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Archives for June 2015

Can Invisalign cause TMJ problems?

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I think I have TMJ disorder! I have never had problems before treatment and can’t help but wonder if it’s Invisalign that has caused my TMJ problems. Is that possible? My mouth hurts to open wide and I keep waking up with terrible headaches. Also, my whole left-side of my face hurts.

– Ben in Arkansas

Ben,

It is sometimes difficult to pinpoint exactly what may be causing your TMJ problems. Typically, Invisalign or orthodontics don’t negatively affect the TMJ. What is more likely is a change in bite, a trauma of some sort, or even genetics. Although, it is not out of the realm of possibilities that the teeth that have moved have impacted your TMJ. But it would be more likely that there were some underlying issues prior to the Invisalign that may have been emphasized from the treatment.

You need to discuss your TMJ problems with the dentist that is administering your Invisalign. He or she will likely want to address the problem to help alleviate your pain. Then, when the symptoms have been addressed, they can determine if you continue on with Invisalign. The change in your bite that has resulted from Invisalign may have increased the severity of the dysfunction. The Invisalign company strongly discourages those with TMJ or TMJ symptoms to use the aligners. So although Invisalign likely didn’t cause it, the symptoms can worsen while using the system. So be sure to discuss it with your dentist right away to make a plan. It’s much more important to remedy the TMJ issues, than continue with Invisalign at this point in time.

This post is sponsored by York PA dentist Donald H. Currie, DMD.

 

Can’t tell if it’s sinus pain or dental emergency?

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I have been dealing with an annoying cold for weeks. I also have what feels like a toothache, but I can’t tell it it’s sinus pain from my cold or a real tooth problem. I don’t have dental insurance so I want to avoid an emergency dentist trip. I have been living on Sudafed and Ibuprofen for two weeks. It felt like it was improving but now it’s getting pretty miserable again. My eye is hurting today too. Is it possible to feel tooth pain when my sinuses hurt? Any ideas to alleviate my discomfort and hopefully avoid an unneeded trip to the dentist?

– Patrick in Texas

Patrick,

Sinus pain and pressure can cause toothaches. Think about it like this. When the nasal cavity it all plugged up from a cold or sinus infection, the pressure builds and can settle in onto the teeth. But in most cases if the sinus pain is causing the issue, the entire arch will hurt. It is unlikely that you would be able to connect it to a single tooth. Also, Sudafed should help to eliminate the sinus pain. So if you are dealing with a toothache in one tooth, it may actually be a dental issue. It’s hard to say whether it warrants an emergency dentist appointment or not.

From what you have described it sounds like you may be dealing with a sinus infection or what may lead to one soon enough. An antibiotic may be needed if the sinus symptoms don’t improve.

In regard to the problem tooth, there is also the possibility that the tooth is infected. So don’t necessarily write it off as the byproduct of a cold. It may be something much more serious and if left untreated, it has the potential to turn deadly. If the infection spreads to other areas of the body, it is very serious.

So it probably is in your best interest to call and schedule an emergency dentist appointment. It is possible that they would give you a discount if you are uninsured or would set up some payment plans to accommodate your situation. If this has been going on for weeks, it is time to be seen and get it taken care of. Don’t mess around with infection! It could be that a root canal is required to save the tooth and eliminate the infection inside the tooth.

This post is sponsored by York PA dentist Donald H. Currie, DMD