FAQs
I have frequent headaches and jaw pain?
NTI are night guards that can treat bruxism and TMJ disorders with a revolutionary little acrylic mouthpiece, the NTI appliance.
How does NTI work?
Bruxism and TMJ disorders result from a jaw muscle/nerve malfunction. The NTI mouthpiece interrupts the involuntary tug of war between the jaw’s side and temporal muscles, reducing clenching intensity by one-third, thus reducing the negative impulses transmitted by nerves. Furthermore, the device causes muscles to relax in a stable position so that the hyperactive malfunctioning muscles can rest. Often this eliminates bruxism-related headaches and various kinds of TMJ pain. Some patients experience relief after one night, while others find comfort after a few weeks of wearing the NTI-appliance.
How often should I have a checkup?
The American Academy of Dentistry recommends every 6 months for an average healthy adult.
We usually recommend an exam and a cleaning be done twice a year, and once a year dental x-rays to check for cavities between the teeth. However if you have been diagnosed with gum disease (periodontal disease) and you have periodontal pockets you may require 3 -4 cleanings per year to clean areas below the gums that daily cleaning (brushing and flossing) can’t reach.
What causes bad breath and how can I prevent it?
Bad breath or halitosis can be caused by a variety of dental problems, such as decay or periodontal disease. However, if your general dental health is good and you still have bad breath we recommend that you brush and floss twice daily and clean your tongue daily. There are also specially designed products such as BreathRx that we may recommend, which breaks down odor causing Sulfur bonds that may cause bad breath Finally, it may be a systemic or internal problem such as sinus infection or a gastrointestinal problem and we would recommend a visit to your family physician.
Do I really have to floss daily?
There is significant research that shows that daily brushing and flossing can increase longevity of life by up to ten years. Bits of food remain between the teeth after brushing and if not removed by flossing, cause bacteria which develops into plaque and creates a very low grade constant infection. Which can cause very minute but constant stress on the immune system, over time this takes it’s toll.
Visiting the dentist is stressful for me is there anything you can do to help me relax?
If you are fearful of visiting the dentist, let us know. We offer several ways to help our patients relax, and we can find just the right one for your special situation, We offer nitrous-oxide and we can also prescribe valium to make your visit more comfortable.
Call us at 907-345-7722 to schedule an appointment!