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Patient
Education
Cracked Tooth
Syndrome
Teeth may
crack when subjected to the stress of chewing hard foods or ice
or by biting on an unexpected hard object. Unfortunately,
cracks may also develop slowly over time without any symptoms
due to normal wear and tear. Teeth with or without
restorations are most susceptible. Eventually, Symptoms
And Signs May Include The Following:
- Pain
on chewing
- Pain
when breathing in cold air
-
Unsolicited pain (usually leakage of sugar into tooth crack)
- No
x-ray evidence of problem
- Decay
may or may not be present
- Easy
verification of crack when tooth is prepared for restoration
Treatment Of Cracked Teeth:
1. Simple Crack: The majority of cracked teeth (about 9
out of 10) can be treated by placement of a simple crown (cap)
on the tooth. When the tooth is prepared for the crown and
a temporary restoration is placed, the pain usually leaves
immediately. If this is the case with your tooth, we will
place the final crown without a problem on your next
appointment. The condition should then be solved.
2.
Complex Crack: Occasionally, (about 1 in 10) the tooth
cracks into or near the pulp (nerve) of the tooth. If pain
persists after placement of the temporary crown, you may have a
crack into the pulp of the affected tooth. Please call us.
This tooth may require endodontics (root canal therapy).
Sometimes, when the pain decreases but doesn't immediately
resolve, it requires a longer healing period.
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TMD/TMJ
(Temporomandibular Disorders)
More than fifteen percent of American adults suffer from chronic
facial pain. Some common symptoms include pain in or
around the ear, tenderness of the jaw, clicking or popping
noises when opening the mouth, or even headaches and neck aches.
Below are some self care tips and guidelines for those who
suffer from this painful problem.
Avoid
Opening the mouth too wide
- Stifle
yawns to prevent opening the mouth too wide.
- Take
small bites of food. Cut apples, sandwiches, or other large
foods into small pieces.
- Avoid
long dental appointments. Take frequent breaks during
appointments.
Apply
heat and cold, stretch
- Freeze
a Styrofoam cup of water and cut off the upper portion,
exposing the ice. Apply ice to jaw muscles and stretch the
mouth open and closed 20 times. Follow with warm compress
and stretching. Do this for 15 to 20 minutes.
Telephone
- Be
sure to hold the telephone with your hand. Do not cradle it
between your shoulder and head. If you must use the phone
while writing or typing for prolonged periods of time, use a
headset or speaker phone.
Computer
- Make
sure your computer is positioned so you are able to maintain
proper posture while using it.
- The
screen should be at eye level in front of you.
- The
keyboard should be lower than the desk top so that wrists
are at elbow level.
Rest
your jaw muscles and the jaw joint
- Avoid
chewing gum, biting nails, chewing your cheek, or biting
pencils.
- Avoid
clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth. Throughout the
day, remind yourself to relax your jaw, teeth apart, muscles
relaxed.
- Avoid
chewy or hard foods, such as bagels, raw carrots and other
raw vegetables, crusty breads, and hard chips.
Posture
- Be
aware of your posture throughout the day. Keep your
shoulders back and head up. Avoid sloping your shoulders or
a head forward position. Maintain lumbar support.
- Avoid
crossing your legs for prolonged periods. Keep feet flat on
the floor.
Leisure
activities
-
Maintain good posture while watching television or reading.
Sit in an upright position and avoid leaning or slouching.
Put your feet up and relax.
Exercise
- Choose
low-impact exercise to avoid trauma to joints.
- Take a
brisk walk for 10 minutes in the morning and evening.
- Take
advantage of opportunities for moderate exercise. Park your
car a block away from work.
Manage
your stress
- People
often react to stress by clenching and tightening facial and
neck muscles. Choose the method of stress management that
best suits you and stick to it.
-
Practice relaxation throughout the day.
- Listen
to pleasant, soothing music while in your car.
Maintain
good nutrition
- Avoid
caffeine.
- Drink
plenty of liquids throughout the day.
- Eat
breakfast, especially if you use aspirin or ibuprofen.
Sleep
- Sleep
on your back or side when possible, sleeping on your stomach
puts pressure on your jaw. Sleep with a pillow under your
knees when on your side.
- Get an
adequate amount of sleep at night.
- Avoid
strenuous activity or eating late in the evening.
-
Massage your face and neck muscles before you go to bed.
Avoid
all forms of tobacco
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