Tuesday, January 18, 2011

TMJ Dental Treatment Lafayette LA

TMJ Dentistry Lafayette LA

TMJ stands for temperomandibular joint. Tempero, as in temple area of skull; mandibular as in mandible, or lower jaw; joint as in where the head and jaw meet. Problems in this joint may be caused by a misalignment of the teeth, trauma, or excess muscle tension. Cartilage buffers the two bones and five muscles that meet, but any problems in this area can create quite a bit of pain and biting difficulties.

Symptoms of TMJ include:
• Headaches
• Earaches
• Trouble/soreness opening and closing the mouth
• Clicking or popping of the jaw
• Pain in the jaw muscles
• Soreness in the area, sometimes extending to the face

Dental treatments for the condition can include replacing missing teeth, moving teeth, adjusting the bite, and filling gaps between teeth. There is no one solution that is right for all cases. Occasionally a plastic mouthpiece is used to prevent clenching or grinding that is contributing to the problem. If untreated, and in severe cases, surgery may be required to repair a badly damaged joint.

Dr. Samuel Moss provides TMJ dental treatment in his Lafayette LA dental office. Book your consultation today!

Monday, January 17, 2011

Gum Disease Treatment Lafayette LA

Gum Disease and how it relates to Heart Disease

I’ve read that gum disease can contribute to heart disease and even stroke. Is this true?
Yes. Recent medical research has caused many doctors to reach a startling conclusion: gum disease, stroke, and heart disease are linked. Since heart disease is usually fatal, it is clear that gum disease is a serious matter. The American Dental Association estimates that 8 out of 10 Americans have periodontal (gum) disease. If this were any other affliction, such as AIDS or tuberculosis, it would be considered an epidemic! Most dentists think it is just that.

Learn more about the importance of a healthy smile! Visit our Lafayette LA dental office!

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Periodontal Disease Treatment Lafayette LA

Periodontitis

Definition
Periodontitis is inflammation and infection of the ligaments and bones that support the teeth.

Alternative Names
Pyorrhea - gum disease; Inflammation of gums - involving bone

Causes
Periodontitis occurs when inflammation or infection of the gums (gingivitis) is untreated or treatment is delayed. Infection and inflammation spreads from the gums (gingiva) to the ligaments and bone that support the teeth. Loss of support causes the teeth to become loose and eventually fall out. Periodontitis is the primary cause of tooth loss in adults. This disorder is uncommon in childhood but increases during adolescence.

Plaque and tartar accumulate at the base of the teeth. Inflammation causes a pocket to develop between the gums and the teeth, which fills with plaque and tartar. Soft tissue swelling traps the plaque in the pocket. Continued inflammation eventually causes destruction of the tissues and bone surrounding the tooth. Because plaque contains bacteria, infection is likely and a tooth abscess may also develop, which increases the rate of bone destruction

Above article from About.com



Visit our main web site to learn more about gum disease treatment in Lafayette LA

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Teeth Whitening Treatment Lafayette LA

The dental office of Dr. Samuel Moss of Lafayette LA is pleased to offer their dental care patients with the option of KOR Deep Bleaching. Now you can have a dazzling white smile!
  • Perfect for ages 14 - 90
  • Entirely safe for teeth and gums
  • Permanent results
  • No need to give up tea, coffee or even red wine
  • Easy comfortable process
  • Low to no sensitivity
  • Great results on stained teeth
  • Natural looking healthy white smile

Visit our dental office in Lafayette LA to learn more about our teeth whitening treatment options.
Dr. Samuel R. Moss, DDS & Associates
Tel: 337-232-9937
217 E. Kaliste Saloom Road,
Suite 100, Lafayette LA 70508

Gum Disease Treatment Lafayette LA

Healthy Gums, Healthy Lungs: Maintaining Healthy Teeth and Gums May Reduce Risk for Pneumonia, Chronic Obstructive Pumonary Disease

ScienceDaily (Jan. 18, 2011) — Maintaining periodontal health may contribute to a healthy respiratory system, according to research published in the Journal of Periodontology. A new study suggests that periodontal disease may increase the risk for respiratory infections, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia. These infections, which are caused when bacteria from the upper throat are inhaled into the lower respiratory tract, can be severely debilitating and are one of the leading causes of death in the U.S.

The study included 200 participants between the ages of 20 and 60 with at least 20 natural teeth. Half of the participants were hospitalized patients with a respiratory disease such as pneumonia, COPD, or acute bronchitis, and the other half were healthy control subjects with no history of respiratory disease. Each participant underwent a comprehensive oral evaluation to measure periodontal health status.

The study found that patients with respiratory diseases had worse periodontal health than the control group, suggesting a relationship between respiratory disease and periodontal disease. Researchers suspect that the presence of oral pathogens associated with periodontal disease may increase a patient's risk of developing or exacerbating respiratory disease. However, the study authors note that additional studies are needed to more conclusively understand this link.
"Pulmonary diseases can be severely disabling and debilitating," says Donald S. Clem, DDS, President of the American Academy of Periodontology. "By working with your dentist or periodontist, you may actually be able to prevent or diminish the progression of harmful diseases such as pneumonia or COPD. This study provides yet another example of how periodontal health plays a role in keeping other systems of the body healthy."

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gum tissue and other structures supporting the teeth. Previous research has associated gum disease with other chronic inflammatory diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Dr. Clem stressed the importance of routine oral care in helping to prevent periodontal disease. "Taking good care of your periodontal health involves daily tooth brushing and flossing. You should also expect to get a comprehensive periodontal evaluation every year," he advised. A dental professional, such as a periodontist, a specialist in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of gum disease, can conduct a comprehensive exam to assess your periodontal disease status.

Above article from ScienceDaily.com

Visit our dental office in Lafayette LA to learn more about our gum disease treatment options.
Dr. Samuel R. Moss, DDS & Associates
Tel: 337-232-9937
217 E. Kaliste Saloom Road,
Suite 100, Lafayette LA 70508