checkups can prevent oral health issues, these appointments can save you tons of money. For example, leaving a cavity untreated can lead to needing root canal treatment, which is more costly and extensive than a filling.

Improved Dental Health

During a dental checkup, your dentist examines your teeth and gums and typically provides in-depth teeth cleaning. This can take your oral health to the next level!

Whiter Smile

Dental checkup appointments involve thorough teeth cleaning, flossing, and examining your entire mouth. By receiving this type of care every six months, your teeth can appear brighter and whiter!

They’re Affordable

Another advantage of routine dental checkups is that they’re cost-effective! In fact, these preventative visits are often fully covered by insurance, compared to other, more extensive treatments that are usually only partially covered.

Are you ready to experience exceptional dental health with a glowing smile? Contact Niles Dental today to get started! We offer dental checkups, fillings, root canal treatment, and more! Call us today to work with a leading dentist in Woodbridge, VA.

Tips to Make Your Toothbrushing Experience More Productive

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Toothbrushing is probably the most important thing you do daily to care for your teeth. When you’re brushing your teeth, you brush away bacteria and food particles that can turn into plaque and tartar. If you can keep plaque and tartar off your teeth, you can help prevent gum recession and disease.

As yourdentist in Woodbridge, VA, we highly encourage you to brush your teeth twice daily. Below are four things you can do to make your tooth-brushing experience more productive.

1. Brush for 2 minutes at a time.

Experts recommend brushing your teeth for two minutes at a time to remove particles from your teeth. It’s important to avoid brushing for longer than two minutes at a time because this can contribute to gum recession. You can ensure that you’re brushing your teeth for the right amount of time by timing yourself or by listening to a song that’s two minutes long while you brush.

2. Use a dentist-recommended electric toothbrush. 

Electric toothbrushes can be more effective at removing plaque while brushing. This can help keep your teeth cleaner. To ensure you’re getting the most out of your toothbrushing experience, use an electric toothbrush your dentist recommends.

3. Be gentle.

You don’t need to scrub hard to remove plaque and tartar! Using gentle movements, you can get rid of plaque and help protect your gums simultaneously.

4. Get a tutorial from your dentist.

The next time you come in for adental cleaning and examination in Woodbridge, VA, ask your dentist at Niles Dental to give you a tutorial on how to brush your teeth.

Need a dental appointment? Call today to get your appointment scheduled.