Tag: treatment

TMJ Pain Can Be Reduced and Treated

by  • 

Does your jaw hurt when you laugh or talk? If so, you could be experiencing TMD. To help you learn more about the joints in your smile, our dentists, Drs. Paul and Brant Stanovick with Paul R. Stanovick, DDS in Mechanicsville, Virginia, is happy to provide you this article.

Temporomandibular joint, also known as the TMJ, is a strong joint in your jaw that is a concern among many adults. However, in recent cases, TMJ is also an increasing concern among teenagers too. TMJ is the most complex joint in the human body and is responsible for talking and chewing or the movement of your jaw. When there is a problem associated with your TMJ, this could lead to the development of the temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMD.

There are factors that contribute to TMD such as injuries, improper dental alignment, bruxism, stress, chewing on hard substances, and other habitual behaviors. Signs you could be suffering from TMD include tender jaw muscles, pain when yawning or chewing, headaches, dislocation of the jaw, a locked or stiff jaw, clicking or popping sounds when you open your jaw, or pain in your joints. If you have any of these symptoms, please call us right away to begin treatment.

If you need help with your TMJ pain and need to be treated, then feel free to call 804-781-1919 to make an appointment with one of our specialists. We are happy to answer your questions and concerns pertaining to your TMJ.

A Tooth with an Untreated Cavity Might Need to Be Restored with a Dental Crown

by  • 

Your routine dental checkup with Drs. Paul and Brant Stanovick are designed to detect any signs of gum disease, cavities, and oral cancer. If he finds an area of concern, he will recommend the most appropriate treatment method.

Sometimes a cavity can go undetected between your dental checkups. If the area of tooth decay is large or the tooth was previously repaired with a dental filling, Drs. Paul and Brant Stanovick might recommend treating the problem with a dental crown.

This will effectively treat the tooth decay by replacing the entire tooth enamel layer with an alternative material such as gold, porcelain, or a basic metallic alloy.

At your first appointment, Drs. Paul and Brant Stanovick will use a special dental drill to remove the tooth enamel layer and create an abutment. This a healthy pillar of dentin will eventually anchor the dental crown in your mouth.

Once this is done Drs. Paul and Brant Stanovick will prepare an impression of the area. It will be sent to a dental lab to serve as a guide for the technicians as they create your dental crown.

A member of Paul R. Stanovick, DDS staff will call you to schedule a short follow up appointment when the new dental crown is ready. Once it has been cemented onto the abutment the fully restored tooth will last for many years.

If you live in Mechanicsville, Virginia, and you suspect a cavity has formed on one of your teeth, you should call 804-781-1919 to seek treatment at Paul R. Stanovick, DDS.

How to Save Your Smile After an Oral Emergency

by  • 

Did you know that it may be possible to save a tooth that has been knocked out? As with many emergencies, preparation is key and how you handle the moments after an accident can determine the length and success of your recovery. Listed below are some common oral emergencies and tips you can use to save your smile:

A Tongue Bite or Lip Bite:
– Biting the inner areas of your mouth is common, but in some rare instances, stitches may be required. If you are bleeding, always use a gauze pad until bleeding stops.

Tooth Knocked Out:
– If you have suffered an oral accident that has left you with a tooth that was knocked out, it may be possible to save the tooth to be inserted later. Store the tooth in a tooth-saving product or milk and take it to your dentist immediately for reinsertion. Be careful not to touch the nerve endings or the root of your tooth.

Fractured or Damaged Teeth:
– Fractured or damaged teeth can often lead to excessive bleeding. Use a gauze pad to cover the wound until bleeding stops. If the tooth is loose, do not try to pull it out.

If you ever suffer an oral emergency, contact Paul R. Stanovick, DDS at 804-781-1919. Come visit Drs. Paul Stanovick, Brant Stanovick, and our team at our dentist office in Mechanicsville, Virginia at your earliest convenience. Let us help you find your healthy smile.

Laser Dentistry: Facts

by  • 

Did you know that lasers have been used in dentistry for decades? However, recently laser dentistry has become more and more common. One of the main reasons for this is simply that patients tend to feel less anxious with a laser than they are with other dental tools. Laser dentistry also offers a number of other benefits.

Lasers have been used broadly since the mid 1990’s. Laser dentistry is a popular choice because patients tend to feel more relaxed and comfortable when a laser is used instead of a drill. Lasers also allow dentists to be more precise. This means dentists can reduce damage done to nearby areas during treatments. Patients can also expect to heal more quickly and should experience less bleeding during and after a procedure.

Laser dentistry can also be used in a number of treatments. For example, tooth decay can actually be removed with a laser. Lasers can also be used to prepare your enamel, or the protective outer layer of your teeth, for having a filling placed. Lasers can also be used during the setting and curing of fillings. Gum disease and root canal therapy can also be done with lasers.

Do you have any more questions about the care you could receive from our team? Are you interested in learning more about whether you’re a good candidate for laser dentistry? Would you simply like to set up an appointment with our dentist, Drs. Stanovick and Stanovick? If so, we invite you to give Paul R. Stanovick, DDS a call at 804-781-1919. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Keeping Ahead of COVID-19

Providing a safe environment for treatment and control for infectious disease is always a priority at Paul Stanovick DDS. Our expansive reception area and large outdoor deck provides space to easily support regulations surrounding social distancing. The treatment rooms provide an extra layer of protection as they are sanitized between each patient and provide clean air through air purifiers located in each room. You will see some changes during your next appointment as we have added precautions to protect patients and staff. You will be asked to enter the building with use of facial protection and asked to wear it until you are in the treatment room. Hand sanitizer is also available throughout the whole building for your use. You may notice that our magazine and children’s books have been removed from the reception area as they are harder to disinfect. We have installed plexiglass around our front reception area for added distancing between front staff and patients waiting for appointments. Air purifiers have been placed in every operatory with two larger purifiers in the front and back of the office. We have provided face shields, lab jackets and barrier gowns for all clinical staff. Our hours of operation will still remain Monday -Friday 8am-5pm. We are looking forward to seeing you again and are happy to answer any questions you may have about treatment and the safety precautions we are taking here at the practice. If you would like to make an appointment you can give us a call or text 804.781.1919. Thank you for your patience during these changing times and for your trust in us with taking care of your dental needs. Sincerely, Dr. Paul Stanovick, Dr. Brant Stanovick, and Staff.