Dr. Brian Hale

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Unable to See a Neuromuscular Dentist Immediately?

If you are suffering from any of the symptoms associated with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ/TMD) it is important that you see a neuromuscular dentist as soon as possible.

But if you are unable to see a dentist immediately, here are some home remedies you can try to alleviate TMD-related pain:

Hold an ice pack on your painful spots for ten minutes, at least three times a day. This will help with the inflammation.

When speaking on the phone, hold the telephone with your hand instead of propping it between your chin and neck.

Sleep on your side or your back. Sleeping on your stomach is the worst position for TMD.

Make sure your diet is well-balanced, consisting of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy, fish, etc. Stay away from hard-to-chew foods like apples, corn on the cob and similar foods that will aggravate your temporomandibular joint.

Be aware of your posture at all times, and maintain good posture while standing and sitting. When you are sitting, refrain from resting your chin on your hand.

When you are yawning, place your fist underneath your jaw to ensure you are not opening your mouth too wide.

These remedies can provide only temporary relief. Be sure to visit a neuromuscular dentist like Dr. Brian Hale to properly diagnose and treat your condition. Please contact our office today to set up your consultation.

posted by Erica at 11:46 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Neuromuscular Dentistry, a Step Beyond

While general dentistry focuses primarily on your teeth, bones, and gums, neuromuscular dentistry takes a more comprehensive approach to treating dental disorders. To determine the proper treatment, a neuromuscular dentist will evaluate your mouth’s:

Hard tissues
Soft tissues
Muscles
Nerves
Teeth
Bones
Gums

If a problem is detected, neuromuscular dentistry takes into account your posture, breathing, habits and reasons why your teeth and facial features are the way they are. Tests can be performed to find your jaw's ideal resting position, and locate the source of your jaw's misalignment.
From there, a neuromuscular dentist can work to realign your bite and alleviate any pain you may be feeling if your jaw is out of alignment.

If you would like a proper diagnosis of your condition and you live in the San Antonio area, please contact neuromuscular dentist Dr. Brian Hale today to schedule your initial consultation.

posted by Erica at 9:29 AM 0 comments

Monday, April 20, 2009

What Is the Instant Orthodontics Process?

The average instant orthodontic process takes four dental appointments, and is completed over the course of roughly a month.

The process begins with an evaluation to ensure that you are a good candidate for the procedure.

In the second appointment, the procedure begins. Instant orthodontic procedures that involve dental veneers require your teeth to be grinded down in order to place the veneer. Your teeth will be prepared and a mold of your teeth will be taken and sent to a laboratory where your permanent veneers will be created. Temporary veneers will be placed on your prepped teeth until the permanent ones can be placed.

Your laboratory-crafted veneers will be crafted and ready for you by your third appointment. During this visit, the correct color and shade of your new veneers will be selected to match your natural teeth. Once the correct color is chosen, the veneers will be permanently attached to your teeth with dental cement. A light beam will then harden the cement and permanently secure your new veneers.

The final appointment is a check-up, and will occur about two weeks after your veneers have been placed. This appointment will ensure that you are comfortable with your new restorations and will address any questions or concerns you may have.

If you are interested in improving the aesthetics of your smile and you live in the San Antonio area, please call cosmetic dentist Dr. Brian Hale now to set up your consultation.

posted by Erica at 8:47 AM 1 comments

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Don’t Upset the Trigeminal Nerve!

The reason that your temporomandibular joint and your jaw muscles cause migraine-intensity headaches is because of its close association with your trigeminal nerve.

One of the most complex and powerful nerves in your body, the trigeminal nerve is responsible for the functions of your jaw and teeth. This nerve also provides sensation and function to your:

Face
Jaws
Tongue
Palate
Sinuses
Eyes
Lips

The trigeminal nerve accounts for more than 40 percent of the brain's processing. This means that your brain spends almost half its time trying to determine that the trigeminal nerve is transmitting and receiving. This nerve also controls certain areas of your brain by itself.

The trigeminal nerve is also connected to the three main nerves that control sensation and function of nearly all the muscles in your neck, head and throat. Therefore, distressing any one of these nerves has a direct impact on the others, which leads to a headache.

If you live in the San Antonio area and have been suffering from unexplained migraines, please contact neuromuscular dentist Dr. Brian Hale today to schedule your consultation.

posted by Erica at 3:18 PM 0 comments

Friday, February 6, 2009

Common Causes for Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ/TMD)) is a group of complex problems stemming from your jaw joint. Because muscles and joints of your jaw bone work together, a problem with either one can lead to stiffness, headaches, ear pain and malocclusion (bad bite). Below are some common factors that can lead to TMD:

Teeth grinding and teeth clenching (called bruxism). This action can increase the wear on the cartilage lining of your temporomandibular joint. You may be unaware of this behavior, but you can ask someone to observe you while you are sleeping or ask a dentist to check for the wear patterns on your teeth. If you awake in the morning with jaw pain or sensitivity, you may be grinding your jaw while you sleep.

Trauma to your jaw. Previous blows to the jaw or impact injuries can lead to TMD
Dental problems and misalignment of the teeth, also known as a bad bite. If you have ever found it hard to find a comfortable bite or relaxing position of your jaw, this may indicate TMD.
Routine tasks like holding the phone between your head and shoulder can contribute to TMD.
Stress. Sometimes people under a great deal of stress get rid of their nervous energy by grinding and/or clenching their teeth.
Excessive gum chewing or fingernail biting

If you believe you are suffering from TMD and you live in the San Antonio area, please contact neuromuscular dentist Dr. Brian Hale today. We can schedule your consultation over the phone and help you achieve a pain-free lifestyle quickly.

posted by Patti at 2:47 PM 0 comments

Monday, January 26, 2009

Pulling the Trigger on Pain

The most common type of pain associated with temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) is myofascial pain. This kind of pain is caused by a trigger point, which is an irritable spot in your muscle that is painful to the touch. Trigger points are located either in your muscles or in the junction of the muscle and fascia (connective tissue).

Since nerves often pass through many muscles, the pain you feel from trigger points may be far from the muscle that it originates. This is called “referred pain.” If you suffer from TMD, you probably have these trigger points in the muscles inside of your mouth.

Trigger points are the reason you may feel TMD pain in your neck, back, shoulders and even as far as your arms and hands.

Treating the individual symptoms will only provide temporary relief. In order for the pain to fully subside, you should contact a neuromuscular dentist and fix the root of the problem, TMD, to alleviate your pain indefinitely.

If you are suffering from myofascial pain and you live in the San Antonio area, please contact neuromuscular dentist Dr. Brian Hale today to set up your consultation.

posted by PaulaB at 3:52 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Tips for Dental Care During Pregnancy

Good dental habits are important for your overall health, especially if you’re pregnant. Pregnant women suffering from fluctuating hormones and food cravings are more susceptible to plaque buildup and irritated gums. Many pregnant women suffer from frequent outbreaks of gingivitis (gum inflammation) and periodontitis.

Oral Hygiene
Many women deny their oral health for financial reasons or because they’re too busy caring for their children. But dental hygiene is important not only for the mother but also for her unborn child. A mother suffering from chronic periodontitis increases the risk for preeclampsia and low birthweight babies. Tooth loss is also a possibility.

Most dental diseases are preventable simply by practicing good oral hygiene and healthy eating habits:

Maintain a well-balanced diet
Brush your teeth at least twice a day with flouride toothpaste
Floss once a day
Use only ADA approved oral healthcare products
Continue getting regular dental cleanings and check-ups.

Many dentists recommend more frequent cleanings during the second or early third trimester to control gingivitis.

In San Antonio, Texas, if you’re pregnant and need a cleaning and check-up, please see the oral health specialists at Hale Dental. Please contact our office today to schedule your initial appointment.

posted by Patti at 11:09 AM 0 comments

San Antonio, Texas cosmetic dentist Dr. Brian Hale's website only provides information on Cosmetic Dentistry. This information is not to be taken as medical advice.